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Bright idea to ride on Speyside


By Jenny Gillies

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The hailstones outside the kitchen window had finally started to melt in the bright sunshine, only to refreeze as the sky clouded over. The sight wasn't conducive to me summoning up the enthusiasm to get out mountain biking but eventually the bursts of bright sunshine were too much to resist and, with tyres pumped up and seats adjusted, there were no more excuses.

I'd like to say that it felt much milder once we were outside, but the day was definitely parky. We were off to explore the forest roads to the west of Rothes and, on a day of fickle weather as wintry showers blew through, it was definitely a good idea to stay close to home and in proximity of a warm bath.

Whenever I make the climb up from the village on foot it always seems steep. Now next time I'm out running and gasping up murder hill there's going to be a positive to spur me on – it's easier running than it is attempting it on my bike.

Finally up the steep, loose, track the forest road surface improved and, reaching the top of the rise, it was time to make the most of a downhill section. Taking a couple of right turns, the climbing began again on a newly upgraded forestry track. All around us, the felled landscape looked stark in the harsh late autumn light.

A few years ago these tracks were narrow green lanes. Tall pines leant in over the path, sometimes giving up the fight to topple inwards, necessitating a path forced through boughs blocking the way. With the area now being felled I've not recently come this way on a run under the impression that, as the going underfoot and surrounding land got more industrial, it would be less interesting.

I'm surprised it has taken me this long to realise that the routes are not changed for the worse, I just haven't swapped my outdoor toys from trainers to wheels to continue enjoying them.

Passing through a final standing of pines, lines of trees peacefully waiting for the inevitable harvester visit, we were out in the open. Ahead of us the blades of the Rothes Wind Farm turned steadily on the brow of the hill, each blade individually catching the sunshine.

I am improving at mountain biking but still lack considerably in bravado and it was no surprise that I was soon alone negotiating the rutted track as Eric's rear end disappeared downhill. I may be slower on the descent, but I regained a navigational upper-hand by knowing where we were.

Whizzing past Eric I headed straight across the main windfarm access road and joined a grassy track, following it over a bridge before turning right up a steep hill. This promptly defeated me as the frozen pine needles provided a surface perfect for allowing my rear wheel to rotate unhelpfully on the spot.

Crossing the Burn of Rothes and turning left at my favourite landmark, a seemingly random ISO container, we started descending again. I was soon on my own as Eric flew ahead, and I willed my hands to loosen off the brakes and let gravity do all the work.

We had planned to climb a final hill and visit the radio mast but, as we stopped to assess the route options, the sky to the north visibly darkened with approaching rain (or worse!). We donned waterproofs then opted to continue to head downwards back towards Rothes, turning right beside another recently felled area. The splintered ground around us was compensated by new views opening up towards the south and west; Ben Rinnes rose ahead, ominous with a veil of cloud half concealing snow covered slopes.

The shower finally hit us as we finished a final ascent and turned left to re-enter the forest. Even amongst the trees the rain and sleet was heavy and cold, the discomfort overwhelming my fear of speed and it wasn't long before we were passing Rothes Golf Course, the empty greens taking on a pale hue with sticking wet snow and hail.

By the time we had negotiated the village the deluge had fully arrived, the shining wet surfaces reflected by the headlights of cars on the main road. It was a long bath before my fingers and toes had regained a healthy tint but, despite the discomfort, the excursion whetted my appetite for more winter two wheeled adventures.

Route details
Rothes forest roads

Distance 11 miles / 17km as described but many variations

Terrain Mainly good forestry track, some slightly overgrown section

Start/finish Seafield Square, Rothes, Grid ref NJ278492

Map OS Landranger 28; OS Explorer 424

Explore the maze of forest roads west of Rothes, gaining access either past Rothes Golf Club or via the Dounie walks

• Rothes Estates are currently felling large areas of this route. Please obey all signs and follow instructions from machine operators. Be prepared to alter your route depending on operations at the time of your visit.


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