HT550 northern loops part 3

HT550 northern loops part 3
Apologies for the time it’s taken to get this video out, after this trip I had a few weeks and then set off to ride the GBDivide route with Matt. After returning from that trip I had a lot of work and personal stuff to concentrate on and didn’t have a lot of time to edit videos!
We had decided to get an early start from Suileag bothy and after a quick breakfast I was on the road at 3am. Richard had set off earlier to try and get some photos of the northern lights. I caught him up and we rode to the turn off to Suilven where we ditched the bikes and started off up the track on foot. It was a memorable climb up in the dark and we were rewarded with a stunning sunrise from the summit. I made a video about the climb if anyone would like to see the longer version.
We were back on the bikes around 7.30am and set off to navigate the Ledmore traverse. It was pretty much all hike a bike but at least it was fairly level and we made good progress along the lochs. It was sunny and dry but the wind was cold. After several miles of pushing we made it to the road and the famous Ledmore junction. From there it was all road back to the Oykel Bridge hotel where we had a couple of pints. The barmaid told us about the Schoolhouse bothy which was a few miles up the road and we set off to find it. By the time we arrived we were both ready for a rest, we’d been up for 16 hours already!!
After a great nights sleep we were on the road again. Our aim today was Shenavall bothy underneath An Teallach. Great riding up through Strath Mulzie and then over the moors and into Glen Achall. Before we knew it we were in Ullapool. Grabbed some supplies and had lunch in town before braving the A835 for 8 miles to the turn off at Inverbroom bridge. Next up was the Coffin trail. It was a hot and steep push up and over and then a bit of a descent down to Dundonnell and the road again. We kept pushing on up Gleann Chaorachain until we found a nice spot to camp at the top of the valley near a loch. Another knackering day!
We saw the northern lights that night and didn’t get to bed as early as we should have done. But it was worth it.
Day nine was a big one, we were going into Fisherfield and all the stunning scenery that area provides. We weren’t disappointed!! We had a short lunch stop at Shenavall bothy and then pushed on to the loch. The loch crossing was fine, actually nice as it was so hot. The climb/push up and out of the valley was hot and steep. Proper hike a bike again. It took ages and I was getting a bit frustrated with the push. I’m so fickle though and as soon as I saw the descent down to the causeway my mood shifted. It was the best descent of the trip in my opinion, an amazing view as we hurtled down a fantastic trail to the causeway below us. One to come back and do again without all the gear on the bike!
From the causeway we rode the final few miles through some forest and then into a village called Poolewe. Tried to get some food at the Poolewe hotel but the guy there was a dick and wouldn’t do us any food because they were fully booked. the place was a third full!! We rode off in a huff but the guy at the campsite looked after us really well and can’t recommend the campsite and staff enough.
Another tough day but probably the highlight of the trip for me. Some truly outstanding riding!!
I hope that you enjoy the video and thanks for watching. 😁

[@A.S.R.68]

Stunning scenery! 👍. Great ride too. Nice.

[@david-pascoe]

Thanks. It was good to get the good weather after the first week!! It was a stunning few days. 😁

[@kennyness8881]

If I am the Kenny you refer to, thanks for the shout out. Yeah-I’d be on a mid-fat hardtail with a suspension post for that: The swamps and the rocks though…. you’re tougher than me.

[@david-pascoe]

Yes, I remember you mentioning bikes before. Poor old Rich went over the bars a few times. I’m glad I wasn’t on his bike for some of those descents. No dropper post would be the worst thing I think……😬

[@LostandMeandering]

Wow! Epic route through awesome scenery. Rugged and windswept, definitely not one for beginners. Im really enjoying the series, and I am hoping you filmed your GB Divide adventure?

[@david-pascoe]

Thanks! After the first week it was so nice to get better weather. Fisherfield was spectacular and such a great descent down to the causeway.
Yes, I did film the GBDivide although Matt had a health issue about 10 days in and we made the tough decision to stop and get him home. I then rode home from Bristol to West Cornwall on my own. Gutted for Matt but we’re planning on going back next May and picking up where we stopped at Loch Ossian. 😁