About the event:
Where is the Adventure?
The Ben Alder Range sits in the central highlands of Scotland. There are various approaches - all of them long. These are very remote Munros! There are six in total. A magnificent ridge of four Munros, and the other two with a different character each. A stunning remote landscape. Ben Alder itself with its hanging coire is easily on par with the North Face of Ben Nevis!
We'll be approaching from Dalwhinnie which is on the main rail line between Edinburgh / Glasgow / the UK and Inverness. It is also well served by Citylink Buses and the main A9 trunk road.
About this Adventure
One of the finest ways to reach Ben Alder is a cycle down Loch Ericht followed by a circular route from Culra Bothy. Lots to encounter - high plateaus, lochans, ridges, fantastic views - all while bagging 6 Munros! This is a magnificent area and we want to enjoy it. To savour it. To experience it. Experience the wild and experience being in the middle of nature and the mountains.
Ben Alder is a popular place, and there are often through bikers as well as Munro baggers camped up which can make for some nice social but quiet gatherings. Or not as you like! Escape the hutle and bustle of work and life and just enjoy being alive.
The estate track along Loch Erict has been massively improved in recent years (there are still a few steep ascents - with no shame in getting off the bike and pushing!).
The plan is to cycle in on the evening of day 1 and set up a wild camp. The cycle route is roughly 15km each way. It takes approximately 2 hours to cycle in. We'll set up our tents, have some food (I'd recommend having a big lunch in civilisation) and then get an early night.
On day 2 we’ll take in the elegant narrow ridge of the four Ardverikie Munros.
On the final day we’ll tackle the Ben Alder pair and then cycle out. Depending on the weather, we may reverse the order we do these Munros. This is here as a guideline. There is of course no guarantee we'll get all of the Munros we plan for. This will be weather and group dependent and part of being a Munro bagger!
Munros:
Ardverikie Munros:
Beinn Eibhinn (1,102m / 3,615ft)
Aonach Beag (1,116m / 3,661ft)
Geal-charn (1,132m / 3,714ft)
Carn Dearg (1,034m / 3,392ft)
Ben Alder Munros:
Ben Alder (Beinn Eallair) (1,148m / 3,766ft)
Beinn Bheoil (1,019m / 3,343ft)
There may well be some late winter snow! I can lend out an ice axe and crampons if this is the case. You are welcome to bring your own if you have them. Any instruction will be given.
Meeting Point:
Meet at 1630 at Dalwhinnie Station here. Please click on the links to see the exact location in Googlemaps. These will open in a separate tab.
Difficulty:
There are good tracks around the area but some pathless sections and a bit of scrambling. There are exposed narrow ridges but no significant technical difficulties. They are nevertheless long days and we’ll be wild camping. The cycle way is rough as we approach our destination - but again, there is no shame in getting off to push for a bit!
Prerequisites:
Recent hillwalking experience. We will be cycling in on good trails but getting used to cycling with panniers and the extra weight would be useful. Experience of wildcamping is essential given the time of year. If in doubt, please get in touch with us.
Cost:
The trip costs £200 per person with discounts for booking more than one.
16-18 year old's are welcome if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
You will need to provide your own transport, bike, travel insurance and accommodation if needed before and after the event.
Given the remote nature of this adventure and the wildcamping aspect, we can't offer single day options for this one.
Numbers:
There are a maximum of 6 places and a minimum of 3 for the trip to take place.
Equipment:
Please see the All Activities and wildcamping section of the kit list here. In addition you will need a mountain bike, lock and helmet.
Images from Past Events
To Book
If you want to chat to me about the trip then please feel free to do so - email is a good start as I'm often out and about with limited phone reception. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions too.
To book simply click 'Register Now' and follow the instructions (or on mobile, the link below). You'll get an automated confirmation reply but I'll follow that up when I get back to civilisation to say thanks and with more detail about the event.
Please ensure you've read the booking Terms and Conditions and you are aware of what you need to bring by downloading the gear list.
Please check carefully which tickets you are booking and for how many. We try and be flexible but of course that brings loads of options!