GlenFeshie
TRAVEL GUIDE
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Glenfeshie
Kincraig,
Kingussie,
PH21 1NX
Welcome to GLENFESHIE
Majestic, expansive and utterly beautiful. Its crystal clear river runs through one of Scotlands most charming Glens; deep with a history which has shaped its appearance. As a place that Contour has hugely fond memories of, from the Among Green Soldiers film we produced in 2021, we’ve spent a reasonable amount of time in Glenfeshie and around the mountain scape of the estate which is nestled in the Western parts of the Cairngorm National Park. It’s a riding location for the adventurous, for the prepared and for those willing to venture away from the comforts of a trail centre and connect with our landscape in a different way. This travel guide see’s us collaborate with Street Pigeon to give you an insight into the area and the amazing riding which is possible.
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Is it worth the trip?
If you’re comfortable navigating, venturing deep into remote places and have experience in the mountains the riding in Glenfeshie is incredible. Don’t be expecting mtb trails and schralping turns but to have an experience and adventure then this place is definitely for you. If you’re not wanting to venture in to the high grounds the lower altitude paths and roads up the Glen are just as rewarding and spectacular without having to summit Munros.
Essential info
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For remote riding we’d recommend an analogue bike. While ebikes are wonderful their ability to go all day and not let you down in the wilderness isn’t a risk we like to take.
For summiting the surrounding Munros and accessing the Cairngorm Plateau a longer travel enduro/trail bike is recommended.
Those looking for something a little more mellow in the valley floor a hard tail or short travel bike would be more than capable.
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Facilities are limited. Expect a carpark and nothing more. Pack your trowel and hand sanitiser.
While there’s accommodation and centres in the Glen there’s not much on offer for the humble day visitor.
Your closest place for something to eat is the Loch Insh Outdoor Centre but check their opening times throughout the season.
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We’ve stayed at the very accommodating Glenfeshie hostel. It offers basic accommodation for large groups or in our case some riders and a film crew.
Glenfeshie Estate has some higher end cottages and the income goes into employment in the Glen and much of the rewilding efforts being made.
Only ten miles away, or about 25 minutes, is Aviemore with plenty of option for most budgets.
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You’ll need a car, a bike or a good pair of walking boots to get to Glenfeshie. There’s limited public transport into the heart of the Glen.
Those traveling from the South or West by car will want to head to Kingussie on the A9 before heading to Feshiebridge. From the North and East you’ll come via the southern A9 junction at Aviemore.
Looking at travelling from further afield then your best option might be to fly to Inverness Airport which is only an hour away.
You’ll also be able to take a train to Newtonmore, Kingussie or Aviemore.
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Glenfeshie Estate - https://www.glenfeshie.scot/
The Trails
From the easy fire roads to technical mountain descents there’s options for everyone. This travel guide shares an insight into the Glen as a whole and as inspiration only rather than a detailed itinerary and list of routes. We’d recommend you seek our a guide for this sort of ride or for those with the skills and confidence to dig out your OS map and use this page as a starting point. Any good adventure starts with a map after all and planning is always essential for riding in remote places.
Blue Trails
Red Trails
GlenFESHIE ‘BLUES’ and ‘REDS’
This isn’t a trail centre so you won’t find nicely signposted or graded routes. What you will find is serene riding along the River Feshie with changing terrain as you venture further away from civilisation. The ride to Ruigh Aiteachain bothy did catch us out a little in places but once you’re there the place opens up, the old pines dominate and on a sunny day you’ll not want to leave. On a typical rainy Scottish day you might want to spent the day in the well kept bothy.
BLACK Trails
Sgor Gaoith
This is possibly one of the most dramatic starts to a descent in Scotland and makes for a tremendous loop from Glenfeshie. With towering steep slopes down to Loch Eanaich reaching the top of this Munro is hugely rewarding. This mountain featured in Among Green Soldiers before we descended down towards Feshiebridge to witness the rewilded efforts of the estate to encourage new samplings to grow.
It’s also one of Street Pigeons more popular videos and a favourite riding experience of his. His POV video gives you a real insight into the route and what to expect if you take on this route yourself.
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What the locals say
Glenfeshie has a real sense of wilderness and beauty that unparalleled.
“Glenfeshie whether on a bike or on foot can be a pretty special place to explore. The vast network of paths and the newly renovated bothy in the Glen add a huge amount to how you can access and enjoy the hills and rivers in this delicate landscape. It’s a truly beautiful glen and a mountain bikers dream. It’s somewhere I always respect and ensure I’m being mindful of the access rights - especially during any seasonal estate work.”
— Ronon Dugan, Rider and Aviemore Resident
In Summary
A place that needs the utmost respect. It’s one of our favourite places we’ve ridden and the variable terrain and upland paths mean there’s incredible descents and access to the upper plateau of the Cairngorms. We’d highly recommend you add this to one of your bucket list rides. Seek out a guide or ensure you’re competent in such an environment. The weather can change quickly up here and the wind howels when you’re least expecting it.
Of course it goes without saying, leave no trace, respect the remote and sensitive environment and enjoy the open access rights we have in Scotland.
