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rode ht550 last year. it's very challenging in every regard. as a rule of thumb if it's on that route and offroad, it will be impassable or horrible if you're not on a MTB.
e.g. the section from ullapool to poolewe through fisherfield - coffin road, shenavall etc - scary even for experienced riders on very capable bikes. the exposure on the -25% grade permanently wet rock descent into carnmore is lethal if you put a foot down in the wrong place. it might not look like much on the map, but...
Noted, thanks for the input.
I am happy to follow the NC500 for that branch of the route as I heard the West side is the prettiest one. What about the bit going north from Inverness, the first 250km of the route? Would that be as bad? I assumed becase it was on the GB divide it would not be "impassable", albeit I am prepared for a good amount of hike a bike.
Re NC500 being busy, if you rule out the HT550, there are not many other options to go round the West side of the Highlands, are there? :)
the two divides are great routes and probably very suitable for a trip like this.
Have you done the 2 city divide?
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giofox
rj
hey gio,
rode ht550 last year. it's very challenging in every regard. as a rule of thumb if it's on that route and offroad, it will be impassable or horrible if you're not on a MTB.
e.g. the section from ullapool to poolewe through fisherfield - coffin road, shenavall etc - scary even for experienced riders on very capable bikes. the exposure on the -25% grade permanently wet rock descent into carnmore is lethal if you put a foot down in the wrong place. it might not look like much on the map, but...
nc500 is quite touristy, lots of cars and motorbikes being ragged too fast, I avoided for those reasons.
cairngorms loop is also best avoided if not riding a MTB.
the two divides are great routes and probably very suitable for a trip like this.