Big Mountain Safari™
"Immerse yourself in the most adventurous riding and diverse terrain on the planet on Scotland's only Big Mountain Safari™"
The Trip
Our flagship tour…it's an all-mountain backcountry sojourn with fringe benefits, just think about it as Scotland’s wildest rides – tamed. On this epic mountain biking journey through Scotland, our mountain bike coaching partners Dirt School will help you find your mountain biking mojo. Most certainly all-mountain. Most definitely a mountain biking vacation with added value.
We take you through the most iconic of Scottish mountainscapes. From Glencoe and Ft William to Knoydart, the Isle of Skye and Torridon. You'll take six individual boat trips, a day on a gondola, eat in the UK's remotest pub and ride beautiful natural trails under some of the most breathtaking mountain tops in Scotland.
Have you ever seen a photograph of a rider immersed in the mountains, surrounded by peaks and beautiful trails and wanted to be that rider in the photo? Thought you would never be able to get out there and ride it? Well we want you to be that rider, experience those landscapes and ride those trails in style. That's why the UK's leading big mountain tour company and mountain bike coaching company have joined forces – to share our knowledge of the best trails in the world, with you.
"Everyone, even world champions have a coach, and we're there to not only better your riding – regardless of your experience – but also to allow you to get the most out of the wilderness by building your confidence and helping to remove the stress of a solo venture."
The north west of
Scotland is a wild place. A place of big mountains, rock faces, boulder strewn trails and some of the best wild riding imaginable.
IMBA didn’t give Scotland global superstar status for nothing and on this voyage of discovery you’ll soon find out why! Accessing this remote back country can be a daunting prospect yet it can be the most inspirational and exciting riding terrain there is. That's why we've got together, not just to show you the routes, the big stuff, the spectacular stuff, but also to show you how to ride it, to tame it and to conquer it.
Consider this trip a holiday with benefits – an investment not just in your experiences but in yourself. You'll leave us not only with memories of epic trails in incredible locations but also with the skill set to take your riding up a gear when you get back home. As a safari, we take you on the road to only the best spots, building you up from some of Scotland's finest managed trails, to our biggest and most beautiful wild mountain routes. By the end of this trip your riding will be through the roof, and you’ll already be thinking of when to book your next trip to Scotland.
"It's a seven day
adventure that takes you one step at a time until you reach the final, ultimate and iconic routes of Scotland."
Type of Trip
- All-mountain Safari with world-class mountain bike coaching
- Intermediate to Advanced (see our FAQ's for more information)
How Long?
6 nights / 7 days
When?
4th to 10th August 2012
Where?
Joining in Edinburgh (if you are arriving elsewhere, please contact us to discuss alternative arrangements)
How Challenging?
Starts moderate, builds with expert coaching along the way
Adventure Factor
Off the Scale!
What's Included?
Coaching
To make sure you get the most out of the Safari, we start the trip with one and half days on specially selected mountain bike trail centres that give us the opportunity to talk you through what you'll encounter out in the wilds, get you prepared for the big country – so you can go on to experience the wild rides without feeling like you're in a classroom. After all, our aim is to give you the tools to truly experience the big mountains without feeling frustrated, overly challenged or nervous about what lies ahead.
Following your first few days of being coach led, the teaching element will back off and the guided adventure takes over, giving you the chance to absorb, ride and enjoy the trip. However, your coach will never leave you flying solo. In fact they'll be on hand the whole week to help you, answer your questions and make sure you have everything you need to really get the most from the riding.
Is this a training camp? No Way – it's the opposite. This trip is a holiday with benefits. Fun and good times are the main aim of this trip, we're just here to make sure that when you come across a challenge on the trail, we can help you get over it so you can go on to experience the next amazing view, singletrack or landscape.
You can expect a structured introduction to key techniques and skills in the first two days. You'll then be left to practice them out on the big terrain but never without a coach to help with anything you need. This way, you can enjoy your riding and the epic scenery and still learn and grow in ability and confidence throughout the week.
- Expert Leadership and Professional Coach
- Video of your riding throughout the week
- Apres ride playback sessions if you desire
- Individual focus on your riding development
- Great group experience, mellow atmosphere and good times
- Expert answers to any riding questions you may have
- Adventure!
Logistics
- Professional Guide
- Quality Hotel / Guest House Accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
- Baggage transfers, ferries and private transportation throughout the trip
- Gondola lift passes
- Charter boat access to remote trail gems
- Mechanical Support
- Detailed pre-departure information
- Trip video and photos
Trip FAQ's »
Trip Dates
Duration
Nights / Days
Trip Cost
4th to 10th August 2012 6 / 7 Please enquire for latest pricing
If you have any further questions, wish a more detailed trip itinerary, or would like to register your interest please complete the form below.
And if you're interested in tweaking the trip, select the 'Custom Tours' option and let us go to work on creating your ultimate mountain biking tour of Scotland.
Back to 2012 Trips »
