Day 1 

Just like that four bikes, four people, four pairs of Ramble Scrambles, and 35 granola bars, and we were on our way. We started off crossing many canals to finally hit a narrow dirt pathway that climbed out of the city. It was a sunny morning which was a good moral booster, as the weather had been a bit rainy and gray. None of us knew what to expect, and bikepacking was a new concept for us.

The fireweed was unbelievable towering over our heads in the beautiful pink and purple tones. The vegetation was green and the ferns were reaching out and grabbing our handlebars. The climbs were steep, but not super technical. At least we were at sea level so we felt like we were on top of the world.

We eventually wound our way up and rode next to Loch Ness as we searched for Nessy. We made it to Drumnadrochit, and dropped our stuff at the little hostel and made our way to the castle to check out the local history.

Day 2

Of course we started off with a climb to gain elevation to get out of town. Still winding our way next to Loch Ness we decided to take the high route so that we could get a good view. It was steep and a bit of a hike-a-bike, but we made it.

We watched the  next rainstorm set in from up top, but got to descend all the way back to the valley floor. Got to Fort Augustus and found the co-op and some yummy pizza. Both days were about 23 miles, and definitely made us tired. We were excited for our beds. 

Day 3 

Today was going to be a big test as we had to climb over Corrieyairack pass. All the locals wished us luck as they knew it was a long ways and lot of uphill.

Of course we were greeted by the rain as we got to the pass. We all settled into our granny gears and began to climb. It was beautiful and the heather (a local Scottish plant) was in full bloom. We knew that once we hit the top, the downhill would be quite the reward. And that it was. It was hard to stop for long as the midges were out in full force. They knew how to find you after about 4 minutes. 

Day 4

Finally a rest day in Laggan. Laggen is a very small town, in the remote part of the ride. Another small town Newtonmore was about 6 miles away which was our resupply option. We also spent the day there going to the outside museum and grabbing a beer at the local pub. We all appreciated the rest day. 

Day 5 

This was supposed to be an 80 plus mile day for us, but we fortunately found another town, Kinloch Rannoch, that had an open room for the night so it ended up being a 40 mile day. We were thankful for that because we knew 80 miles would have been a long day while we were on vacation. It was a nice day but the headwind was strong, and the rain storms were rainy of course. We were excited to reach our destination and be able to dry out and eat meat pies. 

Day 6

My most favorite day of the whole thing. The sun was out and the skies were blue. We got to ride next to the lake for a while then climb out into the hills. The forest was covered with endless blueberry plants and the hills were the most purple I have ever seen. A beautiful descent led to another pass that was the perfect grade to cruise and be able to enjoy the creek and highlands.

A long descent dropped us to another valley, and lake, to the small town of Killin.

Rich in history, and local food made for a wonderful day. Good morale booster as the gray skies and wet clothes seemed to be getting old at this point, but everyone was high in spirits.

Day 7 

Woke up to thunderstorms and pouring rain in Killin. Our hosts said they never get thunderstorms, and this was the second one they had seen in 10 years. Needless to say, it's a bit out of the ordinary.

We changed route plans as we did not want to get struck by lightning or be hike-a-biking through the muddy highlands. We took the number 7 bike route and were able to stay on gravel paths as we wound our way to Aberfoyle. This was the first time where we realized our highland adventure was coming to an end. We were back in the rolling hills and the city was closer. We walked around town, found the local pub, ate fish and chips and drank Guinness. Our decision to bring Ramble Scrambles was perfect—their casual look made the transition from bike seats to pub stools a breeze, and it meant we had one less thing to pack. Reflecting on the rainy day, we were glad we made the decision to take the cycle path rather than the high route as we probably would still be out riding. 

Day 8

Our last day… Seems like it happened so fast. The morning started off with a chill, and then immediately it was raining again. Glasgow was our destination, the biggest city in Scotland. Also, the starting point of the common West Highland Way Trail. We had to stop for quite a few hikers, and we were covered in mud as we entered Glasgow. Many u-turns were made, as we found our way to the hostel. We were able to explore the city, and figure out the bus schedule for the next day back to Edinburgh.

I would highly recommend the Badger Divide if you are looking for some remote mountain biking, and want to see the Scottish Highlands away from the hustle bustle of tourism.

Check out the Scotland Essential Pack below. I have to say I wore the Senderella tank every single day, and it never smelled bad, and dried out super quick despite all the rain. The pants kept the me away from midge bites, so I did not look like I had chicken poxs. Lastly, the Ramble Scramble shorts had all the perfect pockets for snacks, and photo ops. Must haves for any bike packing trip you are thinking about doing.