3 6.3km/3.9 miles/3-4 hours Ascent 760m/2493ft

2 10.8km / 6.7 miles / 8-9 hours Ascent 1224m/4016ft

18.3km / 11.4 miles / 7-10 hours Ascent 1253m/4111ft

We arrive at the top of High Cup Nick in the North Pennines. “It’s like the world starts just over there,” comments my friend Mark. He’s pointing down the U-shaped chasm of High Cup Gill, beyond whose

Lochs, glens, forests, mountains and moors. Twists, turns and elevation. The very best of Scotland inside a few hours of thrilling, scenic riding…

The high point of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs doesn’t give up its magnificent views easily. But they are worth every straining sinew.