Big Mountain Safari in Scotland

So far-i so goody. Fancy an adventure in Scotland? Can’t guarantee lions though.

Did you see the Bothy Biking trip to Scotland we featured in Dirt Magazine issue #125? Well Andy McKenna was the man who guided us around and knows the place like the back of his hand. Andy has teamed up with Dirt School coach legend Chris Ball to offer you a chance for some epic adventure.

Read on…

Two of the country’s leading mountain biking companies are joining forces this summer to create the ultimate cycling holiday. Dirt School, the UK’s top coaching company, and Go-Where Scotland, a mountain bike holiday provider, are teaming up to offer a unique new style of riding holiday – the Big Mountain Safari.

Combining guiding through some of Scotland’s most remote trails with expert tuition, this is a Safari like no other. Taking place in the epic mountains of north west Scotland, riders will pass through some of the country’s most iconic landscapes; Skye, Torridon, Glencoe and Knoydart to name just a few. From private boat trips to hidden glens to sipping whisky in the UK’s most remote pub, it’s little wonder the venture has already picked up a Tourism Innovation Award.

Andy McKenna, founder of Go-Where Scotland, and all round man of the mountains, will provide the guiding. He said: “I’ve ridden all over the world in some of the most far flung riding locations you can imagine and I still feel awe when I ride here. In all the time we’ve been leading tours in this part of Scotland there hasn’t been a single client who wasn’t absolutely blown away by the riding – people just aren’t prepared for how adventurous a trip can feel amongst the towering mountains, lochs and glens of the Northwest Highlands!”

The trip kicks off with a day and a half’s coaching from Dirt School’s Chris Ball on classic trails to assess each rider’s needs and prepare them for the days ahead. The aim is to make sure each participant enters the mountains feeling confident about the terrain they’ll be riding, but with the added reassurance that Chris will be on hand all week to offer guidance if needed.

Chris said: “This trip is the culmination of many months spent with Andy in the mountains. I wanted to take people up there to experience the awe inspiring beauty of Scotland but with the confidence that they’ll be given everything they need to be able to enjoy every minute of the trip”.

The Big Mountain Safari is a truly unique experience. Not only will riders take in some of the most beautiful and remote scenery in the country, but they’ll be improving their skills on remote, natural terrain about as far removed from crowded trail centres as you can get. Big Mountain Safaris aren’t just a holiday – they are a once in a lifetime riding adventure.

The first Big Mountain Safari is being run as a four day taster August 6 – 9, 2012, more dates will follow in 2013 and beyond.

Each trip can accommodate up to seven riders so get in touch with them for details and trip pricing for the four day adventure, and their week long epics in 2013.

Trip includes:

• Expert leadership and professional coach on hand all day, every day
• Videos of riding throughout the week
• Après ride playback sessions if desired
• Individual focus on riding development
• Great group experience, mellow atmosphere and good times
• Expert answers to any riding questions
• Private boat access to remote trail gems
• Professional Guide
• One day of chairlift assisted riding
• Quality hotel/guest house accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
• Transfers, ferries and private transportation throughout the trip
• Mechanical Support
• Detailed pre-departure information
• Trip videos and photos

If you like the sound of this great adventure then hit up http://go-where.co.uk