This summer, I rode The Pictish Trail, a 750km bikepacking trail from Dunnet Head (the most northerly point of the UK) to Edinburgh.
The predominantly off-road route was devised by Scottish bikepacking stalwarts, Huw Oliver and Annie Le.
I was joined by my friend, Rob, who I’d ridden the West Kernow Way with. We’re both very similar in ability, so we knew we’d make a great team.
I’ve been stepping up my long-distance game this year, completing one century a month, as well as some audaxes .
At the start in Dunnet Head. Oscar Huckle / Our Media
The Pictish Trail was quite possibly my finest cycling experience to date. The route is incredibly varied and packed with stunning vistas.
I certainly learnt a lot about myself throughout the trip and how to tackle an extended bikepacking trip .From never sharing a miniscule two-man tent to (both good and bad) kit choices, read on to find out what I learned and the mistakes I made along the way. Never share a tiny tent A beautiful spot on top of a mountain but boy, was it cold! Oscar Huckle / Our Media With little accommodation available for long stretches of our trip, we decided to camp for four of the eight nights. Even if there were any, the cost of eight nights in even the cheapest hostel would soon add up. Scotland’s envious outdoor access laws mean it’s legal to camp wherever you please (within reason). It was freeing not having to make a last-minute […]
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