There is a tricky, technical trail along the shores of Loch Lomond and requires a high level of mountain bike skill with a good few sections of carrying and pushing. This is a stand-alone challenge all of its own, with a ferocious climb and a steep downhill section to follow. With big numbers in the climbing count, it starts big and will have riders questioning their life choices as they tackle Conic Hill early on the first day of riding. The traditional walking route starts from Milngavie just north of Glasgow and is and weaves past some of the greatest hits of Scotland's scenery, including Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, and Glen Nevis, and finishes in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain. The FKT (fastest known time) is currently held by Ineos Grenadier pro rider Connor Swift, completing the route in just 8 hours, 32 minutes and 28 seconds, which beat the previous FKT of 9 hours 14 minutes and 32 seconds set by the late Scottish mountain bike legend, Rab Wardell. It boasts a hefty 3,154m of climbing over a relatively short distance, and parts of the trail involve hiking your bike, rather than riding it. Riding it in its entirety is a hearty accomplishment on its own. While this multi-day traverse is well known by hikers from around the world, attracting many thousands every year, there is a lesser-known tradition of mountain bikers and bike packers that have been vying for record times for years. The iconic West Highland Way runs from Glasgow to the highland town of Fort William. The gateway to Glencoe offers spectacular views (Image credit: Phoebe Sneddon)
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