New XC trail for Nevis Range

For years, outrageous and adrenaline fuelled mountain bikers have caught the gondola to access and ride the world's best-known downhill trail. The very same trail that's put Fort William on the worldwide mountain biking map and that brings tens of thousands of visitors to Lochaber each year to watch the worlds superstars compete in the World Cup. That's all very well, but what about the rest of us? Enter the new Nevis Red route. Only the second trail to be accessed by gondola, it lets lesser mortals conserve their energy for holding on and staying upright. Opening June 24 2009, the 5.5km trail descends 543m, with sweeping mountainscape and usually hidden breathtaking panoramas across Lochaber. Aimed at proficient mountain bikers with good skills, the red graded route is a classic mountain bike trail, mostly single track with timber boardwalk, bedrock and gravel. The Witch's Trails, 48km of cross-country trail, already wind their way through Leanachan forest and this new route lets you start your day high on the slopes of Aonach Mor with a final finish in the forest at its foot. Gondola tickets for bikes, and their riders, are £11.50 for an adult single trip and £25 for an adult riding all day. Both gondola-accessed trails are open until Sun 13 September when they shut for a well-deserved winter. Check out the video of the trail below: If you’re not up for riding down, then opt to lunch in the Snowgoose restaurant & bar before returning to sea level on the gondola.... www.nevisrange.co.uk