Kingussie, Ballachroan and Loch Gynack north-side

This is a relatively short route suitable for mountain bikes. All sections are on tarmac or Land Rover tracks. Allow 1 1/2 hours. Ordinance Survey sheet 35 - Kingussie and Monadliath Mountains. Refreshments: Cafes and bars in Kingussie.

Start in the centre of Kingussie and take the road for Newtonmore. As you leave the town turn left onto the off-road Sustrans cycle track.

After 2km there is white marker "Perth 70 miles" and a Land Rover track forking uphill to the left.

Cross the road and take this track up to the ruins of Ballachroan. There was once an imposing farm house on this site, but now with the house gone, only the front porch remains as an intriguing monument to the past. Continue along the track until you come to a deer gate where you cross the signposted walking path between Kingussie and Newtonmore. Go through the gate and continue straight ahead through trees until you come to another gate. Go through this one and immediately turn right. The track now passes along the north side of the tranquil Loch Gynack. As you reach the end of the Loch go through another gate leading to Pitmain Lodge. Turn left to go uphill passing the Lodge entrance and left past the keepers lodge.

When you reach a shed turn right following the green signposts back to Kingussie. From here simply follow the road downhill back to the start. If you want to extend this route turn right at the sign for the Golf Course circular. Cycle Friendly Kingussie