Scotland bikepacking adventure: The 210-mile ride

We are just an advanced breed of monkeys on a minor planet of a very average star. But we can understand the Universe. That makes us something very special.

Sofia Catherine
7 Min Read

The Scotland bikepacking adventure of a lifetime awaits in the Highlands, where breathtaking landscapes meet the epic 210-mile Badger Divide route. For cyclists who crave solitude, scenery, and endurance, this trail offers an unforgettable ride through moorlands, lochs, and ancient forests.

The journey begins at Inverness Castle and typically concludes at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow. Along the way, cyclists must be prepared to climb more than 17,000 feet of elevation while navigating rugged terrain, old military roads, forestry tracks, and quiet valleys—all while carrying everything they need on their bikes.

Starting the Scotland Bikepacking Adventure in Inverness

Upon arrival at Inverness, cyclists often meet others preparing for the same Scotland bikepacking adventure. Gear-laden bikes are a giveaway to fellow Badger Divide participants, each hoping for clear skies and favorable conditions. This ride isn’t about speed; it’s about experiencing Scotland’s bikepacking adventure through its wildest corners while immersing in natural beauty and historic routes.

Day one eases riders into the experience, offering shaded paths through woodlands and revealing glimpses of the immense Loch Ness. The lake, famously mysterious, holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. Riders eventually reach Fort Augustus, a key milestone in the Scotland bikepacking adventure, where the loch’s full expanse can be appreciated.

Corrieyairack Pass: A Test on the Scotland Bikepacking Adventure

Day two is defined by the notorious Corrieyairack Pass—a historic military road that’s now one of the toughest sections of the Badger Divide. Climbing through cloud-kissed ridges, the pass offers dramatic views and, if lucky, wildlife sightings such as red deer and birds like the common snipe. The reward for this grueling ascent is a thrilling descent into wide-open valleys.

Bikepacker Rosie Baxendine describes riding here as being in a dream. “I love Scotland when she’s dramatic,” she says. “Whether it’s rain, snow, or sun, every moment feels raw and unforgettable.”

Wild Camping on the Scotland Bikepacking Adventure

Scotland’s Outdoor Access Code allows for responsible wild camping, enabling riders to pitch tents beside lochs or on open moorland. Nights are spent under a canopy of stars, lulled to sleep by the lap of water on pebbles or the whisper of wind across grass. On the shores of Loch Laggan and Lochan na h-Earba, the stillness is both powerful and humbling.

By day three, riders traverse massive estates like Ardverikie and Corrour, heading toward the UK’s highest train station, Corrour Station. Here, framed by Leum Uilleim mountain and near the shores of Loch Ossian, riders share tales over breakfast with fellow bikepackers, exchanging trail tips and laughs.

The Endless Horizons of the Great Moor of Rannoch

Following tyre tracks left by other riders, cyclists cross the hauntingly beautiful Great Moor of Rannoch. The emptiness of this expanse highlights the remote allure of the route. Few manmade structures break the horizon, and silence becomes the journey’s soundtrack.

The fourth day introduces Glen Lyon—Scotland’s longest enclosed glen. The river carving through the valley reflects sunlight as riders pedal along its banks. Climbing up the Kenknock Pass, riders are rewarded with panoramic vistas before descending into the charming village of Killin.

Reaching the Home Stretch

After rough forestry trails and scenic glens, the Badger Divide becomes slightly more forgiving. Riders approach Callander, staying in cozy glamping pods that blend comfort with rustic charm. The next morning, spirits are high as the route leads along the tranquil shores of Loch Venachar.

By day five, fatigue gives way to accomplishment. As cyclists enter the outskirts of Glasgow, the grandeur of the Highlands shifts into urban vibrancy. Reaching Kelvingrove marks the journey’s end, but the memories—of wild camps, snowy summits, deer sightings, and newfound friendships—linger.

Why the Badger Divide Captures the Soul

Originally devised by Stuart Allan, the Badger Divide was never meant to become a global attraction. But word spread. From Australia to Canada, riders now come to test themselves on this unforgiving yet rewarding path. Allan’s humorous take on the route’s name—originating from a mispronunciation of Mexico’s Baja Divide—belies its seriousness as a route of endurance and wonder.

The route may not appear on official maps or bear signposts, but it exists in the collective memory of those who’ve taken it on. Whether it’s a first-timer seeking adventure or a seasoned cyclist chasing solitude, the Badger Divide offers something far greater than a ride: it offers a story.

The Rise of Bikepacking in Scotland

Bikepacking has seen a surge in popularity due to accessible gear and social media exposure. Unlike traditional cycle touring that sticks to tarmac, bikepacking embraces gravel paths, forest trails, and uncharted tracks. It’s about freedom, self-reliance, and finding joy in the journey, not just the destination.

The Badger Divide encapsulates this spirit perfectly. It invites riders into the heart of Scotland—not just geographically, but emotionally. With each mile, the landscape unfolds in breathtaking layers: rugged cliffs, calm lochs, misty peaks, and golden meadows.

If you’re considering a cycling trip that challenges your limits and rewards you with raw beauty and serenity, the Scotland 210-mile bikepacking adventure is waiting.

Final Thoughts

From Inverness to Glasgow, from mountain peaks to misty glens, the Badger Divide is more than a cycling route—it’s a rite of passage. It’s an unfiltered experience of Scotland’s wild places, offering bikepackers the thrill of discovery with every turn.

Whether you’re chasing solitude, adventure, or a new personal challenge, this 210-mile journey promises an unforgettable ride through one of the world’s most magical landscapes.

Share This Article
1 Comment