MTB: The Braes of Glenlivet (Blue Trail 5)

About trip

Official Text: Excellent varied route with off road sections on farm and hill tracks which can be fairly rough and muddy in places. The route is open and very exposed in bad weather but provides access to some remote and very attractive parts of the Estate, with some excellent views onto the Ladder Hills and the Braes of Glenlivet

http://www.glenlivetestate.co.uk/things-to-see-do/activities/biking/cycling-5/#

My notes: This is a tough one, the tracks are a mixture of long grass paths, loose sand, or rutted tracks littered with rocks. The climb up "Dog's Craig" around the 3 mile mark is tough, I managed half and then had to push the rest. The burn crossings and fords are deep and full of rocks, I got soggy feet as I tried to cross The Livet and stopped dead mid crossing. The long and fast descents off the hills are full of obstacles and loose rock so beware of coming off on a fast descent. I hit a large rock descending to East Auchavaich and got a pinch flat only to discover my repair kit had no usable glue inside. Thanks to the hospitality of the occupants I was on my way again fairly soon, as they had some repair glue on hand....not the mention the hot cup of tea. TAKE TOOLS AND REPAIR AID....THIS PLACE IS VERY ISOLATED. AND ITS A LONG WALK OUT.