Route guides Fort William downhill
How to get there:From glasgow- follow A82 through Glencoe pass and Fort William. Head for Inverness and then turn right towards the Nevis range.MULTIMAP.
Where to stay: Lochy Holiday Park is an excellent site with plenty space for tents and caravans. Easy access to all local attractions.
The top downhill course in Britain is open to the public
Nevis Range is home to the internationally acclaimed downhill track. Cyclists and their bikes are whisked from the car park to an altitude of 2150ft in specially adapted gondolas!
SINGLE TRIP |
MULTI-TRIP |
|
| ADULT | £9.75 |
£17.50 |
| YOUTH | £7.00 |
£13.00 |
| SEASON HOLDER | £3.50 |
£9.00 |
After retiring from the summit of the Ben of Nevis the previous day, due to the handy hand of doom, I new the only way to redeem my honour was to do something, anything, the next day (Sunday).
And so it was decided that Wil-de-beest would do the Witches Trail and dangerous Brian and myself would attempt the Downhill Course. Shieldsy and Frank would rest and take some photos after the previous days drinking, I mean exertion.
So brakes were bled and then Brian and myself headed for the chairlift. At this point I remembered that Brian did not like chairlifts, however the big man mustered all his courage and made it to the top easily. From the chairlift it is easy to check out the route and jumps for the way down and filled with illusions of grandeur I could visualise myself flying off those doubles and into the air. (Aye right!!)
The top section looked well rough. We got out the chairlift and the smell of anticipation filled the air or was that the pasta from brains trousers. (See Ben Nevis review).
To the start ramp my man! All that was left was to release the tension on the clipless pedals a bit and we were off. I thought I was flying until two dudes flew by us at about 125mph. First 100 metres – no probs, then came the rocks – in fact there was more rock than Blackpool pleasure beach. The top section is full of rocky step-downs and boulder fields, steep hills and berms. It is very disconcerting especially on your first proper downhill ever! Admittedly I had to dismount my trusty steed at a couple of sections due to not wanting to fall on my hand and also cause I was shi**ing myself!!
When we reached the cattle grid that marks the near end of the first section I waited for Pasta Man, I mean Brian. Then we set off on the next leg of the downhill journey of impending injury. This section into the forest was really enjoyable bumpy trail, sweep around a berm, cane it to the next berm, and choose right line for the rocky drop, WOW HANG ON A MINUTE!! Dodgy stairs. Like Chaterelhault only bigger. I noticed a small drop off ahead and checked it out while waiting for Brian. Cool I can do that – “its totally do-able”. Once Brian appeared we set off again, and yes I did drop it, onto a section which was muddy with lots of roots. This part nearly caught me out, but not quite. Time for a short rest before the last section.
Some Aussies appeared and we let them go first. They hit the first jump at some pace and were doing whips right in front of us, so I headed off but decided to roll most of the doubles. I did hit one jump but then had to stop for a look at the hill of death. This is the hill you see Steve Peat and his chums jumping down near the end of the course. So after pausing momentarily I went for it, it’s big but not that steep, well not compared to our regular hill at the quarry.
The End!! Not quite – back up to the top I want another go. No takers okay ill go myself then, and off I went. That’s how good it is!
So what did I think I here you ask? Well you have to do this course – its awesome, even if just to see how professional the professionals really are.
Superb and totally do-able! When’s the next trip to the Fort that is Bill then eh boys?
Malkygee