Two mountain bikers riding on rocky terrain in a mountainous landscape with rolling hills in the background

Scottish routes

episode 4

Ben Macdui

the birthplace of deviaTe

Route Guides:
McTrail Rider | Ben Jones | Chris Deverson

Route overview

Riding Ben Macdui: The Birthplace of Deviate Cycles

There are few places in the UK that test both rider and machine like Ben Macdui. Towering at 1,309m, it’s not just the second-highest mountain in Britain—it’s a proving ground for those who seek adventure beyond the beaten track. The trails here aren’t for the faint-hearted. Long, brutal climbs lead into rough, unpredictable descents littered with rock gardens, water bars, and fast, flowing singletrack that rewards confidence and precision. It was in this environment—harsh, unforgiving, and incredibly rewarding—that the idea for Deviate Cycles was born.

Years ago, Ben Jones and Chris Deverson were guiding a group of experienced riders through this rugged landscape, only to find their bikes weren’t up to the challenge. Too much maintenance, too many compromises, and too many rides cut short by mechanical failures. Again and again, the group asked, 'When will you make a frame we can buy?'. It was in that moment that Ben and Chris began to seriously wonder—could they turn their ideas into a business?

Deviate Cycles wasn’t conceptualised in a boardroom. It was forged out of necessity—out of long days in the saddle, navigating some of the most demanding terrain Scotland has to offer. The high-pivot suspension system that has become our signature wasn’t just a design choice; it was the answer to a problem we had experienced firsthand. We needed a bike that could take the hits, maintain momentum over rough terrain, and climb with efficiency. It had to be built for real-world conditions—the kind that Ben Macdui dishes out in spades.

Location

Ben Macdui, the cairngorms

Average Duration 6-8hrs approx.

Distance 37.8km approx.

Elevation 1309M approx.

Technical Difficulty Black/Black Diamond

Required Fitness Level High

Local amenities

Glenmore (Town)

Campsite / Hostel / Visitor Centre

Pine Marten Bar

9am - 10pm / Food & Drink

Cairngorm Café

9am - 4pm / Food & Drink

Map view

Route Rundown

Starting at Glenmore, a well-known hub for outdoor enthusiasts, you’ll quickly find yourself immersed in towering Scots pine forests and flowing singletrack. The initial section offers a mix of small river crossings along with some very mild technical climbs, coaxing you into the adventure ahead. This route is not for the faint-hearted. Long stretches of rideable but challenging terrain take you through some of the most isolated parts of Scotland so bike spares and appropriate clothing are essential. As you pedal further from civilisation, the terrain becomes more rugged, and the vastness of the Cairngorms starts to reveal itself. Expect river crossings, hike-a-bike sections, and exposed mountain passes that reward with jaw-dropping descents. The feeling of remoteness here is unparalleled, making every mile an unforgettable experience.

View from a mountain biking helmet camera showing a rocky trail with several bikers riding uphill in a mountainous landscape with clear blue sky.

After meandering deeper into the remote wilderness, you can expect chunkier rocks, less groomed paths, and other trail users. Be courteous, ride at a safe speed and take in the breath-taking views. After a steady incline, you’ll be greeted with a short descent filled with substantially sized rocks with an appetite for poorly placed wheels, albeit short, this descent could end the ride early if you aren’t careful.

First-person view of a mountain biking trail in a mountainous landscape with two hands on a bicycle handlebar, rocky terrain, grassy patches, distant hilltops, and a partly cloudy sky.
First-person view of mountain biking on a rocky trail through a rugged, mountainous landscape with two riders ahead, under a partly cloudy sky.
Two mountain bikers walking on rocky terrain with their bikes, seen from a low angle under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Following the undulating climb up to the summit of Ben Macdui (1309M), you’re rewarded generously with stunning panoramic views - providing the weather plays ball of course. On a clear day you can soak up all the picturesque views that the Cairngorms has to offer, with mountains such as Cairn Toul and Braeriach to your South-West. The boulder-sized rocks however may dampen the mood if you weren’t expecting some short hike-a-bike sections!

Two mountain bikers riding on rocky terrain in a mountainous area with rolling hills and mountains in the background.

Now for the fun part. The descent from Ben Macdui summit to Loch Etchachan. This portion of single track is some of the best that the Cairngorms has to offer. Techy, demanding, physical - all words that spring to mind when tackling this magnificent bit of trail. When the trail isn’t commanding all of your attention (not very often), the views as you descend toward Loch Etchachan are simply stunning.

First-person view of a mountain biking trails with hands holding the handlebars, overlooking a mountain landscape with a lake in the distance, grassy terrain and rocky path under partly cloudy sky.
A small mountain lake labeled 'Loch Etchachan' surrounded by rocky hills and grassy terrain under a partly cloudy sky.

After passing the Loch (may be worth stopping for a dip or to check how many teeth have been rattled from your skull) you are then presented with even more epic single track as you head toward the Hutchison Hut - a very popular spot to take refuge in emergencies! Equipped with a roof over your head, wood fire, and very basic cooking apparatus in the event of an emergency, this wee hut could be your best friend.

A person walking a bicycle along a grassy trail toward a small dark wooden hut in a hilly landscape with mountains in the background.
View of mountain bikers riding on a narrow trail through a grassy and rocky landscape with rolling hills and blue sky in the background.
A small, dimly lit wooden room with a window on the left, a white chair, a bench, and a wood stove with a pipe on the left side. The walls have informational posters and a few small objects hanging.

Following the Hutchison Hut you’re faced with another long stretch of uneventful trail and a bit of a river crossing as you begin to head North towards the Fords Of Avon (A’an). It’s worth mentioning that an injury or major mechanical at this point would be extremely difficult to manage due to the sheer remoteness of the route. With that being said, take as much care as physically possible when riding here to avoid any unwanted issues.

Two people mountain biking on a grassy trail in a hilly landscape with a small stone building and a partly cloudy sky.
An aerial view of a rugged landscape with a winding black river flowing through it. The terrain is mostly grass and rocks with a small, round building near the river in the middle of the image.
Person pointing at two people riding bikes on a dirt trail through a mountainous landscape with grassy hills and a partly cloudy sky.

Despite being completely isolated at this point there is in fact another emergency refuge which you could seek - the Fords Of Avon Refuge. A very basic shelter, essentially it’s just a roof over your head, nothing more.

Following your encounter with the second refuge spot for this loop, you then begin the second demanding climb which will most likely require some hike-a-bike as you eagerly anticipate the latter of the two major descents of this route.

Once at the top, you can begin to relax knowing that all of the climbing for the day has been done! All that is left is some very fast, very sensitised single track - watch out for water bars and puncture potential! This portion of the route is extremely fast if you want it to be.

After regaining feeling in your forearms from a rentlesslesly speedy but chattery bit of single track, things begin to mellow out as you meander past the ‘Green Loch’ and head toward the car park. The trails here are very easy, shared paths. Once you get back to the car you can either head to the Pine Maten Café for some food and drink, or pitch up at the local campsite to enjoy a well earned beer.

Photograph taken from a cyclist riding on a paved road, showing the cyclist's hand on the handlebar and the shadow of the bike on the pavement, with parked cars, trees, and a mountain in the background.
View from a mountain biking rider's perspective, showing hands gripping the handlebars on a rocky trail with grassy hills and a distant mountain range under a partly cloudy sky.
View from a mountain bike rider holding handlebars while riding on a dirt trail through a forest of tall green trees on a sunny day.
A black line drawing of a book with a face and arms, holding a cane, with a cap and a beard, and a smaller figure with a beard and hat standing beside it.

Episode 3