Big Mc: Itinerary

Hiking

Day 1- 245 kilometers to go:

After a night in a hotel in Shiel Bridge, on the West Coast, we make an early start for the most physically demanding day of the week. The 25 km on this first day will be in pursuit of 9 Munros (Scottish mountains over 914.4 metres or 3,000 ft) including the infamous Forcan ridge offering some of the best views of the Scottish Highlands & Western Isles from the Saddle (1011m) and Sgurr na Sgine (946m) Munros. We continue Eastwards on the superb South Glen Shiel ridge, famous for its string of 7 Munros to be conquered without the need of much climbing once on top. After the descent into the Glen Loyne we will set up camp on the banks of the river Loyne.

Day 2- 220 kilometres to go:

The second day starts with a small climb but then descends and gives us the opportunity to stretch our legs over the forest tracks of Glen Garry surrounded by Scottish native ancient Caledonian forest. This section of the hike is a total contrast to the first day and a more leisurely pace can be adopted to spot red deer, squirrels and pine martens. The hiking trip will conclude in Invergarry where we are rewarded with a warm shower, hot meal, soft bed and no doubt a couple of drams.

Alternative Hiking Options:

There are a number of alternative routes and starting point for the first day hiking varying the ascents as well as the difficulties.

• Forcan ridge: This can easily be bypassed avoiding the sharp-edged ridge and ‘bad step’. In poor weather this alternative route may be taken to avoid unnecessary risks.
• Munros: Both the Saddle and the Sgurr na Sgine can be bypassed (avoiding steep 200 metres ascends with fully laden rucksacks). Once on top, the South Glen Shiel ridge and it's 7 Munros will offer a better path with solid ground underfoot rather than an early descend into Glen Quoich with its soggy tracks through the bog land.
• Shiel Ridge: An alternative starting point to Shiel Bridge, at Kinloch Hourn allows for a lower route on day 1 avoiding all the Munros and still offering some exhilarating views climbing the Allt Coire Sgoirealeadall gorge with plenty of waterfalls, reaching a height of 550 metres and entering Glen Quoich from the south.
• Camping gear: Carrying one day’s camping gear and food is tough and there is an option to have your camping gear dropped off at the shores of the river Loyne where the mid hike wild camping is scheduled (this drop is a logistic feat and will come at some cost).

Biking

The 130 km bike trip is split over 2 sections of 65 km each, with once again wild camping at the midway point. This means your stead needs to be ‘bike packing’ ready to allow you to carry all essential gear.

Day 3- 195 kilometers to go:

On the 3^rd day of the Big Mac adventure the Great Glen is crossed after following some off-road tracks through the woods and a short section on the cycle route along the Caledonian canal.

Soon we head up into the wilderness over the 35 km CorrieYairack pass, an old protected road designed and build by the English as part of a wider communications network to allow for speedy movement of Red coat troops in the Highlands. The road is equivalent to that of a land rover track but no motor vehicles are allowed access and there are some considerable climbs to be conquered. This is remote Highland territory and preparation for any kind of weather condition should be taken into account.

Re-entering civilisation near Newtonmore brings the opportunity to buy some additional food or drinks, depending on the hotel and coffee shop opening times. We then progress over some metalled roads past another Red Coat relic, the Ruthven barracks to enter the Cairngorms. At a suitable spot we set up camp in a forest clearing.

Day 4- 125 kilometers to go:

The fourth day heralds the last day of cycling and continues through the Forest views of fairy lochs and mysterious ruins within the Rothiemurcus estate.

Once passed the Glenmore lodge outdoor activity centre, we head up the old Ryovan track sticking in the shadow of the impressive Cairngorm mountains. Leaving the forest track behind us we snake our way along the bank of the Spey on our way to our next warm and dry B&B in Cromdale.

Alternative Biking options:

• Route: The bike route takes the most direct route to cross the central highlands from Invergarry to the River Spey B&B. The route has little option to change or make it shorter.
• Roads: There are a number of sections which take us through forest paths and side tracks where metalled roads can be used. The metalled roads may add a little extra distance and sometimes shorten the route slightly but will allow for easier, yet safe travel. Options can be assessed en route taking weather, fitness and time of day into account.
• Camping Gear: Newtonmore features the luxury of a good campsite as well as hotels. There is an option to utilise these and also to drop kit off to avoid the bike packing. This means a bigger distance the next day to make up some of the lost kilometres. Alternatively, there is an option to carry on further and overnight near Loch Morlich in the GlenMorgan outdoor centre or campsite.

Canoeing

Over the next 2 days we will cover 65 kilometres on the waters to the River Spey. This may seem like an easy target due the fast-flowing nature of the river, but there are considerable obstacles to be negotiated and other distractions such as the scenery (and whisky distilleries) to be taken into account.

Day 5- 65 kilometres to go:

Our accommodation is about a kilometre walk from the river bank so we wheel the canoes packed with our gear along the road before we set off. Depending on your experience, once in the water some basic canoeing skills and safety drills will be run through to ensure we are all comfortable. The first stretch of water is quite straight forward and will give a good feel how a fully laden canoe handles and the effect of the force of the water on our little vessels.

The riverside is littered with the famous names of Scottish Speyside whiskies. With still 47 km to go we hit the Cragganmore distillery where shortly afterward the river Avon (A’an) joins us. Pretty soon, just before Blackboat bridge, the Spey narrows and we hit one of the best and exciting rapids known as the ‘washing machine’.

Once the Knockando distillery is in sight on the left bank the Station pool rapid heralds a 6 km windy stretch where the river speeds up considerably and it’s time to focus until we hit the bridge at Carron.

By the time we reach Charlestown of Aberlour on right bank, we have a total of 30 km to go and we are now well versed in the art of canoeing (and perhaps swimming).

After Craigellachie (26 km to go), we camp at a lovely spot of the Boat o’ Fiddich Park Campsite where the river Fiddich throws ever more water into the Spey. The Highlander Inn offer a great bar meal, meaning there is no need to cook. There is also an option for the enthusiasts to frequent the Fiddichside Inn and sample all the whiskies we spotted that day which may, for some, prove to be the biggest challenge of the week.

Day 6- 26 kilometres to go:

The next day sees us following the remainder of the Spey to its outlet into the North Sea at Spey bay and the going is considerable easier than yesterday’s although the river widens and the flow slows down meaning more paddling to maintain our speed.

After 5 km we hit Rothes on left bank across the fields with distillery and pub. To explore this is possibly a little early.

Boat o’ Brig, with 15 km to go, is where the Aberdeen-Inverness railway line crosses the river. There are no amenities here so we paddle on keeping the Wood of OrdieQuish on the right, and wide-open fields to our left.

With only 7 km to go, Fochaber, with the Gordon Arms offering the opportunity for a pre-celebratory pint, coffee or lunch.

River now gets wider still and slows down requiring effort to keep moving forward at reasonable pace. Myriad of flows makes this difficult to navigate giving us the last challenge before we finally hit Speybay.

Having tasted the salty water of the North Sea, we check into our final resting place. Friends and Family members are welcome to join us this last night to celebrate and ruminate our achievements of epic proportions.

Alternative Canoeing

The canoeing is doable for anybody with a small degree of confidence and plenty of enthusiasm. The ability to swim and feel comfortable on or in water will be a huge bonus in your enjoyment of the canoeing trip and any experience will greatly benefit the smooth running and speed by which we can progress but lack of any of this will not stop the fun and excitement the river has to offer.

Like any of the slightly tricky rapids on the Spey they can be ported around for those not fancying their luck of staying dry. Coaching and guidance are part of the package where this is necessary or requested.

Getting there and Day -1:

There are a wide range of travel arrangements possible to get to our start and end point. We will be able to arrange a pick-up and drop off from airports, train stations or parking. By plane the best airports to fly into are either Edinburgh or Inverness.

The East Coast rail way goes past Edinburgh and stops at Inverkeithing. Any of these places offer the opportunity for someone from the Tonto McVentures team to pick you up.

When driving the best option is to meet in Spey bay where your car will then be waiting upon completion of the trip. Alternatively, a pick-up arrangement within reasonable distance can be made with the team.

After meeting up, we make sure all the right kit is ready in the right bags, bikes are the right size, backpacks fit and foot wear is appropriate, we load up and drive to our West Coast hotel for a briefing, a meal, drink and good night sleep. Our bags can then be dropped off along the route by someone from the Tonto team or alternatively (and saving some costs), we do this together depending on time and preference.

Post event (Day 7):

As we end up in Spey bay, our gear will be scattered along the route. The options are for someone from the Tonto team to collect this drop it off so it will all be waiting for us upon arrival. This would give you the option to travel back at the end of day 6. When you are flying or have a train to catch make sure your last day does not end up being a race against time.

A cheaper option is to trace our journey back by road and pick up the pieces. Although this will save some cost, you have to bear in mind that at this stage you may rather just be sitting comfortably at home.