Weekender: Kyle of Sutherland explorer route 2
Route name: Strathcarron loop via Croick Church.
Start/finish: Kyle of Sutherland Hub, Bonar Bridge IV24 3AQ (OS grid ref: NH60619135).
Maps: OS Landranger 21 Dornoch & Alness.
Distance: 34.5km (21.5 miles).
Climbing: 233m (765ft)
Bike type: suitable for any bike.
Ride level: regular; moderate fitness is required for the climbs.
Following on from our Kyle of Sutherland explorer weekender, which featured in Cycle magazine, we have two web exclusive routes that cover the same area. This second route is an easy ride on quiet single-track roads around Strathcarron. It starts and ends at the Kyle of Sutherland Hub, where you’ll find a café as well as a bike maintenance and repair station.
You’ll tackle rugged terrain, hills and mountains while passing crofts and lodges. You’ll also be treated to spectacular views and the opportunity to spot wildlife such as White-tailed Eagles.
The area comes within the East Sutherland Bothy Project, a Cycling UK behaviour change initiative which supports people to replace local car journeys with walking or cycling. Free e-bike loans are offered to help achieve this, along with organised led rides from the Kyle of Sutherland Hub.
1. River Carron stone bridge
At 8 miles you’ll cross over the River Carron on a lovely stone bridge. After crossing, stop here and view the roaring white waters beneath you. It’s a popular fishing spot and if you want to stretch your legs off the bike you can access a small path on the left which takes you down along the side of the river.
Follow the road to your left for another 2 miles, venturing further into the wilderness, where the dramatic landscape unfolds and chances of spotting deer and White-tailed Eagles increase.
2. Croick Church
This part of the route ends at Croick Church with a sad tale to tell of the clearances in the area. The church was built using plans designed by Thomas Telford with the aid of government grants at a cost of £1,527.
The clearances didn’t reach Croick Parish until 1842 when James Gillanders, factor to the Robertsons of Kindeace, attempted to evict the tenants of their Glencalvie property to make way for sheep. He was strongly resisted until 24 May 1845 when 18 families were cleared from homes they had lived in for generations.
Many took shelter in impoverished booths erected in the Croick churchyard and their plight is recorded in messages scratched on the outside of the east window of the church.
3. Ullapool
Past Croick Church is the start of the 26-mile off-road bikepacking route to the village and port of Ullapool. Go through the gate to access the trail.
4. Leaving Croick Church
Retrace the last 2 miles back to the stone bridge, continuing straight ahead with the river on your right. This side of the Carron is slightly less undulating.
At approximately 19.5 miles, at the junction signposted for Culrain and Carbisdale is an alternative route to explore back to the castle and towards Oykel.
5. Over the Carron
As you come around the bend to the right there is another beautiful stone bridge with views straight down the Carron before you retrace your ride back through Gledfield to end back at the Kyle of Sutherland Hub.
