The Badger Divide

The Badger Divide probably doesn’t need any introduction, I feel like this is a pretty popular route at this point, starting in inverness and finishing in Glasgow. Just over 200 miles of epic and beautiful Scottish adventure awaits with this one. From the views of the Loch Ness, the rugged lung busting climb through The Corrieyairack Pass and the perfect gravel through the Corrour Estate. Home to the highest railway station.

It’s hard to really put a difficulty on this one because it certainly not easy and has plenty of challenges, but I also feel it’s not challenging all the time, so it will really depend on your fitness and experience. Some of the trails are quite technical but others are just beautiful, prefect gravel, easy to just cruise along on.

Its a great starting point for going on a first Scottish bikepacking trip as long as you are aware of the fact you will often be in very remote places with not a lot of people around, but this route does a good job of making sure you do pass through places from time to time, as much as you can in a place like Scotland.

I had an overall great trip which I then continued on with The Second City Divide, which if you are up for it makes the badger divide an even better adventure. I took the badger on, on the gravel bike with 50mm tyres. Bike choice is going to play a pretty big role in how hard you find the route I think, if you are experienced and have good bike handling skills then you will be fine on a gravel bike (still want 45-50mm tyres though). If you are more beginner on the off-road trails then consider a MTB, for a little more reassuring control. The descent down Corrieyairack Pass can be quite rough and tough going with all the drainage.

Its a beautiful part of the world and its a must-do ride at some point in your journey in bikepacking.