Caingorms at Christmas?

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Richard G
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Caingorms at Christmas?

Post by Richard G »

I'm giving some thought to my Christmas trip this year (yes it's early, but stuff books up quick!) and I'm wondering if the Caingorms might be a good bet for Christmas. Maybe staying near Aviemore?

Basically I'd like to do a couple of hours of a riding every day, and I'm assuming there's a decent amount of variety up there.

Anywhere else in Scotland with good riding that might be worth a week in winter? Ideally not too far away from a town / some pubs.
ScotRoutes
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Re: Caingorms at Christmas?

Post by ScotRoutes »

I can certainly give you lots of route options in the area.

Snow certainly isn't a given at that time of year but can affect route choices.

Lots of accommodation available but it can get booked up/expensive so don't delay.

Pubs/cafes aplenty.
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Richard G
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Re: Caingorms at Christmas?

Post by Richard G »

Cheers. Sounds like it's definitely an option then.
ScotRoutes
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Re: Caingorms at Christmas?

Post by ScotRoutes »

It's a very Christmassy place. You could sign up for a Santa Ride or a Santa Run while you're here. And, of course, we have our very own herd of reindeer.
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benp1
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Re: Caingorms at Christmas?

Post by benp1 »

I booked a place on AirBnB for an Easter (Winter snow) trip last year. It was ace. Definitely recommend it. Did a winter skills course in the hills too. The ski slope was open as well (and very busy)
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Richard G
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Re: Caingorms at Christmas?

Post by Richard G »

Didn't even consider that there might be snow. Would be, ahem, cool. :lol:

Didn't know about the reindeer. :grin:

Edit - Is it better to be N / S / E / W? Looks like I have a reasonable choice at the moment.
ScotRoutes
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Re: Caingorms at Christmas?

Post by ScotRoutes »

I'd recommend the Aviemore area generally. There's a better choice of riding and more options for the evening than, say, Blair Atholl or Braemar. Some of the smaller villages are pretty good - Newtonmore, Kingussie, Grantown on Spey for example - but all have less choice when it comes to biking routes.
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Richard G
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Re: Caingorms at Christmas?

Post by Richard G »

Excellent. Thanks.
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Richard G
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Re: Caingorms at Christmas?

Post by Richard G »

Just booked myself a nice little place in Aviemore. Looking forward to getting some riding in!

:-bd
ScotRoutes
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Re: Caingorms at Christmas?

Post by ScotRoutes »

Nice. Stay in touch and tap me up for any conditions/routes stuff. I'm sure we can hook up at some point, either with just me or my riding chums. Depending upon conditions a few of us would be on fatbikes.

Bothy Bikes organise a weekly evening ride too - though they might not be active at that time.

Can I ask where you've booked?
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Richard G
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Re: Caingorms at Christmas?

Post by Richard G »

Cheers. Yeah, I was wondering if I might need a fatbike. Alas, 2.4" is my max. :lol:

...and it's an Airbnb near Spey Valley golf club.
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voodoo_simon
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Re: Caingorms at Christmas?

Post by voodoo_simon »

Used to head that way between Xmas and new year during my uni days (that was pre-global warming) and it would either be a wash out or a white out (perfect for climbing)

Good times though and I do miss going up. Don’t forget they have different bank holidays that way, so stock up on food/beer
ScotRoutes
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Re: Caingorms at Christmas?

Post by ScotRoutes »

Richard G wrote:Cheers. Yeah, I was wondering if I might need a fatbike. Alas, 2.4" is my max. :lol:

...and it's an Airbnb near Spey Valley golf club.
Bothy have hire bikes if it becomes an issue.
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Re: Caingorms at Christmas?

Post by ScotRoutes »

voodoo_simon wrote: Good times though and I do miss going up. Don’t forget they have different bank holidays that way, so stock up on food/beer
There's a Tesco, an Aldi, a Co-op and a M&S at the filling station. :roll:
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voodoo_simon
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Re: Caingorms at Christmas?

Post by voodoo_simon »

ScotRoutes wrote:
voodoo_simon wrote: Good times though and I do miss going up. Don’t forget they have different bank holidays that way, so stock up on food/beer
There's a Tesco, an Aldi, a Co-op and a M&S at the filling station. :roll:
I did say it was pre-global warning when I visited :lol: Only a Tesco when I was there last

Remember all independent cafes shut on New Year’s Day and the 2nd too, maybe it was just bad luck
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Richard G
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Re: Caingorms at Christmas?

Post by Richard G »

Advantage of my car trips... I tend to take a whole shedload of food and alcohol with me. :lol:
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Richard G
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Re: Caingorms at Christmas?

Post by Richard G »

Well, a whole hell of a lot has changed for me since this thread was started...

Still, I'm hoping that I get the all clear to actually ride this month so I'm hoping to hire a fat bike (more grip / slower) for when I'm there. Found a couple of rental places that might work, though I'm going to have to take the risk on not booking yet as if things don't go well with the consultant I don't want to have to cancel.
ScotRoutes
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Re: Caingorms at Christmas?

Post by ScotRoutes »

I'd recommend Bothy Bikes if looking to rent in Aviemore. You'd be free to borrow mine if I wasn't already likely to be using it too!
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Richard G
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Re: Caingorms at Christmas?

Post by Richard G »

Thanks, I'll have a look at them.
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