Venue: Fochabers

Photos for The Fochabers Ring (Red)

Videos for The Fochabers Ring (Red)

Comments and ratings for The Fochabers Ring (Red)

I rode this at the weekend, on a sunny day. Not much rain for the last week, so the trail was pretty dry. As all the other reviews, it was a tough start going continually uphill on a very loose fire ... read whole comment... p3eps gave this trail 2 stars about 2 years ago

andymay73 gave this trail 4 stars about 5 years ago

Rode it recently and enjoyed it. Middle section with a few jumps was definitely the highlight. Weather was good and could have probably pushed back up and sessioned that bit a little more. 2wheelbarrow gave this trail 3 stars about 5 years ago

Thought this was ok, agree with all the other comments about the unrelenting climb at the start. I got lucky and was there when it was dry so no real mud or drainage issues for me. The red routes were... read whole comment... wildhighlander gave this trail 3 stars about 5 years ago

I agree with the other 2 comments, didn't really enjoy the endless climb to start with an ice cold wind and loose stone! maybe on my hardtail would have beasted it up but not on full! ending up walkin... read whole comment... upanddooner1 gave this trail 3 stars about 5 years ago

The Fochabers Ring (Red)

"A varied and full-on cross country trail of around 8km that you’ll want to ride again and again. Firstly there's a “no pain, no gain” climb up to the monument - and then the fun starts. A sense of adventure is essential; Hobbit’s hairy feet optional!" (Forestry Commission Scotland).

This is a well marked red route that starts at the Whiteashes Car Park (Just off the A98 to the NE of Fochabers). It starts as a track.path that heads parallel with the A98 heading NE until you take a sharp right onto a rough, stoney (from my recollection) firetrack. You follow this for around 2km of climbing until you get to the memorial at the top of the hill (Tag 1).

Now, thankfully, it's pretty much all downhill, starting on a selection of good paths and short sections of fire road . Eventually you'll need to take a left turn from a fire road section, downhill into the trees (Tag 2). The trail from here on winds through the trees and is rooty and muddy in places (well it was when I was there) before it spits you out back at the car park.

There's also an orange 'Freeride' trail that starts from the memorial at the top of the hill that you could incorporate in some way if you wished.

Photos for Ordiequish Medley (Blue)

Videos for Ordiequish Medley (Blue)

Comments and ratings for Ordiequish Medley (Blue)

I enjoyed this much more than the Red Ring - probably as the climbs had a harder packed surface and weren't quite as savage! They had "diversions" on Gordzilla, and most of the downhill was on fire t... read whole comment... p3eps gave this trail 3 stars about 2 years ago

I think the FC description of this place probably sums it up - something for everyone. Generally I found it a bit dull in places, but it would be wrong to criticise it too much for trying to cater for... read whole comment... wildhighlander gave this trail 3 stars about 5 years ago

Hmmm.....I was going to give this 4*, but on reflection I have to agree with cat89. Although I personally enjoyed this more than the Fochabers Ring Red, the length of the climbs takes the edge off it.... read whole comment... ravelin gave this trail 3 stars about 5 years ago

Descents are good, but the monotony of the climbs on this loop hold it back from getting the 4* rating. cat89 gave this trail 3 stars about 5 years ago

Ordiequish Medley (Blue)

"Ordiequish is ideal if you’re looking for moderate routes, with the skills area on hand for learning more advanced riding techniques. At the opposite end of the scale you'll find The Gully Monster. In short - something for everyone!" (Forestry Commission Scotland)

This is a route that covers all of the Blue trails that start at the Ordiequish Car Park just outside Fochabers (part of the Moray Monsters Trails) . It's all pretty well signposted.

From the car park (quite small) follow the signs that start you off on a long climb uphill, mainly on fire-roads. Once it finally starts to level off, keep an eye out to the right for the start of "The HAggis" trail that heads into the wood. You're now onto some nice, swooping purpose-made single-track with the odd 'feature' thrown in. All too soon though you'll need to take a sharp right turn and start the climb back up on some track, single-track and the inevitable fire-road.

One you hit the fire-road you initally climbed on then turn right again and just aboput where you turned right for "The Haggis", turn left onto "Gordzilla". This is a bit rougher and more natural feeling as it heads down the hill. Again you have another fire-road climb back up to the main access track. Turn left and head up it again, but from a lower starting point this time. You're not going quite as far this time though before you cut off to the left onto "The Dragons Tail". Follow this nice fast single-track back downhill as it flows onto "The Soup Dragon" trail that leads you back to the car park.

There's also a black trail ("The Gully Monster") and skills park (near the car park) that aren't covered by this route but could be tagged on.