Gravel · From the map · United Kingdom
Contin to Rosehall
- 72 km
- 664 m
- Moderate
- Mixed
Elevation profile
- 664 m
- 72 km
Route overview
Suitable for riders comfortable with 72 km distance and moderate 664 m climbing mostly on gravel tracks.
Stage 2 of 2 of the Great North Trail (Northern Highlands): 72.2 km from Contin to Rosehall with 664 m of climbing, on the signed route.
This 72.2 km ride starts in Contin, passing through Garve, Little Garve, The Craigs, Croick, and Gob na Foide before finishing at Rosehall. The route has 664 m of climbing, mainly in the first half, including five main climbs between 1.9 km and 3.9 km in length, with gradients averaging 2.5% to 3.9% and maximums up to 6.8%. The highest point is at 363 m around 35.6 km. The surface is predominantly gravel or unpaved (79%), with 21% paved. Most riding is on tracks (51.4 km), with smaller stretches on minor roads, quiet streets, a major road (4.5 km on the A835) and a path. There are 4.6 km without cycle lanes on main roads and 10.6 km where posted limits are 80 km/h or more. Facilities are limited after about 19.3 km with the longest stretch without café, shop or water spanning 51.1 km until 70.4 km near Oykel Bridge Hotel. Bailout is possible at Garve station near 10.3 km. Other stops at Contin include a convenience store, and toilets are available near 1 km. Notable nearby peaks are Meall a' Chaorainn at 632 m near 35.4 km and Càrn na Speireig at 445 m near 45.2 km.
Highlights
- Meall a' Chaorainn mountain near 35 km
- Croick broch archaeological site at 53.5 km
- Rogie Falls attraction near 3 km
- Longest descent of 5.8 km from 65.2 km
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 0.3 km | 1.9 km | 74 m | 3.9 % | 5.6 % | 105 m |
| — | 11.2 km | 3.9 km | 96 m | 2.5 % | 5 % | 176 m |
| — | 25.5 km | 2.5 km | 78 m | 3.2 % | 6.8 % | 306 m |
| — | 32.5 km | 2.2 km | 63 m | 2.9 % | 4.9 % | 336 m |
| — | 61.6 km | 1.9 km | 69 m | 3.6 % | 6 % | 226 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 73% track · 9% minor road · 9% quiet street · 6% major road
- Main roads
- 4.6 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 10.6 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Main roads used
- A835 (5 km)
- Surface
- 21% paved · 79% gravel or unpaved
- Gradient
- 23% climbing · 22% descending · 54% flat
- Steep sections
- 2.5 km over 5%
- Longest descent
- 5.8 km from 65.2 km, dropping 189 m
Along the way
Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 51 km, from 19 km to 70 km.
Food, water and shops
- 0 kmContin Stores · convenience store · 60 m off route
- 0 kmJET · petrol station · 180 m off route
- 1 kmToilets · 140 m off route
- 19.3 kmRiver Black Water Inn · pub · 100 m off route
- 70.4 kmOykel Bridge Hotel · pub · 90 m off route
Need to bail out?
- 10.3 km — Garve (station), 870 m off route
Worth a stop
- 3.1 km — Rogie Falls (attraction)
- 53.5 km — Croick, broch (archaeological site)
At the start
- Contin Stores · convenience store · 60 m
At the finish
- Oykel Bridge Hotel · pub · 90 m
Practical information
- Mixed
- Point to point
- 6 h 01 min
- Jun to Aug — daily highs of 17–18 °C in those months
Know before you go
- Longest stretch with no café, shop or water for 51 km from 19 km
- 4.6 km on main roads without cycle lane
- 10.6 km on roads with speeds over 80 km/h
- 79% gravel or unpaved surface