There could be a plastic receptacle at the end of that rainbow

It’s not all rain and midges you know…

Scotland is literally littered with big mountain riding; being one of the few places in the UK where you can get descents which last longer than a couple of minutes. It arguably offers the best natural riding in the UK, full stop.

Head up to the Highlands in the summer for the best of big mountain feels and a truly out there experience. Just be mindful for the climb and the ever changing weather.

Almost certainly one of the key reasons as to why Scotland has such a fantastic mountain biking community. The right to roam allows you to go and ride anywhere you want.

So we’ve compiled a list of some of the best trails, from long distance mountain bike routes in Scotland, to short taster rides suitable for beginners. There’s everything in between too, road trips, classics like Ben Lomond, and off-piste trails around Glentress and Innerleithen. Dive in…

Andy McKenna of Go-Where reaches parts of Scotland other guides can’t reach. We asked him for his favourite ride and he came up with this…

This one’s ‘out there’ even by Scottish standards, with this North Harris route making up some of the most westerly ground in Britain.

GPS mountain bike route, Achnashellach in Torridon

Download the Torridon route and enjoy arguably the best section of descent in the UK. You might even find yourself laughing at the ridiculous grip…

MBR's series on Britain's Best Singletrack hits Stob Bàn in the Highlands. Download the GPS route here

World Cup downhill or walker's trail? You decide...

This Kinlochleven route has the essence of a wild, natural trail. Contains the technical, challenging and scenic Highlands descent that is the Ciaran Path.

The singletrack is as narrow as Edinburgh's back alleys

Download the GPS route for Edinburgh route from our City Limits feature in the July 2012 issue.

Download this great GPS mountain bike route from the Isle of Arran

Want a great route on the Isle of Arran? Check out our GPS file here.

North Third might seem to suffer in the shadow of the Trossachs and Arrochar Alps, but it’s a sublime offering even so.

Of all the top biking areas in Scotland – and there are a few – Ballater and its surroundings are the hidden gems.