Into the North: A Scottish Solo Bikepacking Adventure | Featuring Bealach na Bà

Описание: Into the North: A Scottish Solo Bikepacking Adventure

Join me on a solo bikepacking adventure through the North of Scotland. Some banter, some drama and beautiful views. Hope you enjoy it!

In This Video:

• A solo bikepacking adventure through the North of Scotland
• The legendary Bealach na Bá climb (and a VERY long descent)
• Beautiful landscapes, wind, rain & sunshine
• Character-building moments
• A wee bit of banter
• Lots of drama as always..

Thank you for visiting! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe - it really helps my wee channel grow 🙂 You can also follow me on Instagram for more outdoor shenanigans, and buy me a coffee to fuel my adventures ☕❤️

Links:

Instagram:   / mgrabowskaphoto  
Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/mgrabowskaphoto
Strava:   / strava  
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/user/117007296...

Routes & Trails Featured:

An alternative to the North Coast 500 by Markus Stitz (first two and a half days) - plus many more fantastic routes across Scotland.
https://bikepackingscotland.com/nc500/

Roam Scotland Rally 2024 - Far North Route by Calum Munro (Rosehall to Loch Shin - Day 3) - absolutely fantastic rally, a must try at least once...but be warned, it’s addictive!
https://roamscotland.org/

The Pictish Trail (Days 7 & 8) - a classic route for MTB or gravel bikes.
https://www.pictishtrail.net/

The Peffery Way (Day 8) - a wonderful path between Dingwall and Strathpeffer. The Peffery Way Association is currently running a fundraiser to complete the final section of this fantastic path. Please consider supporting them if you can 🙌🏻
https://www.pefferywayassociation.scot/

Gear Used on This Trip

Everything listed below is gear I genuinely use, trust, and return to for multi-day bikepacking trips in Scotland. Nothing here is chosen lightly - this setup has been earned through rough weather, rougher tracks, and plenty of learning the hard way.

• Filming equipment:

Camera: DJI Osmo Action 4 - great little camera and a solid companion for bikepacking. That said… I’m new to filming, so you’ll definitely notice I got a few things wrong (yes - my face in the tent is way too close)

• Bike & Luggage

Bike: Genesis CDA30 - reliable, sturdy, and a bike I trust completely when I’m days away from home. It’s proven itself time and time again.
Frame Bag: Restrap - I keep coming back to Restrap for the fit, the look, and the overall quality. The repair service, when things eventually wear out, is a huge plus for long-term bikepacking.
Saddle Bag: Ortlieb - the most reliable bikepacking saddle bag I’ve ever owned - completely dependable in all conditions.

• Wheels & Tyres

Rear Wheel: Halo Wheels - absolutely bombproof.
Tyres: Specialized Pathfinder Pro - we’ve been through some rough stuff together. Great quality and perfect for mixed terrain.

• Navigation & Lighting

Navigation: Garmin Edge 530 - I don’t leave home without it.
Front Light: Lezyne - reliable light, great design, and good value.

• Sleep System

Tent: Good old Lanshan - no introduction needed!
Sleeping Bag: Rab Solar Eco 1 - keeping me roasty-toasty - absolutely love it.
Sleeping Mat: Decathlon Forclaz MT 500 - a decent, comfortable mat. One downside: no insulation.

• Cooking

Camp Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket - simply the best!
Cooking Mug: Alpkit MytiMug 600 Titanium - love, love, love!
Camping Gas Canister: Primus Power Gas 100g - reliable and super cute!

• Clothing & Kit

Cycling Shoes: Fizik Terra Atlas MTB - I tested a few different brands - these were the clear winner by far.
Helmet: POC - Great quality, great fit, and miles ahead of other brands in my experience.
Jerseys: Endura - I own multiple pieces; consistently great kit; Alé - solid jerseys.
Bib Shorts: Alé - good bib shorts; Victory Chimp - I love the pockets and magnetic closure for quick removal, but the quality and service are disappointing.
Off-bike Shoes: Vivo Barefoot - I bloody love these! Amazing for adventures.
Puffer Jacket: Rab - One of my most-used pieces of clothing - absolutely awesome.
Waterproof Jacket: Patagonia - love everything about this jacket - the colour, the fit, the quality.
Socks: Fingers Crossed - my favourite cycling socks. Perfect fit, great colours and design.
Cycling Cap: Albion - minimalist design, great fit - can’t live without it.
Vest: Silva - A piece of kit that looks great and works even better.

All opinions are my own - this gear has been tried and tested across multiple bikepacking adventures in harsh Scottish conditions.

Music Credits:

Upbeat

Twilight - The Lakes
License code: MNBXWMDJI7DIUFJT

Pleasant Place - Prigida
License code: L9OUOVW5I4JJS7L8

Memory - Ilya Kuznetsov
License code: VIY9OXSZWKE9SDV2

Bensound

All That - Benjamin Tissot
License code: YOLMMHGJGUDZVGVV

Prism - Theatre Of Delays
License code: D6I4MSOT1FE7E9I9

Little Planet - Benjamin Tissot
License code: UGAWCIDBIZWGFQEV