Mountain Biking Highlight
Recommended by 9 mountain bikers
The summit of Meikle Bin, the second highest point in the Campsie Fells, makes for a splendid mountain biking objective. Rides to Meikle Bin will test your mettle, with entertaining single-track gravel, challenging, boggy terrain and glorious views. The descent south from the summit is very highly regarded.
Rising prominently above Carron Valley’s reservoir and woodland, Meikle Bin is popular with both hikers and mountain bikers. The hill is infamously the site of a fatal plane crash. In January 1950, a Fairey Firefly lost its way in low cloud, meeting its demise on the slopes below the summit. Sadly, both airmen lost their lives. Even to this day, wreckage can be seen on the hill’s flanks, a poignant reminder of the tragedy.
MTB trails to Meikle Bin descend a wild, open, green hillside, following indistinct paths in the upper reaches. The going can get boggy in parts, especially after periods of rainfall. Back down towards the Carron Valley, you’ll intercept Land Rover tracks that wind back and forth over streams and through woodland.
From the summit trig point, some of the stars of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park can be seen to the north, such as the majestic forms of Ben Lomond and Ben Ledi. There’s plenty to pause for here before mounting your steed for the descent. It is possible to link Meikle Bin to Tomtain in the east, though the intervening land can resemble a quagmire at times. It’s fair to say it’s a challenging ride.
The Carron Valley has plenty of mountain biking potential. Five miles (eight km) of red routes can be found on the east end of the reservoir amongst the woodland managed by the Forestry Commission. Meikle Bin is within driving distance of both Glasgow and Stirling, whilst the nearby towns and villages of the Campsies boast a variety of accommodation options.
Location: Fintry, Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom
The descent off the top of Meikle Bin heading south is great fun. However as it enters the woods it becomes incredibly boggy and fairly unrideable - and that was having ridden it in August. Worth doing, but try to do it after a dry spell!
January 11, 2020
South descent from Meikle Bin is fair to wet until you reach the woods where it becomes unrideable. The mud is axle deep in places and covers the width of the trail. There alternatives through the trees if you're happy fighting branches and slippy under foot...wish I'd taken the other route down. I'll avoid this one.
May 27, 2021
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