Comrie Croft Journeys

28/02/2025

⭐️ THIS ⭐️
Is very exciting, for lots of reasons, not least because it is going to be for all-abilities🤩

Ooo, what is this appearing in the front field? It's going to be our new all abilities multi-use trail!!! It's going to be a trail for everyone...

And it's also the first step towards making the field more beautiful, biodiverse and productive, with small fields in between the trail, hedgerows, trees and permaculture/agro-forestry activities. Maybe even a Hielan Coo to two!!

Kindly supported by Perth & Kinross External Funding, and the Scottish Cycling Facilities Fund from Scottish Cycling, DMBinS, and Sportscotland. And with thank to CRC, Strathearn Mountain Biking Club and many others.

27/02/2025

🌿Discover the Freedom of Self-Guided Bikepacking at Comrie Croft.

The freedom of independent travel with the comfort of remote support.

At Comrie Croft, we handle the logistics, provide expertly curated routes, and equip you with a GPX device so you can simply enjoy the ride.

Why Choose Self-Guided Bikepacking?

🌿 Freedom & Flexibility
Set your own pace, stop where you please, and soak in the scenery. Your trip, your rules.

🌿 Stress-Free Planning
We do the heavy lifting—routes, logistics, and accommodations are sorted, so you can focus on adventure.

🌿 Feel Like an Explorer
Enjoy the independence of navigating on your own, with the confidence that you’re on the best possible trails.

🌿 Tailored Just for You
Our routes match your skill level and interests, from scenic lochs to hidden glens, so every moment feels personal.

🌿 Adventure with Peace of Mind
With a pre-loaded GPX device, you’ll never lose your way. Navigate easily and focus on the joy of the ride.

🌿 Efficient and Eco-Friendly
Forget hours of trip research - we’ve done it all for you! Plus, travel light and tread lightly, leaving only tyre tracks behind.

Whether you're a seasoned rider or a bikepacking newbie, our self-guided trips are perfect for embracing the great outdoors at your own pace.

We provide the plan; you create the memories.

26/02/2025

Being part of the Deviate Guide & Coaches programme is such a great👇

PRTNERSHIP | COLLABORATION | FRIENDSHIP

For us at Comrie Croft Bikes

The brand shares the story behind its roots and the program.

26/02/2025

MARCH
TRIPS | COACHING COURSES | EVENTS

Sat 8 | Sun 9
Self-Guided Bikepacking: A Highland Escape
10:00 Day one - 16:00 Day two
£200 pp

Thu 20
Spring Equinox Rise & Grind
☕ Brew & a blether on a hill before work
⏰ 07:30
📍Grid ref: NN783 252

Sat 22
Adult Coaching: Introduction to MTB
10:00 - 13:00
£65

Sat 22 | Sun 23
Self-Guided Bikepacking: A Highland Escape
10:00 Day one - 16:00 Day two
£200 pp

Fri 28
Tranquil Trails: Women’s Off-Road Ride & Sauna Experience
10:00 - 13:30
£50 pp

For more information and booking:
👉follow links in bio
or website:
https://www.comriecroftbikes.co.uk/pages/coaching
https://www.comriecroft.com/comrie-croft-journeys-planner

17/02/2025

Receiving reviews like this make my heart sing.

I know it takes time and effort to write so they are always very much appreciated 😊

We are so lucky that we now have a sauna on site.
I literally can't think of of a better way to end a ride than with a sauna🔥

If you like the idea you can book a place in the next one here:

https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/comriecroftbikes/items/605023/?full-items=yes&flow=no

12/02/2025

🌱Tranquil Trails

Discover the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation.

🚴A fun and supportive off-road guided ride on stunning local trails, followed by a blissful hour .sauna 🔥

Designed specifically for women, this experience emphasises enjoyment, community and self-care. No advanced mountain biking skills required, just a willingness to have fun and soak up the experience.

Book here: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/comriecroftbikes/items/605023/?full-items=yes&flow=no

29/01/2025

I am a self confessed lover of kit.

When it comes to bikepacking bags there is a whole load of options out there get all geeky over.

What I have learnt over the years👇
▪️ One type/brand does not always fit all bikes - a mixture is good.
▪️There is no right or wrong way to pack - although well packed & firmly attached is always right😉
▪️Protect the bike frame - all bags rub
▪️Fully waterproof means rolling over at least 3 times.

I personally use and bags. Tried and tested on many trips. Both brands are excellent, in my opinion .

It therefore made perfect sense to invest in a variety of bikepacking bags from these two top quality brands. Giving you the opportunity to try them out on your trip and see what you like.

A wee aside👇

If you know me you'll know that nothing makes me happier than well packed bags attached to a bike looking, lovely & neat. No loose ends or anything hanging off😜..... Maybe that is a hangover from my military past🙄

📷

28/01/2025

Bikepacking combines two of our greatest passions here at Comrie Croft - 🚴 cycling and 🏕️camping - into the ultimate outdoor adventure. It’s a simple and adventurous way to explore the outdoors. For us, it’s all about the freedom to travel at your own pace and connect with 🌱nature along the way.

Emily will take you from bikepacking newbie to your first overnighter. She will give you the skills and confidence to adventure on your own in the future.👊

All kit, meals, equipment and bike* are provided. You just need to bring your own personal kit.

This is a great opportunity to try out the kit, learn what work for you, decide if you even like it or not.

Book via link in bio or visit www.comriecroft.com/bikepacking.

*bike hire available but not included in the trip price.

📷

20/01/2025

So, it's Blue Monday, apparently the “most depressing day of the year.” Dark mornings, short days, the festive cheer firmly behind us, still got February to get through!

But I don't buy into it. Its not about the day, it’s about how we meet it😁 a positive mindset.

I reckon the best remedy for a case of the blues is to get outside: the crisp, invigorating blue of a winter sky, framed by frosty hills and quiet trails - oh that would be wonderful.......

OK so up here in Strathearn the frost has gone & the sky isn't blue. There is mud, the skies are cloudy with a wee bit of blue poking through, but it isn't raining (the small wins). I did see snow drops pushing through yesterday whilst out for a walk🌱

How about making today aka Blue Monday the start of something? A promise to yourself to get outside more, to challenge yourself, to have a go at that adventure you’ve been putting off. Maybe it’s a solo ride to clear your head or signing up for that thing that you can no longer make excuses for😜 or just taking a break from work & screen & getting out for a daily walk at lunchtime - productivity will improve for it, I promise☺️

Because the thing about getting outside is, it’s never about waiting for the “right time” or perfect weather. It’s about just getting out there, one pedal stroke or step at a time. 🐾👣🚴🚵🚲

I would like to run more this year, starting today with a lunchtime run around our local circular route.

What about you? Has this wee post inspired you to get out and ignore the fact it's Blue Monday🤩

16/01/2025

🌱SELF-GUIDED TRIPS
Give you flexibility and independence to travel & explore at your own pace.
Instead of a guide you will be given a GPX device with your route loaded onto it. This sits on your handlebars and has an arrow showing you the way to go😁 You will also be given detailed information regarding your trip💯

🌱GUIDED TRIPS
If you prefer a structured itinerary, expert guidance and support throughout the journey this option is for you.

Everything else about the trips stay exactly the same.👌

06/01/2025

I put my phone down over the festive period, promised myself a proper 'switch off'.

It felt good.

It's the first day back in the office and I am looking out if the window at a darkening Strathearn, pondering.

No New Year resolutions for me – I never stick to them anyway. I ignored my Strava stats telling me how much slower I’ve gotten and how many less miles I achieved. I decided on no reel of 2024 photos that I must measure up to in 2025.

Who needs it? Comparison is the thief of joy, after all.

This year, I am going to work hard on keeping it simple. Being right here, right now, soaking up this moment.

On that.....have you seen the weather forecast this week? Absolutely stonking! Crisp, cold days - the sort we long for each winter. The light is incredible at this time of year making those sunrises and sunsets worth catching. And they are quite easy to catch just now.

I am determined not to get caught up in the “should haves” and “what ifs” when there’s so much to love about right now.

Give yourself a break. Be happy with who you are, where you are – whatever that looks like today.

Who's joining me for a slice of fresh air and a hefty dose of now?

🤪*full disclosure*👇
Working on the now, is a work in progress. I am currently in mild panic over the upcoming Strathpuffer at the weekend - which I entered as a solo singlespeed - why oh why?
I also do compare - I try hard, so very hard not to, I still find myself doing it and have to stop myself and have a little word!

16/12/2024

Last Tuesday myself & Scott led the trail therapy team up to our (well my) favourite hill in Glen Lednock for a coffee outside. 🙏

This session was the culmination of 8 weeks of Mountain Bike Trail therapy. It had a bit of everything - and just clarifies why we all know mountain biking such a fantastic sport.

🚴Physical exercise
🌿Community & camaraderie in abundance
🚵🌄Being outdoors in nature & incredible views
💯Challenge - there is always a challenge, specific to individuals and just enough😉

All of this makes us feel good that 'buzz'. When we are outside riding our bikes, we're in the moment. And right there and then, that is the only moment that matters☺️

The difference in everyone has been huge. It's been a joy for myself and Scott to witness. I am looking forward to seeing where the teams wheels take them.

We will be running another programme in the spring.

If you, or someone you know would benefit from attending a trail therapy programme then please get in touch. Either PM or send an email [email protected].

09/12/2024

❄️Winter❄️
It can be a tricky season, dark and cold. We want the crisp, clear winter days but more often than not it is endless wet. I am trying to reframe how I feel about winter. I believe it’s nature’s way of telling us to hit pause.

❄️Winter has its own quiet magic.

Humans used to live much closer to the earth and its rhythms. Winter was a time to rest, reflect, and prepare. Looking up at the stars or sitting by the fire, rather than doom scrolling on a screen.

There’s something grounding about embracing that slow-down. I feel it when I step outside, the chill on my face, the crunch of frost under my shoes or tyres. It’s a season for cozy nights, warming soups, and looking inward, just as much as it is for brisk walks and wintery rides. It’s not about doing nothing, but about doing less, letting the season shape the pace.

This winter, I’m working on leaning into that rhythm. Whether it’s taking time to knit, plan next year’s adventures, or simply sit and be, it’s a reminder that the world keeps turning, and it’s okay to slow down for a bit.

😳Full disclosure - I don’t find it easy. Modern life is so fast paced, even if I am trying my best to slow, life gets in the way and keeps me going at a faster pace than I would choose. I work 5 days a week, those 5 days are often full-on and I could fill every weekend with stuff - big rides (Strathpuffer training), seeing friends (I have a list as long as my arm of people I want to see who I haven’t in ages), gigs (Comrie is amazing, there is always something on in one of the halls), Christmas parties, family commitments (aside from our kids the rest of our family live between 6 and 9 hours drive away).
To help me, I have made sure there are days in my diary that are blank. I don’t need to ride my bike every day, rest and recovery is important. Early nights, lots of sleep.

This winter has started well for us here in Strathearn, we have had snow, it’s cold. The forecast this week is fantastic. I am going to enjoy the daylight and embrace the dark.

What does winter mean to you? ❄️

29/11/2024

I wanted to share this film with you, by Rider Resilience. It premiered at the Kendal Mountain Festival and was released on YouTube this week.

Rider Resilience is a non-profit organisation dedicated to people who are going through a dark time or a difficult fate. All with the background of promoting cycling as a positive balance to such hard times. In the film, Nils Amelinckx, founder of Rider Resilience, shares his vision and his story.

It is a very powerful, moving and brave film. I did wipe away a few tears, so be ready.

It is the reason we deliver the Trail Therapy Programme here Comrie Croft

'Rider Resilience - The Film' follows the powerful stories of Nils Amelinckx, Rachael Walker, and Sam Rice as they navigate the highs and lows of their journ...

22/11/2024

Red Squirrels are thriving at Comrie Croft and the surrounding native woodland.

There was a time in Comrie when I saw more grey squirrels than red. This has changed in the last few years, I can't remember the last time I saw a grey.

The reds look a deep auburn colour at the moment. Their scruffy appearance is so appealing to me.

Did you know that they don't actuly hibernate. They are less active during the winter but remain awake. They sleep and rest in their dreys to conserve energy levels.

I will never not be excited at spotting one, it will always make my day if a red squirrel crosses my path as I cycle into work.

The day took this photo we sat in the hide for ages. Just sitting peacefully enjoying watching the birds and squirrels that surrounded us.