On Wandering | Hunter and Vanderham Cross Scotland 1

This past May, Anthill Films, along with Thomas Vanderham and Matt Hunter, photographer Sterling Lorence, and local guides Euan Wilson and Mark Clark set out on a week-long coast to coast crossing of the rugged Scottish Highlands on their mountain bikes. Beginning in the small town of Bonar Bridge on north bank of the Kyle of Sutherland, the adventure took the riders along 250 kilometres of singletrack. Over eight hours were spent in the saddle each day, all while battling harsh winds, heavy rain, and cold weather.

Thankfully, Mother Nature managed to ease up a little towards the end of the journey. As the crew neared their final destination of Applecross, the sun graced the riders with its presence, warming the air and lifting spirits.

“The northern highlands of Scotland have a heavy reputation. Beautiful, surely. But rugged, rocky, rainy, windy, muddy and midgey are the words most often chosen.” - Matt Hunter

“The established networks of historic trails that exist in Scotland is simply incredible. the highlands are full of epics, and the terrain was stunning. Being a fjordlike coastline, most of the ride days started and ended in quaint historic ocean-side villages where you easily see and understand how the culture of Scotch came to be and needed. But, yes, do remember your wool and gore-tex...that is the North Atlantic sea...she has cold, damp, hard bite....that will make you believe in the Loch Ness Monster again.” - Sterling Lorence

“It was incredible to have two of the best riders in the world on our Highland trails; seeing them get their teeth into the rugged Scottish terrain, and enjoying a few 'wee drams' with them round the fire in the evening. It was a truly epic adventure.” - Euan Wilson, H+I Adventures

“We had heard that the weather in the Highlands could change on a dime. We stuffed our riding packs to the point of eruption - wind layers, warm layers, sun protection, and food. But nothing could have prepared us for the vastness and exposure of the Highlands.” - Thomas Vanderham