We’re always encouraged to receive news of mountain bike events run in conjunction with walking/equestrian/other outdoor activities. It appeals to the parts of our brains that almost constantly think, “Can’t we all just get along?”. Latest in an honourable line is the splendidly-named Hairy Coo Mountain Bike Challenge, organised as part of the Crieff and Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst walking festival (6-13 October).

The Hairy Coo (7 October) will offer mountain bike enthusiasts and spectators a fun, race-based event celebrating the unique heritage of drovers and drove roads. The event will be for both juniors and adults with spectacular scenic highland routes utilising sections of ancient drove road. The route will start and finish at Comrie Croft, a former farm, now a 4* hostel and mountain biking centre between Crieff and Comrie.

The testing 3.5km course incorporates forest track climbs, exciting singletrack cross country loops and some “gnarly” descending, as well as a quarry section with jumps and drop offs. Spectators will be kept entertained during the day too! Categories from Juvenile (12 -16) to Veteran (40+), and a fun category for those with no previous race experience.

The Drovers’ Tryst is an 8-day festival, with a variety of walks, other outdoor activities and social events running throughout the week. The whole thing will also be carbon-neutral, with the organisers encouraging use of pubic transport, using local suppliers and other measures and then offsetting whatever carbon footprint is left by planting trees at Comrie Croft.

Find out more at www.droverstryst.co.uk.