Loch Ossian Bike-packing Adventures Part 1: with support from Basecamp Food

At Dirt Divas, we’re big fans of bike-packing. There’s something truly magical about strapping everything you need onto your bike and pedalling off into the wild. So when the chance came up to organise a bike-packing adventure of our own, we didn’t hesitate - especially when it involved booking out the remote and beautiful Loch Ossian Youth Hostel.

Tucked away on the shores of a stunning loch and surrounded by munros, Ossian is one of the most remote hostels in the UK. With no road access, getting there is all part of the adventure - you can hike, ride, or take the train made famous by the 90s cult classic Trainspotting.

Naturally, we chose to ride in. We offered two route options - 25km or 40km, so participants could choose how much they were up for. Bike-packing on a fully loaded bike can be an extra challenge, but it’s also incredibly rewarding and we're all about inclusion - riding at a relaxed pace, so we can chat and get to know each other, with lots of snack stops

After rolling up to Loch Ossian, we made a beeline for Corrour Station House - just in time for the rain to start. The timing was perfect. We piled into the cosy cafe and warmed up with coffee and cake while the rain pattered on the windows. It's a brilliant wee spot, full of character and very welcoming.

From there it was a short ride down to the Loch Ossian Youth Hostel, where we were greeted by our camp mums for the weekend, Elaine and Yve. Beds were claimed, bunks were made (with proper bedding - no sleeping bags needed here!), and we all soon settled in by the fire, warming up and winding down.

Our trip was proudly supported by the team at Base Camp Foods, with dinner that night freeze-dried meals from the brand Summit to Eat. These kinds of meals might not sound exciting if you've never tried them before, but after a long day outdoors, they hit the spot. Everyone picked their own - some went for macaroni cheese, others for chipotle chilli or spaghetti bolognese. There were lots of “Mmm this is actually really good” noises echoing round the room.

What’s great about Base camp Foods is the variety. They stock loads of options from different brands like Summit To Eat, Firepot, and TentMeals, so whether you like hearty and comforting or fresh and healthy, there’s something that’ll work for you.

Some meals, like Summit To Eat, are especially handy — just add boiling water to the pouch, wait a bit, and dig in. No extra bowls or washing up (unless you count licking your spoon clean). Others, like TentMeals, feel a bit fresher and are packed with fruit and nuts, but you do need a bowl or pan to prepare them in.

We always suggest trying a few at home or on a short trip first. Everyone’s tastes are different, and it’s much nicer knowing you’ve got a meal you’ll actually look forward to eating when you’re tired, damp, and hungry.

With bellies full and bikes parked up for the night, we settled into hostel life — drying out kit by the fire, sharing stories, and getting excited for the next day’s adventures.

In Part Two, we’ll chat about the gear that helped us get there — including the bike bags that made carrying everything easier, thanks to our pals at Altura.

Stay tuned!

Loch Ossian Youth Hostel