The annual Cream o’ the Croft festival, which takes place at Comrie, Perthshire, from June 17 to 19, promises lots of fun on bicycles for children and adults. My Sunday Mail outdoors column reveals just a few of the things that festival goers can enjoy. There is also a discount code that you can use. Read the article
Cream o’ the Croft mountain bike festival
What is it?: Scotland’s family friendly mountain bike festival at Comrie Croft, near Comrie, Perthshire.
Tell me more: The Cream o’ the Croft weekend is back for the second year and promises to be even bigger and better.
The festival takes place on June 17 to 19 with the focus on mountain biking, plus a host of other activities on the side.
On Saturday, the main event is a mountain bike Enduro that features nine timed stages, including a “Jump and Pump” stage, blue, red and black-graded descents, and a hill climb.
The fastest male and female across all stages will be crowned the “Cream o’ the Croft”.
For younger riders, there’s a Mini Enduro for those aged six to 13 on the Sunday, as well as Toddler Balance Bike and Pedal Bike races.
Non-competitive riders will also have a role to play in keeping the action going with two pedal-powered features, including the main sound system.
The Scottish premiere of the new mountain biking film Not2Bad will also be screened in a pedal-powered cinema on the Friday night.
Another great spectator event is Round 3 of the Scottish Bike Trials Championships, which takes place at the festival this year.
Other biking action includes coaching for toddlers and for women, a bunny-hop competition, a pumptrack challenge and bike drag racing.
For non-riders there’s a long list of other activities to try such as segways, quad pods, circus skills workshops, slack line, a petting zoo and a magical fairy hunt.
Andrew Donaldson, managing director of Comrie Croft, said: “The really special thing about Cream O’ The Croft is the incredible friendly buzz and safe atmosphere.
“There is something about the slightly homespun nature of it all that makes everyone relax and enjoy the all-inclusive kids activities, deli food and craft beer, bike racing, eclectic bands, camping and a whole load more.”
Anything else to know?: Alongside the action, Cream of the Croft also plays host to a music, food and beer festival.
Aaron Gray, of organisers Muckmedden Events, said: “We are known for organising fun-focused mountain bike events.
“Last year, when we combined this with Comrie Croft trails and locally sourced gourmet food and drink from Hansen’s Kitchen, it created something really special.
“We’re all really excited to be bringing the festival back for another year and we’re pushing the boat out to make sure there’s something for everyone.”
Saturday’s live music line-up is headlined by the seven-piece Jenova Collective playing a great range of upbeat tunes.
Local talent includes Crieff’s Black and Thomson and Comrie favourites, The Bullet Holes.
Sunday’s live music selection includes The Daddy Naggins from Glasgow and The Coaltown Daisies from Fife.
Cost: There are a wide range of tickets and prices to choose from, with children aged under six free. Readers of this column can claim take advantage of a discount on “Single Cream” and “Double Cream” weekend passes only by visiting www.fionaoutdoors.co.uk “Discount tickets for Cream o’ the Croft”.
Further info: For the full festival programme see: www.creamothecroft.co.uk