INTRODUCTION

Roller skiing has become a method of extending the sport of cross-country skiing. The activity itself can be a lot of fun, it is a superb way to keep fit and there is no finer way to develop technique when there is no snow around.

However, finding a suitable location to roller ski that has good tarmac, is safe and not too steep, etc., etc., is sometimes problematic. This publication is an attempt to help. A look through the directory locations just might inspire you to go and try out a new area and therefore go some way towards the further development of roller skiing in this country.

Many of the routes use cycle tracks, created and maintained by Sustrans. According to Chris Nelson, Information and Trading Officer, Sustrans "the routes are shared paths for non-motorised users - roller skiers are more than welcome to use them". You may be able to correct the misapprehension of a very few cyclists that the routes are just for them.

The directory locations have all been tried and submitted by roller skiers up and down the country. You may well have comments to add to those written for each location or may know of another area for roller skiing that is not here. If this is the case, then please send any information so that the directory may be updated to include amendments and/or new routes to try.

As well as a directory of roller ski locations, there are articles to be enjoyed. Brian Adams describes a summer ski tour on rollers in the Highlands around Loch Katrine in Perthshire. It looks a brilliant trip to try! Then, Harry Waugh's account of his epic roller ski journey from John O'Groats to Lands End has been included. That journey must be the ultimate roller ski trip to date in this country and has yet to be repeated.

Happy rollering and please remember to send in any new roller ski locations, articles, etc.

Each Location has been described using a similar format. For each location there is a description, grid reference, a sheet number (this always refers to the Landranger 50,000 scale series, unless stated otherwise), and sometimes a sketchmap, where it has been provided by the contributor.

Distances are given in metric; this was considered useful as a comparison to usual snow ski distances.

A description of tarmac Surface and the Designation has also been provided. Obviously, this may change, so keep me updated please.

Safety Details, Facilities and Other Details have also been given to help you with route selection.

All of the locations within this directory have been presented by roller skiers from various regions of the country. The name of the contibutor, where known, is at the end of each directory entry

A very big THANK YOU must be given to all the skiers contributing to this directory; without your submissions there would be no Roller Ski Directory. Your assistance may well have gone some small way in promoting the sport of cross country skiing in this country.