PolyTrack Highland 1 Mountain Climb: linked high bends and the descending return
Mountain Climb is this site’s Highland 1, a medium highland track with a 12-metre road. The route rises from level ground to 17 metres, then returns lower along the other side. Focus on the linked upper bends and the return, rather than simply holding acceleration uphill.
PolyTrack driving guide editors · Updated
Remember a whole lap through the terrain sequence
The start goes toward the map’s upper left, then turns right. The upper route first comes inward, then opens to the upper right through two linked changes. It returns down the far right and comes back from below. Remember: left-side ascent, linked high bends, right-side descent, lower return.
The overhead map shows the high bends’ horizontal shape; in the game you also see the elevation. When the road ahead looks shortened near a crest, check the mini-map for the next direction. Release throttle and adjust before the bend instead of correcting hurriedly when its exit appears.
Learn where the exits are during the ascent
The opening drifts left before bending toward the upper right. Avoid a long boost where the exit is hard to see. First follow a central line and notice when the road changes direction. The 12-metre width gives less correction room than Coastal Sprint.
Near the first high bend, finish the car’s directional adjustment before accelerating along the next section. The view can make distant road sections appear close together. Use the mini-map to check whether the route continues turning or changes direction again.
Leave a usable position for the second high bend
At the top, the route first comes inward and then opens to the upper right. Watching only the first exit can make you miss the second change. Release throttle early and try two shorter steering inputs to follow the pair, rather than one long held turn.
Aim to connect the bends without a sudden reverse correction. Be conservative through the first so the second road section remains in front of the car. Once the pair is repeatable, try reducing time off throttle; adjust to the speed you bring into the section.
Continue looking ahead after the right-side descent
After descending on the right, the road goes toward the lower left and follows the lower return to the start. Lower ground still contains bends. Choose speed from the exit direction rather than holding nitro simply because the route descends.
If you return to a checkpoint, finish the lap and remember where it happened. Besides the three-second penalty, you must accelerate again. A complete lap without returns makes it easier to judge whether your changes at the upper bends helped.
Progress from flat loops to linked high bends
If the upper section is hard to control, practise releasing throttle, turning, releasing steering and accelerating on Forest Passage, then return here. Avoid adding higher system strength and more aggressive nitro at the same time, so you can identify what caused a problem.
To build a similar route, start with a flat closed circuit in the editor, then raise points gradually while keeping slopes gentle. This map is an illustration, not an importable file. The editor guide explains this site’s JSON backup and sharing workflow.
Read next: PolyTrack Summer 1 Forest Passage: compact-loop cornering guide →
Read the obstacle, then choose a clear side
Orange markers on the map show obstacles. The table lists their occupied road sides in driving order. Left and right are relative to your driving direction. Learn the open lane first, then try increasing your speed.
The same track has the same number of obstacles in the same positions on every attempt. Solo driving and every system strength level use this layout, so routes and lap times can be compared fairly. system strength changes the opponent’s driving speed.
| Distance from the start | Occupied side | Clear passing side |
|---|---|---|
| About 53 m | Left | Right |
| About 254 m | Left | Right |
Return to the track and practise one skill
Keep the same track and mode, change one action, and see whether your next lap is steadier. If you need help, describe the bend and your controls in the driver comments.