Weekender: Etape Loch Ness

Route name: Etape Loch Ness.
Start/finish: near Inverness Cathedral.
Maps: OS Landrangers 26 Inverness & Loch Ness and 34 Fort Augustus.
Ride length: 105km/65 miles.
Climbing: 1,390 metres (4,560 feet).
Bike type: road bike, touring bike or hybrid.
Ride level: regular and experienced.

Etape Loch Ness is one of those rare cycling events that manages to mix a huge field (6,000 riders!) on a spectacular closed-road loop with a wonderfully friendly atmosphere.

Lining up for an early start at dawn, there’s a mix of regular club riders, ambitious racers and charity challenge riders, and the event caters for them all surprisingly well, with the support of a huge number of local volunteers.

The loop starts from the charming little city of Inverness, which has been dubbed the capital of the Highlands. It takes in both sides of Scotland’s most famed freshwater loch, Loch Ness.

As if riding beside the shores of Loch Ness wasn’t scenic enough, the return leg from Fort Augustus provides a hillier second half that is even more impressive. A sharp climb leads you up to Loch Tarff and onto General Wade’s Military Road, reaching up to nearly 400 metres of elevation.

From up here, between the surrounding peaks and overlooking Loch nan Eun, it’s enough to take away what little breath you have left.

All that climbing is rewarded with a sublime open descent, before a narrow, twisting and undulating rollercoaster-like road through the trees takes you from Whitebridge back towards Loch Ness and your return to Inverness.

While the brilliant Etape Loch Ness event only takes place once a year (26 April 2026 is your next chance; you can register your interest now), this classic loop can be enjoyed at any time, making this a fantastic option for a day ride when visiting the Scottish Highlands.

1. Urquhart Castle

Would it be a ride in the Highlands without a loch-side castle? From the road you can look down over the loch’s shores for an almost bird’s-eye view over the ruins of Urquhart Castle, which is worth a diversion. This large castle ruin has seen some tumultuous times, including the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century.

2. Invermoriston Falls

Easily seen from the road, this cascade may not be huge in size but it is certainly pretty enough to warrant a pause after you pass through Invermoriston. The bridge dates back to 1930, and it’s said that you can see salmon leaping here if you’re lucky, usually around the end of October.

3. Fort Augustus

The town of Fort Augustus lends itself well to a café stop halfway around the route, at the end of Loch Ness and the start of the Caledonian Canal. Fish and chips while you look out for Nessie? Or perhaps something lighter from DelightfulNess by the canal?

4. Loch Tarff and General Wade’s Military Road climb

There’s no getting away from the fact that this climb is a biggie, but there’s some light relief with a flatter middle section past Loch Tarff after the steep ramps at the start. Take your time and pace yourself; the views are worth it. The Etape Loch Ness event offers the full experience, with bagpipes to greet you at the summit!

5. Harry Gow Bakery, Inverness

Celebrate the end of the ride in style with a ‘dream ring’ from Harry Gow Bakery – a huge, cream-filled, icing-topped ring doughnut. It’s not easy to eat, but it’s a local delicacy to be savoured when visiting these parts.

6. The Castle Tavern, Inverness

For a proper post-ride refuel, the cyclist-friendly Castle Tavern comes highly recommended. With iconic views over the castle, this charming pub has plenty of character, and the food is excellent. Enjoy your meal from one of the cosy bar tables or from the beer garden out front.