The Great Glen

Round The Lochs - Loch Eil And Loch Linnhe

Route Details

Loch Linnhe Ferry at TreslaigMaggie takes you on a leg stretching loop through stunning scenery.

This 40 mile low level jaunt is an invigorating cycle outing. You are never far from sea breezes. Suitable as an all year round ride. It is just right to shake off the excesses of a hearty Scottish breakfast.

Starting from Nevis Cycles, Inverlochy grid reference NN112747 (Parking & Bike Hire) head north out of Fort William on the A82 towards Inverness. Turn left onto the A830 for Mallaig. The route heads north west. You are soon away from the industry and sprinting along this good road for about 10 miles. Take a minute to stop and look back at the stunning views of Ben Nevis from this road.

A left turn at the sign for Lochaline/ Strontian takes you onto singletrack road. Once on this side of Loch Eil the road enters typical West Highland crofting landscape. The scattered crofting townships of Duisky, Blaich and Achaphubuil fringe the shore. Time to watch out for tractors and sheep!

The passenger only ferry is just over the cattle grid at Camusnagaul. The crew are helpful to cyclists and perhaps you have only the time for a half day ride? Here you have the option to shorten the distance and take this form of transport across Loch Linnhe. (12.45 Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday only; 14.15 Monday, Thursday & Saturday only). The ferry passenger shelter is a good place on a showery day to sit for a break or lunch. Or in summer drop into the village hall right beside the road at Trislaig for home made cakes and tea.

This section from Trislaig is more wooded. A hunting ground for buzzards and other birds of prey. Several hectares of roadside woodland are managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust as a reserve.

Woodland is left behind and more open landscape and seascape is encountered as you near Ardgour. Here the ferry (free for cyclists) takes you across the loch. Perhaps you have time to visit the Hotel for some refreshment?

Leaving the ferry behind turn left onto what will be the busy A82. Eight miles of concentration on the traffic as you return to Fort William.



Starting Point
Parking & Bike Hire - Nevis Cycles, Inverlochy grid reference NN112747
Distance
Approx 40 miles / 64 kilometres
Grade
Easy
Type of Route
5hr/whole-day low level coastal ride for hybrid / road bike
Terrain
double and singletrack tarred road
O.S.Map
O.S. Explorer 391, 392, 399
O.S. Landranger 40, 41
Parking
Long Stay Metered parking in Fort William West End and North Road Car Parks grid reference NN098737, NN105743

Railway Stations
Fort William (0.5 mile), Inverness (70 miles)
Refreshments
Various places to stop at 20 to 30 miles, cafes and shops near the start and finish
Accommodation
Nearest Hostels Glen Nevis and Inchree near Corran Ferry (independant hostel)
There are many bed and breakfast places and many hotels all along the route or in Fort William
Cycle Repair
If you break down or have an accident CALL Nevis Cycles 01397 705555 FOR PICK UP
Courtesy bikes available while you wait. Work guaranteed for 6 months. All types of bikes repaired!
FREE safety checks - FREE fitting of any accessories purchased from Nevis Cycles!

Map of Loch Linnhe & Loch Eil circuit cycle route
Click on the map to download full scale version
this map is quite detailed and may take a few minutes to download depending on your connection speed.
Image Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50 000 scale maps by
permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office.
©Crown copyright 2006. All rights reserved. Licence number 100045700