The 40 mile, 64 kms, route is perhaps one for outside the busy summer season due to tourist traffic on the main road. However the shorter option of almost 20 miles, 32 kms, makes a great summer evening ride.
Start this option from the car park behind the Mountain Rescue Centre at the entrance to Glencoe village grid reference NN098587. Turn left from the car park and right onto the B863 for Kinlochleven.
The full route starts from the West End Car Park, Fort William, and heads out of town South on the A82(T).
Be prepared to pull over into a picnic area to allow traffic to clear as the first 8 mile section of narrow double track can be busy at peak times. However it's way too early in the ride for a coffee stop. Cycle through the village of Onich and across the Ballachulish Bridge where the road widens and traffic can easily pass. Continue on the A82 via the roundabout. The road bypasses the village of Ballachulish where there is a shop. Continue along the A82 for less than a mile, soon there is a cafe oé ¯n the right where you should turn left for Kinlochleven onto the much quieter B863 which bypasses Glencoe. Although you might like to take time to visit the Folk Museum or shop in the village.
The road climbs steadily from now on with stunning views across Loch Leven to the hills of the Mamore Forest. Following a series of bends the descent into Kinlochleven is exhilarating but needs care.
The village was built to house workers for the aluminium smelter (closed) and you can find out more from the Aluminium Story Visitor Centre. Part of the factory has been converted into an indoor rock-climbing and ice-climbing centre (with cafe).
For a lunch break there is a pub, cafe aé ¡nd fish and chip shop to choose from.
From Kinlochleven to North Ballachulish the single track road ducks and dives along the shore of the loch. Parts of the route are tunnel like through trees and other sections open out to grassy coves down to the water's edge. This is the time on a bike when you feel very close to nature.
At the junction at North Ballachulish turn right onto the A82 to head back to Fort William. If you are taking the shorter option turn left to cross the bridge and return to Glencoe.
Starting Points - Full route
Parking & Bike Hire- Nevis Cycles, Inverlochy grid reference NN112747
Car park at Fort William (west end) grid reference NN098737
Distance
Approx 40 miles / 64 kilometres
Starting Point - Short route
Free Car Park behind the Mountain Rescue Centre at the entrance to Glencoe village grid reference NN098587
Distance
Approx 20 miles / 32 kilometres
Grade
Medium ? mainly flat with hilly mid-section
Type of Route
5hr/whole day (half-day option) ride for hybrid / road bike
Terrain
Double track tar macadam road
O.S.Map
O.S. Explorer 392,384
O.S. Landranger 41
Parking
Available at route start points
Railway Stations
Fort William (0.5 miles), Inverness (70 miles), Bridge of Orchy (24 miles - alternative start at Glencoe),
Refreshments
Plenty of shops and hotels along the way
Accommodation
Nearest Hostel Glen Nevis, Inchree (independent), Kinlochleven (independent)
There are many bed and breakfast places and hotels along the route
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!
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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