This circular route involves the first six miles of the Caledonian Canal towpath which is suitable for most hybrid bikes. For road/racing bikes an alternative route on tarmac uses the quiet backroad to Gairlochy. The route then goes on with an option to visit the Braes of Lochaber, specifically the spectacular Monessie Gorge and Waterfalls. The route returns to Spean Bridge to cover the last 10 miles or so on another quiet back road following the river Lochy through the Great Glen back to Fort William.

Starting from Nevis Cycles (Bike Hire) at Inverlochy village, go along Locheil Road. Continue until you come to a railway bridge. Go under the bridge. On your left is the old castle of Inverlochy. Cycle past the main gate of the castle and down behind the Aluminium Social Club. Follow the path across the Putting Green to the traffic lights. Turn left and follow the A830 'Road to the Isles' for a mile until you cross the swing bridge, then take the next right turn onto the B8004 for Gairlochy.

Pass the alternative starting point at the Neptune?s Staircase Car Park where riders on mountain / hybrid bikes can cross the canal to ride along the right hand tow path for the next 6 miles. It is time to enjoy the tranquillity of cycling on the traffic free towpath before rejoining the route along the B8005 at Gairlochy. Road bike riders should stay on the B8005 until Gairlochy.

After six miles (9.6 kms) at the bridge over the canal at Gairlochy turn right to ride along the bank of the River Spean. It is only a short distance before the road is bridged at the Mucomir Power Station.

Some uphill work before being tempted to stop at the Old Pines for coffee. Take a moment to stop and admire the magnificent views of the Nevis Range and the Grey Corries from the famous Commando Memorial. Now turn right and continue downhill to Spean Bridge which has several cafes and restaurants to choose from if you fancy an early lunch.

At Spean Bridge there is the option to turn left onto the A86 (signposted Newtonmore) to visit the Monessie Gorge. Cycle 1.25 miles 2 kms beyond the village of Roybridge. Pass the Glen Spean Hotel on your left - around the next corner note the crofthouse by the road on the right. To the left of the house (grid reference NN302810) a grassy track winds down and across the railway line. The track leads along the side of a field to a suspension footbridge. Here is the place to lock up the bikes and explore the gorge. Then return via your outward route to Spean Bridge. Adventurous MTB riders might like to try riding back to Spean Bridge along the rocky farm tracks on the south side of the river.

At spean Bridge take the A82 signposted Fort William and continue for 0.6 miles, 1 km. Turn right at the sign for Kilmonivaig onto a quiet single track back road. Notice a stone cairn after about 1 km (grid reference NN200819). This marks a path down to a spectacular bridge, now a ruin. It was at this place that the first shots of the 1745 Jacobite rebellion were fired.

Back on your bike this quiet back road meanders past a small lochan. As it becomes more hilly you need to be aware of a steep descent down to the River Lochy. Exercise caution as there is a sharp left hand bend at the bottom of the hill.

After about 4 kms from this bend, if you feel that you are missing out on off road touring, at Tomacharich there is the opportunity for mountain bikes only to turn right onto a stony farm track at grid reference NN137784. This follows a cross country route taking you away from the main road for slightly over 1.5 miles, 2.5 kms. There are two small streams to cross on the way. Turn left at the junctions. Please remember to close the gates. Turn right as the farm track meets the main road to rejoin the route.

Road/hybrid bikes should carry on to where the single track road rises to join the main A82. Turn right, passing Inverlochy Castle (a hotel, not a visitor centre) it is only a short distance on the main road before you reach the traffic lights where you retrace your original route back to your chosen starting point. Straight on for inverlochy (1 mile, 1.3km) or to turn right for the car park at Neptune's Staircase (1 mile, 1.3km).


Starting Points
Parking & Bike Hire - Nevis Cycles, Inverlochy grid reference NN112747
Car park at Neptune's Staircase grid reference NN113769
Distance
Approx 24 miles / 38 kilometres Optional extra 10 miles 16 kms
Grade
Medium - neither pancake flat or knee crunchingly tough
Type of Route
3/5hr/whole-day ride for hybrid / road bike
Terrain
Gently undulating tar macadam road with a few moderate ascents/descents and one steep descent.
O.S.Map
O.S. Explorer 399,400
O.S. Landranger 41
Parking
Free parking available at 2 optional route starting points

Railway Stations
Fort William (2 miles), Inverness (69 miles) Spean Bridge & Roy Bridge stations are on the route near the mid-point
Refreshments
Shops, cafes and hotels along the route
Accommodation
Nearest Youth Hostel Glen Nevis, independent hostels at Roy Bridge, Monessie Gorge, Tulloch
There are many bed and breakfast, guesthouses, and hotels in Banavie, Corpach, Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and the wider Fort William area.
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