This is a circular trail suitable for the intermediate mountain bike rider with cross country riding in mind. With lots of variety of terrain and spectacular scenery it comprises a mix of canal towpath, quiet single track tarmac roads, forest roads and single track. Both the outward and return sections follow the Caledonian Canal so it is easy to navigate. The outward section from Fort William to the Bridge of Oich is a part of the proposed Sustrans National Cycle Route 78.

Starting from Inverlochy (Bike Hire) leave the village along Loch Eil Road. Go alongside the Black Parks Recreation Fields to the Soldier?s Bridge for pedestrians and cyclists. Cross the bridge and turn left. Take the next left and follow the road around the housing estate. Where the road ends take the narrow single track path which leads onto the Caledonian Canal Towpath. At the Towpath turn right. Enjoy the views of Ben Nevis and the surrounding mountains in the traffic free environment of the Canal for 9.6 kms /6 miles.

Cross the Canal bridge at Gairlochy. Continue on the cycle path / single track tarmac road to the wooden houses at Clunes. Here the Way changes from tarmac road to forest track which continues for 5.5 miles 9 kms along the lochside to Laggan Locks. Turn right at the holiday chalets to go down to the Locks. Cross over one of the gates. This is a good point to stop for refreshment at the barge pub!

Go across the car park to the main road ( A82 ). Turn right for 20m. Cross the road and take the narrow track leading up through the trees. This takes you onto the bed of an old railway line. Turn left. This section of single track path follows the shore of Loch Oich. Sections can be soft and muddy. At length the route turns down onto an old road ? General Wade?s Military Road. Caution - tree roots can be slippery on this part. Continue to follow the track and turn left after crossing the old steel bridge then at the head of the Loch pause to enjoy the spectacular view westwards to the distant hills.

At the Canal gateturn left, cross the main road. Cycle along the footpath of the A82 over the swing bridge and a second bridge. Take a moment to admire the old suspension bridge. 50 metreas after passing a small car park, turn right onto the start of a single track section which leads to a forest road, then on to Invergarry.

Descend from the hill path to turn left onto the main road ( A82 ), turn right and cross the bridge. Take the first right - signed for Mandally. Cycle for 1Km along the quiet lane. At the first left turn uphill on forest track. Some climbing now before you are able to enjoy the descents down to the tarmac road at North Laggan. A right turn takes you behind North Laggan onto tarmac single track.

After 2.5 kms the route changes back to forest track. Time to retrace the route along Loch Lochy to Clunes, thus on to Gairlochy and the Canal Towpath to return to Fort William.

Hope you enjoyed the trail and all its variety!

Starting Points
Parking & Bike Hire - Nevis Cycles, Inverlochy grid reference NN112747
Car park at Neptune's Staircase grid reference NN113769
Distance
Approx 52 miles / 84 kilometres

Alternative Starting Point
Forest Car Park, Clunes grid reference NN203887
Distance
Approx 32 miles / 51 kilometres

Grade
Moderate
Type of Route
6hr/whole-day cross country ride for mountain bike
Terrain
Level towpath, gently undulating forest road and tar macadam road, some moderate gradients, some cross countyr/single track.
O.S.Map
O.S. Explorer 399, 400
O.S. Landranger 34, 41
Parking
Free parking available at 3 optional route start

Railway Stations
Spean Bridge (3 miles), Fort William (2 miles), Inverness (38 miles from route mid-point)
Refreshments
Gairlochy (seasonal tea-room), Laggan Locks (seasonal barge-pub), shop at North Laggan, Invergarry Hotel
Accommodation
Nearest Hostel Laggan
There are bed and breakfast places and hotels in Spean Bridge and Invergarry
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