Inverness and Loch Ness Cycle Routes
From easy cycle paths to challenging biking trails, the Inverness and Loch Ness area offers an endless number of scenic cycle routes. Surrounded by the glorious Scottish Highlands, cyclists can enjoy everything from short loops to epic trails, and flat paths to high climbs. There are routes for all skills and ages on a cycling holiday in the Highlands of Scotland. So, bring your bike along, or hire one here, and explore this magnificent part of Scotland.
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Explore places to cycle below…
Bike Hire Inverness
If you don’t have your own bike with you, your first stop should be Inverness Bike Hire or Ticket To Ride. These local bike hire shops will kit you out with a suitable bicycle, along with any essential equipment and spares you may need, such as helmets, locks, pumps and toolkits.
City Rides
Inverness is a very bike-friendly city with lots of cycle paths. A high percentage of locals cycle and active travel is promoted across the city. Use this Inverness Active Travel Map to see recommended city cycle routes, both on and off road.
National Cycle Network
The National Cycle Network is a group of traffic-free cycle paths with signage. Making it easier for cyclists to reach other cities, towns and countryside around the UK. Inverness is on routes 1, 7 and 78. You can sign up here for a free traffic-free route guide.
Mountain Bike Trails
For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are plenty of exciting and varied trails. Learnie Red Rocks is a popular choice nearby, offering purpose-built tracks suitable for all levels. With green, blue and black routes, forest roads and a bike park and dirt jump area. The Forestry Commission has an excellent mountain biking trails guide for more ideas.
Loch Ness Long-Distance
The Great Glen Way stretches from Inverness to Fort Augustus and on to Fort William, on Loch Ness’ north side. The South Loch Ness Trail runs back from Fort Augustus to Inverness, on the south side of the loch. The two routes connect to create the Loch Ness 360°. This full loop around the entire loch is around 80 miles long. It is made up of six sections, each taking around half a day to complete. So you can choose one section, or challenge yourself to do the whole route.
