Welcome to Inverness! Your adventure starts here. Known as the Highland Capital, it has faithfully guarded the Northern entrance to the Caledonian Canal for 200 years. This beautiful city should meet your every last minute shopping needs. If you’re keen on a hearty meal and a nice drink, there are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from, too. Don’t forget to pick up your trusty bike before you settle in for the evening!

Enjoy your rest and get ready for a stunning day of cycling tomorrow!

Distance: 31.1km / Elevation gain: +160m

Your first day takes you along the glorious Southern side of Loch Ness, via a combination the South Loch Ness Trail and Route 78 of the UK’s National Cycle network. Be sure to absorb the views across the water – an insight into what awaits you over the next few days.

The route quietens down quickly once you are out of the city and with the majority of today’s cycling being on a good road surface, the miles fly by. Keep an eye out for squirrels darting across the path – they’re very common on this side of the lake! The trail sections of today’s ride are stunning and have a distinctly different feel to their northern counterparts. 

Enjoy your first night on the trail in Foyers; a small, peaceful community on the hillside overlooking the great lake.

Distance: 23.6km / Elevation gain: +362m

Your second cycle is your shortest section. Once you are out of Foyers, you steadily start to climb to the highest point of the day. From here, prepare for the most exhilarating descent of the entire trip into Fort Augustus – ending your day on a cyclist’s high!

Distance: 35.5km / Elevation gain: +743m

You kick off with undulating forest roads that lead you to your first destination – Invermoriston; an opportunity to rest the muscles and step off track to have a good look at Invermoriston falls and the stone circle nearby. 

A big climb awaits, and soon after the choice to take the High or Low route on your next leg. We highly recommend opting for the Low route on the bike as the high section is best suited for those on foot. The biggest hills of the day are saved for the last half, so pace yourself and take as much rest as you need (this is where the Electric Mountain Bikes really come in handy!). 

A final, speedy road and short woodland section bring you into Drumnadrochit and your home for the evening. A lovely place to spend the night, absorbing your accomplishments of the day.

Distance: 36.3km / Elevation gain: +493m

We’re almost there! Some challenging climbing awaits you in the first half of your final stretch, but what goes up must come down, and you will soon be treated to plenty of glorious downhill riding. 

Be prepared to get off your bike and push up the technical hilly sections of the route if they prove too challenging, but there is great news in the form of cake, tea and coffee at the end of the hardest part. Do consider dropping into the wonderful Abrachian Forest campsite outdoor cafe on your way through – surprises await you!

The rest of the ride into the highland Capital involves a real treat in downhill cycling. Your final few kilometres back into Inverness culminate in a finish line at the foot of Inverness castle – the perfect ending to a wonderful adventure.

Your Loch Ness 360° tour ends here with memories that will last a lifetime!