Loch Ness 360 Self Guided Cycling Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Inverness

Stop At: Inverness, UK
Check in to your accommodation and explore Inverness. There are several good pubs and restaurants.
The Castle Tavern is always popular and you might want to make a booking with Rocpool Rendezvous
as a treat on your return at the end of the week. If you’ve got time swing by our base in Bellfield Park to
try the bikes or pick up last minute essentials from the town centre.

Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight a local guest house or Bed and Breakfast

Day 2: Inverness - Foyers

Stop At: Foyers, Inverness IV2 6XU, UK
20 miles / 1394ft | 32km / 425m
Cycle from Inverness at the mouth of the River Ness and head south-west along the signposted cycle
route number 78. The route passes along quiet farm roads and the profile of The Great Glen soon looms
on the horizon. Loch Ness appears for the first time as you reach the loch-side village of Dores. Stop off
at The Dores Inn for refreshments or an early lunch and take time off the bike to explore the beach on
foot. The beach at Dores is home to full-time Nessie Hunter Steve Feltham who has kept a watchful eye
on the water since 1991. He’s bound to have clocked up some amazing sightings, right?
Back on the bike, stick to Route 78 and follow the road by the shore. At Inverfarigaig you can again
explore on foot through tall conifer trees on waymarked trails. The gorge of Inverfarigaig was cut by
meltwater at the end of the last ice age. The Falls of Foyers are easy to find and all the more impressive
if you’ve just been rained on. Cameron’s Tearoom serves fantastic afternoon teas in a really welcoming
environment amidst the resident highland cows and deer.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at local guest house or Bed and Breakfast

Day 3: Foyers - Fort Augustus

Stop At: Fort Augustus PH32, UK
14miles/1407ft | 23km/429m
It’s not the hilliest day today but there is a big a climb to the highest point of the whole 360. Take the
waymarked South Loch Ness Trail which follows the river Foyers to the tiny village of Whitebridge. The
hotel offers lunches 12-2pm every day except Mondays. Stick to the South Loch Ness Trail as the track
climbs to the magnificent Suidhe (soo-ee) Viewpoint. The views are truly panoramic and there are often
deer to be seen on the hill-side if you look closely. You need a bit of luck to spot a golden eagle but your
best chance is around this point. You’ve earned the long descent past Loch Tarff to Fort Augustus. The
village was originally called Kiliwhimin but became known as Fort Augustus after the 1715 Jacobite
uprising when a military base was built here and named after the Duke of Cumberland. The fort is long
gone but today the village bustles with visitors catching a cruise on Loch Ness or watching boats pass
through the locks on the Caledonian Canal. If you’ve still got energy to burn you can explore the paths by
the canal. Following Great Glen Way signs to Loch Oich and back adds a further 10miles / 16km to the
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at local guest house or Bed and Breakfast

Day 4: Fort Augustus - Drumnadrochit

Stop At: Drumnadrochit, Inverness IV63, UK
22 miles / 3257ft | 35km / 993m
The Great Glen Way is a coast to coast path linking Fort William on
the west coast with Inverness on the east and you’ll follow this
waymarked trail all the way from now on. Today is not quite the
longest but it has the most hills so an extra large bowl of porridge
at breakfast is a good idea. Set off early, take it steady and
remember that most visitors to Loch Ness won’t have earned the
views that you have. The village of Invermoriston provides
refreshment before the three big hills of the day. Drumnadrochit is
a great wee village with a good choice of pubs and restaurants.
Urquhart Castle is just outside the village and you should plan a
couple of hours for a visit on arrival or first thing the following
morning. If you’re still looking for evidence of Nessie, the Loch
Ness Centre and Exhibition is a good place to start.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at local guest house or Bed and Breakfast

Day 5: Drumnadrochit - Inverness

Stop At: Inverness, UK
23 miles / 2043ft | 37km / 623m
It’s slightly longer today but only one big climb and
the payoff is a magnificent descent towards
Inverness and that’s the bit you’ll remember. Along
the way you’ll find Abriachan Forest a community
owned woodland with blue and green graded
mountain bike trails. You can play here safe in the
knowledge that the hard work is behind you and
refreshments are available at the nearby Eco Cafe
and Campsite. Sandra and Howie offer a unique
fresh air dining experience that’s literally
off-the-beaten-path. When you reach Inverness
you’ll meet the Caledonian Canal again and pass
through the beautiful forested Ness Islands before
completing your Loch Ness 360 at Inverness Castle.

Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at local guest house or Bed and Breakfast