Cycle Around Loch Ness and Discover the Scottish Highlands
This 5-day cycling holiday is a circular journey around Loch Ness, starting and finishing in Inverness. Following the Great Glen Cycle route to Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus, the tour combines panoramic views of Loch Ness with Highland scenery, historical heritage and natural landscapes. Highlights include the dramatic setting of Urquhart Castle, the historic village of Fort Augustus and the distinctive landscapes of South Loch Ness.
A Flexible Cycling Holiday with Routes Prepared for You
A self-guided cycling tour gives you the opportunity to experience the Loch Ness area by bike while following a prepared itinerary through the Highlands. The circular route takes you from Inverness to Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus before returning via the south side of Loch Ness, allowing you to experience different sides of one of Scotland’s best-known destinations.
ROUTE
The Loch Ness cycling route forms a circular journey from Inverness around one of Scotland’s most famous lochs. From Inverness, the route follows the Great Glen Cycle route towards Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus before continuing along the south side of Loch Ness back to Inverness. Along the way, the landscape combines panoramic views of the loch with Highland scenery, while historical highlights include Urquhart Castle near Drumnadrochit and the heritage of Fort Augustus.
The south side of Loch Ness brings a different perspective on the landscape, with heather-covered hills, sparkling lochs, deep forests and wide Highland views. Cycling through this natural setting provides an opportunity to experience the area’s wildlife and flora at a pace suited to a self-guided journey.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive in Inverness
Arrive in Inverness, the starting point of your circular Loch Ness cycling holiday. This thriving Highland town has historical links dating back to Neolithic times and has played an important strategic role in Scotland’s history. You can explore its historical heritage, including the Garrison Castle Encounter, which takes visitors back to the period of the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion.
Day 2: Inverness to Drumnadrochit
39 km / 24 miles
Leave Inverness and follow the River Caledonian Canal before heading towards the open Highland landscape. The route includes a challenging climb to Blackfold and continues across moorland and quiet country roads towards Drumnadrochit. Once there, you can explore the village and discover some of the area’s highlights, including the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition and the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle overlooking Loch Ness.
Day 3: Drumnadrochit to Fort Augustus
37 km / 23 miles
Continue towards Fort Augustus at the southern end of Loch Ness. The route includes some steep hills and sections of off-road cycling on stony paths and forest tracks, with beautiful views across Loch Ness and the surrounding Highlands. The forest sections offer the possibility of seeing wildlife such as deer or golden eagles before reaching Fort Augustus.
Day 4: Fort Augustus to Inverness
53 km / 33 miles
Follow Cycle Route 78 from Fort Augustus, beginning with a long climb towards Carn an t-Suidhe. The ascent is rewarded with magnificent views of Loch Ness before the route descends towards Foyers. There is an opportunity to take the short walk to the dramatic Falls of Foyers before continuing along the eastern side of Loch Ness to Dores. From Dores, it is a short ride back to Inverness.
Day 5: Departure from Inverness
Your Loch Ness cycling holiday ends in Inverness. Depart from the Highland capital after completing the circular route around Loch Ness.
Extend Your Stay
Additional nights can be organized on request.
Getting to Inverness (Departure Point)
Inverness Airport (INV): The closest airport to the departure point, with access to Inverness by public transport.
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) / Glasgow Airport (GLA): Both are also suitable arrival airports, with onward train and bus connections to Inverness.
By Train
By Train: Inverness Railway Station: Inverness is well connected by rail to Edinburgh and Glasgow.
How to book this tour
We require a deposit of 25% of the tour price per person upon reservation, final payment 6 weeks before tour departure.
Included
- B&B or guesthouse accommodation in twin/double en-suite rooms.
- Luggage transportation
- Tour information, including maps, detailed routes and GPX files.
- Emergency support.
NOT Included
- Travel to and from the tour start/finish.
- Bicycle or E-bike rental
- Lunches and dinners.
- Visitor and castle entrance fees.
- Travel insurance
- Local Taxes
- Any services not specifically mentioned as included
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and start planning your cycling journey.
Check available options
Departures & Prices
Prices are per person in a double room 2027.
Wednesday or Saturday departures, from 3 April to 23 October.
Other departure days are possible on request.
Regular Season
3 April to 23 October
From
£700
Options & Supplements
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£900 Single room
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Premium Upgraded (on request)
Accommodation
Carefully selected to ensure comfort, quality, and a relaxing and unforgettable journey.
Choose Your Accommodation
Standard
Comfortable guesthouses or private houses with breakfast. A practical option for travellers who want to enjoy the same cycling experience while choosing a more affordable accommodation category.
Premium
Higher accommodation category with a selection of 4-star and 3-star hotels/inns with breakfast. It is a great choice for travellers looking for a more premium hotel experience.
Price on request.
Additional nights
Prices per person, including breakfast
Double Room £90
Single room £140
BIKES
Below you’ll find the essential information about bicycle rentals.
Sport Hybrid Bike
£100
E-Bike
£200