Mountain Bike Challenge around Loch Ness

The Loch Ness Mountain Bike Challenge

For all cyclists looking for their next mountain bike challenge, this is a Loch Ness Challenge to sink your teeth into. To be held on Sunday, 22nd May 2022. This event is suitable for all off-road bikes including gravel bikes.

Starting from the village of Dores at 5am on Sunday 22nd May 2022, the circular route will leave the village and head towards Inverness on the South Loch Ness Trail.

At Inverness it will link up to the Great Glen Way on the north side and follow the route of the trail all the way to the village of Fort Augustus at the southern end of Loch Ness. Here the route switches back on to the South Loch Ness Trail and heads steeply up hill to the Glendoe Hydro Works entrance.

From here the route continues over Suidhe and on to Foyers and Inverfarigaig via Glen Liath and Farigaig woods. From there it’s a 7 km climb up and over the spectacular Fair Haired Lad’s Pass before the final few fast and easy kilometres to the finish at Dores.

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Sponsors of the Loch Ness Challenge

Mountain Bike Challenge Information

Total distance: 80 miles (129km) / over 3,000 metres total ascent
Time limit: 14 hours
Entry cost: £85

Please note that Mountain Bike Challenge competitors will be required to provide a mandatory kit, to include:

Mobile phone
Sufficient water/food to last for 4 hours
Wind / waterproof top
Basic first aid kit
Bike repair kit
All riders must wear a certified helmet (xc or full face) at all times
Gloves are mandatory – knee, elbow and back protection is strongly recommended

Note:

Note: Riders should use the same frame, fork and wheels during the whole event. All bikes must have bar plugs and be in perfect working order.

If you’d like to help out at the Challenge this year, we’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join us throughout the event. Find out more about volunteering on the Loch Ness Challenge here.

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Event Information | FAQs | Terms & Conditions

Map of the Mountain Bike Challenge Route

The map below shows the full 80-mile trail around Loch Ness. The northern red trail is part of the Great Glen Way. The South green trail forms the South Loch Ness Trail from Fort Augustus to Inverness.

Explore the Trail

Elevation profiles

These elevation profiles show a cross-sectional view of the terrain along the Great Glen Way (sections 1 to 3 of the LN360°) and the South Loch Ness Trail (sections 4 to 6).