Loch Ness & Glen Affric Gravel Sportive - Final Details

In just over two weeks’ time, you’ll be lining up on the shores of Loch Ness for the Loch Ness and Glen Affric Gravel Sportive – a grassroots cycling adventure through some of the most stunning landscapes the Highlands have to offer. We’re delighted to welcome you to this community-organised event, created jointly by the people of Glen Urquhart and Strathglass.

The route is approximately 55 miles and combines gravel tracks with quiet road sections, linking the glens in a way that few visitors ever experience. From our start and finish point at Glen Urquhart High School in Drumnadrochit (IV63 6XA) https://share.google/Mgz8rkcgtXttOQKbb you’ll head through the forests of Glen Urquhart, across Corrimony, and on to Cannich. Here, you’ll find a food and water station at Cannich Woodland Camping and Caravan Park (IV4 7LN) https://maps.app.goo.gl/LNehKDwBdaTpreQM6 where you can top up bottles and grab a bite to refuel before heading into the dramatic landscapes of Glen Affric. The ride continues past Dog Falls and through the historic village of Tomich, before looping back via Corrimony and tackling a final forest climb that will deliver you back to Drumnadrochit for a well-earned finish. Food will be available to purchase at the finish.

On the day itself, please plan to arrive in good time for registration, which opens at 8:30am - 9:30am at Glen Urquhart High School in Drumnadrochit. Ample free parking is available here for the day. This is your chance to collect your rider number, ask last-minute questions, and make sure you and your bike are ready. Please adhere to any marshal instructions. The official start is at 10:00am, with the first riders expected back from around 2:00pm onwards, depending on pace. We expect the last participants to finish by 6pm. For event safety if you have not reached Cannich feed station by 3:15pm, there will be a relay minibus available back to Drumnadrochit. If you have not reached Corrimony by 3:45pm on the the return leg we will suggest for your own safety, that you complete the event by returning to the finish on the main road to Drumnadrochit.

Out on the course, conditions can change quickly in the Highlands, so pack a waterproof, sufficient food water, and basic tools or spares for minor mechanicals. Additional water will be available in Cannich. We also require all riders to have a bell and backlight fitted to the bike for the safety of walkers who may be on parts of the route.

If you see anybody injured, or obstructions on the route - please report to the next available marshal. A list of emergency contact numbers will also be available at registration to take a photograph of.

This event is about the experience as much as the effort. Pace yourself, enjoy the climbs, and take in the views of autumn colours and mountain landscapes. Remember, your entry helps to support local cycling and walking paths, leaving a lasting legacy for the community.

Please use this link for a detail Strava flyover of the course route: https://strava.app.link/JmicAKfXxWb

Finally, please note that photographs and video will be taken during the event. If you would prefer not to appear in these, let us know before the day so we can respect your wishes.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Drumnadrochit and share this unforgettable route through Loch Ness and Glen Affric. See you on the start line!

With thanks,
The Loch Ness & Glen Affric Gravel Sportive Team