On February 11, 2019
By Rebecca Field
Top Bike Events
Highlands of Scotland
If you’re a dedicated cyclist, you probably already know a great deal about the majority of the events we’ve listed below but it took quite a lot of internet surfing to find all the details below. It’s not easy to find details of cycling specific events in the Highlands. All the event organisers are interested only in publishing details of their own event. Cycling organisations maintain some listing of either road events or mountain biking events – including competition listings. It was an exercise in frustration but hopefully a useful list for others. I’ve included events which are in the Highlands including Perthshire, but not all are on our doorstep. However, if you decide to try for a place on the Etape Loch Ness we’re happy to provide you with accommodation, board and transport to the start and pick up at the end of the event. Remember we now have en suite facilities available on a few of the rooms and we are keen cyclists around our local area. We’ve made a point to add a bike shed, a bike washdown and a drying room. Please ask for details.
Enjoy the wild parts of the UK out on your bike
In date order:
1. Etape Loch Ness
– 66 mile/106km closed road loop of Loch Ness which starts and finishes in Inverness . Entries are now closed for 2015 but you can register your interest for 2016. Worth bearing the date in mind even if you’re not participating as a) you could station yourself along route and observe and b) it is a closed road route so don’t even think about heading in that direction on 26th April unless you want to spend a lot of time waiting around. http://www.etapelochness.com
2. Dunkeld Enduro
– opens the Highland Perthshire festival of cycling onSat 2nd May 2015. The event is becoming more popular every year and is now in it’s third year. It’s a great venue with spectacular views and fabulous trails including the historic Birnam Hill.http://www.highlandperthshirecycling.co.uk/events/enduro
Biking along the tracks which cover the Cairngorms National Park. Miles and miles of routes to choose from.
3. Etape Caledonia
– 18 miles/130km through some of the most spectacular scenery Perthshire has to offer including a monster climb over Schiehallion and rides along the beautiful loch Rannoch and loch Tummel. It’s a closed road race. Accommodation can be very difficult to book around the event, so make sure you’re organised. Takes place on 1oth May 2015.http://www.highlandperthshirecycling.co.uk/events/67-etape-caledonia
4. Rock and Road Cycling Festival
– Festival details haven’t been confirmed for 2015 but the event last year was a great success with something for everyone from a treasure trail for the kids to women’s only workshops and rides and the spirit of the glen sportive. Glenlivet – http://www.rockandroad.co.uk
5. Corrieyairack Challenge
– This is not a pure cycling event but a duathlon. Follow in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie over Scotland’s highest mountain road – Hill Section 13.5 miles Cycle Section 38.5 miles http://www.corrieyairack.org/index2.html
6. Ride the North
– The route passed through Boat of Garten in 2014, but looks like by-passing the village this time as it passes through Carrbridge and the Slochd. A cycle challenge of 170 miles over 2 days from Inverness to Stonehaven. This is a supported cycle ride and not a race. http://www.ride-the-north.co.uk/
7. Ride like a Grrl
Full event details not yet finalised for 2015. Popular event aimed at female mountain bikers and organised by the local women’s mountain biking club, Petal Power Biking http://www.petalpowerbiking.co.uk/ride-like-a-grrl/
If you’re in the Cairngorms before, after or during one of the above events do stop by Fraoch Lodge for a night or 2. We have loads of cake, comfortable beds and hot showers plus first hand knowledge of the local cafes and bike routes to reach them!
LINKS
Useful blogs about biking
Trail centres within reach of Fraoch Lodge – Laggan Wolftrax – Grantown Skills area – Glenlivet Mtb Trails – Moray Monster Trails
Natural trails in the area – Aviemore – TrailZilla – 29 routes in the immediate area
Guided Cycling holidays in the Cairngorms – Wilderness Scotland – Mtb holidays
Self-guided biking holidays in the Cairngorms – Family friendly biking
