Mountain  Biking in and around Glencoe

Glencoe is well known for its hillwalking and climbing, but it’s also a great base for bikers as well. Whilst the glen itself offers limited biking opportunities, there’s plenty on the doorstep, with everything from long tours to extreme downhills.

Try exploring the quiet backwaters of Glencoe & Ballachulish villages. Alternatively there's the infamous Devil’s Staircase or the downhill courses at the ski centres; Glencoe Mountain and nearby Nevis Range. All in all, some of the best mountain biking in Scotland.

The forest rides at Leanachan near Fort William have really put biking on the map in Lochaber. Nevis Range regularly hosts the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup. It was also the venue for the World Championships in 2007.

Glencoe Mountain Resort is also developing a variety of mountain biking tracks and has bikes for hire.

The more casual rider will enjoy some of the forest trails at Glenachulish, Duror or Inchree, or perhaps the 20 mile road trip around Loch Leven. The island of Lismore is ideal for exploring by bike.

Off Beat Bikes in Fort William provide hire bikes as well as the usual range of accessories and repair services.

Nevis Cycles in Inverlochy, Fort William, also provide hire bikes, spares and repairs and is run by keen cyclists.

CrankItUp Gear offers bike hire along with some maintenance and sales in Glencoe village.

No Fuss Events have organised a series of classic mountain bike events in the area, including 10 under the Ben and the Relentless 24.

The local bike club, West Highland Wheelers, is very active and was the driving force behind the establishment of the Downhill Course at Nevis Range. They run a series of (fun!) races and time trials throughout the year in which visitors are welcome to participate.

Clachaig Inn offers bike storage facilities, as well as a work bench and a few tools should you need to make a few running repairs, a service which is also available to guests of Carefree Self Catering Holidays. Clachaig is also recognised by VisitScotland’s ‘Cyclist’s Welcome’ Scheme.

We've put together a few route descriptions which we hope will inspire you to head off and explore the hidden corners of Lochaber. Whilst not intended to be a comprehensive route guide, the routes should be apparent, especially when viewed in conjunction with a O.S. map. For more route information in the area, try Ride Fort William.