Mountain Biking

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.

See our detailed route suggestions in the navigation box to the right of this page.

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.

Nevis Range

Home of Scotlands UCI Downhill World Cup venue since 2002. Which attracts crowds of up to 20,000 people every year.
The downhill track is one of the most demanding and physical tracks on the world cup circuit although it is not a techically hard or steep track. But it is brutal on your bike and body.
They also have a red downhill track accessed by gondola which is a combination of board walk, rock slabs and single track. They have recently added a beginner (green) and an intermediate (blue) downhill track which are good fun, with shuttles running at weekends.

If trail riding or cross country mountain biking is more your thing there are several tracks in the Leanachan forest. There is the 2007 World Championship Cross Country track, No Fuss events 10 under the Ben, the witches trail. There has also been recent rounds of the Scottish Enduro Series held at Nevis Range. Go have a look in the forrest and see what trails you can find.

Glencoe Mountain Resort

Glencoe Mountain features both downhill and cross country trails on site; the red and black downhill trails, and a small blue, larger red and short black cross country routes as well as the access road. Trails are open from mid May to the end of October, and are accessed by chairlift – bikes are transported up by hooking your bike to a chair via the seatpost.

The closest bike hire to the Clahaig Inn is Glencoe Mountain Resort; they rent mainly full suspension Bird Aeris 9 enduro bikes, which can handle both downhill and cross country trails. Blackwater Reservoir, Glen Etive and Bridge of Orchy are all great rides possible right from the rental building (at the top left of the car park). Bike repairs are also available from the bike hire building.

More casual trails

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. You can also explorer the cycle path which runs all the way from Glencoe to Oban along the side of Loch Leven, Loch Linnhe and Loch Creran.

Off Beat Bikes is back! Fos and Nix have re-opened the original bike shop on the High Street. They were instrumental in helping make Fort William the Mountain Bike mecca it is today. Which has had a huge effect on the local area. Pop in and say hello when you are in Fort William then maybe head up Nevis Range and try out the world cup downhill track where you will race down the Off Beat Wall into the 4X track to finish off your run.

Nevis Cycles in Inverlochy and Nevis Range, provide hire bikes from full on downhill bikes to hardtails for exploring the local area, spares and repairs and is run by keen cyclists.

Glencoe Activities Electric Mountain & Touring Bike Hire located along at the Dragons Tooth golf course in Glenachulish just a 5 minute drive from Glencoe Village have a range of Cube mountain bikes and touring bikes available to hire so you can tackle some of the local trails or have a leisurely pedal along the coast on the cycle path.

Port Appin Electric Bike Hire have a large stock of quality, professionally maintained bikes in all sizes for men, women and children. Helmets and backpacks are supplied free of hire charges with all bikes. Bikes are normally available on the day however during holiday periods it is best to phone a day in advance just to be on the safe side. 01631 730391.

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 Clachaig Self Catering Holidays. Clachaig is also recognised by VisitScotland’s ‘Cyclist’s Welcome’ Scheme.

We’ve put together a few route descriptions (right navigation) 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.