Etape Loch Ness

Timetable

Saturday

• 10:00-19:00 | Mandatory pre-event registration at the event hub at Eden Court, Bishops Road, Inverness, IV3 5SA (there is no registration Sunday morning)

Sunday

• 06:00 | The big ride begins!
• 08:45-13:00 | Most riders will finish

Teams

Etape Loch Ness is the ideal team ride!

To start in the same wave as your friends/club members, simply input an identical ‘Team Name’ and the same estimated finish time during the registration process.

Bike type

• Road bikes
• Gravel, mountain, hybrid touring, tandem, e-bikes, recumbent or trike

• Fixed-wheel bikes (bikes that use the pedals as a brake) are not permitted
  

Road bikes are preferable, but gravel, mountain, hybrid touring bikes and tandem bikes are acceptable. If you are riding a tandem, both participants need to enter as individual participants.

An electric bike or Ebike is permitted, provided it is a UK road legal bike with a maximum electro speed of 15.5 mph (25 kph) and rated power output of 250 watts or less.

A recumbent bicycle or trike is permitted however, riders will be required to have a head height safety flag attached to the bicycle.

Bikes which are not of standard design must be approved by the organisers before the event.

Handlebars

• MTB bar ends are permitted on mountain bikes

• Unconventional handlebars, including triathlon bars, aero bars, clip-ons, prayer bars, Spinaci bars and cow bars are not permitted

Spectators

The final 2 miles through Inverness and the finish line and Event Hub at Eden Court Theatre provide the best vantage points for spectators. The first cyclists are expected across the finish line from 08:45 onwards, and the bulk of cyclists are expected between 08:45-13:00.

Event HQ

Eden Court Inverness
Bishops Road
Inverness
Highland
IV3 5SA
UK

Event Hub

There will be lots going on at the Event Hub over the event weekend so why not stay awhile to browse and eat!

• Selection of street food, drinks, coffee and cake
• Pop-up bars
• Bike and retail stands
• Collect your cycle jersey
• Mechanical support
• Post-event massage on Sunday

GPX route

The route is displayed on the map above.

Overview

The route goes around the iconic Loch Ness, offering the chance to cycle 66 miles (106 km) on traffic-free roads. The stunning 360° route around the loch starts and finishes in the Highland capital of Inverness with 900m of ascent. 

Map

Cut off

All riders must adhere to the minimum speed of 13mph.

This gives riders 5 hours and 38 minutes to complete the course on closed roads.

Riders falling behind this will be given the option to return to the Event Hub in Inverness in the sweep bus or complete the course on open roads.

Support stations

There are 4 support stations around the course:

• Support Station 1 | Urquhart Castle, Drumnadrochit (mile 15)
• Support Station 2 | Invermoriston (mile 27)
• Support Station 3 | Wildside Centre (Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust) in Whitebridge (mile 42)
• Support Station 4 | between Inverfarigaig and Dores (mile 54.5)

Water and energy snacks will be available at the support stations however, it is recommended you start the event with two full water bottles and some energy snacks.

Toilets, first aid and mechanical support will be available at each support station.

King of the Mountain

During the Etape Loch Ness at approx. 34 miles (55km) into the route, as you leave Fort Augustus, there is a 4.8-mile (7.72km) climb gaining 380m in height and at times with a gradient reaching 12%.  The start and finish of the King of the Mountain section will be clearly marked, and all participants will receive a split time for this section, which will be included with your time.

This event is committed to being as sustainable as possible and minimising its environmental impact. There are many ways the event eliminates waste and reduces its environmental impact as outlined in the sustainability policy.

Included

• Unrivalled scenery on closed roads
• Commemorative finisher’s medal
• Training Zone
• Training Plans (including for experienced riders)
• Advice on group riding etiquette
• Advice on nutrition and training
• Kit advice
• Event giveaway
• Electronic timing
• Mechanical support
• Support stations along the route
• King of the Mountain split time
• Downloadable finisher’s certificate (from Marathon Photos Live)

Free Training webinars

Hosted by former international track cyclist Charline Jones, the webinars will cover how to prep for a sportive with training tips, nutrition and hydration strategy and gear. Expect actionable tips, relatable insights and motivation to elevate your cycling game! You will be able to submit questions before and during each webinar.

• Olympians Dani Rowe MBE and Joanna Roswell MBE
• Olympian turned commentator Brian Smith and former professional road cyclist, Alex Dowsett
• With the legendary Katie Archibald, multi-time Olympic, World, European and National Champion

Optional extras

• Massage
• iTab
• Official Etape Loch Ness cycle top (designed to be confirmed)

You will receive an email with your final event instructions and advising your rider number and start time/wave at least 2 weeks before the event.

Fees to be confirmed.

Entry fees

An excellent event, organisation spot on, stunning scenery and a warm Scottish welcome. A must do!

This was my third Etape Loch Ness and it was just as good as ever. The organisation, the marshals, the feed stations, the scenery and the atmosphere are excellent. If you only do one sportive, make it this one.. Colin C

Inverness, you did it again. Absolutely brilliant weekend from start to finish. Outstanding organisation, one of the best I've ever been to. Fuel stations well stocked, and plenty of lovely treats at the finish. This was my second time, and everyone involved was just great. Well done to all the riders. Might have to make it number three next year. Thank you. Gary H

Another superb Etape Loch Ness bike ride completed 27 April 2025. Organisation, Support, Comms all excellent. Thanks to all the staff, volunteers and all those involved for their superb work and outstanding support to us cyclists 🌟 Maurice G

The whole Loch Ness Étape was outstanding, a most brilliant experience, one I would definitely recommend. Dawn P

Although I have entered a few sportives at home, in Plymouth (max 300 rides) nothing prepared me for the size of this event. Having said that, it was very well marshalled and organised, the support stations were excellent, and the helpers were friendly. I was worried about riding on my own, but that was totally unfounded as although no-one was with me, I always had someone on my eyeline. Not surprising really, with 6000 riders. I would definitely recommend this event for riders. Joanne A

Best Sportive I've ever done, so well organised and the scenery is unbeatable. Loved the atmosphere at the start and finish. Katherine R

This event totally suprised me. Excellent atmosphere, good facilies, great team atmosphere - something for everyone. - What could be improved...the weather. Richard H

I shouldn't really say how good this event is because I don't want to risk not getting a ride next year. If you train for the hill and practice riding in a group I think you would struggle not to enjoy the weekend. Gareth E

A fantastic well organised event. If they could shrink the hills a bit it would be perfect. Mairi M

My first ever cycling event, which I did with three others. I was so nervous, but the team on both registration day and event day were amazingly kind and supportive. There were clear directions and signage, lots of helpers smiling, handing out goodies too! The route was clear with good support stops with scrummy food and drinks. It was an amazing day, it did almost break me, but I’m so glad I did it. THANK YOU to everyone who made it possible,e and big hugs to the chap I cried over at the finish line. Poppy D

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