[Closed] Family Holiday on Loch Ness - Worth Taking a Bike?

There's some trails nearby at abriachan, mostly blue stuff tho.

Wee bit of the GGW maybe, the new bit at loch Ness is quite scenic i believe.

It's worth doing the Great Glen Way around Abriachan if only to sample Rory's Cafe.

Won't say too much, but you'll never forget it.... 🙂

Laggan trail centre is nearby.

I looked at Laggan but it’s t’other side of the pond so it’s an hour and a half each way drive. I’d only have about 20 minutes to ride.

Im going to take my DSLR, get a long lens and take my walking boots, see I a can get some good bird pics

Corrieyairack would be obvious - although it is a long natural ride 🙂

I'd take a bike.  Even if just to get to birdwatching spots

Prawny: Drumnadrochit is quite good for riding. Cnoc a ' Bhuachaille is the hill you see covered in forestry behind the carpark. There is lots of singletrack in there and around Craig Mony, mainly on the north east facing side of the hill. No particular routes, worthwhile just going and farting around. Last time i was there i made my way up to the top by heading to the south side of the hill and climbing up the fire road to the crossroad at approx NH486289, then turned west to head back down the hill. There is a bike trail that runs down the hill adjacent to the forestry track. It starts on the left hand side of the track near the top and is easily missed. Nothing too difficult, nice easy flowy trail.  At the end you can cross the field to Craig Mony, there are trails coming down from the fort on to the GGW.

Out and back along Glen Coiltie to Loch Aslaich, Simple enough LRT, nice scenery and you will have it all to yourself. Starts just off the GGW at Drum

Out and back From Drum to Corrimony through Glen Urquhart (Affric-Kintail Way).There is a Chambered cairn there and you could also ride on to the Corrimony nature reserve if you fancy some photgraphy.

Further up the loch at Abriachan there are bike trails, but also many other trails. A particular favourite of mine is to park at the Clansman hotel on the A82 and ride up and over Carn na Leitire into Abriachan, do the trails, then back up and over the hill for a bloody good descent back. The path starts in the woods to the right of the hotel, brutal start to the ride though, it starts steep.

All the bike trails at Abriachan are marked out on OS maps, as are all other trails and paths in the area. It's worth coming off the bike trails up there to discover the other things they have done with the area.   There are loads of shelters (reconstructed illicit whisky still/iron age style roundhouses/ bothy type structures) and cool quirky things scattered all over the hill.

Heading south from Invermoriston, there used to be bits of trails in the woods behind Jenkins Park in Fort Augustus, Not sure if they are still there though. Also the South loch Ness way can be ridden from the Fort to Foyers, Nice scenery, easy enough riding. Falls of Foyers are awesome. There is a few wee lochs on the way with plenty of bird life, Slavonian Grebes are regular visitors to some.

Yes. And surely whisky rather than whiskey?

Yes. And surely whisky rather than whiskey?

Eh?

ETA: Ignore, gotcha!

The Great Glen Way high route is nice. You could do a wee loop from Invermoriston, steep climb to start with, then great views from the top. Head up towards Alltsigh, then back by the low route.

For wildlife, could have a look at the Dundreggan estate (Trees for Life). You could cycle up the big track under the pylon line, takes you all the way to Plodda. Maybe some eagles on the hills, and ospreys by the River Moriston.

I’d definitely take a bike if for no other reason then to visit the cafe at Abriachan as Epicyclo says.  I’ve never been anywhere quite like it!

I live in Drumnadrochit, would be happy to show you round some trails 🙂