Etape Loch Ness 2026

Event date

Sunday 26 April 2026

Distance

106 km / 66 miles

Key feature

Timed KOM climb (Fort Augustus → Glendoe)

Why Etape Loch Ness is on so many riders’ lists

Etape Loch Ness is a mass-participation sportive rather than an elite race, which means closed roads, timing chips and support on route — but no licence or team required. Thousands of riders typically roll out in waves, creating big-event atmosphere without losing the friendly, supportive feel sportives are known for.

The loop is the headline: you start and finish in Inverness and ride a full clockwise circuit of Loch Ness through Dores, Foyers, Fort Augustus, Invermoriston and Drumnadrochit — long lochside stretches, forests, open moorland and plenty of “pinch me” scenery. For the official overview (plus up-to-date event details), use the organiser’s site: etapelochness.com.

The route: closed roads, rolling miles and one big climb

From Inverness, the route heads out on closed roads along the south side of Loch Ness — perfect for settling into rhythm early, with views across the water and space to ride confidently. The terrain is mostly rolling rather than savage, but the distance and exposure mean it still pays to pace sensibly, especially if the Highland weather decides to test you.

The defining challenge is the timed KOM section out of Fort Augustus towards the Glendoe summit. The organisers break the climb down clearly (including stage-by-stage pacing), and list it at around 5.2 miles climbing to roughly 1200 ft. Official climb breakdown. After the summit, it’s a fast descent and more rolling north-side miles back towards Inverness, with feed stations and support dotted around the loop.

If you’re travelling with a partner (or a support crew), the organiser’s weekend timings and spectator info are genuinely useful for planning meet-up points and avoiding road-closure surprises. Spectator & resident info.

Entry, charity places and atmosphere

For 2026, the organisers state that general entry has sold out, but you can still secure a place by riding for the official charity partner. Team Macmillan places are available with a minimum fundraising pledge (the organiser lists this at £150 for 2026). Official entry FAQ and Join Team Macmillan.

On the day, the start/finish hub in Inverness doubles as a mini event village — registration, food, sponsors, charity stands and that “everyone’s in it together” buzz. For a mainstream travel listing of the event (handy for sharing with friends), VisitScotland also carries an Etape Loch Ness event page: VisitScotland event listing.

Why stay in Inverness — and why a riverside base works

Because Etape Loch Ness starts and finishes in Inverness, staying in the city keeps logistics simple: rider pack collection, briefings, early starts, and an easy return after the finish. You don’t want to be adding an extra drive at the start or end of a long day in the saddle.

Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa sits on Ness Walk, right on the River Ness and opposite Inverness Castle — a calm, central spot that makes it easy to walk into town, head to the event hub, and decompress afterwards. It also fits perfectly with the “stay once, explore widely” approach described in our pillar post: Stay in Inverness as Your Highland Base.

Rider-friendly features that matter

A simple Etape Loch Ness weekend plan

Booking and planning tips

Etape Loch Ness places move quickly, and late April is a popular time to be in the Highlands. If you’re riding for charity, give yourself time to set up fundraising and share your page early so it doesn’t become another last-minute stress.

For accommodation, staying central keeps everything walkable and makes the weekend feel like a proper break rather than a logistical puzzle. If you want to keep the whole Highlands trip calm and flexible, start with the pillar guide: Stay in Inverness as Your Highland Base.