The best gravel rides around Loch Ashie

The Loch Ashie area offers a diverse range of gravel biking trails suitable for various skill levels. You'll find 2 easy routes, 9 moderate routes, and 2 more challenging options, ensuring there's something for everyone from beginners to experienced riders.

Yes, the Loch Ashie area has several beginner-friendly gravel bike routes. A great option is the Dochgarroch Locks – Caledonian Canal Path loop from Lochardil, an easy 12.3-mile (19.7 km) path that primarily follows the relatively flat and scenic Caledonian Canal Path.

For more experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, routes like the Inverness City Centre – Kessock Bridge loop from Lochardil offer a more demanding ride. This 28-mile (45 km) route features significant elevation changes, providing a rewarding experience.

Gravel bike routes around Loch Ashie vary in length, generally ranging from around 12 miles (19 km) for shorter, easier loops to over 28 miles (45 km) for more extensive rides. For example, the Forest Trail Near Inverness – The Great Glen Way loop from New Craigs Hospital is a moderate 20.4-mile (32.9 km) trail.

Absolutely. Many of the routes along the Caledonian Canal Path are relatively flat and well-maintained, making them suitable for families. The easy-rated trails are generally a good starting point for family outings.

Yes, many of the gravel bike trails in the Loch Ashie area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. The View of Beauly Firth – Caledonian Canal at Inverness loop from Dochgarroch is a popular example of a circular route.

Parking is generally available at or near the common starting points for these routes, such as Dochgarroch, Lochardil, and New Craigs Hospital. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route pages on komoot.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from 8 reviews. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, the scenic views of the Beauly Firth and surrounding lochs, and the well-maintained forest and canal paths that make for enjoyable off-road cycling.

You can expect a mix of terrain, including well-maintained forest trails, smooth canal paths along the Caledonian Canal, and sections of the Great Glen Way. The routes often feature views of nearby lochs and firths, providing a varied and scenic riding experience.

Yes, some routes in the wider Loch Ashie area extend to offer views of the famous Loch Ness. For instance, the challenging View of Loch Ness from Dores – Descent Into Dores loop from Lochardil provides stunning vistas of the loch.

While gravel biking is possible year-round, the spring and autumn months often offer the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer provides longer daylight hours, though trails can be busier. Winter riding is possible, but conditions can be wet and muddy, and daylight hours are shorter.