The best gravel rides around Kiltarlity

Kiltarlity offers a range of gravel biking experiences. You'll find everything from easy canal-side paths, such as the View of Beauly Firth – Caledonian Canal at Inverness loop from Dochgarroch, to more difficult and longer routes that navigate through forest and along gravel roads, like the Gravel Road to Fort Augustus – Invermoriston Old Bridge loop from Drumnadrochit. Overall, the area has 1 easy, 4 moderate, and 6 difficult routes.

Yes, for families or those seeking a more relaxed ride, the region offers easier options. The View of Beauly Firth – Caledonian Canal at Inverness loop from Dochgarroch is an excellent choice. This 12.2-mile (19.7 km) trail follows canal-side paths, providing gentle terrain and scenic views suitable for most skill levels.

The gravel bike trails around Kiltarlity primarily feature extensive forest tracks and gravel roads. You'll encounter a mix of compacted gravel, some rougher sections, and occasional paved stretches, especially when connecting different forest areas. The landscape includes rolling hills and moderate elevation changes, characteristic of the Scottish Highlands.

The best time for gravel biking in Kiltarlity is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these months, you can expect milder weather, longer daylight hours, and drier trail conditions. While some routes are accessible year-round, winter can bring challenging conditions with shorter days, colder temperatures, and potentially icy or muddy tracks.

Many of the gravel bike routes in Kiltarlity are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the View of Loch Ness – Invermoriston Old Bridge loop from Drumnadrochit offers a substantial 37.9-mile (61.1 km) circular ride with expansive views. Another option is the Loch Monar Dam – Loch Monar loop from Struy, a moderate 29.1-mile (46.8 km) route.

Many routes offer stunning views of the surrounding Highland landscape. You can expect vistas of nearby lochs and glens. For specific points of interest, consider routes that pass near Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness, or the impressive Divach Falls. The View of Beauly Firth – Caledonian Canal at Inverness loop from Dochgarroch also provides scenic canal-side views.

Parking availability varies by trailhead. Many routes start from villages or designated car parks near popular access points. For routes originating from Drumnadrochit, such as the View of Loch Ness – Invermoriston Old Bridge loop, you'll find parking options within or on the outskirts of the village. Similarly, routes starting from Beauly or Dochgarroch will have local parking facilities.

While many routes traverse remote forest tracks, some trails pass through or near villages where you can find cafes and shops. For instance, routes starting or passing through Drumnadrochit or Beauly offer opportunities for refreshments. It's always advisable to carry sufficient water and snacks, especially on longer or more remote rides like the Road of the Dead Trees – Old Stone Arch Railway Bridge loop from Beauly.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Kiltarlity, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 10 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the extensive network of forest tracks, and the stunning views of lochs and glens. The variety of routes, catering to different ability levels, is also a frequently highlighted positive aspect.

While many routes are well-loved, exploring some of the less-frequented paths can reveal quieter corners. The Loch Monar Dam – Loch Monar loop from Struy, for example, takes you into a more remote part of the Highlands, offering a sense of solitude and wild beauty away from the more popular Loch Ness trails. It's a moderate route that provides a different perspective of the region.

The duration of gravel bike rides in Kiltarlity varies significantly depending on the route's distance and difficulty. Shorter, easier routes like the View of Beauly Firth – Caledonian Canal at Inverness loop from Dochgarroch can be completed in about 1 hour 40 minutes. Longer, more challenging routes, such as the Gravel Road to Fort Augustus – Invermoriston Old Bridge loop from Drumnadrochit, can take over 10 hours to complete.