Caledonian Canal – Neptune's Staircase loop from Banavie

Bike touring routes & trails

Caledonian Canal – Neptune's Staircase loop from Banavie

Hard

4.6

(36)

487

riders

Caledonian Canal – Neptune's Staircase loop from Banavie

06:29

76.0km

640m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 5, 2026

Tips

Includes movable bridges

Check opening times.

After 10.5 km for 32 m

After 65.7 km for 32 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

200 m

Neptune's Staircase Locks

Highlight • River

Barrages from Neptunes Staircases guide the boats over the difference in height

Translated by Google •

Tip by

1.03 km

Connecting Inverness and Corpach, the Caledonian Canal stretches 60 miles (97 km) through some of Scottland's most stunning scenery through vast lochs like Loch Ness and magnificent glens. Only one-third …

Tip by

24.4 km

Great Glen Way

Highlight • Trail

Has to be one of the most spectacular trails I've ever cycled. The smooth gravel and breathtaking views.

Tip by

38.1 km

General Wade's Military Road

Highlight • Trail

Very peaceful, smooth gravel track along the banks of Loch Oich.

Tip by

40.6 km

Loch Oich

Lake

58.3 km

View of Loch Lochy

Highlight • Viewpoint

Difficult to describe and photos are just a snapshot of this magnificent scenery.
You have to experience it yourself, and rain is part of it.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

65.7 km

Gairlochy Bottom Lock, Caledonian Canal

Highlight • River

10 miles flat ride from Neptune’s Gate. There are benches to stop and refresh. You can either backtrack to Neptune’s Gate, or cross the canal and ride back to Neptune’s …

Tip by

67.9 km

Moy Bridge

Highlight • Structure

Still hand operated.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

75.5 km

Neptune's Staircase

Highlight • Structure

This is the start (or end) of the Caledonian Canal which links the lochs of the great Glen with locks, and also part of the Great Glen Way walking and …

Tip by

76.0 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

45.2 km

14.1 km

12.4 km

4.34 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

50.6 km

13.3 km

9.41 km

1.59 km

1.12 km

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Wednesday 7 October

11°C

4°C

98 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

May 13, 2025,Fort Augustus to Fort William

Cycling the Caledonian Way from Fort Augustus to Fort William on smooth gravel, stunning views around every corner – that's the kind of experience that stays with you. This stretch is particularly breathtaking. The way the canal and lochs weave through the Great Glen, framed by those majestic mountains... it's truly something special. A day to remember.

March 29, 2025,Great Glenn Way Day 2

The wind and the rain made a good ride challenging 😀

July 27, 2022,The Great Glen Way - Scotland - Day 12

This must have been one of the most relaxing stages of our journey through Scotland. Few meters in altitude, good weather and very good rolling paths. Beautiful as always.

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