[Rendel Harris]

We’re considering taking the Caledonian Sleeper to Inverness (bikes go free, I was pleased to discover) and having a crack at the 100-miler around Loch Ness, possibly/probably with a ride up to Aviemore the day before as a warmup. The thing is our next available window for such a trip is October half term (week commencing October 23rd), I was wondering if anyone who has tried the ride around then, or if any locals are on here, could advise as to whether the weather at that time of year is propitious? Any other tips on the ride also gratefully received, we’ve both done a number of centuries, the toughest of which had 2500m of climb, so it’s nothing we haven’t done before but obviously if it’s howling gales and biblical winds might be better left for spring? Thanks in advance for any information you might care to share.

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[chrisonabike]

They can start in May
They can start in May certainly, but it’s very variable / weather dependant. Sorry can’t remember exactly when I was passing that way, was about a decade back (time’s a’passing. Scary…)

Second essexian’s comment about the A82. Were you thinking of something like this (just discovered the site, think my two trips covered most of that route):

Welcome to the Loch Ness 360° Trail

That would avoid the bad road.

Thanks – have enjoyed a revisit of the memories. Good trips!

[Rendel Harris]

I rarely disagree with you

I rarely disagree with you but on this occasion I will, all of that is useful info, thank you! Don’t like the sound of the cold rain, we’re thinking maybe (end of) May half term instead, is that in midge season?

[Rendel Harris]

Thank you, that’s well worth

Thank you, that’s well worth knowing!

[chrisonabike]

Not much useful info for you
Not much useful info for you sorry, but an excellent choice!

I’ve done Fort William to Inverness a couple of times (once mostly on trails passing Loch Ness to the North, once mostly on-road taking the old Military Road to the south). Both as a 2-dayer (allowing time for train up / back from Edinburgh) camping at Fort Augustus.

Can’t remember exactly what time of year but be prepared! Had a day and a half of very cold rain one time which made it an unexpected challenge. If not sticking to roads beware of forestry – a blocked off section on my more “gravel” trip needed a fair bit of portage.

The pull up out of Fort Augustus is a bit stiff!

Have also covered the section from Aviemore to Inverness. In reverse I wouldn’t call it a warm up! (OTOH was on a loaded tourer that trip).

Don’t be tempted to follow any cyclists onto the A9 (no idea why people do), there are paths / alternate routes.

Lots of places that might tempt you to pause (Falls of Foyers, on the shores near Dores, Clava Cairns …) but it’s all scenic (apart from Inverness. And Aviemore. Oh and Fort William).

[essexian]

I would just like to warn

I would just like to warn that while bikes go free on the sleeper, there are times when “they” insist that your bike goes in a bag, rather than in the raw. It will normally say so when booking. 

It might not be a problem: there is bag storage lockers at Inverness Station but then again, might be a bit of a hassle getting your bike to the station in England. 

If you are going on road around the Loch, then beaware that A82 along the north bank is NOT a nice road to cycle on…. its not nice to drive on! Too many cars driving far too close and too quickly.

You may enjoy this video of the “Hill” on the south bank. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mzphYZEe0k

Enjoy.

 

[Author]

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