Bike rides in Glencoe that’ll blow your socks off!
If you’re looking for a pedal powered adventure in Scotland, Woodlands Glencoe is the place to be! While the glen’s dramatic landscape is often associated with hill walking and mountaineering, the area also offers incredible opportunities for biking. We’ve collaborated with the Highland Development Coordinator for Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland, Ruari Watt, to bring you the Woodlands guide to the best bike rides in touching distance of RiverBeds Luxury Wee Lodges & SeaBeds Luxury Lookouts.
Beginner friendly spots to discover
Glenachullish forest
Glenachullish forest lies directly behind the Woodlands Estate where you’ll find forest tracks aplenty, which are perfect for beginners. These tracks make for an easy evening spin to catch the sunset, or for a romantic ride with a picnic.
The Caledonia Way
Did you know that the National Cycle Route 78 (or more romantically – the Caledonia Way), wiggles its way right through the Woodlands Estate, meaning you can cycle directly from your luxury lodge to the bustling town of Oban (30 miles away).
Much of the track is built along the old Ballachulish to Oban railway line so the entire route is level and mostly off-road. Along the way, you’ll pass mirror-like lochs, ancient forests, medieval castles and plenty of great places to stop off, take in the view and enjoy something to eat.
If you’re not feeling particularly energetic or you’ve forgotten your bikes or helmets, fear not! As part of the Woodlands Activity Centre, we hire out state-of-the-art e-bikes and equipment throughout the year, so you can hop on and safely take in some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery, without even breaking a sweat!
Glencoe Lochan
For those looking for a gentle introduction to mountain biking just a stone’s throw from Woodlands, Glencoe Lochan Trails are perfect. Just 10-minutes from Woodlands, these trails wind through ancient woodland around a picturesque lochan. The well-marked paths offer a mix of easy-going loops suitable for families and more challenging sections for those wanting a bit of an adrenaline rush. The scenery is stunning, with views of the towering peaks of Glencoe providing a dramatic backdrop.
Fort William Bike Park
Just a 20-minute drive from Woodlands you’ll find Fort William Bike Park. This is a free-to-use world class bike park incorporating a Velosolutions world cup pump track, as well as the first Scottish all user pump track designed to accommodate adaptive bikes. It also boasts a BMX/skate park and a pushbike trials facility for tutoring and teaching in the Fort William area!
The bike park is situated at the end of the cycleway to Nevis Range and has good access to the local mountain bike trails; where there are numerous high-quality off-road routes in all directions, making the location a centrally accessible hub for all types of biking.
Something a little more extreme!
Nevis Range
On the subject of Nevis Range, this incredible biking resort caters for all abilities, from blue trails right through to the World Cup Downhill route! Just half an hour from Woodlands, the Nevis Range offers some of the best mountain biking trails in the UK. There’s even gondola access allowing riders to tackle the more challenging descents without the exhausting climbs. The trails here are well-maintained and offer spectacular views of Ben Nevis and the surrounding landscape.
Glencoe Mountain Resort
Just 20-minutes from Woodlands, you’ll find yourself at Glencoe Mountain Resort, which, like Nevis Range, offers trails to suit all abilities of rider. From the valley floor you can join trails including the West Highland Way, the Old Military Road and the Rannoch Public Path. If you hop onto the chairlift, you can access downhill and cross country tracks, where you’ll find something suitable for all riders! In addition to the gnarly red and black downhill tracks, they also have new blue, red and black cross country trails that start from the top of the chairlift.
Luibelt loop
The Luibelt loop isn’t one for the fainthearted! Although the riding isn’t too difficult, the route passes through some remote landscapes and has one significant river crossing that shouldn’t be attempted if the river is likely to be high following wet weather. The route can be started at Fort William (20-mins drive) or Kinlochleven (15-mins drive from Woodlands), and makes for a tough 72km loop of Ben Nevis its surrounding mountains, the Mamores and the Grey Corries. The route includes rough tracks, forest roads, some technical downhills and a long hike-a-bike push up hill. If you fancy this route, prepare well – do some research, pack appropriate equipment, clothing and food and drink. If you’re slightly wary, it’s also well worth considering hiring a professional mountain bike guide.
The Devil’s Staircase
For a ride that promises both a physical and mental challenge, the Devil’s Staircase is a must-try. This part of the West Highland Way ascends from Altnafeadh in Glencoe to the summit of the pass before descending into Kinlochleven. The climb is tough but manageable, and the descent is thrilling. The views from the top are unparalleled, offering a sweeping panorama of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This ride is best suited for experienced mountain bikers due to the technical nature of the trail.
