What is special about Fort William and the outdoor capital of the UK?

Lochaber has been a special place in UK mountain bikers form over 30 years and is one of the most iconic race venues in the world, with the UCI world cup being hosted in Fort William for two decades. For these reasons and more, Lochaber is a premier destination for mountain biking in Scotland.

Nevis Range and Glencoe are well known downhill trail riding destinations, with nearby Laggan also a classic Scottish trail riding spot. The area also gives a great potential for more adventurous tours into more remote landscapes. Smaller adventures are also there to be discovered - allowing visitors to create their own memorable experiences.

The communities of Lochaber are moulded by their surroundings, and the locals enjoy a lifestyle that is inspired by the landscape - Lochaber invites visitors to come and find out what's special about the area, to create their own memorable experiences and live like a local during their stay.

Nevis Range is known to mountain bikers across the world for its infamous fast rocky track. Locals created the first trails in Leanachan Forest in the early 90's, which then evolved into the world cup downhill track and witches trail cross country routes. While the destination is known for its challenging trails - fast, rough and rocky, or steep, technical and slippery, it also caters well for beginner to intermediate riders, with many blue grade trails, including the 'Blue Doon', a 9km long gondola accessed 'moderate' graded trail, and the world famous downhill track, which had a significant refresh for the 2023 World Championships.

With the only mountain gondola in the UK, Nevis Range is a popular tourist attraction as well as a community asset. It also offers forest and mountain walks which give great panoramic views and make the mountain experience accessible to all.

Glencoe mountain is located at a relatively accessible spot to the south of Lochaber, at the entrance to the dramatic and atmospheric Glen Coe that drops down to the west coast. Its superb location gives dramatic views onto Rannoch Moor and Buachaille Etive Mor, perhaps the most photographed mountain in Scotland.

The chairlift gives access up onto Meall A' Bhuiridh, where trails are steep, rocky, and rugged. Both the red and the black trails have been used for Scottish Downhill Association (SDA) to host the national downhill race venue. For first time riders visiting Glencoe, it is recommended riding the red trail which is a real challenge for most mountain bikers. On the flatter mid-mountain there are some relatively easier trails (but still not for beginners!) that take a tour around trails linking rock slabs and stunning views.

Glencoe Mountain was Scotland's first ski lift, built in 1956, and Glencoe mountain maintains that independent and slightly raw feel - it certainly has its own character.

Lochaber rough and challenging terrain with a network of routes through the impressive scenery are the perfect back drop for adventures big and small. Plan ahead, prepare to be self-reliant and have a plan B should the conditions go against you and great adventures will be just around the corner! For a more civilised adventure, try a train ride out to Corrour or Rannoch stations and refuel at the great wee cafes on the platform.

The diverse and inspiring landscape of Lochaber makes it a perfect place to get away from the busy tourist hotspots and create your own unique memories. The Caledonian Way sections along Loch Linnhe and the Caledonian Canal give a lovely gentle cycle with great views and places to stop. For visitors looking for a wilder experience, how about cycling past deer roaming the hills on your way to a remote bothy with a packed lunch? Or a ride to a stunning loch or river for a picnic and a wild swim? Or explore the rugged coastline looking for secluded sandy beaches, and maybe spot an otter, seal, white-tailed eagle? Or jump on a ferry to the small isles and explore Rum, Eigg, Muck, or Canna by bike, supporting local businesses along the way.

The town of Fort William is a popular tourist destination, but also a thriving local community with a strong outdoor culture. With the start or finish of the West Highland Way, Great Glen Way, East Highland Way and Cape Wrath Trail, plus the UK's highest mountain, and easy access to the stunningly picturesque west coast, the town is a hub of activity and a perfect base for exploring the West highlands.

The trails around Fort William are generally quite demanding - short but steep and technical, but well worth an explore for more experienced riders.

Fort William Bike Park, a community run bike park opened in summer 2023 - possibly the most impressive backdrop to any pumptrack in the UK!

Recently the town has enjoyed a resurgence with the new Highland cinema, and several great options for eating out, alongside new leisure facilities like the 3 Wise Monkeys climbing wall. The town has 2 good independent bike shops Off Beat Bikes on the high street, and Nevis Cycles in Inverlochy.

To help you plan your visit to Fort William and Lochaber we have collated the official trail centre maps and rider-driven apps which can help you discover the best trails across the area.

Rider populated apps are a great way to discover new trails however they may not be up to date with trail conditions and we recommend doing further research before you ride.

Please ride responsibly on all trails - follow our Do The Ride Thing guidance.