Etape Loch Ness: All you need to know ahead of the 2023 event
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The roads around Loch Ness will be closed once again as thousands of cyclists roll into Inverness for what has become a highlight of the events calendar in the Highlands.
The Etape Loch Ness burst onto the scene in 2014 and has become a huge attraction for riders from far and wide.
I've taken part in all but one of the events, including that inaugural pedal round the loch when the idea first became a reality, and I'll be on the start line again on Sunday, April 23, 2023.
So, what is it all about?
The Etape Loch Ness is a 66-mile closed-road sportive around Loch Ness.
That means the roads are closed to normal traffic as riders make their way down the A82 to Fort Augustus and back up the single-track roads through Whitebridge, Foyers and Dores to finish in Inverness.
The event – which is timed but is not officially a "race" according to organisers – begins early in the morning at Bught Park. Cyclists set off in waves in what has become a smooth operation over the years.
The route starts by climbing the brae past the cemetery before an freewheel down to Dochgarroch. The road then heads past Loch Dochfour and soon you reach the start of Loch Ness itself, stretching for 27 miles in front of you!
You need to keep your concentration, though, because while there is no motor traffic (except emergency vehicles) there are lots and lots of bikes! Soon you'll pass through Drumnadrochit where the first cheers will greet you as you pass through the village.
A climb past Urquhart Castle follows before the next undulating stint to Invermoriston, where there's a pit stop for those who choose to take a breather. After that it's another six miles or so to the southern end of the loch at Fort Augustus.
Crossing the canal here is the halfway point, but the big test is just ahead as the King of the Mountain stage awaits. Five miles from here you'll reach the bagpiper at the summit, but you'll need to summon up plenty of effort to climb the 380m hill, which has gradients of up to 12 per cent that sap the energy from your legs. It's great fun!
And the best thing about it is the next stretch is often a wind-assisted downhill for miles into Whitebridge, before you need to work again on a few smaller climbs to Foyers and Inverfarigaig.
The road here hugs the shore in places, and you get a view across to Urquhart Castle as you head onwards to reach Dores then the final few miles – with one or two final little hills – to the edge of Inverness.
The atmosphere hots up as you reach the "Nessie" roundabout at Holm and power through those last gruelling miles to the city centre, where you cross the Ness Bridge to finish beside the cathedral.
Here's the official video from last year's Etape Loch Ness:
What about spectators?
People are encouraged to come out and support the riders at the finish line near the cathedral, along the route in Inverness and in the villages around the loch – especially in Drumnadrochit, Invermoriston, Fort Augustus, Foyers, Inverfarigaig and Dores.
It really does make a difference to those of us taking part in the event to get a brief cheer as we pass through the villages, so all your support is definitely appreciated!
Organisers say that the final two miles through Inverness and the finish line and event hub provide the best vantage points for spectators.
The first finishers are expected to cross the line from 8.45am, with the rest coming through up until around 1pm or beyond.
Please note, there are a number of rolling road restrictions in place both in Inverness and around Loch Ness on the day of the event. Organisers explain that these are in place to create a safe traffic-free environment for the event.
Some riders are raising money for charities, and the official charity partner for the event is Macmillan Cancer Support.
Timings
Saturday, April 22 – 10am-7pm. Registration for all participants at the event hub, Northern Meeting Park, Inverness, IV3 5NS.
Sunday, April 23 – 6am-6.50am. Start at Bught Park, Bught Road, Inverness, IV3 5SQ.
Riders will have been allocated their start wave along with their rider number via email. For riders heading for the start, this video explains the process:
Sunday, April 23 – 8.45am-1pm. Participants expected at the finish line on Bishops Road, Inverness.
