Best gravel ride in the west highlands of Scotland, Glenfinnan to Loch Shiel

The most popular gravel ride in Lochaber in the west highlands of Scotland. Visits the Harry Potter Viaduct used by the Hogwarts Express and the Glenfinnan Monument, both world famous landmarks. This shows how to tackle the gravel ride as a full day loop on quiet roads with spectacular scenery.

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I edit on Final Cut Pro

Earlier prescription glasses with flip-up visor were ‘Austin’ by Sunwise only from opticians

My bikes are
Sonder Camino Ti
Parlee Z5 (2010)

[martinbeetham]

I'm strictly tarmac these days but I rode some of this at the end of May, but taking the road onwards to Lochailort then via Glenelg, Acharacle and Strontian, before adding in a cheeky extra climb and brilliant descent via Kingairloch. The Loch Linnhe/Eil road was completely new to me (though I've looked across from the A82 countless times) but I'd ridden from Lochailort to Lochaline 36 years earlier. Very pleased to find that much of that route feels as quiet now as it did back then - and then there's Glenfinnan with the Jacobite due any minute...

[slainelow]

Seems the youtube algorithms are starting to favour you, or at least suggested to me. One of the better youtube cycling videos/channels I have come across in a long time. Thank you.

[RossTallo]

Great video and great comment on wilderness vs wildness, thank you! Bugs the piss outta me when people call it the last wilderness...much of the Highlands were populated (even the very remote bits) until the clearances. The evidence is there once you know what to look for. Anyway, what a spot for a bike ride 👌🏻💚❤

[davec]

Fantastic route. Did it today with a pal. Instead of Corran as the start point we started at the west end of Loch Eil where the single track road joins the Glen Finnan road. Lovely end to the day cycling the beautiful flat single track road north from Corran.

[johnholden]

Incidentally, thanks for your reply regarding the “right to roam”, I did do the Clyde East wind farm…..a stunning and hard day out, about 29 miles with plenty of climbing. I should admit to riding an ebike, but my companions on these rides are all analogue…..and much younger than me.

[fred]

Brilliant video Simon, I love these longer videos with local interest and stunning views, very inspirational, you are a natural in front of the camera by the way, keep up the great work.

[johnholden]

Hi Simon, We did this round just last weekend, in absolutely brilliant weather. Stopping at the Corran Bunkhouse we drove round to Near GlenFinnan on the Saturday morning and rode back to Corran, via Loch Shiel and Strontian. Sunday morning we rode back to the car via Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil…..a good choice at this time of year with limited daylight and if, like me, you aren’t up to the full 59 miles in one day. Thanks to you and Ed Shoote for the inspiration and to the weather gods for a great weekend.

[stephenbrown]

Simon I realy like that loop, , very interested🤔🇬🇧❤️👍

[bendenisereedy]

Did this in August 22 and yes, that climb is a monster. We also rode anticlockwise and we parked in a quiet layby by the railway bridge where the A861 joins the A830. The 861 starts out quiet but becomes increasingly busy as you approach the Glenfinnan end, passing a landfill site, which means plenty of trucks for those last few miles. Great trip though, 60 miles exactly without visiting that monument and that viaduct!

[HughDWallace]

Cracking! That loop is on my bucket list already but now I really want to go.

[grahamhaines]

We did this back 2010. It is a fantastic ride. The only difference was that we went up Cona Glen and across to Callop. We were on mountain bikes and the crossing of the Bealach was a hard slog. Even across the bealach was hard going and we pushed as much as we rode until we hit the landrover track. The ride down Loch Shiel was fantastic as was the climb back over to Strontian. A memorable day. I also remember leaving my sandwiches (egg and ham!) in Glen Cona when we stopped for a short break by the river. I was so looking forward to that sandwich . . .

[MrJohnTudor]

Great video Simon, Scottish weather is like Welsh weather, I guess that's why I feel so at home when I'm up there

[ashleyhoward]

Most inspiring, thank you. I'm retired & just back from 5 days at Langal, Acharacle, where I sailed my small boat. However, I also ride a Thorn Nomad bike & this is most inspiring, although my fitness is not what your's is. I wouldn't manage the entire loop in a day & The Pollach hill frightens me on the way down too! Thanks for taking all the extra time to video this ride & thanks for posting. Now to check your other videos.

[sylvainbernaers]

superb images, national geographic worthy

[zerodad]

Another reason visit that part of Scotland as an adult, last time I was here I was 12 years old. Beautiful scenery and a great cycling route!

[Curiosityuk]

Another excellent video once again. I left it a little while this time so I could binge watch as I sit at home with my broken ankle. Anyway onto the next... Keep them coming.

[neilsmailes]

Thanks for the video, I did the ride alongside Loch Shiel last week and it was amazing 👍

[luluflood]

Oh wow! That loop is on my cycling wish list 🚴‍♀️⭐️

[tonydean]

Thoroughly enjoyed that, what an amazing place and ride. I think id have been tempted to take some basic light camping gear and had a one night wild camp. That ones definately on my list of future rides. Thanks for sharing well worth a thumbs up 👍 ride safe

[Jim-ubqy]

I have made seven trips to Scotland from the US primarily to play golf with friends. All of our time was in the Glasgow area. I am a cyclist but have never ridden in the UK although everyone I follow on YouTube is located in the UK...and now that includes you. What a marvelous ride with epic scenery. I absolutely love Scotland and have now seen another part of this wonderful country and it is beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing this memorable ride with us. Well done Simon!