UK
Etape Loch Ness with Sportive Breaks
The Etape Loch Ness is Scotland’s largest closed road cycle sportive taking place around the stunning shores of iconic Loch Ness. The 66-mile (106km) cycle sportive is a fantastic challenge with unrivalled scenery, so whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a newcomer looking for your first sportive, don’t miss this awesome event.
Stay with us in Inverness within minutes of the start and the finish of the 2023 Etape Loch Ness Cycle Sportive. You can choose from 2 or 3 nights and longer stays are also available. Guaranteed entry for the event is available when you book one of our hotel packages. Throughout the weekend, you can make use of our mechanic and you can join our guided group rides on Friday and Saturday afternoon.
Weekend Highlights
Weekend Highlights
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Spread your payments: Our payment plan is an interest-free payment method where you will have the opportunity to spread payment for your booking
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Sell-Out event status: This event is very popular and entries sell out. Guarantee your entry with Sportive Breaks
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Fully closed roads: Enjoy riding on traffic free roads around Loch Ness
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Circular route: A 360° route alongside Loch Ness taking in some of the country’s most stunning scenery
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Stay in Inverness near the start and finish: Hotel stay in Inverness for 2 or 3 nights at less than a mile from the start and finish
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Guided warm-up rides: Join us on Friday and Saturday for guided warm-up rides around Loch Ness.
| Sportive Distance | Sportive Elevation | Sportive Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium Route | 106km | 1250m |
3/5
Mix of climbing & flatter days suitable for most riders.
|
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotel Glen Mhor in Inverness
Included Meals
Breakfast and Dinner
Guided Rides
Pre-event ride on Friday and Saturday
Mechanic
Available all weekend
Additional Extras
Sportive Entry
Guaranteed Entry at £72
Etape Loch Ness
Starting and finishing in the historic Highland capital of Inverness, riders can enjoy cycling on closed roads on a 360° route alongside the loch taking in some of the country’s most stunning scenery.
There is a timed King of the Mountain stage with a 4.8-mile (9km) climb gaining 380m in height and reaching a gradient of 12% at times. A record 6100 riders took part in this exciting event in 2022, with general entry selling out in just 36 hours. The 2023 date is Sunday 23rd April.
Entry includes:
- Unrivalled scenery on closed roads
- Finisher’s medal
- Event Giveaway
- Electronic timing
- Mechanical support
- Support stations along the route
- King of the Mountain split time
- Downloadable finisher’s certificate
Itinerary
Expand All
21 April 2023 : Arrival day
Please make your own arrangements to arrive at our hotel in Inverness today. Our team will be available to meet you at the hotel.
Our hotel
A stay at the Glen Mhor Hotel is more than just a room for the night. Located in the heart of Inverness, celebrate the rich heritage, beautiful setting and charming traditions of the local area. The hotel’s 110 bedrooms are set across 10 beautiful Victorian buildings, 11 self-contained apartments and a luxurious 4-bedroom River Ness Villa.
What about my bike?
Our mechanic will be available this afternoon at the hotel to assist you with building your own bike after travel. Bikes can be safely stored at the hotel, either inside your room or in the outdoor, covered bike store. Please note that the hotel does not have a lift.
This afternoon and early evening, our tour leader and bike mechanic are available for you.
Guided ride
Arrive before 14.00 and join us for our guided ride. To avoid the traffic, we will transport you and your bike out of Inverness and we will enjoy a guided ride in the beautiful Scottish countryside. Route will be confirmed soon and we expect the ride to take 3 – 4 hours.
Evening meal at the hotel
22 April 2023 : Preparation day or arrival day
All participants MUST attend registration to collect their rider pack on Saturday 22 April 2023 (10.00 – 19.00) at the Event Hub, Northern Meeting Park, Inverness, IV3 5NS.
Please remember to bring photo ID with you when you collect your rider pack. Please note there is strictly no registration on Sunday morning.
During Registration there will be free mechanical support, official merchandise, food & drink and other stands available.
There will be lots going on at the Event Hub over the event weekend so why not stay awhile to browse and eat!
- Grab any last-minute essentials for the ride
- Mouth-watering selection of street food, coffee and cakes from local Highland food producers
- Pop-up bars from a local craft brewery and distillery
- Mechanical support and a cleaning & lube station on Saturday to assist with any last minute tweaks or any unforeseen mechanical issues
- Post-event massage on Sunday
- During Registration there will be free mechanical support, official merchandise, food & drink and other stands available
Guided ride
Available for everyone who arrived yesterday. If you arrive today then please arrive before 14.00 and join us for our guided ride. To avoid the traffic, we will transport you and your bike out of Inverness and we will enjoy a guided ride in the beautiful Scottish countryside. Route will be confirmed soon and we expect the ride to take 3 – 4 hours.
Evening meal at the hotel
23 April 2023 : 2023 Etape Loch Ness
The start and finish of the event today will be near out hotel so it’s easy to get to and from the finish. Distance is less than 1 mile.
Participants will be split into 4 waves (A-D) based on your estimated finish time. You will receive an email with your specific start wave (A-D) and your allocated time to arrive at your start holding area.
This afternoon and early evening we’ll assist you with re-packing your bikes ahead of travel. We’ll be back at the hotel in the afternoon.
Evening meal at the hotel.
24 April 2023 : Departure day
After breakfast, please make your own arrangements to check out and depart.
Sportive Options
The Etape Loch Ness follows a 66-mile / 106-km route, starting by the riverside at Bught Park, Inverness IV3 5SQ and finishing by Eden Court, Bishops Road, Inverness IV3 5SA. Leaving Inverness, the route follows the A82 west to Fort Augustus, passing through the villages of Drumnadrochit and Invermoriston, arriving in Fort Augustus where it crosses the historic Caledonian Canal. The route then starts its return journey to Inverness via South Loch Ness on the B862/B852.
| Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium Route | 106km | 1250m |
3/5
Rolling terrain with the occasional tougher section.
|
Accommodation
Hotel Glen Mhor Inverness
Etape Loch Ness
The Glen Mhor Hotel is located on the banks of the River Ness in the centre of Inverness. Made up of Victorian townhouses and apartments, the hotel is just a 3-minute walk from Inverness city centre and a 15-minute drive from Loch Ness. The hotel consists of 11 charming Victorian town houses and many rooms have wonderful views across the river to Inverness Cathedral and Eden Court Theatre. The Waterside Restaurant in Inverness is the perfect setting for enjoying a relaxed dining experience with friends, family or colleagues with a breath-taking view of the River Ness, any day of the week. The menu offers a wide range of delicious, modern and traditional dishes with ingredients sourced from high-quality local suppliers. The hotel’s rooms, suites and apartments are uniquely fitted with luxurious bathroom amenities, TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, heavenly mattresses, and beautiful furnishing and decor. Room amenities include: • Complementary Wi-Fi • Television with free view channels • Iron board with iron • Hairdryer • Family Friendly • Free parking Glen Mhor is a 5-minute drive from the A9, 8 miles from Inverness Airport and a 10-minute walk from the train station. It is ideal for exploring Inverness and the surrounding Highlands.
Dates & Book Now
Sportive Breaks are part of the Destination Sport Experiences group. When clicking on the booking link below, you will be taken to the Destination Sport Experiences booking engine. If you have any questions, please do contact our team hello@dev.sportivebreaks.com
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