Etape Loch Ness 2027 takes place on 25 April 2027, giving riders the rare chance to cycle a complete lap of Loch Ness on traffic-free roads. The 66-mile (106 km) sportive starts and finishes in Inverness and combines Highland scenery with a serious endurance challenge.
Etape Loch Ness 2027: key information
- Date: Sunday 25 April 2027
- Distance: 106 km / 66 miles
- Total ascent: approximately 900 m
- Start: Bught Park, Inverness
- Finish: Bishops Road, Inverness
- Minimum age: 17
These details are confirmed by the official Etape Loch Ness website. Entry includes chip timing, mechanical support, support stations, a KOM/QOM split and a digital finisher certificate. Check the organiser’s site again before booking travel because operational details can change.
What the route is really like
The clockwise circuit around the loch looks manageable on paper, but the Scottish Highlands reward disciplined pacing. The defining test comes after Fort Augustus: the Glendoe climb is roughly 7.8 km, gains about 380 m and reaches gradients of up to 12%. Saving energy for this section matters more than chasing an early average speed.
The closed-road format is a major attraction, yet riders must still hold a predictable line, communicate in groups and respect the event instructions. The organiser sets an average pace of about 13 mph as the slowest speed for completing the route before roads reopen.
How to train for Etape Loch Ness
Build towards regular three- to four-hour rides and include sustained climbing. A useful final block combines one long endurance ride, one climbing or tempo session and one easier recovery ride each week. Practise eating and drinking on the bike: the event recommends arriving with two full bottles and carrying energy food.
April weather in the Highlands can change quickly. Test a layering system that keeps you warm and dry without trapping too much heat. Pack gloves, a light waterproof jacket and clear or low-light lenses even if the forecast looks favourable.
Bike setup and final checks
A road bike is the natural choice, although the organiser also accepts gravel, mountain, hybrid, touring and tandem bikes. Fixed-wheel bikes are not permitted. Use gearing that lets you spin on the steepest part of Glendoe, inspect brake pads and tyres, and ride the bike after its final service.
Give your Etape bike the pro look
A personalised name-and-flag sticker makes your bike easier to recognise among thousands of machines and creates the clean identity seen on professional race bikes. Apply it to a smooth, visible section of the top tube after cleaning and drying the surface.
Ride Loch Ness with your name on the bike
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Create your PegatinEtape Loch Ness checklist
- Confirm registration and Saturday number collection details
- Book Inverness accommodation early
- Test climbing gears, brakes and tyres
- Prepare waterproof layers and gloves
- Practise your nutrition plan
- Fit your personalised bike sticker before travelling
For more ideas, compare the world’s best rides in our 2027 cycling events guide and review our sportive bike preparation checklist.