The WESCO 200

North West Scotland

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Route at a Glance

This is the one. This is the ride. If there was a track for sheer indulgence this would be in the finals. It is not by mistake that this route starts at Fort William (The outdoor capital of Scotland).
Within minutes you will be riding the edge of Loch Eil and heading towards that beautiful little port of Mallaig for a quick ferry ride to Skye. PRO TIP – Given the time you may choose to do a circular ride of Skye (highly highly recommended).

Back on the mainland and head towards the eerie and treasure trove of Loch Carron where you can drink in every bend and twist. From there on towards Drumnadrochit. A good stopover if you want to make this a two day trip. Lots to see, do and indulge including the Loch ness museum. It only remains to enjoy the remainder of Loch Ness towards the Fort William finish line.

The WESCO 200 should be worn as a badge of honour.

Route Notes & Highlights

(Icons on the map)

• Fort William – The second largest city in the highlands to Inverness. Right at the base of Ben Nevis to the North and with Glencoe just to it’s south it has become a walkers haven. A truly stunning setting makes it a tourist hotspot. The Nevis Range ski resort nearby has a Gondola that ferries for the snowsports in winter (skiing and Snowboarding and for the downhill mountain bikers in Summer. A true adrenalin sport town.
• Neptune’s Staircase – A fascinating and attractive set of 8 locks on the Caledonian Canal. It is the longest staircase lock in Britain and takes a boat 90 minutes to pass through it gates.
• Eilean Donan Castle – There’s a road parallel to the A87 where you will find Carr Brae, a viewpoint with some different and great panoramic views of the castle.
• Applecross – Over the 2053’ road called the Bealach na Ba, if the cloud has lifted, you’ll see the kind of views normally reserved only for sweaty mountaineers. Panoramas to the Outer Hebrides and South to the Kintail mountains will keep you gazing until you need to descend to the village for warmth and sustenance. We could wax lyrical about the fantastic beaches, the calm waters of the Inner Sound and the gentle hills above the crofting townships, the food, the music, the sunsets and more. Oh and did I mention one of the most memorable and great rides you will ever do.
• Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition – It takes visitors through seven themed areas on a journey from the dawn of time to the third millennium. The mystery and folklore of Nessie play centre stage.
• Loch Ness – The famed 23 mile loch for holding the mythical Lochness Monster, nicknamed Nessie. It is the largest of the locks linking Fort William to Inverness.
• Urquhart Castle – Sitting on Loch Ness this castle ruin has some impressive views.
• Fort Augustus – To the north the Caledonian Canal enters Loch Ness, and within the village itself is a flight of locks that provide a fascinating place to watch the world go by. Immediately next to the locks is the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre.

Gallery

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Filling Stations on Route

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