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west coast cycle trail logo

Scotland's bikepacking cycle trail ferry-hopping the stunning west coast and ideal for gravel bikes

Updated for 2026

west coast cycle trail logo

A 450 mile route (roughly) for bikepackers mixing long sections of traffic-free gravel with 7 ferries to explore the best of Scotland's west coast

Starting in Fort William, sections can be ridden over a long weekend, a week or a fortnight for the full trail - although some people will finish much faster

The maps / GPX files, updated for 2026, are below and an updated Trail Notes e-booklet is available by donation to the Scottish Wildlife Trust





The Trail Notes -

This is not a particularly difficult route - almost the whole  journey is rideable and a gravel bike is ideal for the mix of surfaces

The ferries add to the adventure and complexity, particularly when trying to arrange overnight accommodation, so carrying a tent or bivvi is handy  

Due to heavy construction traffic around Inverary I've had to divert the route for 2026, temporary for now but perhaps it will become permanent

This regularly updated 60 page booklet is your PDF guidebook and will help your planning

To receive a copy please make a donation to the Scottish Wildlife Trust by clicking the image alongside.  

You will receive a 'Thank you' message from JustGiving with a link to download the PDF file to your computer

Keep the link!  I update the Trail notes as feedback reaches me and the same link will get you the latest info before you start - currently on

2026 V1 February 2026

guidebook to West Coast Cycle Trail




The 2026 route


Kommot routing of West Coast Cycle Trail
Ride with GPS routing of West Coast Cycle Trail
Scotrail Highland explorer on West Coast Cycle Trail

The travel

The start at Fort William is served from Glasgow by ScotRail's Highland Explorer carriage with space for 20 bicycles and it's also a destination for The Caledonian Sleeper train from Euston, with cheap seats and expensive cabins

There are return stations along the route at Oban, Dalmally, Bridge of Orchy, Rannoch and Corrour

The fastest way to the start from Glasgow and Edinburgh is Ember, an electric coach service with space for two bikes which also runs Oban to Fort William

Caledonia Sleeper seats on West Coast Cycle Trail


The online shop

t-shirt with logo of west coast cycle trail logo


There is a wide range of print-on-demand products featuring the WCCT eagle logo printed on demand by Spreadshirt (best I could find) - I like the JAKO technical shirts

T-SHIRTS & HOODIES


You can also buy Charlotte's artwork of the route as posters and greetings cards, printed and fulfilled by Teemill

ARTWORK

greeting card with logo west coast cycle trail


The video






























Artwork - Charlotte Anderson

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