older athklete cycling bikepacking in scotland adventure cycling tips and reviews

West Coast Cycle Trail

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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 diverted the route for 2026 - temporary for now but perhaps it will become permanent

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

To receive a copy please click the graphic below and make a donation to the Scottish Wildlife Trust

You will receive a 'Thank you' message with a link to download the PDF file to your computer (it won't work well with a phone)

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 - as of now we're on

2026 V1 February 2026

Ride with GPS route of West Coast Cycle Trail

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

The Trail Notes

The 2026 route

The travel

CONTACT

The online shop

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

ARTWORK

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