Scaddle In The Saddle

Roam West is the perfect launch pad for all bike adventures, quiet roads and steady climbs, famed downhill runs and endless gravel for e-bikes, MTBs, gravel bikes and accessible for a wide range of skills and experience.

Ride type: Out and back ride

Terrain: Mix of tarmac and gravel

Suitable for: Families (just turn around when you like)

Important to note: Please be aware that this is a wilderness area, take a repair kit, spare clothes and food. Abide by the Scottish Outdoor Code

Leave Roam West and join the cycle trail towards Fort William, pick up the Coran Ferry and travel across the loch, a fun start to the ride. Turn right when you disembark, let the traffic pass and enjoy a few kilometres of empty single track. On your right you can see Ben Nevis in the distance towering above Fort William. With Loch Linnhe on your right you may see yachts on the way through the Great Glen travelling to the east coast.
When you approach the first left junction, marked with a bumper car (yes a dodgem!), turn left and follow the road passed a few small houses on your right. The River Scaddle should be on you right.
You enter the glen with an easy forestry track rolling for several km. If you are wild swimmer there are endless pools to stop and enjoy a dip or save it to cool off on. the way home.
You will eventually reach the end of the forestry track with a large gravel turning area. Carry on into the trees and enjoy a rough estate track with munros to your left and glen to your right. Keep a close eye on the ridge line to your left for eagles soaring. A close eye on the right and ahead for deer and stags. The track climbs steadily for several km however with a few dips and turns it remains interesting. As your wheels roll the glen opens up ahead of you with a small white house in the distance. The track descends to the glen floor and the open glen is ahead of you. You cross the river and within a few more wonderful kms you reach then of the track. Take a moment, enjoy the silence and remoteness of Glen Scaddle.

We were riding here one winter and met one of the great Ghillies out working, watching stags and chatting an hour later we started our ride back. When you turn to return Ben Nevis is ahead of you.

Back on the tarmac and heading back to the ferry, we advise a refreshment stop at the Ardgour Brewery, say hi to Fergus and Liz and sample some great real ale.