Please note: a significant, long-term route closure is in place between South Laggan and Cullochy Loch due to Forestry and Land Scotland works. Please consult the information at the bottom of this page before setting off on your journey.
The Caledonia Way runs from Campbeltown to Inverness, along 234 miles of spectacular scenery. You begin at Campbeltown, then follow the Kintyre Peninsula and the Great Glen Way. Along your way to Inverness, the beautiful capital of the Highlands, you’ll pass many Scottish landmarks and historical sites, including Loch Ness and Ben Nevis.
The route offers a variety of cycling, from challenging on-road hills to lengthy sections of traffic-free path through the magnificent terrain of the west coast of Scotland.
The route is heavily influenced by the iconic geography of Scotland - following both the Kintyre peninsula and the Great Glen for their full lengths. It provides views of famous castles and beautiful west coast islands.
Despite some of the spectacular remote rural cycling on offer, this route is very accessible, making it simple to complete shorter sections of this iconic route if you want to.
The 120-mile, mainly on-road route between Oban and Campbeltown offers adventurous cyclists the chance to explore Lorn, Knapdale and the spectacular Kintyre peninsula. Along the way, there are fantastic views of the islands of Jura and Arran, with pretty harbours, castles, abbeys and ancient stones to explore. An extensive network of forest trails provides further cycling opportunities in the area.
Most of the 49-mile section from Oban to Fort William is on traffic-free path, with a few sections on minor roads. Much of the path between Oban and Ballachulish is built along the former railway line which ran from Connel to the slate quarries near Ballachulish. The path has great views, hugging the coast for much of the way, and it is largely flat.
There is no traffic-free route between the Corran Ferry and Fort William but the Corran and Camusnagaul Ferries make it possible to access a quiet single-track road along the west side of Loch Linnhe.
The section of route from Fort William to Inverness starts in the shadow of Ben Nevis, then heads through the Great Glen on the Caledonian Canal towpath, on cycle paths and on forest roads to Fort Augustus. From here it uses quiet roads along the east of Loch Ness and ends in the Highland capital of Inverness.
Long before rail and road most transport on the west coast of Scotland was by sea. The Highland galleys (called Bhirlinns) have influenced the design of the access controls you will see along the route and the logo for the Caledonia Way.
South Laggan - Cullochy Loch closure
Due to Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) harvesting works, the National Cycle Network route between South Laggan and Cullochy Loch (location) will be closed from 8 December 2022 until December 2024 with no through access.
FLS have created an alternative route on the west side of Loch Oich which is due for completion by Spring 2023.
Work is ongoing to improve sections of path on this route.
To reach the next section of the Caledonia Way, you can follow the (non-NCN) alternative route signage.
Forestry and Land Scotland will ensure there is clear signage and advisory notices throughout the closure.
Please note that the alternative route will not be of the same standard as the closed alignment and is challenging in parts.
It includes some sections and crossings on fast roads, steep gradients and rough terrain.
The new route is 11.6km (7.2 miles) which is 4km (2.5 miles) longer than the original.
Update: Due to FLS harvesting in the area, there may be delays on the alternative route for approximately four weeks from the start of July.
More information is available via Highland Council.
Please note
We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.
However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.
Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.
Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.
To make sure everyone gets the most out of their time by the water, please ensure you follow the Towpath Code.