Etape Loch Ness 2026 delivered Highland spectacle as 6,500 riders took on closed roads
The 2026 Etape Loch Ness took place on Sunday 26 April, as 6,500 cyclists descended on the Scottish Highlands to ride the UK’s biggest closed road sportive. Now in its 12th year, the event once again turned the roads around Loch Ness into a festival of cycling, welcoming riders of all ages and abilities to one of the country’s most iconic routes.
Starting and finishing in Inverness, participants tackled the full 66 mile 106km circuit of the loch on completely traffic free roads. With around 900 metres of climbing, the route combined long flowing sections with tougher challenges, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Highland glens, forested shoreline and wide open views across the water.
A key test of the day came in the form of the famous King and Queen of the Mountain climb. The 4.8 mile ascent gained 380 metres, with gradients topping out at 12 percent in places. Riders poured themselves into the timed section, cheered on by roadside supporters who added to the atmosphere that has become synonymous with Etape Loch Ness.
Entries for the 2026 event sold out months in advance, making this edition the largest in the event’s history. The packed start pens reflected the broad appeal of the sportive, with first time sportive riders lining up alongside experienced endurance cyclists and club riders chasing personal bests. Despite the scale of the field, the event maintained a friendly and inclusive feel throughout the day.
Charity fundraising remained a cornerstone of the Etape story. More than 1,000 riders took part in support of Macmillan Cancer Support, continuing a partnership that began in 2014. Thanks to the efforts of participants over the years, more than £2.62 million had been raised by the time the 2026 event concluded, helping Macmillan support people living with cancer across the UK.
Speaking during event week, Malcolm Sutherland, chief executive of Caledonian Concepts, said the build-up to the weekend had been filled with excitement and pride. He highlighted the mix of personal challenges, charity targets and sheer enjoyment of riding that brought so many people together on the day.
Local communities around Inverness and Loch Ness again played a vital role. Spectators lined key sections of the route, while carefully managed road closures ensured a safe environment for riders and residents alike. The closed road format continued to be a major draw, offering a rare chance to ride some of Scotland’s most famous roads without traffic.
As riders rolled back into Inverness to collect medals and share stories, Etape Loch Ness 2026 underlined its status as a bucket list event. Scenic, challenging and community focused, it once again showed why it remained a standout date in the UK cycling calendar.
