COVID-19 and Forestry and Land Scotland
FLS has reduced its operations to felling that is contributing to essential business requirements to help keep Scotland ticking over. Our staff are working from home where possible; staff who are working continue to practise social distancing rigorously following Government and NHS guidance to keep safe.
Fresh air and being outdoors benefits physical and mental health and well-being, and for local visitors the majority of walking trails on Scotland’s national forests and land remain open. Be aware that staff cannot maintain our standard checks and maintenance. All our mountain biking trails and all car parks are closed.
All visitors are reminded to maintain social distance at all times.
The Witch’s Trails
World class mountain biking trails at Nevis Range
Choose from magical journeys through fragrant forest or dazzling downhill rides - the Witch’s Trails have something for everyone. There’s a skills loop to warm up, and if you feel the need for a higher, mightier magic you can take the Nevis Range gondola up the mountain for more.
A local legend tells how the ‘witch of Leanachan’ fled to the hills after cursing a doctor and his two brothers in the 1800s. Now the forest below Ben Nevis is famous as the home of the mountain bike World Cup and World Championships – you’ll be riding the same routes as world champions.
Nevis Range manages the trails. Check out the latest information on trail conditions and special events before you set off.
Guide map to Forests around Fort William (PDF 6.9MB)
Mountain biking trails
Broomstick Blue
Fly with the witch on this gentle ride.
This is a great place to start, and ideal for younger riders. The trail follows the River Lundy, with plenty of gently flowing single track.
The Witch’s World Champs
Work out and wow!
Built for the 2007 World Championships, this loop is a real work out, with nearly 600 feet/270m of climb and descent. You’ll need to handle technical features and hard climbs – and be ready for thrilling descents.
Activities
Jump on your bike
The Witch’s Trails offer three classic routes right from the car park. The Nevis Range gondola will take you and your bike up the hill for the Nevis Red Route, a challenging single track with exposed open hill sections and stunning mountain views, and the Off Beat downhill, an extreme brew of berms, rock steps, and gap jumps.
You can even ride all the way here on a link route from Fort William – download our map for details.
Witch's Trails guide map (PDF)
Facilities & access
The Nevis Range centre has a café, and toilets for customers.
Download our guide map for details of all the bike trails around the Ben.
Equipment
To get started we recommend a basic mountain bike with suspension forks – nothing too fancy – and please wear a helmet. We’ve got some helpful guidelines about how to have fun and stay safe on the trails.
Stay safe
All waymarked cycle trails MUST be ridden only in the direction shown.
Getting here
From Fort William take the A82 north towards Fort Augustus for 3 ¾ miles (6km). Turn right, following signs for Nevis Range ski centre. The car park is at grid reference NN 170 774.
Using SatNav?
Nearest postcode: PH33 6SQ
Public transport
Buses from Fort William go to Nevis Range. You’ll find details at Traveline Scotland.
Get in touch
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