Tuesday, 07 February 2023
The Witch’s Trails
The Witch’s Trails
Where we are
Latest forest information
Sections of the forest will be closed for forestry work until March. You may also encounter lorries and other machinery on forest roads into June.
Please keep safe by reading all safety signage and following instructions from staff.
About
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.
Mountain biking trails
Mountain Biking
Broomstick Blue
Fly with the witch on this gentle ride.
4 ¼ miles / 7.0 km
More information
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.
Mountain Biking
The Witch’s World Champs
Work out and wow!
5 ¼ miles / 8.5 km
More information
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.
Facilities and access
The Nevis Range centre has a café, and toilets for customers.
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.
Car parking information
The car park is managed by Nevis Range. Please visit Nevis Range for charges, terms of parking and ways to pay. FLS parking passes or tickets are not valid in this car park. Please park with care and consideration.
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
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?
Phone
0300 067 6650 (option 1)
Nearby forests
A nationally renowned hub of outdoor activities
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'The Witch’s Trails': 0.14 miles
Spectacular views of Britain's highest mountain
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'The Witch’s Trails': 1.32 miles
Gateway to one of Scotland's iconic glens
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'The Witch’s Trails': 3.18 miles
Related articles
Wednesday, 01 February 2023
Scotland is home to a range of rare temperate rainforests. These are woodlands native to the west of Scotland which are made up of birch, hazel, ash, oak and ...
Monday, 23 January 2023
Almost a hundred camer...
Sunday, 22 January 2023
2023 is a big year for Glentress and we have a lot of work ahead of us to host two events of the UCI World Cycling Championships in September. Here's a run down of where things sta...
Find a forest...
View all forests