The Witch’s Trails
The Witch’s Trails Forest Notices
COVID-19 has changed lots of things we do. And as we re-open the majority of our facilities and welcome more of you back in Phase 3, we need your help to do it safely. Please check what’s open before you travel; enjoy your visit safely by following NHS and Scottish Government guidance; take your litter home with you; and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
At this location:
- The car park is closed.
- Toilets are closed while we work to make them safe for you to use. A phased reopening of our public toilet facilities began on Monday, 20 July 2020. For now, please “go before you go” and check helpful apps or websites to find toilets that are open nearby.
Please bear with us and check back regularly for updates. You can also find more information by visiting our COVID-19 page and our FAQs.
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.
Forests around Fort William Guide Map (PDF 6.8MB)
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.
Explore the Nevis Range Trails
Facilities & 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.
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?