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.

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.

Explore the Nevis Range Trails

Facilities and access

Walking

Toilets

Parking (charge)

Cafe or refreshments

Viewpoint

Picnic area

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 directions

Find out more

• Forests near Fort William
• Forests in the Great Glen