Inverness Highland Lakeside Circuit

A circuit around a long, deep Highland loch, ridden anticlockwise from the edge of Inverness. The first half follows the north-western shore on a fast, open main road with wide views over the water, and the second half climbs back on the far side along an old military route through forest, moorland and tiny hamlets.

The contrast is the interest: broad and quick on one bank, then a long stretch of single-track with passing places on the other, where the pace drops and attention rises. Use the passing places early and on your own side, and expect cyclists, campervans and sheep. There are cattle grids on the quiet side. There is a long fuel gap on the return, so top up before you cross. It suits confident riders in dry weather.