More than 6,500 cyclists are set to travel to the Scottish Highlands for the 2026 Etape Loch Ness on April 26, 2026. Now in its 12th year, the event is the largest closed-road sportive in the UK, featuring a 106km route around the iconic Loch Ness.
Organised by Caledonian Concepts (which is itself is owned by London Marathon Events), the event in Scotland caters to riders of all abilities. The course includes the King and Queen of the Mountain climb, a timed 7.7km section that gains 380m in elevation with a maximum gradient of 12%.
Caledonian Concepts is an event management company based in the Highlands, specialising in large-scale sporting fixtures such as the Loch Ness Marathon and the Etape Loch Ness sportive.
The 2026 edition of Etape Loch Ness sold out months in advance and is expected to be the largest in the event’s history. Beyond the physical challenge, the sportive acts as a significant fundraising platform. More than 1,000 participants are riding for Macmillan Cancer Support, the event’s official charity partner. Since 2014, the partnership has raised over £2.6 million for the non-profit organisation.
Malcolm Sutherland, CEO of Caledonian Concepts, said “With just a week to go, the excitement is really building for what promises to be our biggest and most memorable Etape Loch Ness yet. Seeing thousands of riders come together to take on this incredible route – whether for personal challenge, charity, or simply the joy of riding – is what makes this event so special.”
He added “We’re also incredibly proud of the continued support for Macmillan Cancer Support, with riders once again raising significant funds to help people living with cancer across the UK.”
To ensure participant safety, several road closures will be in effect around Inverness and the Loch Ness area on April 26, 2026. The organisers have encouraged spectators to support the riders along the route to maintain the event’s ‘electric’ atmosphere.
www.etapelochness.com
www.caledonianconcepts.co.uk
