Road closures in force as 6,500 cyclists ride around Loch Ness

Around 6,500 cyclists have descended on the Highlands for the largest road cycle ride around Loch Ness.

The UK’s largest closed-road sportive, the twelfth Etape Loch Ness, will see riders take on a 66-mile route around the loch on Sunday.

Road closures and restrictions are in place in and around Inverness, Loch Ness and the A82. The closures started coming into force on Saturday night, with some set to remain in place until Sunday afternoon.

Travellers have been warned to plan ahead and expect delays if they are journeying through the area.

Road closures are in force for the Etape Loch Ness. Etape Loch Ness

The Etape Loch Ness sold out months in advance and is set to be the biggest in its history.

More than 1,000 participants are riding in support of Macmillan Cancer Support, continuing a partnership that has raised over £2.6 million since 2014.

Malcolm Sutherland, CEO of Caledonian Concepts, organisers of the Etape Loch Ness, said: “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.”

Spectators are encouraged to come and support riders along the route. There will be road closures in place along the A82.

Details are available here.