The best road cycling routes around Killearnan
4.6
(167)
10,657
riders
220
rides
Road cycling routes around Killearnan traverse a landscape characterized by the Beauly Firth, numerous lochs, and rolling terrain. The region offers a mix of coastal and inland routes, with varying elevation gains. Road cyclists can expect to encounter a blend of open roads, forested sections, and views of historical sites.
Best road cycling routes around Killearnan
- The most popular road cycling route is Beualy Firth loop – Muir of Ord to Inverness Castle, an easy 26.8 miles (43.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 45 minutes to complete. This route follows the Beauly Firth, offering views towards Inverness Castle.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Muir of Ord to Loch Laide loop via St Mary's Eskadale, a difficult 63.7 miles (102.4 km) path. This route winds through varied landscapes towards Loch Laide, presenting significant climbs.
- Local road cyclists also love the Muir of Ord loop to Beauly Priory, a 26.9 miles (43.2 km) trail leading through rolling terrain, often completed in about 2 hours 14 minutes.
- Road cycling around Killearnan is defined by firth-side paths, loch views, and historical landmarks. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to challenging climbs.
- The routes in Killearnan are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 120 reviews. Nearly 10,000 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Killearnan's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
5.0
(5)
293
riders
43.1km
01:46
220m
220m
Embark on the Beauly Firth loop, an easy road cycling adventure from Muir of Ord to Inverness Castle. This route spans 26.8 miles (43.1 km) and features well-paved surfaces, offering picturesque views along the Beauly Firth and through diverse Scottish Highland landscapes. You'll experience an elevation gain of about 715 feet (218 metres) over approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, making it a pleasant ride for various fitness levels. As you cycle, you can enjoy glimpses of historic sites like the ancient Beauly Priory and the Redcastle Ruins, with the journey culminating in views of Inverness Castle.
This loop is generally considered easy, though some segments might present gentle undulations. The route is accessible for most road cyclists, with its primarily paved surfaces. While the northern shore of the Firth is popular and often quieter, be aware that the A862 on the southern shore can be busy; consider riding during quieter times like evenings or Sundays if you choose that section. You can also find bike-friendly cafes, such as Café Artisans at the Muir Hub, for a convenient stop along the way.
The Beauly Firth loop is notable for its blend of natural beauty and historical landmarks. Beyond the stunning coastal inlet views, you'll pass through scenic glens, alongside rivers, and by lochs, often spotting rich birdlife. The route's endpoint, Inverness Castle, has been a significant historical site for millennia, bridging the mouth of the river into the Moray Firth. This trail offers a fantastic way to explore the region's heritage and landscapes.
5.0
(1)
24
riders
102km
04:35
1,040m
1,040m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Sign up for free
6
riders
43.2km
02:14
610m
610m
Cycle a moderate 26.9-mile (43.2 km) loop from Muir of Ord to the historic Beauly Priory, enjoying scenic countryside views.
5.0
(2)
62
riders
74.9km
03:17
570m
570m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.0
(2)
53
riders
33.1km
01:27
190m
190m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Meig dam was built in 1957 as part of a series of post-war infrastructure projects led by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board (NoSHEB). The reservoir is part of the Conon Hydro Scheme.
0
0
Unfortunately not accessible in 2024 due to restoration work
1
0
Very good visitor centre with good guided tour lasting 1.25 hours. Tour costs £22 for adults and £10 for children.
0
0
Participants on a tour of the distillery receive a 10% discount on purchases made on site in the visitor shop.
1
0
Fantastic little cafe that comes highly recommended with options to sit in the gardens. Do check opening hours ahead of time as they are closed some days of the week.
1
0
THE SINGLETON DISTILLERY Visit The Singleton team at our distillery on the Black Isle, close to the popular North Coast 500 and the city of Inverness. The new Singleton Whiskey Visitor Center was inspired by our passion for perfectly balanced and uniquely flavored whiskey as well as our love of good food and drink. Here at Glen Ord Distillery (one of three iconic distilleries under The Singleton brand), a world of flavor awaits you, with some of Scotland's gastronomic highlights - most notably our outstanding whiskey. Advance bookings for tours and experiences are strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. https://www.malts.com/de-de/destillerien/the-singleton-of-glen-ord
4
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Killearnan?
There are over 200 road cycling routes around Killearnan, offering a diverse range of options for all skill levels. This includes 72 easy routes, 125 moderate routes, and 33 challenging routes.
Are there easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Killearnan?
Yes, Killearnan offers several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. An excellent option is the Beualy Firth loop – Muir of Ord to Inverness Castle, an easy 43.1 km trail with minimal elevation gain, offering scenic views along the firth.
What are some challenging road cycling routes with significant climbs in Killearnan?
For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the Muir of Ord to Loch Laide loop via St Mary's Eskadale is a difficult 102.4 km route featuring over 1000 meters of elevation gain, winding through varied landscapes towards Loch Laide.
Are there circular road cycling routes or loops around Killearnan?
Many of the road cycling routes around Killearnan are designed as loops. For example, the Muir of Ord loop to Beauly Priory is a popular 43.2 km circular route through rolling terrain, often completed in about 2 hours 14 minutes.
What kind of scenery can I expect on Killearnan's road cycling routes?
Killearnan's road cycling routes offer a diverse landscape, characterized by the Beauly Firth, numerous lochs, and rolling terrain. You'll encounter a mix of coastal and inland roads, forested sections, and views of historical sites and natural monuments.
Are there any scenic viewpoints or historical sites along the road cycling routes?
Yes, several routes pass by interesting landmarks. You might encounter historical sites like the The Eagle Stone or the Knockfarrel Vitrified Hillfort. Some routes also offer views of the Beauly Firth and other natural features.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Killearnan?
The best time for road cycling in Killearnan is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to September) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. This period offers the most pleasant conditions for exploring the region's diverse routes.
Are there road cycling routes that include cafe stops or places to refuel?
Yes, some routes are designed to pass through towns or villages where you can find cafes and amenities. The Café Artisans at the Muir Hub – The Eagle Stone loop from Muir of Ord is an example of a route that incorporates a potential stop at a local cafe.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Killearnan?
The road cycling routes in Killearnan are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 120 reviews. Nearly 10,000 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the scenic firth-side paths and loch views.
Where can I find parking near the road cycling trailheads in Killearnan?
Many routes start from towns like Muir of Ord, which typically offer public parking facilities. It's advisable to check local parking options in the specific starting village or town for your chosen route.
Are there any routes that explore the area around Glen Ord Distillery?
Yes, you can explore the area around Glen Ord Distillery by bike. The Glen Ord Distillery – Road to Loch Beannacharain loop from Muir of Ord is a moderate 74.4 km route that takes you through this scenic part of the region.
What are the typical distances and elevation gains for road cycling routes in Killearnan?
Route distances vary significantly, from shorter loops around 30-40 km, like the Beualy Firth loop (43.1 km), to longer, more challenging rides over 100 km, such as the Muir of Ord to Loch Laide loop (102.4 km). Elevation gains range from around 200 meters for easier routes to over 1000 meters for difficult ones.
Most popular attractions around Killearnan
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Road cycling routes in other regions.
