Etape Loch Ness 2026 Gears Up For a Monster Year as Event Sells Out in Record Time

March 16, 2026

The UK's biggest sportive returns to the Highlands with their largest edition yet on Sunday 26 April 2026

Inverness, Scotland (March 16, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Demand for Scotland’s most spectacular cycling event has once again proven unstoppable, with Etape Loch Ness 2026 officially selling out months ahead of the start line. The 12th edition of the iconic closed-road sportive, taking place on Sunday 26 April 2026, will see thousands of cyclists descend on the Highlands to take on the stunning 66-mile route around the world renowned Loch Ness.

In another major milestone, over 1,000 cyclists will be taking part for Macmillan Cancer Support, underlining the growing desire for riders to take on the challenge while supporting a meaningful cause.

The 2026 edition also celebrates 12 years of partnership between Etape Loch Ness and Macmillan Cancer Support. Since 2014, riders have raised an incredible £2.62 million for the charity, helping Macmillan support the 3.5 million people living with cancer across the UK.

Malcolm Sutherland, CEO of Caledonian Concepts, organisers of the Etape Loch Ness, said: “The continued demand for Etape Loch Ness is incredible to see. To have the event sell out once again, and to welcome over 1000 Macmillan riders, shows just how special this sportive has become. The combination of a world-class route, the unique Highland setting, and the opportunity to ride for such an important cause continues to attract cyclists from across the UK and around the world. 2026 is shaping up to be our biggest and most exciting event yet.”

Cyclists taking part will tackle the 66-mile (106 km) closed-road route that circles the world-famous Loch Ness, featuring 900 metres of elevation and the legendary King and Queen of the Mountain climb – a challenging 4.8-mile ascent from Fort Augustus with gradients reaching 12%.

Now firmly established as one of the UK’s leading cycling sportives, Etape Loch Ness attracts both first-time riders and experienced cyclists from across the globe, all drawn by the event’s breathtaking scenery, electric atmosphere, and sense of achievement at the finish line in Inverness.

With record participation and fundraising expected, Etape Loch Ness 2026 is set to be the biggest edition of the event to date.

For more information, and to find out more about the event visit www.etapelochness.com.

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Contact Information:

For more information please contact:
Laura Price laura@keepcomms.com +44 7444 954 275.

About Etape Loch Ness

The Etape Loch Ness is a cycle sportive, which is a short to long distance, organised, non-competitive mass-participation cycling event. The Etape Loch Ness takes place around iconic Loch Ness offering the chance to cycle 66 miles (106 km) on traffic-free roads. The 360° closed-road route around the loch starts and finishes in the Highland capital of Inverness, offering 900m of ascent. There is a timed King and Queen of the Mountain stage, with a 4.8-mile (9 km) climb gaining 380m in height with a gradient reaching 12% at times.

The 2026 edition also celebrates 12 years of partnership between Etape Loch Ness and Macmillan Cancer Support. Since 2014, participants have raised an incredible £2.62 million for the charity, helping Macmillan support the 3.5 million people living with cancer across the UK.

Sponsors and partners of the 2026 Etape Loch Ness are The Highland Council, HIGH5, Erdinger Alkoholfrei, Harry Gow Bakery, Yellow Jersey, Caledonian Logistics, Marathon Photos and JustGiving.

About Macmillan Cancer Support

Macmillan Cancer Support has spent more than 100 years helping people living with cancer. We know that cancer can disrupt your whole life, and it can be made worse simply because of who you are and where you live. But we’re here to change that. The number of people diagnosed with cancer is growing, and every one of them needs the best support to meet their unique needs. That’s why we’ll do whatever it takes to help everyone living with cancer across the UK get the support they need right now and transform cancer care for everyone who will be diagnosed in the future. Signing up to an event like Etape Loch Ness helps Macmillan support more people affected by cancer.