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Routes

Choose Your Challenge: 3 Scenic Closed-Road Routes for Every Rider

Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or taking on your first sportive, Etape Caledonia offers a route to suit your ability and goals. Explore the stunning Scottish Highlands with fully closed roads, exhilarating climbs and unforgettable views. Choose from one of three distances: 40, 55 or 85-miles.

40 Miles: The Explorer’s Choice

Perfect for newer riders or those looking for a shorter, scenic ride without major climbs.

Route Highlights:

  • Distance: 40 miles / 64.4 km

  • Elevation Gain: 860 m (2,823 ft)

  • Total Descent: 866 m (2,842 ft)

  • Net Elevation Change: -6 m

  • Start/Finish: Pitlochry

What to Expect:

  • A manageable challenge ideal for first-timers.

  • Rolling hills with one main climb around 25–30 km.

  • Flatter terrain in the second half, making for a strong finish.

  • Scenic highlights: Loch Tummel, Dull, Aberfeldy.

55 Miles: The Balanced Challenge

A great step up for riders looking for a longer day in the saddle with rewarding climbs.

Route Highlights:

  • Distance: 55 miles / 88.5 km

  • Elevation Gain: 1,166 m (3,826 ft)

  • Total Descent: 1,172 m (3,846 ft)

  • Net Elevation Change: -6 m

  • Start/Finish: Pitlochry

What to Expect:

  • Two notable climbs between 25–50 km.

  • Long plateau section allows for recovery before descending.

  • Quiet roads and beautiful glens near Loch Rannoch and Bridge of Balgie.

  • Slightly more technical than the 40-mile, but very rideable.

85 Miles: The Full Etape Experience

For experienced riders ready for a proper challenge across Scotland’s rugged terrain.

Route Highlights:

  • Distance: 85 miles / 136.8 km

  • Elevation Gain: 1,555 m (5,101 ft)

  • Total Descent: 1,561 m (5,121 ft)

  • Net Elevation Change: -6 m

  • Start/Finish: Pitlochry

What to Expect:

  • Epic loop through the Highlands, including remote stretches near Rannoch Moor.

  • Steady climbing begins early, peaking around 70–80 km.

  • Demands good pacing, nutrition, and gear prep.

  • Truly stunning and remote Scottish scenery throughout.

Feed Stations

Feed Station 1

Fruit and flapjacks, plus Maurten energy product.

 

Feed Station 2 - Pitlochry Scouts

Offering hot drinks, Macaroni cheese pies from local butchers as well as fruit, flapjacks and potatoes, plus Maurten energy product. Bacon rolls available for a donation to Pitlochry Scouts.

 

Feed Station 3 - Local Volunteers

Amazing cakes on offer from the café at Glengoulandie Camp Site as well as local butchers pork pies, fruit and flapjacks.

 

Feed Station 4: - Aberfeldy Scouts

Offering their homemade cakes (donations are welcome) plus fruit, flapjacks and yummy macaroni cheese pies.