28 July 2023

All you need to know about Nevis Range

Find out everything you need to know about Nevis Range, including information about how to get there, transport and spectator experience.

Mountain biking heaven

Magnificently framed by the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and often described as the Outdoor Capital of the UK, Fort William and its cinematic scenery is a true mountain bikers’ paradise.

There are hills. There are Munros. Then there’s Nevis Range - the snowsports area and bike park, located some 9km to the east of Fort William, where the Downhill takes place.

Standing proud as one of the sport’s most legendary mountain runs, the downhill track here can’t be beaten for its sheer spectacle, scenery and gravity-defying drama. A course that’s both technically and physically challenging, only the brave have any hope of conquering it.

How to get there

Walking & CYCLING

Cycling is a great way to get to the venue. Our travel map shows the cycling route from Fort William to the venue which is approximately 6km. The route is a shared-use, off-road path alongside the A82 and fully signposted. The route then follows a quiet tarmac road from Torlundy before joining a forest road close to the venue. For the final 100m, please dismount before the bike park and West Entrance.

This route is also suitable for those walking to the venue from Fort William. Free cycle parking is available in the Bike Park to the west of the venue. This will be controlled by event staff and will operate a bike and rider identification system but please bring a suitable bike lock. Cycle parking facilities are open from 08:30 until after the final ceremonies.

Accessibility: Please note if you’re planning to use an adaptive bike, the last section of the cycle track is not suitable for all adaptive bikes. Please do not walk along the A82 to access the venue from Fort William or Park & Ride sites. This is a busy road and not suitable for walking.

CAR

DRIVING

The A82, roads within Fort William and the surrounding area will be busy so please allow plenty of time for your journey. Where possible, please car share - it’s better for the planet and your wallet.

PARKING

We have three Park & Ride shuttle bus services in operation to help get you to Nevis Range. These shuttle bus services are free to use, but please be mindful if you are planning to park in Fort William town centre, that parking charges may apply. Please allow plenty of time for your journey as there may be heavy traffic.

Operating times

Buses start from 08:00 in the morning and run approximately every 20 minutes depending on traffic in the area. Buses will stop approximately one hour after competition/final medal ceremonies finish.

Park & Ride sites are shown on the travel map (see Spectator Guide page 9):

  • If travelling from the south, use the Park & Ride facilities at Blar Mhor (green) (what3words///disposal.suiting.unimpeded). Capacity: 1300. Shuttle buses will run from Thursday 3 August to Saturday 5 August.
  • If travelling from the south, you can also use the Park & Ride facilities at West End car park, Fort William (red) (what3words///validated.throat.wells). Capacity: 270. Please note this and other car parks in Fort William remain open to the general public and are Pay and Display. Shuttle buses will run from Wednesday 2 August to Saturday 5 August.
  • If travelling from the north or east, use the Park & Ride facilities at Glen Spean Brewery (yellow) (what3words///nudge.rust.highways). Capacity: 600. Shuttle buses will run from Thursday 3 August to Saturday 5 August.

Please allow plenty of time for your journey as there may be heavy traffic.

ACCESSIBILITY 

Please be aware the Park & Ride shuttle buses have limited easy access facilities and it cannot be guaranteed that all buses will be fully accessible (i.e space for a wheelchair user.) If planning to make use of this travel option, please get in touch with us at accessibility@cyclingworldchamps.com so we can talk through your options. Please note there are limited toilet facilities at Park & Ride sites and there is no overnight parking permitted.

Practical information

  • Nevis Range has two entrances.
  • The Main Spectator Entrance is next to the shuttle bus drop off and pick up point at the entrance to Nevis Range.
  • The Main Spectator Entrance is next to the bookable Blue Badge parking.
  • The West Spectator Entrance is for cycle and other foot traffic.

Nevis Range is well equipped for you to have a great day. Facilities on venue:

  • Café
  • Medical
  • Grandstand
  • Public Toilets
  • Restaurant
  • Cycle Parking
  • Gondola
  • Information Point
  • Bar
  • Merchandise
  • Accessible Spectator Viewing
  • Accessible Toilets
  • Expo

SPECTATOR SEATING

There is a public seating grandstand in front of the finish area. This seating is unreserved, fills up quickly and is available on a first-come first-served basis only.

The accessible platform beside the finish area is available for wheelchair users, those who require easy access areas and their companions.

Spectator experience

  • Cycling - Fort William and Lochaber is one of Scotland’s top mountain biking destinations, and alongside the downhill tracks at Nevis Range, there are lots of trails to explore across the area and at nearby Laggan Wolftrax. Why not ride a few while you’re here?
  • Bike hire/retail - Outwith the World Championships, there’s bike hire on-site at Nevis Range and also in Fort William and local guides can also help you get the most from your time here. See the Outdoor Capital of the UK website for more.
  • There are an incredible range of options for places to stay and eat in Lochaber. However, it’s a popular place during the summer months so we highly recommend you book in advance. The team in the VisitScotland iCentre (what3words///outhouse.start.turkey) will be happy to assist you.
  • And when you want a bit of time off the bike, there are lots of other activities to try here and lots of attractions to discover.