Annual sporting events Loch Ness 2025
If you’re looking for accommodation during any of these great Scottish sporting events, take a look at Abbey Holidays Loch Ness. Our apartments and cottages are based within a stunning historic abbey in Fort Augustus, overlooking the iconic Loch Ness. Book accommodation online today or contact us for more information.
Etape Loch Ness
27th April 2025
The Etape Loch Ness is a closed-road cycling event held annually in the Scottish Highlands. The 66-mile route circles Loch Ness, starting and finishing in Inverness at the northern tip of the loch, and passing through Fort Augustus at the opposite end. Cyclists are drawn to its challenging climbs and the chance to ride traffic-free through some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes.
Ultra X Scotland
3rd to 4th May 2025
The Ultra X Scotland ultra marathon follows the Great Glen Way with Loch Ness as its backdrop. There are four event distances: 68 miles over 2 days (Saturday & Sunday), 37 miles (Saturday), 31 miles (Sunday) and 16 miles (Sunday), some of which start or finish in Fort Augustus. This is Scotland’s biggest ultra-marathon, featuring some routes that far exceed the standard marathon distance. It’s a formidable challenge, even for the most experienced runners!
Great Glen Ultra Marathon 42 & 72
5th July 2025
This on-foot race to Inverness follows the path of the Great Glen Way. The short course is 42 miles (68 km) long, starting in Fort Augustus, while the full course is 72 miles (116 km) from Fort William. It is a solo runner event, and runners can look forward to experiencing exceptionally beautiful surroundings. The shorter route begins at Fort Augustus Village Hall, making us a perfect base for preparing for the race, as well as somewhere beautiful to stay after you have completed it.
Monster the Loch
6th September 2025
Monster the Loch is a mass participation boat race held on Loch Ness. The 21-mile route runs between Fort Augustus and Dores. Participants can use any human-powered boats including kayaks, rowing boats and pedalos. The race direction depends on wind conditions, often starting in Fort Augustus. It is a great spectacle to view, due to the sheer number of boats on the loch.
Great Glen Paddle Challenge
11th September 2025
The Great Glen Paddle Challenge is an endurance event where participants paddle over 92 km across the Caledonian Canal. The route stretches between Fort William and Inverness and may be in either direction depending on the weather conditions. Fort Augustus is the middle point and a great base, as participants won’t discover the starting point until the day before. The event welcomes kayaks, canoes and paddleboards and attracts competitors from across the UK and beyond.
Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running
28th September 2025
As you can expect in this area, the Loch Ness Marathon is a stunning one. It starts not far from our accommodation, making this a great place to stay for the event. The run continues along the southern side of Loch Ness and finishes in Inverness. On the same date, there is also the River Ness 10K, 5K and Wee Nessie, as part of the Festival of Running.
Base yourself in Fort Augustus
If you are coming with friends and family, booking a stay at Abbey Holidays Loch Ness is the perfect way to ensure everyone has a great time in Scotland. We offer a bookable swimming room and kids’ play area, as well as board games and a snooker table, if there is still some competitive spirit you need to deal with! Should you wish to see the loch from yet another angle, we have a boathouse nearby to help you get onto the water.
