Komoot Route Card:
What Is the Badger Divide?
The Badger Divide is one of those routes that gets under your skin. Stretching roughly 340km from Inverness to Glasgow, it draws together some of the finest riding Scotland has to offer: big Highland views, remote estate tracks, lochside miles, stiff climbs, fast descents and just enough café jeopardy to keep everyone honest.
This was my third time taking it on, but the Badger never feels like the same adventure twice. I knew the route well, but this time it was less about familiarity and more about banking serious miles ahead of an upcoming ultra. Alongside me were John, who had ridden the Badger Divide before (albeit with the luxury of hotels), and Jack, who was experiencing it for the first time. Three bikes, three loaded setups, four days ahead, and a very Scottish mix of excitement, optimism and mild concern about what we had committed to.
Day 1: Inverness to Fort Augustus (and Beyond)
After the train north to Inverness, we rolled straight onto the route. The weather was almost too good. The temperature climbed quickly enough to make hydration a constant topic of conversation. There was no rush. The plan was simple: pace ourselves, enjoy it, and make the most of the places that make this route so memorable.
Abriachan Café was the first stop of note, a brilliantly eccentric little haven that anyone who has ridden this way will recognise instantly. The service has its own rhythm, the setting is unique, and the food is superb, even if you don't always have much say in what arrives alongside your soup and sandwich. Fed, watered and smiling, we pushed on west along the Great Glen Way towards Loch Ness.
Riding beside Loch Ness is never just a transfer section. At over 22 miles long, it holds the eye for hours, with water, woodland and hills stretching in every direction. It also makes you work for the privilege. With bikepacking bags loaded, every climb felt a little steeper, and every hike-a-bike, especially the haul out of Invermoriston, slowed us down to honest, sweaty progress.
Our aim for day one was Fort Augustus: a last-minute supply raid at the Co-op, then a push partway up the Corrieyairack Pass to find somewhere to camp. We caught the shop just before closing, gathered what we needed, and climbed into the evening. An hour later we found a great spot, pitched up, cooked, and sat back with the quiet satisfaction that only follows a hard first day done well.
Day 2: Corrieyairack Pass and the Champagne Gravel of Corrour
Sleep came easily. The next morning, the Corrieyairack Pass was waiting. We each settled into our own rhythm, heads down, legs turning, aiming to regroup at the top. The reward was enormous: big open views, a proper sense of remoteness, and the feeling of having earned every metre of altitude.
From there, the riding through Ardverikie and Corrour was outstanding. This is gravel cycling at its best: smooth, fast, flowing and framed by landscapes that seem to change with every bend. "Champagne gravel" is the phrase often used for sections like this, and for once it doesn't feel like an exaggeration.
There was, however, one tactical error. We had talked up the food at Corrour Station to Jack all morning. He arrived hungry and expectant, only for us to discover we were 20 minutes too late for hot food. I took the blame. Thankfully, coffee, cake and a beer softened the disappointment, and we left laughing rather than grumbling.
That evening we rode south towards Loch Rannoch and found another excellent camp by the water. Another solid night followed, and by 9am we were packed, caffeinated and rolling into day three with the easy confidence that comes once a trip has properly found its rhythm.
Day 3: Glen Lyon, the Trossachs and Into the Flow
The miles flowed through spectacular scenery to Bridge of Balgie, where the much-loved café and post office delivered exactly what tired cyclists need: a warm welcome, good food and a chance to sit still for a while. From there we rolled through Glen Lyon, one of the great sections of the Badger Divide. The single-track road rises and falls gently at first, with barely a vehicle in sight, before reminding you that fully loaded bikes make every climb a negotiation.
The weather continued to look after us, which meant the views were spectacular but water stops became essential. Killin provided the next refuel before we headed south through the Trossachs. From the viaduct south of Killin through Strathyre and on towards Loch Lubnaig, everything came together: gravel, sunshine, trees, hills and three riders very aware of how lucky they were to be out there.
It was also around this point that we noticed how well the bikes and kit were holding up. My Marin Nicasio was faultless: comfortable, solid and completely dependable across every surface the route threw at us. My GRVL Apparel kit performed just as well, with the bib shorts in particular were comfortable enough that the spare pair never made it out of the bag. That says everything you need to know about a four-day bikepacking kit.
Day 4: Aberfoyle to Glasgow
We had originally hoped to make it home that evening, however late, but none of us was in any hurry. The sunshine, the scenery and the simple pleasure of being out there made rushing feel like missing the point. By the time we reached Aberfoyle, the decision had almost made itself: one more night under canvas.
We stocked up, rode a little further south, inspected a couple of possible pitches, and eventually found the right spot. Tents went up, food came out, and the day ended the way the best bikepacking days do: tired legs, full stomachs, bikes leaning nearby, and conversation drifting between the highlights already behind us and the miles still to come.
The final morning was another beauty. After breakfast, coffee and a careful pack-up (leaving no trace), we set off for Glasgow. The miles seemed to pass quickly. As we approached the outskirts, we met walkers beginning their own journeys on the West Highland Way, a reminder that Scotland is full of overlapping adventures, all moving at different speeds.
Rolling into Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the official finish, brought that familiar mixture of relief, pride and disbelief that the ride was done. For me, it had been another valuable test of body, bike and kit ahead of future challenges. More than that, it had been four days of incredible Scottish scenery, brilliant weather, shared effort and excellent company.
Why the Badger Divide Is Worth Riding Again and Again
The Badger Divide remains a special route because it offers so much more than distance. It gives you climbs that make you quiet, descents that make you grin, cafés that become stories, camp spots that feel like rewards, and long moments where all you can do is look around and take it in.
This may have been my third time riding it, but it won't be my last.
Practical Badger Divide Route Notes
Distance: Around 340km from Inverness to Glasgow, depending on any detours for food, camping or resupply.
Direction: North to south worked well for us. Train to Inverness, finish at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow.
Resupply: Plan carefully. Useful stops include Abriachan Café, Fort Augustus (Co-op), Corrour Station, Bridge of Balgie, Killin and Aberfoyle, but opening times can make or break a food plan. Always check ahead.
Terrain: Expect a real mix of gravel tracks, estate roads, single-track roads, sustained climbs, fast descents and the occasional hike-a-bike. Loaded bikes make the steep sections feel properly earned.
Kit: Reliable tyres, comfortable clothing, a solid sleep system and the ability to carry extra water are all worth prioritising, especially in warm weather. We used GRVL Apparel bib shorts for the full four days without issue.
Time of year: Late Spring conditions gave us exceptional weather. Early mornings start cool but temperatures rose quickly each day, so factor in sun protection and extra hydration capacity. Water is plentiful in Scotland, but be sure to pack a filter to draw water from streams.
If the Badger Divide is on your list, don't leave it there too long. Pick your dates, gather a few good people, check the café opening times, pack light but sensibly, and go and find out why this route has such a reputation. You'll come home tired, dusty, probably a little hungry at some point, but absolutely full of stories.
And for us? All that remained was the small matter of the 50-mile ride home to Fife. One more reminder that the best adventures rarely end exactly where the route does.
Badger Divide FAQ
How long does the Badger Divide take? Most riders complete the Badger Divide in four to six days, depending on fitness, how much they're carrying and how many café stops they linger at. Four days is very achievable for experienced bikepackers riding loaded. If you're new to multi-day riding or want to take it at a slower pace and enjoy the scenery properly, five or six days is a more comfortable target. The route can technically be completed faster by strong riders with minimal gear, but rushing it misses the point.
Is the Badger Divide suitable for beginners? It's a challenging route and not recommended as a first bikepacking trip. The terrain varies widely, there are sections with no resupply for long stretches, and some climbs, including the Corrieyairack Pass, are steep and remote. That said, you don't need to be a racer. If you're comfortable riding 60 to 80km a day on varied terrain, have some camping experience and can carry everything you need, the Badger Divide is absolutely doable. The key is going in prepared, not fast.
What is the best time of year to ride the Badger Divide? Late spring through early autumn works well, roughly May to September. June and July offer the longest daylight hours, which is useful on the more remote sections. August can bring settled weather but also midges in the Highlands, so a good midge net and repellent are worth packing. We rode in late spring and had exceptional conditions, though water became more important to manage than expected in the heat. Avoid late autumn and winter unless you're experienced in winter mountain riding and fully prepared for short days and unpredictable conditions.
Where do you start and finish the Badger Divide? The route runs north to south, starting in Inverness and finishing at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow. This direction is the most popular and takes advantage of prevailing winds. Getting to the start is straightforward: ScotRail runs direct trains from Glasgow to Inverness, so you can ride to the finish and train back, or take the train up first and ride home. Bikes are permitted on most services, though booking a bike space in advance is recommended.
Written by Gavin Cooper / GravelGav
GRVL Apparel Ambassador
