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The Tea Garden Café – View of the Small Isles loop from Mallaig

The Tea Garden Café – View of the Small Isles loop from Mallaig

Hard

riders

The Tea Garden Café – View of the Small Isles loop from Mallaig

04:46

97.2km

1,350m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 5, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

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193 m

Mallaig – TGO Challenge Start Point

Highlight • Settlement

Mallaig is a bustling fishing port and is one of the most popular start points, especially with first timers. Many take the ferry to Knoydart which is a spectacular way to start a crossing, but with a little imagination there are routes you can fashion without crossing the water…

Register: West Highland Hotel: 01687 460251, info@westhighlandhotel.co.uk

Getting there: From Fort William take the Scotrail service or the Jacobite Steam train along the West Highland line.

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346 m

The Tea Garden Café

Highlight • Cafe

Really nice place for food and drink where you can sit either inside or outside on the terrace. "You can enjoy your meal in a friendly, warm and pleasant setting. The Café is tastefully decorated with complimenting stone and wood surroundings and the original croft fireplace has been lovingly restored, all creating a memorable experience." Source: mallaigbackpackers.co.uk/the-tea-garden

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4.74 km

Morar – Start of the TGO Challenge

Highlight • Viewpoint

Morar is a small village with a superb beach and views to Rum. Another start point best used by regular those with experience of trackless walking in Scotland as it offers challenging but rewarding routes over very rough ground in the Loch Morar area. It has been lightly used but the Morar Hotel is now very welcoming to Challengers so if you’ve a few crossings under your belt why not give it a go.

Register: Morar Hotel, 01687 462346, bookings@morarhotel.co.uk

Getting there: The train station on the Mallaig Line is opposite the hotel.

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27.1 km

Lochailort – TGO Challenge Start Point

Highlight • Settlement

The Lochailort Hotel sits at head of the sea loch and gives access to some truly wild country. To the south the rough Ardgour Corbetts and to the north many will walk along Loch Beoraid or over to Oban bothy. All routes are hard going, often pathless but rewarding. It’s a great start point for those with previous Challenge experience but not ideal if this will be your first walk in Scotland.

Register: Lochailort Inn: 01687 470208, enquires@lochailortinn.co.uk

Getting there: Lochailort has its own stop on the beautiful Fort William-Mallaig rail line.

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38.8 km

View of the Small Isles

Highlight • Natural Monument

Across the mouth of Loch Ailort are wonderful views of the Small Isles. Muck is on the left. Eigg is the one with the 'Sgurr' on it. You might glimpse the mountains (Cuillin) of Rum peaking over from behind. Canna is out of view.

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