Marathon brings closures around Loch Ness on 27 September
Published on 09/27/2026 at 18:02 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon brings temporary traffic restrictions around Loch Ness and Inverness on 27 September 2026. The event is centred on a route from the south of the loch to Bught Park, where visitors can watch the finish and attend the public Event Village.
The loch, known in Scottish Gaelic as Loch Nis, remains accessible in many areas, but travel around its southern and northern approaches will be affected during the race.
Marathon brings traffic restrictions around Loch Ness on 27 September
The marathon starts at 10am near Whitebridge and Fort Augustus on the south side of Loch Ness, before continuing towards Inverness. The River Ness 5K starts at 9.30am in Bught Park, while the River Ness 10K begins at 10.30am on Culduthel Avenue.
The organiser lists temporary restrictions around Inverness and Loch Ness for 27 September 2026, including the closure of the Infirmary Bridge to pedestrians and cyclists from 8.30am to 5pm. The official marathon information also directs local residents and visitors to event guidance for the day.
Road closures affect sections of the B862 and B852, as well as roads in Inverness near the finish area. The restrictions are linked directly to the marathon route, rather than to a permanent change in access around the loch.
Loch Ness route links the Highland landscape with Inverness
Loch Ness lies in the Scottish Highlands and runs from south of Inverness to Fort Augustus. VisitScotland describes Inverness as the capital of the Highlands, where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth, while the loch forms part of the landscape connected by the Caledonian Canal.
The marathon uses this geography as its setting: runners travel from the southern loch area towards the Highland city, while spectators can follow the final section into Inverness. This places the temporary bridge and city-road restrictions close to the point where the rural route becomes an urban finish.
VisitScotland lists the loch among the region's major visitor destinations and identifies boat trips, Urquhart Castle, Drumnadrochit, Fort Augustus and the Caledonian Canal as nearby attractions. Its Loch Ness visitor guide also identifies the A82 and B862 as important routes around the area.
What the marathon means for spectators in Inverness
The race is not limited to participants. The organiser says the Event Village at Bught Park is open to the public on 27 September 2026, with an expo, food, children's activities and live music. The final four miles into Inverness are identified as suitable viewing territory, although there is no spectator access at the marathon start.
A regional report gives further practical detail on the affected streets and alternative parking areas. Its guide to the race restrictions lists closures around Bught Park, Ness Walk, Ness Bank and approaches to the city centre.
Visiting Loch Ness: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon takes place on 27 September 2026. The marathon starts at 10am near Whitebridge and Fort Augustus, with the Event Village open at Bught Park from 9am.
- Access changes on 27 September 2026 include the Infirmary Bridge closure for pedestrians and cyclists from 8.30am to 5pm, plus temporary road closures around the race route.
- Inverness is the main reference city. ScotRail trains and long-distance coaches serve Inverness, while the A82 and B862 provide road access towards different sides of Loch Ness.
- The loch area includes shore paths, viewpoints and rural roads. Visitors following the event should expect diversions and should avoid relying on the race start area for sightseeing access.
The marathon combines a one-day sporting event with temporary changes to movement around the loch and Inverness.
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Frequently asked questions about Loch Ness
When does the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon take place at Loch Ness?
The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon takes place on 27 September 2026, starting at 10am near Whitebridge and Fort Augustus.
What changes around Loch Ness on 27 September 2026?
Temporary traffic restrictions affect roads around the route, and the Infirmary Bridge closes to pedestrians and cyclists from 8.30am to 5pm.
Where is Loch Ness and how do you get there?
Loch Ness runs from south of Inverness to Fort Augustus. Inverness can be reached by train, coach and road, with the A82 and B862 providing access towards the loch.
