UK's longest blue trail offers 450 meters of vertical drop, gondola lift for reaching the summit, and is now reopened following a 18-month shutdown.
**Blue Doon Trail at Nevis Range Reopens After 18-Month Closure**
The Blue Doon trail at Nevis Range, Scotland, a favourite among mountain bikers for its unique challenges and stunning landscapes, has reopened to the public following an 18-month closure due to storm damage.
Originally opened in 2021, the Blue Doon trail was designed as a blue-graded alternative to the more challenging World Cup downhill track at Nevis Range. However, the trail suffered significant damage during storms in early 2024, causing it to be closed for repairs. After a comprehensive rework, the trail reopened on July 5, 2025.
The Blue Doon trail spans approximately 5 kilometers and offers over 450 meters of vertical descent, making it the longest gondola-accessed blue trail in the UK. The trail features exposed bedrock and boardwalks over boggy areas, reflecting the challenging Highlands weather conditions. The rebuilt lower section of the trail takes riders further west, providing a slightly adjusted terrain.
Accessing the Blue Doon trail is straightforward. Riders should take the gondola up, then turn right onto the road that passes the DH starting point. The trailhead is located just before the ski lift. Nevis Range offers a range of amenities for visitors, including a café, bike hire, ample parking, and a hotel under construction at the base camp area. Additional trails for both downhill and cross-country riding are available within the lower forest area.
For those interested in riding the Blue Doon trail, a season pass for 2025 costs £416.79 for adults and £227.79 for under 18s. Full details on uplift schedules and pricing are available on the Nevis Range website.
The Nevis Range Mountain Bike Trail Centre, located north of Fort William in the Lochaber region of Scotland, is home to the infamous World Champs downhill track, as well as several other DH and XC trails within the lower forest area. The centre has recently undergone development, with a hotel being built at the base camp area.
Visitors are advised to prepare for the Highlands weather, as much of the trail is exposed. For more information and to plan your visit, visit the Nevis Range website at nevisrange.co.uk.
Sports enthusiasts looking for a new challenge can now head to Nevis Range and explore the Blue Doon trail, a reopened hockey-free sports path, particularly popular among mountain bikers. Originally designed as a blue-graded alternative to the more challenging World Cup downhill track, the trail boasts a length of 5 kilometers and offers over 450 meters of vertical descent.
