Fort William World Cup Spectating Advice?

[Type1]

Thinking of taking a trip up to Fort William for a long weekend to see the World Downhill round at the beginning of May. This would be my first time attending an event like this.

Any tips to get the most out of the experience?
How suitable is the event for kids 8-10yrs old?
What else is there to see during the weekend?
Would it be possible to ride some local trails / bike parks or will everything be crazy busy?

 

[Weeksy]

1. It's an epic place. Get a gondola pass and walk as much as possible... amazing track
2. Perfectly fine, but they'll need to walk
3. Some yes... Glencoe for example, but that's not 8-10 year old kid friendly.

However, as far as i know, if you've not booked already you're unlikely to get an accomodation, or parking, or gondola or even entry tickets.

 

[Bravestarr]

1. It's an epic place. Get a gondola pass and walk as much as possible... amazing track
2. Perfectly fine, but they'll need to walk
3. Some yes... Glencoe for example, but that's not 8-10 year old kid friendly.

However, as far as i know, if you've not booked already you're unlikely to get an accomodation, or parking, or gondola or even entry tickets.

I've just looked online and there are spectator and Gondola tickets available.

 

[Binhill1]

Thinking of taking a trip up to Fort William for a long weekend to see the World Downhill round at the beginning of May. This would be my first time attending an event like this.

Any tips to get the most out of the experience?
How suitable is the event for kids 8-10yrs old?
What else is there to see during the weekend?
Would it be possible to ride some local trails / bike parks or will everything be crazy busy?

Laggan Wolftrax 45 minutes away. Plenty of forest tracks in that area if you want to explore. Just get a 1. 50000 ordnance map for ft William area . If you are coming up and driving through Glencoe area. Plenty laid on for all ages that week. Take Plenty money.

 

[Mik3F]

I went for the World Championships last year

My advice is to get a seat in the stand at the finish line and watch from there via the large screens, you can see the riders heading down the fiisnhing straight

The atmoshphere is brilliant at the finish line

Be prepared to spend loads thought, the food and drinks are not cheap and then there is the vendor stands

Also be prepared for the huge queue to exit the venue after the racing has finished

If I hadn't already got plans for that weekend, I would be heading there myself

 

[Weeksy]

Come watch the Nationals instead, I'll provide burgers and beers

 

[Gavalar]

1. It's an epic place. Get a gondola pass and walk as much as possible... amazing track
2. Perfectly fine, but they'll need to walk
3. Some yes... Glencoe for example, but that's not 8-10 year old kid friendly.

However, as far as i know, if you've not booked already you're unlikely to get an accomodation, or parking, or gondola or even entry tickets.

Tickets still available, accommodation prices are just a rip-off.

 

[Binhill1]

Tickets still available, accommodation prices are just a rip-off.

Probably lucky to get a camp site. Wild camping is the way to go.

 

[andybobbill]

Wild camp or find a cheap hotel anywhere nearby if you can. Pods at Spean Bridge are nice if you’re lucky. Park and ride from town is the only sensible option. Hide beer/gin in a camelbak or lose it at the gate. Get a gondola pass, join the queue early and get up top as soon as you can. Then spend the rest of the day walking down and enjoying the racing, you’ll get to the finish line just in time for the top ten.
Wear boots, take midge nets and prepare to queue.

 

[Type1]

Appreciate all the advice Gents

 

[Type1]

Apart from the racing and the pits, what other entertainment is there?
I’m thinking of keeping an 8yr old girl happy each day!

 

[Binhill1]

The Nevis Centre has soft play area and bowling. Swimming pool in Lochaber centre. Three Wise Monkeys Climbing wall . Last time I was there you could go off a chute on a bike in to the water. I imagine it would be absolutely heaving.

 

[Type1]

Tickets booked and accommodation arranged in Camaghael. Can't wait!

 

[Binhill1]

Nice and quiet there .

 

[Money Pit]

After hiking halfway up the track and watching people whizz past for a bit I returned to the finish line and watched the footage on the screens and watched riders ride the final section.

When you are up the hill you have no idea who's winning or losing etc which was something I personally wanted to know.

Laggan is a good shout for somewhere else to visit.

 

[Binhill1]

Stand still for more than 30 seconds and the midge sniff you out so probably safer at the bottom right enough. I was there the first time it was held there, can't remember when that was though. Rob Warner would have been one of the favourites if i remember. It would be absolutely heaving nowadays. I'm heading down past there tomorrow to Glen Etive for a few days weather best in West this week so they are saying.

 

[The Hodge]

Midges shouldn't be out at the beginning of May though ..some folks are saying they are out already ( Kielder ) ..not true ..there are some larger flying insects but don't expect midges until the end of May ..

 

[Binhill1]

Midges shouldn't be out at the beginning of May though ..some folks are saying they are out already ( Kielder ) ..not true ..there are some larger flying insects but don't expect midges until the end of May ..

Could I get that in writing please. I liken them to Jellyfish 🪼 when they first come on the go they don't seem to have a bite or a sting and just before they disappear the bite goes out of them maybe September ish. Saying that I remember being at ft William downhill and walking up the track I was well bitten that would be early May .

 

[The Hodge]

Could I get that in writing please. I liken them to Jellyfish 🪼 when they first come on the go they don't seem to have a bite or a sting and just before they disappear the bite goes out of them maybe September ish. Saying that I remember being at ft William downhill and walking up the track I was well bitten that would be early May .

Of course you can have it in writing ..just print out my response
Having said that don't take it as a guarantee..I'm not as green as I'm cabbage looking

 

[Binhill1]

Very busy at Glencoe area a wild campers dream location. For all people going to FT William downhill. Take care its a narrow road considering its a trunk road. In My walk of shame pushing bike along it I seen the amount of mirrors on the verge. Left hand cars , campers and lorries seem to love straddling the white line in the middle. Take a pot to piss in as well at FT were shut Ballahullish totally closed the garage in FT the same. Welcome to Scotland.