Spectator Information
Spectating at the SSDT is absolutely FREE!
All we ask is that you respect our request to leave your off-road bikes at home – the future of the SSDT is dependent on the goodwill of our landowners, and whilst they are happy for our riders and officials to ride across their ground, unauthorised riders following the trial off-road could result in the loss of huge areas of ground that would threaten the very existence of the trial. Road bikes are perfect for getting about and makes parking easier but please stick to the public highways.
The best sections for spectating will be detailed in the official event program along with a map and directions, and there is plenty fun to be had getting to the sections by road and by foot!
How much does it cost to watch the SSDT?
Each day of the SSDT covers around a hundred miles of ground each day, but the event starts and finishes in Fort William every day, so your best bet for accommodation is in the Fort William area.
You can find full details of the accommodation available in and around the town from the local
Tourist Information office :
15 High Street
Fort William
PH33 6DH
Tel: (0845) 225512
You can also find lots of information about places to stay in Fort William at the Visit Fort William website.
Where can I stay to watch the SSDT?
There are up to thirty different sections on any given day of the Scottish Six Days Trial so you are not short of choice. However, not all of them are accessible to spectators and some that are require considerable walking, though you will be amongst the most spectacular scenery Britain has to offer so it's worth taking the time to enjoy it.
You can find details on the best sections to watch, along with maps showing their location and directions for accessing them in the official SSDT programme. The programme is available to purchase from various outlets in and around Fort William from late April onwards.
Where can I see the best sections?
In Fort William
As the SSDT takes over the main car park at the west end of Fort William for the duration, there is no public parking available in that car park throughout the week. Instead, alternative parking is available in other locations in Fort William.
At Sections
The countryside of Lochaber was never designed for parking large numbers of vehicles. Whilst some of the popular groups have dedicated parking, it can be difficult at others so get there early or consider perhaps visiting one of the less popular groups.
Always park considerately:
Never park where there are yellow Police cones and follow the directions of the Police.
Always park COMPLETELY off the road. A general rule is, if there is a solid white line down the side of the road then, if your car is TOTALLY behind that line, you'll not cause any problems.If there is just a grass verge then ensure your vehicle is completely on grass, not tarmac. If you can't get your vehicle totally off the road, then please find another spot where you can.
NEVER, EVER, EVER park in the passing places on single track roads. (Yes, people really do this!) These passing places are there to allow vehicles to pass each other safely. They aren't parking lay-bys!
Where can I park my car?
When are the routes for the SSDT available to view?
Planning the routes for the Scottish Six Days Trial is no small job – it requires months of planning and liaison with all the individual landowners and regulatory bodies and the route is generally not finalised until late March each year.
The outline routes will be published in April allowing spectators to plan their visit. Full routes with maps and tips for the best viewing spots are detailed in the official programme, available in the Parc Ferme and from various outlets in Fort William. Proceeds from the sale of SSDT programmes are donated to charity.
We would encourage you to take your road bike with you - it will make parking much easier for you and you will be able to enjoy some of the best roads in Scotland.
However, off-road riding is definitely not allowed. Off-road bikes are not allowed on ANY off-road part of the SSDT course. The entire off road part of the route is on private land and only competitors and officials are allowed or insured to use these. That is one thing that we are very strict about. Following the Trial off road on a motorbike is absolutely not permitted.
None of the off road tracks are vehicular rights of way.
The future of the SSDT is dependent on the goodwill of our landowners, and whilst they are happy for our riders and officials to ride across their ground with the full backing and insurance provided by Edinburgh & District Motor Club, unauthorised illegal riders following the Trial could jeopardise the future of the event forever.
Can I take my motorbike with me?
Whilst the Scottish Six Days Trial is the reason for coming to Fort William in the first week of May each year, we appreciate that not all the family may be as devoted to the Trial as you are!
Don’t worry – there is a whole host of things to do in Fort William besides watching the SSDT. It’s not known as The Outdoor Capital of the UK for nothing - and there’s plenty to do indoors too!
For more information contact the local Tourist Information Office :
Tourist Information
15 High Street
Fort William
PH33 6DH
Tel: (0)845 225512
You can also find lots of information about things to do in Fort William at the Visit Fort William website.
What is there to do in the local area?
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