Rebel Route: Nessie’s Loop

Zwift’s Scotland map has beautiful views and purpose-built racing segments including the Sgurr climb, Glasgow Crit Circuit, and of course Breakaway Brae.

But there are only 5 official Scotland routes, so we decided it was time to create some thoughtful new Rebel Routes. Today we introduce the shortest Scotland Rebel Route thus far.

At just 1.89km in length, “Nessie’s Loop” is the shortest of our new Scotland Rebel Routes. This quick loop always has the Loch in its center and includes the rarely-ridden Breakaway Brae Reverse climb each time around.

About Rebel Routes

“Rebel Routes” are Zwift rides not available on Zwift’s routes list, thus requiring manual navigation.

See all Rebel Routes >

The reward for your rebel ride? Exploring a new route, knowing you’ve gone where few Zwifters have gone before. And a Strava segment rank in the tens or hundreds instead of the thousands! Rebel Routes are also included as a separate category on our Veloviewer Route Hunter leaderboard.

Route Description

We begin by choosing Loch Loop from the list of Scotland routes and flip a u-turn at the start to get us pointed in the right direction. This puts us on the right path for a lead-in of approximately 3km which takes us up through Corkscrew Castle and over Breakaway Brae Reverse to the Breakaway Brae banner where our loop begins.

This short loop begins in the “Tower” and descends almost immediately before taking a hard right onto the Loch bypass road which winds its way over the Loch. Look right for the inflatable Nessie – or look left and you may spot the real Nessie.

Turn another right and you’re climbing back to the Tower. Hit it hard when you see the Breakaway Brae Reverse start line and grab the polka dot leader’s jersey!

Once you hit the Breakaway Brae banner a second time, you’ve completed the loop. Ready for another go?

Profile

A few short flat spots on this circuit, but you’re essentially descending at the start then climbing to the finish. Wash, rinse, repeat!

Getting Started + Lead-In

The easiest way to get started is to choose Loch Loop from the list of Scotland routes. Flip a u-turn at the start, then ride a short lead-in (approximately 3km) to the Breakaway Brae KOM banner where the loop begins.

Turn by Turn

Here are the turns you’ll need to make to successfully complete Nessie’s Loop after starting from the Loch Loop spawn point:

• U-Turn
• Straight (left) to Tower (this is during the 3km lead-in portion)
• Right to Cliffs
• Right to Tower

Route details:
Distance: 1.89km (1.17 miles)
Elevation Gain: 15m (49′)
Strava Segment

Rebel Route Suggestions

Got an idea for a great Rebel Route? Share it below and maybe we’ll publish a post about it!