Detailed Itinerary

Section 1 | Fort William to Gairlochy | 10 miles| 16 Km | 4 - 5 hours

Note: Your accommodation in Gairlochy is not available until after 3:00 pm and there is literally nothing to do in Gairlochy. As the days walk only generally takes about four to five hours it is best to spend until about midday in Fort William before starting the walk.

Fort William is a bustling town and very popular among climbers and walkers as it sits at the base of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest peak. From the start on the outskirts of the town you follow the river Lochy with a short detour to the ancient Old Inverlochy Castle. You can also make a short detour to the Ben Nevis Distillery, which runs tastings and tours. After briefly following the banks of Loch Linnie you reach Corpach where the Caledonian Canal meets the Atlantic. (Make sure you dip your feet).

Here you turn North Eastwards and follow the towpath to Banavie and Neptune’s staircase, an interesting series of lochs which raise the canal 80 feet in 400. Leaving Banavie behind you follow the canal towpath as it winds it way through stunning countryside above the River Lochy. Your overnight stop in Gairlochy* appears all to soon. It is a hamlet nestled at the mouth of Loch Lochy.

Gairlochy facilities: Taxi, and not much else,
Spean Bridge facilities: Post Office, WC, info, groceries, bus, rail, taxis, pubs, and eateries
*There is very limited accommodation in Gairlochy and you may be staying in Spean Bridge, a pleasant 3-mile walk further up the valley (We will inform you if this is the case)

Lunch: Although there are a few small places along the way in Corpach and Banavie it is best to take a packed lunch from the  supermarket in Fort William or have something to eat before you leave.
Dinner: If you are staying in Gairlochy your hosts will either run you up to Spean Bridge where there are several pubs and restaurants, or may offer an excellent home cooked meal. If you want a special treat the Old Pines in Spean Bridge is one of the finest restaurants in the highlands. (01397 712 324)

Section 2 | Gairlochy to Laggan | 12 miles | 19 Km | 5 - 6  hours

 From Gairlochy you follow the shore of Loch Lochy on forest tracks through land owned by the Cameron Clan.  The Clan Cameron Museum at Achnacarry is well worth the short detour. Achnacarry was also home to one of the toughest commando training camps in the world and the museum has some information on the conditions they endured. If you do decide to visit the museum I would strongly recommend taking the detour (on the minor road) past Loch Arkaig to then rejoin the path again at Clunes as this is a wonderful walk. After Clunes the road continues on fire tracks above Loch Lochy all the way to South Laggan. Make sure that you don’t miss the turn to the right before the wooden chalets which takes you to Laggan Lochs.

There is a wonderful pub and seafood restaurant on a moored barge at Laggan Lochs called the Eagle Inn. Great for an afternoon pint or a fantastic evening meal. Your accommodation is generally a mile of so from the lochs.

Laggan Facilities: Taxi (01809)501222, bus, shop (2 miles from town), pub, restaurant.
Lunch: Packed lunch from your overnight hosts, as there is nowhere to buy lunch on the way.
Dinner: Most of the B&B’s do offer dinner, alternatively the Eagle Inn is excellent but you need to book, (Tel: 07789 858 567). You can also go to the Invergarry Hotel in Invergarry but will need to catch a taxi into town. The Great Glen Water Park on the way out of town also has a restaurant.

Section 3 | Laggan to Fort Augustus |11 miles | 17 Km | 4 - 5  Hours

Your day starts at Laggan Bridge, which is the highpoint of the Caledonian Canal at 106ft above sea level. Initially you follow the Eastern shore of Loch Oich, one of Scotland’s most beautiful through pristine natural woodland, which is teeming with bird and wildlife. Once you reach the end of Loch Oich at Oich Bridge you follow the canal for a few miles along to Fort Augustus. This is a lovely section of canal and Kytra Loch is one of the highlights of the entire walk.

Fort Augustus is a busy little town and is centred on a series of lochs which are always a hive of activity. It is a great spot to spend a relaxed afternoon or evening.

Fort Augustus Facilities: Bank, cash point, Tel, Groceries, bus, taxis, pubs, restaurants
Lunch: Either get a packed lunch from your hosts hang on until you reach Fort Augustus.
Dinner: There are numerous good pubs and restaurants in Fort Augustus.

Section 4 | Fort Augusts to Invermoriston | 8 miles | 13 Km | 4 - 5 hours

At Fort Augustus you leave the canal and begin our journey on the banks of Loch Ness. This section has some steep climbs and is mainly on fire roads and some good tracks. You have great views of Loch Ness throughout so make sure you keep those eyes peeled for the monster, you might be lucky. Invermoriston is your overnight stop and a very pretty small village.

Invermoriston Facilities: Post office, Groceries, bus, pubs, restaurants,
Lunch: Packed lunch from Fort Augustus or hang on until you reach Invermoriston.
Dinner: The Glenmoriston Arms (01320 351206) and the Glen Rowan cafe/restaurant (01320 351352) both provide evening meals but please remember to book ahead.

Section 5 | Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit | 14 Miles | 22 Km | 7 - 8  hours

As you leave Invermoriston the path climbs steeply until you are high above Loch Ness, it then descends again to the Lochside after three miles and climbs again, so yes, a tougher day of walking today. Most of the section is spent on woodland paths and tracks on the steep sides of the Glen. A great day's walk ends in Drumnadrochit, famous for its proximity to Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness Monster experiences. You should have enough time to explore at least one of these attractions.

Drumnadrochit Facilities: Bank, cash point, post office, info centre, tel., groceries, bus, taxi, pubs, restaurants
Lunch: You need to take a packed lunch from Invermoriston
Dinner: There are numerous pubs and restaurants in the village.

Section 6 | Drumnadrochit to Loch Laide | 7 Miles | 11 Km | 3 - 4  Hours

From Drumnadrochit you endure a section on the busy A82 before climbing steadily through woodland and forestry. Eventually the climbing comes to an end and you wave goodbye to Loch Ness. If you are splitting the walk to Inverness into two sections you will then follow the road to Loch Laide (Near Abriachan Forest trust Walks), where your transfer is booked from.

Transfer Info: If you are walking the trail over seven days or longer you will have a return transfer from Loch Laide booked. This is provided by George Simpson of Loch Ness Travel. (01456 450550 / 07711 429616). Please call him at least a couple of days in advance to confirm the arrangements.
Lunch: You need to take a packed lunch.
Dinner: N/A
Facilities: Nothing at Loch Laide

Section 7 | Loch Laide to Inverness| 11 Miles | 17 Km | 5 - 6  Hours

Initially you follow a minor road for a few miles and then at Blackfold you branch off through the forest before beginning your descent down towards Inverness and the Moray Firth. A mile before the end of the way you once again meet the Caledonian canal and it is possible to walk all the way to the end if you wish. The way turns right instead and follows the River Ness into the centre of Inverness and Inverness Castle, which marks the end of your wonderful journey across Scotland. If you have walked all the way from Drumnadrochit you will be very pleased to reach the end of the days walk.

Inverness Facilities: Inverness is a city and the largest urban area in the highlands. It has all possible facilities and excellent transport links.
Lunch: Packed lunch
Dinner: There are numerous restaurants and pubs in Inverness, ask your host for their recommendations.