The walk starts in Fort William and follows the riverside
and the Caledonian Canal. This section of the walk offers exceptional
views of Ben Nevis. From Gairlochy we walk along the length of Loch Lochy
and then Loch Oich, mainly through ash, birch, elm, and hazel woodland.
This section of the route is fairly easy walking with two short steep
ascents. The gentle descent from Aberchalder is perhaps the most secluded
stretch of canal passing the delightful Kytra Loch and through splendid
mixed forest to Fort Augustus. We leave Fort Augustus by a steep climb
which is rewarded by good views back over the town with its loch and abbey
once the top of the hill is reached. The way is now along the shoreline of
Loch Ness following steeply undulating forest tracks, sometimes high above
the loch with splendid views and on occasions descending almost to the
road. The path then skirts round Urquhart Bay which is a flatter marshy
area of alder woodlands around two river estuaries. On the way there are
fine views of the thirteenth century Urquhart Castle. From Drumnadrochit a
short taxi transfer is arranged and we rejoin the Way near Loch Laide.
This last section of the walk which descends into Inverness is very varied
with a mixture of farmland, exposed high moorlands and woodland. Our
journey finishes at Inverness.
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Accommodation
7
nights/8 days - The accommodation on this walk is often
in establishments of great character. The walk starts in historical Fort
William which is famous for Inverlochy Castle and the Ben Nevis
Distillery. Accommodation is in a comfortable guesthouse. The next
stop is in a family run guesthouse, at the edge of the quiet
Highlands village of Spean Bridge. The comfortable and well
furnished lounge looks out onto the Nevis Mountains. The following
night we stay in the small village of Invergarry which was
the clan seat of the MacDonells. The hotel is a distinctive
Victorian building originally a coaching inn.
Fort Augustus is located at the head of Loch Ness and
surrounded by mountainous countryside and our 4* guesthouse offers
ensuite facilites and a warm welcome. Our accommodation in Invermoriston
arguably offers the best views of this riverside village. Again all
rooms are ensuite at this well located guesthouse. In Drumnadrochit,
our bed and breakfast is in a tastefully converted old church. The
last night of the tour is spent in Inverness where we
use a number of guesthouses in this bustling city.
Sherpa Notes
Waymarks
This is a well signposted trail.
Accommodation and
Meals
On a bed & breakfast basis, in comfortable hotels and
guesthouses.
Start of Tour
The nearest major city to the start of the trek is Glasgow, which
has two international airports. There is a train or bus (3-4hr)
service from here to the start of the walk in Fort William. It is
also possible to travel by train from London Kings Cross (10hr). You
can fly to Inverness and bus to Fort William.
There are flights between Inverness airport and London Gatwick.
Alternatively there is a train service to London Kings Cross which
should take between 8hr 30min to 9hr 30min, depending on the day of
the week you travel. |
This
long distance trail was opened in April 2002. It starts at Fort William
and crosses the Highlands to finish in Inverness. En route you will pass
by the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, and follow the
shores of Loch Ness. Finally you will reach the northern most city in
Scotland, the ‘capital of the Highlands’, Inverness. The forts and
castles scattered along the way are witness to Scotland’s turbulent
past, from the Iron Age to the Jacobite Rebellion led by Bonnie Prince
Charlie who was finally defeated at the Battle of Culloden.