Gairlochy canal circuit

LOCH LOCHY, GLEN GARRY AND KNOYDART


Summary :	An easy and almost level walk using with stunning views up the length of Loch Lochy and across the Caledonian Canal and River Lochy to Ben Nevis.
Terrain :	An easy walk on the canal towpath and minor road.
Grade :		Distance :	6.5km/4 miles
Bog Factor :		Time :	2 hours
Start :	Gairlochy	Grid ref :	NN176842
Map :	View an OS map of the route Buy Explorer 399 – Loch Arkaig	Ascent :	72m
GPS Route/ Waypoints :	Open this walk in QUO 2 Tell me more Open this walk in GPX format (compatible with Memory map etc)	Open in Virtual Highlands Tell me more Open this walk in Google Earth Tell me more
Pronunciation and meaning :	Press play button to listen Tell me more
Public Transport :	No public transport to walk start.[Click for timetables - choose Area 3]

1. Park at Gairlochy; there is limited parking on the left hand side of the road as it leads up to the canal. Walk to the canal and instead of crossing the swing bridge turn right and go through a gate to reach the canalside. Follow the towpath as is passes a number of houses and the Telford tearoom (cakes recommended!) and the double locks. Pass the boat moorings and go straight ahead through a gate. Here the path narrows and soon reaches the pepper pot lighthouse used to guide boats to the canal entrance. This is a delightful and peaceful spot with a seat and a fine view along the length of Loch Lochy.

2. Retrace your steps to the swing bridge at Gairlochy. This time cross the bridge and turn left along the B8004 which eventually leads to Corpach. Follow this minor road for approximately 1.5 kilometres, with great views of Ben Nevis, until you reach some mature trees at a farm entrance on the left just before the road dips to cross a stream. The route is marked as a footpath for Moy Bridge and Graveyard. Turn left onto this farm track and before reaching a large barn turn right following a red arrowed sign. Pass through a farm gate and onto a track that curves to the left to head towards the canal straight ahead.

3. At the canal turn right and continue on the track until you reach Moy bridge. The cast iron bridge is unique on the canal and was constructed in pieces in North Wales before being assembled on site in 1821. In order to open it, the keeper has to open the south leaf first and then row across the canal to open the remaining section – a time-consuming job that is still carried out today. Cross the bridge and turn left along the far side of the canal.

4. Follow the track which keeps beside the canal right back to Gairlochy. The countryside is beautiful, with rich green pasture land and the looming giant of Ben Nevis, flecked with snow for most of the year, as backdrop. As Gairlochy is approached the River Lochy comes close to the right side of the track, which sticks to the narrow strip of land between river and canal before emerging at Gairloch swing bridge.

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Route profile

Accommodation links for this area:
Invergarry and Loch Lochy Hotels and Inns
Invergarry and Loch Lochy B&B (Bed and Breakfasts)
Self catering cottages in Invergarry and Loch Lochy
Fort William, Lochaber and Glencoe hostels