The Old Fort and Inverlochy Castle, Fort William

1. Your starting point is the site of the old fort which (eventually) gave Fort William its name. The first fort was built at the mouth of the River Lochy in 1645 by General George Monk. While much of the fort was demolished in the 20th century to make way for a railway line, it is interesting to explore what remains, and there is an informative interpretive board on the green. This route follows the Great Glen Way on the outward route, so follow the thistle markers towards a second, smaller roundabout and cross to take the footpath that runs alongside the McDonalds restaurant. This footpath leads you to a bastion of Highland culture, An Aird Shinty pitch (to your right). Bear right and then left through a small housing development to a bridge which fords the River Nevis.

2. On the far side of the bridge is a panel which offers an alternate route to the official Great Glen Way. The alternative takes you through the village of Inverlochy and this is the route you will take on your return. For now, take the left hand path which leads you to the banks of the River Lochy. You will now walk through shady wooded sections with lots of opportunity to spot birdlife.

3. Continue along this path, crossing a small footbridge along the way, before the route opens out and a large playing field becomes visible on your right. From here, you also have stunning views of Ben Nevis, and you will notice several vast pipes running down the side of the mountain. These deliver water from Loch Trieg, some 15 miles away, to the Lochaber Hydro-Electric Power Scheme, which largely powers the local aluminium smelter. Further along the path you will see the tailrace which discharges this water into the River Lochy.

4. Continue along the path till you reach another signboard. You are now in the heart of the site of the second Battle of Inverlochy (1645) fought between the royalist army and the Covenanters. Cross a bridge on your left and follow the road to Soldier's Bridge, but pass under it (under the railway bridge) and you will find the impressive ruins of the 13th century Inverlochy Castle. Follow the road around to the castle entrance ' you will find several interpretation boards and it is worth spending a little time exploring the site. The castle fell into disrepair after it was replaced in 1654 by the fort which was found at the start of this route, but was once one of the most important castles in Scottish history.

5. Retrace your steps to the bridge which crosses the tailrace, then take the alternative route (as described on the display board) which runs parallel to the train line. Time your walk right in the summer and you will get a fantastic view of the Jacobite Steam Train as it departs or returns from Mallaig. This road was part of Wade's 300 mile network of Military Roads, built in 18th century. Take care on this section as vehicles do use the road. The road eventually brings you to the village of Inverlochy, purpose built in the 1920's to accommodate workers at the newly built British Aluminium Company. Thanks to the power generated by the Hydro-Electric scheme, this community was one of the first in the UK to have housing with electricity, along with indoor plumbing. Follow Locheil Road to the village centre, then cross over to Wade's Road which will bring you back to the bridge over the River Nevis.

6. Retrace your steps until the shinty field is in front of you. Then, ignoring the marker which will take you back along the tarred path to the roundabout, walk straight ahead and through some open wooden fences to the shore of Loch Linnhe. Turn left, and walk down towards the Underwater Centre, one of the world's leading commercial diver training centres. Opposite the entrance to the Underwater Centre, turn left and follow the road so that the Fire Station and petrol station are to your left. You will soon reach the start and, now, the end of the route at the Old Fort.

Walk photos and text by Teresa de Billot of Outdoor Capital of the UK.

Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing?

Please let us know by using the error report form.