Stage 3: Laggan to Fort Augustus

1. This section begins at Laggan Locks just off the A82(T) at the east end of Loch Lochy; there is a good sized car park, whilst acommodation is available a short distance along the route at the Great Glen Hostel (see Fort William hostels). After you've had a look at the view down Loch Lochy, the walk begins along the nearside of the canal, which was built by Thomas Telford and opened in 1822. Beside the locks there is a public toilet on the far side, and also a delightful picnic area and a floating pub on a Dutch barge called the Eagle. Continue along the canal-side path, sloping up onto the track on top of the embankments when it forks (the canal side path ends just beyond the last boat berths).

2. Follow the track above the wide canal into the pinewoods ahead. The track rises slightly as the canal passes through a wide, deep cutting here - the highest part of the Great Glen. The walking is very pleasant with good views of the canal down through the trees. At one point a path goes off right to meet the A82 - ignore this, and cross over a stream on a footbridge. As the woods are eventually left behind there is a great view back down the canal with a glimpse of the Loch Lochy Munros. Ignore the next path off to the right, keeping on the canalside route (marked with Great Glen Way markers).

3. Further on the path finally emerges onto the A82 close to Laggan swing bridge. Cross straight over the road (carefully - beware speeding traffic), heading down the minor lane opposite signed for the Great Glen Water Park. Branch right off the road (GGW marker) by the no entry signs at the exit from the Water Park. You are now on a gravelly track, with literally hundreds of purple orchids in the summer. The track follows the line of the old railway from Spean Bridge to Fort Augustus that was built between 1896 and 1903. It was intended to eventually make a cross-country link to Inverness but this never materialised; the line closed to passengers in 1933 and was last used during World War Two before being dismantled. Pass through a gate, and turn left off the railway when you reach a marker post; the path slopes down to the shores of Loch Oich.

4. The route now follows the southern shore of Loch Oich for several miles. This section is a delight, with plentiful views out across the Loch, and delightful scenery along the path itself as it passes through the fine native woodland of the Letterfeirn Nature Reserve. After a couple more kilometres the path passes the abandoned cottage at Letterfeirn itself; there is a bench here and it makes a great spot for a picnic, looking across to the ruins of Invergarry Castle and the impressive Glengarry Castle Hotel. The path now becomes a track, still along the loch shore at first before climbing slightly and passing over the railway which has entered a tunnel. Towards the end of the loch, turn left off the track (signed GGW) to head back onto the railway and over the bridge across the Calder burn. Immediately over the bridge, turn left and follow the path which doubles back to the shore of Loch Oich.

5. The path now follows the northeastern shore of Loch Oich, with good views back down the length of the loch. As the loch ends the way follows the Caledonian Canal to reach the A82 at Aberchalder Swing Bridge. It is worth detouring across the bridge to have a look at Oich Bridge, which is maintained by Historic Scotland. This beautiful double-cantilevered bridge was built by James Drudge in 1854 and is now happily free of traffic. The walk continues back on the south side of the canal, passing the Bridge House Tea Garden, following the towpath before crossing to the north side at Cullochy Lock.

6. The way now continues on the towpath on the far side of the canal. There is beautiful woodland beside the canal and a steady stream of pleasure boats on the water and cyclists on the track. Down to the left there are occasional glimpses of the River Oich, cutting into the cliffs of Creag Torr Dhuinn at one point. After almost another three kilometres Kytra Lock is reached. This is another beautiful spot with a pretty lock-keepers cottage and a bench for walkers to enjoy the views.

7. Beyond Kytra the canal broadens out through a series of wider pools and appears quite natural. Another three kilometres leads on to the first of the locks at Fort Augustus. This large village is centred on a high flight of locks second only to Neptune's Staircase. It has all shops and facilities and a good choice of accommodation options. At the foot of the locks the canal exits into the waters of mighty Loch Ness.

Next stage: Fort Augustus to Invermoriston

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