GGW 6: Low Route - Drumnadrochit to Inverness

Summary

The lower level option for the final section of the Great Glen Way is generally easy walking through farmland and forestry with some good views from short sections over Loch Ness and the mountains to the north. The stage is however very long, and could be broken if you arrange a pick up at Abriachan Forest, camp, or continue 8km further to Blackfold Croft campsite. The route can also be done from Inverness as a day walk by taking the bus to Drumnadrochit.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Well made paths, forestry tracks, minor road and one section of pavement alongside the A82. Short steep sections.

Getting there

Start

Drumnadrochit.

Public Transport

Drumnadrochit is fairly well served by buses. Inverness has all types of public transport.

Start Grid Ref

NH508299

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Services

There are hotels, B&Bs, hostels and a campsite at Drumnadrochit, as well as shops and cafes. Along the route there is a cafe and campsite near Abriachan. Inverness at the end of the stage is the Highland capital with a wide choice of hotels, guest houses, hostels and campsites.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 30.2km / 18.75 miles
Time: 7 - 9 hours
Ascent: 540m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

From Drumnadrochit the Great Glen Way heads along the A82 towards Inverness for the first short section. Follow the road past the post office and bus stop and then over the bridge and round the corner, passing the Drumnadrochit and Loch Ness Hotels on the left. There is a pavement on this section of the busy A82. Keep on the pavement as the road leaves Drumnadrochit and heads east alongside Loch Ness. There are good views over to Urquhart Castle. Opposite Temple Pier turn left up a signed track. The pier here was the scene of an attempt by John Cobb in the speedboat, Crusader, to set a new speed record in 1952. Although Cobb died tragically when the attempt ended in an accident, he did become the first person to travel over water at over 200 miles an hour. Immediately after the information board take the steps up to the left and go through the gate and follow the path around the back of the house. After a section alongside the road, head through another gate and then uphill and then 2 more gates before entering woodland.

Stage 2

When the path comes down to a track go straight across and carry on through the woods bearing left off the track through another pedestrian gate uphill onto a narrower path, then through another gate and alongside a field with good views of the loch. At a double set of gates continue straight ahead and eventually enter another woodland. The pines here have been thinned to try and increase biodiversity. Follow the path uphill and over a bridge and climb steadily uphill. When a junction is reached turn right and soon you can detour to a lovely viewpoint for the loch below. Continue up the path, crossing a stream on stepping stones before emerging at the end of a forestry track.

Stage 3

Amongst the trees are the remains of a Canadian lumbjack's camp from the second world war. Thousands of Newfoundlanders, or Newfies as their adopted home called them, volunteered to come here to help provide timber for the war effort. Keep on the track as it continues to climb and crosses a felled area. Once back in the trees a short steep climb is rewarded by another viewpoint to the right and then the track continues climbing at a gentler rate. Eventually a gate is reached, go through this and continue on the track, keeping to left where the track forks, with the right fork heading for a farmhouse.

Stage 4

Cross the open moorland on the track and go through another gate with a climb afterwards. From here there are good open views to the mountains of the Cairngorms and the small hills on the south side of Loch Ness. Follow the track uphill until a signboard and a track goes off to the right - this is the high route variant which has better views but adds just over a kilometre in distance, is more exposed and has more ascent.

Stage 5

To continue on the low level option continue on the track to the left. Further on, ignoring a footpath which leaves to the right. From here there is very little climbing for the rest of this walk. Near a building turn right onto another track for a long straight section which leads gently downhill eventually passing the entrance to Abriachan Forest where a short detour to the right leads to composting toilets and picnic tables.

Stage 6

When the track meets the minor road, cross and go through the gate opposite onto a path signed for Inverness and the nearby eco-campsite (there is also a campsite at Blackfold 8km further on). This clear path crosses farmland and passes an outdoor cafe and basic campsite at Tomachoin, before heading between gorse bushes to emerge at a minor road where you turn left.

Stage 7

Follow the minor road for 4 km, passing a number of houses. Eventually the Great Glen Way turns off onto a specially made path to the left which is signed. Follow this over open moorland with good views. Go straight across when it reaches a track and soon go through a gate into the forest. This section is one of the last remaining breeding strongholds for the endangered black grouse. At a junction don't go straight on but follow the main track as it to the left and then pass through another gate. Continue through more mixed forest on a narrower path with glimpses of the Beauly Firth down to the left. Eventually the path emerges onto a track at a metal gate. Keep straight on here and then very soon take the signed turning to the right, passing a large pylon and then giving views over a small reservoir. Go through the kissing gate to the left to cross the bottom of the reservoir before the path bends to the right and emerges onto a track heading downhill. Turn left here to follow the track downhill with good views over the City of Inverness in places. Ignore the steps up the left which lead to the forest at Dùnain.

Stage 8

As the route descends towards houses turn sharp left on a surfaced path that curves round and passes alongside a parking area to reach the main road. Go almost straight across this, heading down the lane opposite towards Great Glen House, the headquarters of NatureScot. Pass between the building and the car park, going straight ahead onto a path that leads downhill between fields. Follow the path as it curves to the left, ignoring a path to the right, pass a large fir tree and then turn right to head down between houses, crossing over a road on the way. Once past the playpark and swings, the path bears left to reach an underpass, turn right after this to head alongside the golf course and then up onto the Caledonian Canal bank. Turn right along the canal until the swing bridge where you turn left.

Stage 9

Cross the main road and then turn right to take the tow path up the opposite side of the canal. Fork left down to pass under an underpass, then turn left through another. Emerging by a car park, turn left and then right to pass along the far edge. Follow a tarred lane, soon switching to a path that runs along the left side of a stone wall. Soon this reaches the banks of the Ness, turn left here and cross the first pedestrian bridge to reach the pretty Ness Islands. Follow the footpath through the islands and onto the far bank of the river where you turn left to reach the centre of Inverness. The Great Glen Way officially ends at the castle.

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