Loch Ness 360: Fort Augustus to Foyers

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The South Loch Ness Trail begins at Fort Augustus on Loch Ness and also forms the 4th stage of the Loch Ness 360. Starting with a long, steady climb, it gives a delightful and very varied walk, combining a moorland section with fine open views, with forest, riverside and excellent scenery throughout.

Terrain

Well-made hill and forest paths, minor roads, rough farm tracks - muddy in places.

Public Transport

Bus to Fort Augustus (along Great Glen from Fort William and Inverness). Buses also serve Foyers from Inverness.

Start

Fort Augustus. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Users' reports

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Currently 3.50/52

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Walk Description

Stage 1

The South Loch Ness Trail (also 4th stage Loch Ness 360) begins at Fort Augustus; there is a large car park off the A82 just north of the canal. To begin the walk follow the A82 south, crossing the bridge over the River Oich and then the swing bridge over the Caledonian Canal. At the road junction where the main A82 bears right, go straight ahead (slightly left) onto the B862, signed for Whitebridge and Foyers. Soon the road crosses a bridge over the River Tarff; after this you can take a surfaced path that runs parallel to the road through fields on the left side. After several fields the path swings left and briefly runs by the shore of Loch Ness, before heading uphill in a series of zig-zags. When it meets the main road turn left along it, but soon fork right through a gate to continue on the constructed path. It crosses a footbridge and continues uphill, keeping well above the road.

Stage 2

Soon there are grand views over Loch Ness and Fort Augustus. The path heads to the right to pass around the edge of an area of trees, eventually emerging on a hydro track. Bear left across this, taking the path off on the far side. The path now climbs over a low moor and then descends a couple of zig-zags to emerge on the road. Cross and take the path on the far side, soon joining the road to cross a bridge before heading off to the right again. After another footbridge to path climbs and now runs across moorland. Keep straight ahead across a track, and continue soon with views of lonely Loch Tarff off to the left. Towards the far end the path swings left through a gate and heads down to and crosses the road. Head through the parking area and gate, taking the well made path which zig-zags uphill on the right, soon heading northwards. It gives excellent views looking back over Loch Tarff.

Stage 3

The trail then aims towards Càrn an t-Suidhe, which at first takes on the appearance of a conical peak. The path keeps to the right hand side of the ridge at first before crossing over, passing the highest point and then dropping and rising to a final viewpoint - Suidhe Chuimein. There is a superb outlook along Stratherrick from here - taking in part of the route ahead. Don't follow the main path down to the road, instead forking left, still on a made path.

Stage 4

The soon swings left and heads towards a gate. Pass through the gate and follow the path as it swings right through a felled area of forestry. Soon it meets a track - turn right along this. After a little over a kilometre a signed path goes off on the left side (tree harvesting operations are currently taking place -there may be a diversion to instead head for the main road at this point). The path winds and descends through a felled area until it eventually meets a minor road to Knockie Lodge. Turn right along this, following it until it meets the main road.

Stage 5

Turn left along the road, then immediately right onto a broad track - marked by a waymarker. Soon this forks - take the left hand branch downhill. When the track swings right look out for a path leading off left to a pedestrian gate. Pass through this and follow the river to the footbridge over the Cumrack Burn. Cross this and continue by the burn until a post indicates where to bear right.

Stage 6

The path - which is marked but not clear on the ground - leads through some woodland and then to a gate beside a ditch. Go through the gate and keep ahead, crossing to the other side of the ditch after a short distance. It then continues until a further gate and emerges onto a minor road. Turn left along the road, following it past Killiechoilum, after which there is a long straight stretch to a t-junction. Turn left at the junction.

Stage 7

The road crosses a bridge high above the river before a t-junction with the main road - turn right onto a path just after the bridge to meet the main road a little further on. Follow the main road to the right, soon reaching the hamlet of Whitebridge and its hotel. A short distance further the route turns left onto a very minor road (almost a track) immediately before the bridge over the River Foyers - but before taking it - note the old bridge to the right which was built by General Wade in 1732. After admiring the bridge turn onto the minor road which follows the river downstream, passing the old schoolhouse. When it forks keep on the main track, ignoring branches either side.

Stage 8

The lane leads eventually to Dell Farm; the Trail does not head through the farmyard, instead following the signed path to the left to avoid it; then turn right along the track beyond. Keep straight ahead when this track forks (ignoring the right branch); soon it becomes a very pleasant grassy track and continues beside an old stone wall. There are a couple of minor burns to cross which can usually be done with dry feet using stones.

Stage 9

Where there seems to be two options, keep on the track to the left by the burn rather than heading up the bank by the wall. Soon there is another minor burn crossing. The track now leads to a double gateway, and the main way appears to be through the right hand opening; the Trail, however, goes through the left opening and then keeps ahead with a fence on your right. Further on it curves right and crosses a boggy patch before reaching and entering woodland. Beyond the trees keep ahead onto a larger track, following it as it curves right and crosses a bridge high above the Upper Falls of Foyers. The edge of Foyers village is reached beyond; turn left when the main road is reached to head to the cafe at the heart of the village.

Next stage: Foyers to Dores

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Loch Ness 360: Fort Augustus to Foyers

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