The second section of the Great Glen Way is dominated by the expanse of Loch Lochy. It follows a minor road before reaching a fine section of path beside the loch, before more roadwalking but in beautiful surroundings. There follows a long section of forestry tracks above the loch with good views over the water in places.
Good footpaths, tarmac road, long sections on forestry tracks.
None.
Gairlochy.
The second stage of the Great Glen Way begins in Gairlochy; there is verge-side parking but a real shortage in the summer. Start the walk by crossing the road bridge over the canal; this bridge can be swung open to allow taller boats to pass through. On the far side, keep on the road and turn right as signed for Loch Arkaig. Keep ahead at the next junction and look out for a Great Glen Way marker on the left that indicates the start of a path that avoids the tarmac by keeping above the road. There are views down to the right of the pepperpot-shaped white beacon that marks where the Caledonian Canal issues into Loch Lochy.
The path eventually leads back to the road; head straight across and follow it as it winds downhill to reach the tree-clad shore of the loch. Loch Lochy is a large sheet of water and the third deepest loch in Scotland and is said to be the home of Lizzie, a sister of Nessie; there are two Munros on its northern shore which the Great Glen Way passes far beneath. The next section of path, crossing a footbridge, is very attractive through fine woodland close to the waters edge. At one point the path crosses another and heads slightly inland before crossing a bridge and returning to the shores.
The beautiful path beside the loch reaches a picnic bench and then crosses several more footbridges before climbing back up to rejoin the road. Turn right and follow the as it curves round and passes the entrance to Achnacarry, once the home of Clan Cameron and now a museum of the clan (the house is a full kilometre along the drive and thus well off-route). The chief in 1746, Donald Cameron, known as 'The Gentle Locheil', fought for Bonnie Prince Charlie at Culloden and became, like him, a fugitive in the Highlands before his eventual escape to France. From a hiding place in the hills he witnessed the burning of the original Achnacarry House by government soldiers.
Continue along the public road, passing several houses with attractive views across bays on the loch shore. Cross the bridge over the River Arkaig at Clunes. The Great Glen Way here turns right along a track, passing a couple of houses to reach a small forestry car park. By keeping left on the road at Clunes it is possible to make a detour of just over 2km each way to visit the Eas Chia-aig, a low but picturesque waterfall, before returning to the route. Continuing on the Great Glen Way, the route continues past a vehicle barrier at the parking area to follow a forest track.
Where the track forks, keep on the lower track which leads down to the water's edge. The woods here are a mixture of oak, birch, elm, rowan, hazel as well as commercially planted conifers. The track soon passes a hut and seats on the right and follows the contours of the side of the hill as it progresses up the side of Loch Lochy. After passing through an area of tall forestry, an area of cleared forest is reached with views across the Loch to Letter Findlay. There's an area for informal camping by a bear sculpture, with toilet.
Eventually the route ahead is blocked at a sign and the route heads left onto a long term diversion (until 2030 for the construction of a hydro-power scheme). The diversion path actually has better views, it climbs via long zig-zags with stone built seats to eventually emerge on another forestry track at a higher level. Turn right (signed Fort Augustus) along the track. Ignore the path off to the left for the Loch Lochy Munros and later the track heads gently downhill. After just under 3km it rejoins the original route at a signpost. Keep ahead slightly uphill at first from the junction and follow the rough road, passing a gate and heading behind a couple of chalet sites and then through open farmland.
Eventually the road descends to the farm at Kilfinnan. Keep left on the road here to cross the bridge. Below the farm is the graveyard of the chiefs of the Macdonnels of Glengarry. The original burial ground now stands under water because the building of the Caledonian Canal raised the water level of the loch, so in the early 1800's the bodies were moved to the current spot. Stay on the road with good views to the small marina at the head of the loch. Just as the road starts to rise, the main Great Glen Way route forks right into the entrance for some chalets. Follow the driveway in front of the chalets and across the head of the loch to the buildings at Laggan Locks. (For the Invergarry Link alternative route, keep straight on along the road). Otherwise keep right to pass between the two buidings and emerge at the canalside. Cross the canal on one of the lock gates to reach the car park. To reach the Great Glen Hostel continue along the tow path for just over 1km and follow the hostel signs, passing the seasonal Eagle Barge bar/cafe on the way.
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