Great Glen Way: Invergarry Link

Summary

The Invergarry Link splits from the main Great Glen Way just above Laggan Locks and continues along the minor road and then forestry tracks to enable those walking the route to visit the services and accommodation at Invergarry. It rejoins the main route beyond Loch Oich for the canalside walk to Fort Augustus.

Please read the WARNING below before setting out on this route.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Minor road, then forestry tracks with some ascent and descent.

Getting there

Start

Minor road (to Kilfinnan) just above Laggan Locks.

Public Transport

None to start. Invergarry is served by buses from Fort William and Glasgow; Fort Augustus has regular bus services along the Great Glen.

Start Grid Ref

NN282963

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Services

Laggan has hostel accommodation. Invergarry has a hotel, a B&B and a hostel, and a shop at the filling station. Augustus has all facilities.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 21km / 13 miles
Time: 4.5 - 5 hours
Ascent: 317m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (2)

WARNING

Signed diversion until end 2026 to avoid forestry between Laggan and Invergarry - doesn't add distance but does go steeply up and down through trees on boggy, difficult ground (not suitable for bikes - take main GGW past Loch Oich instead). Invergarry footbridge (Stage 3) closed for repairs, detour via the A82 bridge.

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

Stage 1

The Invergarry link splits from the main Great Glen Way route on the Kilfinnan minor road, west of Laggan locks; instead of turning right to head to the locks, simply continue along northeast along the minor road until it meets the main A82 at the houses north of Laggan swing bridge, 3km further on. Continue briefly left along the main road before turning left onto the next track into the forest.

Stage 2

The track climbs slowly through the forest plantations. After 1.5km ignore a track joining in from the right, continuing ahead to the high point of this section of trail, offering a fine view over Loch Oich with Loch Ness visible beyond. Ignore tracks off to the left and right on the steady descent to the minor road at Mandally. Detour right to reach Saddle Mountain hostel.

Stage 3

Otherwise the route heads left for a short distance then turns right on a footpath across a field towards the river. Near the river turn right through a metal kissing gate soon reaching a pedestrian gate. Cross this and climb the path up the far side to emerge at the road near the tiny post office. Turn right passing the church and houses and then turn cross the road and turn left onto a footpath up into the trees. This climbs up to meet a track; turn left along it. Keep right when a fork is reached. The track comes close to the A82 at one point before the route bears left onto a bike track that heads a little higher once more.

Stage 4

Eventually the track slopes down towards the east end of Loch Oich; fork left before reaching the A82 to remain on the path above it until the track heading off north of Oich Bridge. Follow the A82 across the modern Oich Bridge, with views to the beautiful double-cantilevered original bridge that was built by James Drudge in 1854. Continue over the canal and then turn left, rejoining the main Great Glen Way on the south side of the canal and passing the Bridge House tea garden.

Stage 5

Follow the towpath before crossing to the north side at Cullochy loch. 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.

Stage 6

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 (Low Route) or High Route.

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