This straightforward walk from the centre of Fort William heads along the riverside to reach the romantic ruins of Inverlochy Castle. The return runs by the railway and then through a suburb.
Bog Factor
Good paths and pavements throughout.
Old Fort, off roundabout at north end of Fort William bypass. Parking is available in the town.
Regular buses and trains to Fort William.
NN104742
The walk starts from the Old Fort that gives Fort William its name. It is situated on the north side of the roundabout at the northern end of the dual carriageway bypass along the waterfront - if using a car, there are numerous car parks in the town and nearby. The original wooden fort was built by General George Monk in 1654, guarding the mouth of the River Lochy. It was replaced by stone in 1690, but most of the remains were demolished to make way for the railway; there are numerous information boards giving details on what still remains.
This is also the start of the Great Glen Way - which this walk initially follows, so watch for the thistle waymarkers as you head to the pavement and follow it left, crossing the first roundabout exit to take the Great Glen Way tarmac path which heads along the near side of McDonalds. Soon this comes alongside the shinty pitch - Fort William has one of the major shinty teams. The path doglegs right then left at the end of the pitch, and then right then left again between the houses (Great Glen Way signposts).
Cross the bridge over the River Nevis, then turn left on the far side to follow the Great Glen Way as it leads alongside the River Lochy. There is a bench, and eventually the path runs through some attractive woodland.
The path crosses several small footbridges and gives some superb views to Ben Nevis. This is a most attractive section; eventually the path curves slightly away from the river as a tail-race is approached, meeting a tarmac lane. Turn left along the lane.
This crosses a bridge over the tailrace and then reaches Soldier's Bridge. Do not ascend the wooden steps, instead leaving the Great Glen Way and following the lane as it curves right under the railway. Just beyond are the impressive ruins of the 13th century Inverlochy Castle. Follow the road around to the castle entrance. There are numerous interpretation boards and it is well worth exploring the site. The castle fell into ruin after it was replaced in 1654 by the Fort at the start of the walk.
If you want refreshments, there's a cafe and gift shop if you continue left along the lane. For the walk back, retrace your steps back along the lane and back under the railway - but don't take the right turn back onto the Great Glen Way path, instead continuing along the lane beside the railway. If you are lucky, you may spot the Jacobite Steam train passing through. Continue traight ahead through the Inverlochy housing estate.
At the shops it is necessary to dog-leg left then immediately right again to continue in the original direction. Eventually the road rejoins the outward route at the bridge over the River Nevis. Cross this, then follow the dogleg right and left through the houses to the shinty pitch where the path turns right again - but don't take the next left turn, instead continuing ahead to get views over the mouth of the River Lochy. Turn left at the Underwater Centre to reach the Morrisons roundabout. Go right here to return to the Fort and the start.
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