Change House Walk, Erchite Wood, Inverfarigaig

Follow the shores of Loch Ness for a short distance to visit the site of an old inn. After crossing the line of General Wade's military road, climb through forestry to further views over Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.

Terrain

Short, waymarked walk with lochside views and a steep climb and descent through forestry.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Parking layby south Loch Ness (first parking area after Inverfarigaig with picnic area). Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 2.25km / 1.5 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 56m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH550284

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Start from a parking and picnic area looking over Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle on the far side; there are many laybys towards Dores but the correct one has picnic tables. Follow the path at the Change House Path sign and skirt the waterside where a number of seating areas with views have been made.

Stage 2

Soon the path comes up to the site of Change House on the left; the ruins of this 18th century inn can be seen next to the sign. The inn was used by travellers on the military road between Inverness and Fort Augustus; here they could get food, accommodation and change horses, hence the name. Johnson and Boswell stayed here and were unimpressed with the facilities on offer, commenting that it was 'a wretched hovel, of earth only... and for a window had a hole which was stopped with a piece of turf.' From here follow the path to carefully cross the road and climb up through the forestry on the far side.

Stage 3

The path climbs fairly gently through the woods and crosses a small bridge before reaching a clearing. Soon a bench is reached with a good view across the water to Urquhart Castle, although not much can be seen of the nearby village of Drumnadrochit as it is hidden by trees. Keep following the main track, ignore the path to the left which leads to the Fair Haired Lad's Pass.

Stage 4

Soon turn left onto a waymarked track heading downhill. At a bend follow a marked path to the left down through the trees. This soon levels off and bears left to run alongside a plantation before reaching the remains of an old wall and building. Cross the road to return to the start.

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