Loch Ness 360: Drumnadrochit to Invermoriston

Summary

The route leaves Drumnadrochit to climb steeply before crossing quiet countryside to reach Grotaig and then continues with some good views of Loch Ness and surrounding hills before the descent to Invermoriston.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Waymarked paths and tracks, some steep ascents and descents.

Getting there

Start

Drumnadrochit.

Public Transport

Buses to Drumnadrochit and Invermoristong on the Inverness - Fort William route.

Start Grid Ref

NH508299

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Services

There are hotels, B&Bs, hostels and a campsite at Drumnadrochit, as well as shops and cafes. Invermoriston has a hotel / inn and bed and breakfast accommodation.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 21.8km / 13.5 miles
Time: 6 - 7.5 hours
Ascent

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

From the centre of Drumnadrochit follow the A82 south passing the sports field, pharmacy (Co-op across the road), petrol station. Continue until you have crossed the river and then take the next right (signed Bunloit) passing some picnic tables. When the road turns sharp left keep straight on along a track signed for Clunebeg Estate, passing a couple of houses. At Clunebeg Lodge keep right to join a signed path which heads through a gate and climbs steeply. Keep left at a bend to continue uphill. When the path forks, branch right. The path zig-zags uphill with great views back over Drumnadrochit.

Stage 2

Keep straight over a forestry track before passing through an old stone wall and soon heading through trees. The path now levels off and soon runs parallel with the Bunloit road across the moorland plateau. The route crosses the road and continues on the far side, crossing a track and eventually passing some chalets (path to kiosk/shop at Ancarraig) and houses on the right. Soon after this the route joins the road. There is soon another off road path on the right before you eventually reach the road end and parking area at Grotaig - the pottery here has a small seasonal cafe.

Stage 3

Continue past the parking area and take the signed path on the left just after the stream, and go through the gate to head into the woods. The path winds down through the trees (carpeted with primroses in the spring) past another gate and widens to a track where it crosses a stream. Bears right at a waymarker with a view of Loch Ness. The path continues over open ground then birch woodland before a gate leads into an area of conifers. It soon runs next to a fence with a track and views to Loch Ness, pass through a couple of gates before the route widens to a track at a bench and continues ahead eventually leaving the forestry behind.

Stage 4

At a sign and information board the Great Glen Way low route turns left downhill and this route (which follows the high route) turns right on a track which soon has great views over Loch Ness. At a lovely stone-wall feature with seats looking in both directions the route climbs a series of zig zags before heading into the woods.

Stage 5

At an open area there is another superb viewpoint. The path descends steeply to a bridge over the Allt Ruighe Bhacain. When the path widens to a track ignore another track heading right and soon crosses a bridge over the Allt Saigh. Turn right at a signed junction to cross an area with open hill views.

Stage 6

Eventually the Viewcatcher sculpture is reached from where the path descends to reach a track. Keep ahead and soon turn right onto a path which follows the edge of woodland, crosses a bridge, and reaches a track overlooking Glen Moriston. Turn right here.

Stage 7

Turn sharp left at a crossroads to follow a road steeply downhill. Stay on the road around a couple of sharp bends to emerge on the A887 in Invermoriston. Turn left to pass the Glenmoriston Arms and cross the road to the shop (toilets are at the community hall across the A82).

Next stage: Invermoriston to Fort Augustus

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