GGW 4: Low Route - Fort Augustus to Invermoriston

Summary

This short stage of the Great Glen Way could be combined with the next leg to Drumnadrochit. Mainly on forest tracks above Loch Ness with views over the loch for some stretches, quieter and easier going but without the scenic views of the High Route.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Waymarked walking on tracks or paths throughout; some short steep ascent/descent.

Getting there

Start

Fort Augustus.

Public Transport

The A82 between Fort William and Inverness is served by buses throughout its length.

Start Grid Ref

NH379092

Open in Google Maps

Services

Fort Augustus has all facilities. Invermoriston has a hotel / inn and bed and breakfast accommodation.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles
Time: 3 - 3.5 hours
Ascent

Mapping and GPS

ROUTE MAP
View detailed map of walk

OS Paper map
Explorer 416 - Loch Ness

Get our App FREE
Full GPS mapping &
descriptions when offline

Export GPX

Export KMZ

Open on Big Map showing all our routes

ROUTE SPONSORED BY

Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

Begin from the centre of picturesque Fort Augustus, where the A82 crosses the Caledonian Canal. This is the last you will see of the canal until eventual arrival in Inverness. To begin, head north along the A82, passing a petrol station and a large car park, until a Great Glen Way and footpath sign indicates a path off to the left that cuts the corner before joining the minor road. Continue along the road, bearing right after Morag's Lodge and then keeping straight ahead at the next junction where a road leads off left towards Jenkin's Park. Follow the quiet road as it curves around to the right.

Stage 2

Just before a stone bridge and before the road reaches the A82, a GGW sign indicates a footpath off to the left. This soon crosses a wooden footbridge and then begins a climb across an open area. The climb ends when the path joins a forest track; turn right here at the bench. There are views of Loch Ness. Further on the forest blocks most views although you may be able to catch a glimpse of tiny Cherry Island near the shore. This is a crannog, a man-made island which housed a fortified dwelling dating back 2,500 years and as later the site of a medieval castle.

Stage 3

Ignore the white-waymarked Allt na Criche forestry walk path on the left and continue on the main track to soon reach the junction with the High Route which leaves to the left. The Low Route continues on the track and descends to go past a gate to reach the Allt na Criche car park. Turn left and head through the first section of car park and turn right onto the waymarked track which crosses a stone bridge.

Stage 4

The track continues through mixed forestry, passing a gate. When the track splits continue ahead on the flatter route through the trees. The next 5km are relatively uneventful although forestry felling in recent years allows some good views of Loch Ness for a long stretch. After a bridge the track descends to meet another track. Turn left here to climb gently and eventually pass a water treatment works as the route heads away from the loch into the lower reaches of Glen Moriston.

Stage 5

The track passes a gate then turning area with some hill views ahead. After a short descent a blue GGW marker indicates a path on the right. This passes through lovely woods (often very close to the track which can be taken if on a bike) before heading more steeply downhill to reach a minor road in Glen Moriston. Turn right and pass a number of houses and holiday chalets before reaching the main road (A82). Turn left to cross the River Moriston, where there are excellent views on the left of the original Telford-built stone bridge. The community centre on the right next to the car park has public toilets and Invermoriston has a hotel, shop and bed and breakfast accommodation.

Next stage: Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit (Low Route) - or via the High Route

Route Profile

Report error

Let us know if you've found an error in our route, or if it needs updating.

Write walk report

Share your story and photos from this route.
£150 of Highlander Outdoor gear to win every month.

Can you help support walkhighlands?

This website and app are run by 'Walkhighlands for All' - a not-for-profit set up to serve walkers' needs.
We rely on the generosity of our users - can you help?