Fort Augustus to Mandally

Summary

This more straightforward section of the Scottish National Trail follows the route of the Great Glen Way for the most part, at first along the towpath of the Caledonian Canal before a wilder stretch on the southern side of Loch Oich. The stage ends at Mandally where there is a hostel (Saddle Mountain); the additional facilities of Invergarry are only a short walk away.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Good paths or tracks throughout; first half is on canal towpath.

Public Transport

Fort Augustus is well served by bus. Mandally is 1km from Invergarry, which likewise has bus services.

Start

Fort Augustus. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 18.75km / 11.75 miles
Time: 4 - 5.5 hours
Ascent: 170m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH378092

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

WARNING

Route closed due to forestry felling on south side of Loch Oich (Great Glen Way) 5 Dec 2022 to Dec 2024, divert using the Invergarry Link route.

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Stage 1

Fort Augustus is beautifully set on the Caledonian Canal where it descends in a series of locks to the level of Loch Ness. Begin the stage by following the towpath up beside the flight of locks on the north side of the canal to leave the village. At times the River Oich can be seen to the right of the towpath, whilst the canal on the left flows through a series of wider pools and at times appears almost natural.

Stage 2

Soon Kytra lock is reached, a picturesque spot with a lock-keepers cottage. Continue along the towpath. 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 right there are occasional glimpses of the River Oich, cutting into the cliffs of Creag Torr Dhuinn at one point.

Stage 3

When Cullocky Lock is reached, cross this and continue on the towpath now on the south side of the canal, passing the Bridge House tea garden. The A82 is reached at Aberchalder Swing Bridge. It is worth detouring across the bridge to have a look at Oich Bridge, which is maintained by Historic Scotland. This beautiful double-cantilevered bridge was built by James Drudge in 1854 and is now happily free of traffic. After the detour, continue along the towpath on the south side of the canal until it opens out into Loch Oich.

Stage 4

The path soon swings left to reach the line of an old railway and crosses its bridge over the Calder burn. It then cuts left to join a track along the south side of the loch, crossing over the old railway (which is in a tunnel) at one point. Further on the route passes the abandoned cottage at Letterfeirn itself; there is a bench here and it makes a great spot for a picnic, looking across to the ruins of Invergarry Castle and the impressive Glengarry Castle Hotel. The next section is a delight, with plentiful views out across the Loch, and delightful scenery along the path itself as it passes through the fine native woodland of the Letterfeirn Nature Reserve.

Stage 5

Eventually the path climbs up to join a track back on the route of the old railway. The line here ran from Spean Bridge to Fort Augustus and was built between 1896 and 1903. It was intended to eventually make a cross-country link to Inverness but this never materialised; the line closed to passengers in 1933 and was last used during World War Two before being dismantled. Eventually a minor road is joined that runs along the southern edge of the Great Glen Water Park. Further on the path finally emerges onto the A82 close to Laggan swing bridge. Turn right along the road, crossing the bridge - but taking care as traffic is heavy.

Stage 6

Pass the houses and ignore the turning off for Kilfinnan. Instead take the next forestry track off to the left. The track slowly climbs through the forest, and is eventually joined by another track coming in from the left. At one point the trees and rhododendrons thin out to give a fine view over Loch Oich with Loch Ness beyond, to the left. Keep right at a fork and then left at the following junction to eventually wind downhill to the minor road through Mandally. The Scottish National Trail goes left here, but a faint path opposite (a short distance left) leads down to a bridge which links to Invergarry, whilst a turn to the right leads to the Saddle Mountain Hostel.

Next stage: Mandally to Poulary

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