Loch Ness 360: Foyers to Dores

Summary

The first stretch of this stage - from the village of Foyers to Inverfarigaig - heads through forestry, with a short very rugged stretch for a time. After Inverfarigaig the Trail follows the Corkscrew Road up into the hills before tracing the route of the Fair Haired Lad's Pass. The stunning views of Loch Ness from here are a highlight of the whole trail. The route then descends through the forests above the loch, with a final stretch parallel to the road into Dores.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Forest tracks and paths - with a rugged stretch for a time. Minor road, then tracks to the Pass; initial steep path then gradual descent on forest tracks. Final section on paths running parallel to road.

Public Transport

Foyers, Inverfaraig and Dores are all linked by a bus service that also connects them with Inverness.

Start

Waterfall Cafe, Foyers. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 22km / 13.75 miles
Time: 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 535m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH498204

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Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

The stage starts outside the Waterfall Cafe in Foyers; the path to the Falls of Foyers is opposite and is well worth a visit if you haven't already done so. Begin the walk by following the road north, downhill. After around 400m fork right onto a lane (waymarked) that ascends and passes to the right of the church. When a track forks right off this - signed for Inverfarigaig and Boleskine - take this. Keep on the main track now as it leads through the forest, gaining height and eventually curving round to the right. Look out for a blue SLNT marker post which indicates a narrow path off to the left - the going now becomes very rugged.

Stage 2

The path winds through the trees and over the roots, going up beside a rock with a chain handrail at one point. Eventually the going improves once more and the path emerges at a track; turn right along this. Keep ahead on the track where it passes under the Beauly-Denny powerline, and keep on the main track at a fork (ignoring the downhill track on the left). After some distance another fork is reached; this time take the left branch, which leads gently downhill to the left of a burn. Ignore the footbridge on the right and follow the broad path down to the Inverfarigaig forest walks car park; there is a public toilets here. Turn left at the minor road to follow this down to the main South Loch Ness road.

Stage 3

Turn right along the road, and after crossing the bridge, take the next right onto a narrow minor road. This soon starts to ascend via a series of very sharp zig-zags - the road is known locally as the Corkscrew Road - soon giving good views down into a gorge on the east side, over to Dun Dearduill and also glimpses of Loch Ness through the trees. Eventually the road (it can barely be described as such - not recommended for motorists!) heads through open pasture land grazed by cattle. Keep along it below Ballagan and past Balchraggan (ignore the Trail of the 7 Lochs horseriding route which goes off right here).

Stage 4

Continue ahead at a strange cross-roads where the road to the left - at the time of writing - goes nowhere. A short distance further on turn left onto a waymarked forest track, crossing a cattle grid. This climbs gently, swings sharply right at a bend, and then continues ascending to reach a t-junction - go left here (waymark). The track curves left and eventually reaches a turning area; from here the route continues as a wide path - signed for the 'Fair Haired Lad's Pass'.

Stage 5

The path leads through the trees and then through the pass itself - a dip in the heather moorland. A short distance after the highest point a superb view over Loch Ness is revealed, especially across to Drumnadrochit and Urquhart Castle. This is a real highlight of the whole Trail. The path now continues steeply down a series of tight zig-zags.

Stage 6

After a wide zig-zag to the left, a junction is reached; turn right here onto a fainter grassy track (the main route ahead went uphill at this point) - there is no waymarker. The grassy track leads on through denser forestry, continuing to descend and eventually emerging onto a wider forest track near Whitefield. Go straight ahead onto this track.

Stage 7

There are views to Loch Ness through the trees at times, with some extensive felled areas. The track eventually emerges at a much larger track at a bend in the latter; take the left branch here (waymarked), slightly downhill. Further on, ignore a track off to the left, keeping ahead until eventually the route slopes down to meet the main road.

Stage 8

The Trail now runs close by the road along the south side of Loch Ness for 3km to reach the village of Dores; at first there's on a path to use on the right side, then later switching to the left. The stage ends at the road junction opposite the Inn; there are also bed and breakfasts here and a bus stop.

Next stage: Dores to Torbreck

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