GGW 4: High Route - Fort Augustus to Invermoriston

Summary

This short stage of the Great Glen Way could be combined with the next leg to Drumnadrochit. The route starts on forestry tracks and then climbs high above Loch Ness with great views over the water before a steep zig zag descent to Invermoriston where there is a shop, toilets and accommodation.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Waymarked walking on tracks, minor roads and paths throughout; some steep ascents and descents.

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

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Services

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

Walk Statistics

Distance: 12.4km / 7.75 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4 hours
Ascent

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Explorer 416 - Loch Ness

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

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 close-up until your 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 reaches the junction where the High Route and Low route divide. Take the path on the left to follow the High Route (the Low Route continues on the main track downhill to the Allt na Criche car park). Follow the path through the trees, level at first and then turning left uphill at a marker post. After a bridge the route climbs up wide zig-zags to emerge on a forestry track. Turn right to cross the bridge and then immediately turn left onto a path which climbs up through the trees.

Stage 4

The path soon reaches the open moorland above the tree line and there are a number of well-placed stones that are good for rest spots and enjoying the views back down over Loch Ness, Fort Augustus and back down the Great Glen with the Caledonian Canal clearly visible on a good day.

Stage 5

The next section is one of the highlights of the Great Glen Way as the path undulates over the heathery ground with good views of the Loch. The route climbs to pass below Càrn an Doire Mhòir with a nicely constructed viewpoint on the far side with wide views up and down Loch Ness. The path then descends to a bridge over the Allt a' Mhuillinn and continues well above the tree line. The white house seen on the waterside on a small headland is Portclair House.

Stage 6

Continue following the clear path as it gently rises and falls running parallel to the loch below, crossing the Portclair Burn and running closer to the forestry at one point. After a passing a large boulder with heather growing on top, the path soon reaches the forestry above Invermoriston.

Stage 7

The descent is steep on zig-zags but there are some stunnning views of the water, jetty and Invermoriston Lodge though the trees at a couple of places. The path then descends in a straight line through the thick plantation; at a track go straight across to rejoin the path as it continues downhill. Soon another track is crossed; on the far side the path bends left, running parallel to but below the forest track.

Stage 8

Eventually a marker post indicates where the Great Glen Way turns right onto a path. 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

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