GGW 5 High Route: Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit

Summary

The Great Glen Way high level option from Invemoriston has some steep climbs through the wooded hills north of the loch and offers some stunning vantage points. The walk then rejoins the low level option, passing through varied woodland before reaching the road at Bunloit which crosses a high moorland area before the steep descent to Drumnadrochit.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

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

Public Transport

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

Start

Invermoriston. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 22km / 13.75 miles
Time: 6 - 7.5 hours
Ascent: 740m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH420167

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

From the car park in Invermoriston cross the main road and turn left opposite the Glenmoriston Arms Hotel, walking a short way along the Skye road passing the shop and then the clog and craft shop on the far side. Cross the road and follow the lane just to the left of the clog shop and head gently uphill. Follow the lane as it bears left and heads behind the old Manse before heading more steeply uphill in a series of zigzags. Eventually either turn right at the blue marker post onto a track, or cut up to this point on a path that cuts the corner slightly.

Stage 2

For the High Route, take a path that leads off left uphill through the trees (opposite where the short-cut path reaches the track). The path reaches the top edge of the forestry and then runs to the right alongside a stone wall. At a corner ignore the path straight on into the trees, instead turning left to continue by the wall. The path climbs to give some more open views on the left before descending a little to cross a footbridge over the Allt Cuinneag.

Stage 3

Further on it meets a track; turn left here. The route now makes a steady ascent through scattered birchwoods (with more commercial forestry over to the right). It ends at a large turning area; keep ahead on the path with the blue marker posts. This continues climbing, giving great views back and passing a beautiful sculpture in wood and stone.

Stage 4

Continue on the path through an area of felled trees, passing between two upstanding stone slabs at one point. After cresting a rise, the path begins to descend into the forested glen of the Allt Saigh; when it meets a track, turn left along it. This soon leads over a bridge and then curves round to the right. Continue along it for around 800m until a marked path leads off to the left. This zig-zags steeply uphill through the trees.

Stage 5

The path eventually runs close to the top edge of the forestry, crossing a rustic bridge over the Allt Ruighe Bhacain. Beyond this it climbs very steeply once more, before beginning to curve around to the south flank of Creag Dhearg. Finally it reaches a superb viewpoint overlooking Loch Ness, with a curved stone shelter.

Stage 6

The path continues through trees before a zig-zag descent to a curved stone seat sculpture. From here it follows a track across the hillside, with continuing stunning views of the loch. At an information board the low level route is rejoined; turn left to continue on this.

Stage 7

In spring the banks at the side of the track are carpeted with primroses and violets. When the forestry track ends continue on a path which eventually joins another forestry track. At a bend follow the narrow path on the left which soon reaches a gate and then curves back left through woods and down to cross a stream before following the track through a gate up to the road at Grotaig (the Pottery 200m on the left here has a seasonal cafe). Here turn right and soon follow an off road path on the left side of the narrow road.

Stage 8

Follow the road, there is another useful off-road path for a section, as it crosses the moorland plateau, which can be bleak in bad weather, but is also a good place for spotting birds of prey. Pass the entrance to some chalets and houses on the left. The road leads almost all the way to Drumnadrochit, but after passing a lone house on the right and heading downhill, turn left (signed) through a gate and follow a track for a very short distance and then bear right on a path which heads steeply downhill. Soon the path has views over Drumnadrochit and after veering right, where a horse trail leaves to the left, it passes Clunebeg Lodge and then follows the river to the main road. Turn left here to follow the pavement into Drumnadrochit.

Next stage: Drumnadrochit to Inverness Low Route OR Drumnadrochit to Inverness High Route

Route Profile

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