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. A more rugged option underfoot it feels more remote and has more hill views than the low level (which has almost as much ascent). Both routes join up at Grotaig and then follow an off road path across a high moorland area before a steep descent to Drumnadrochit.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

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

Getting there

Start

Invermoriston.

Public Transport

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

Start Grid Ref

NH420167

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Services

Invermoriston has a hotel / inn and bed and breakfast accommodation. There are hotels, B&Bs, hostels and a campsite at Drumnadrochit, as well as shops and cafes.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 21.8km / 13.5 miles
Time: 6 - 7.5 hours
Ascent: 800m (Profile)

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Explorer 416 - Loch Ness

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

From the car park in Invermoriston cross the main road and turn left at the shop (Glenmoriston Arms Hotel opposite) and follow the A887 for a short distance before turning right up a signed road just after the clog and craft shop. Stay on the lane as it climbs ever more steeply in a series of zigzags. At a crossroads turn right to head slightly along a track.

Stage 2

For the High Route, soon take a signed path that leads off left uphill through the trees. 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. Head uphill to a large turning area; keep ahead on the waymarked path. This continues climbing, giving great views back and passing the Viewcatcher sculpture to cross an area with open hill views.

Stage 4

When the path meets a track, turn left along it. Soon cross the bridge over the Allt Saigh now on a wider section of track. Ignore a track coming in from the left and sooon the route narrows and then crosses the bridge over the Ruighe Bhacain. The path now climbs steeply through the trees.

Stage 5

The path curves around the south flank of Creag Dhearg climbing gently before descending steeply to reach a superb viewpoint overlooking Loch Ness, with a curved stone shelter.

Stage 6

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

The track continues to climb, reaching the highest point of the day, and there are some excellent views again over Loch Ness. The track narrows to a path and continues ahead through the trees. The path almost meets a forestry track, but passes through the first of several gates and keeps left of it. Ignore a gate on the left (onto a grassy track) and keep on the path, which soon emerges from the trees into a grassy area. Eventually it swings left and reaches the road end at Grotaig. You could make a detour here to visit the pottery 200m off left, which has a small, seasonal cafe.

Stage 8

Otherwise, turn right and follow an off road path on the left side of the narrow road. Eventually it joins the tarmac, but then the route heads off the other side of the road on a well-made path. Follow this, going almost straight across at a track, and straight ahead again when the path reaches and recrosses the road. After a section right beside the road then route bears left into the trees. Go across at a forestry track, and follow the path through the trees. Eventually it emerges into a more open section. Descend steeply, soon passing through a gap in a stone wall. There are views over Drumnadrochit as the path descends steeply; turn left when it meets a track. At the bottom of the hill it veers right. 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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