Stage 5 Low Route: Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit

The Great Glen Way low level option from Invemoriston keeps through the forestry north of Loch Ness, with good views at times across the water to the hills on the south side of the Loch. The walk passes through varied woodland before reaching the road at Bunloit which crosses a high moorland area before the steep descent to Drumnadrochit.

Terrain

Waymarked walking on tracks, minor roads and paths throughout; some ascent.

Public Transport

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

Start

Invermoriston. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 23.5km / 14.75 miles
Time: 5.5 - 7 hours
Ascent: 495m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH420167

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

From the car park in Invermoriston cross the main road and turn left opposite the Glenmoriston Arms Hotel and walk 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 a path cuts up to join a track; turn right along this, following the blue markers (and ignoring the High Route option which climbs straight across).

Stage 2

Follow the track which climbs slightly through pine forestry until the route turns right near a fence to head downhill on a narrower path, heading back towards Invermoriston at first and then turning to keep heading north east. Where the blue marker shows the route turning right there is the option to continue for a very short distance to detour up a marked path to the left which leads to a stone seat and a fine viewpoint over Loch Ness.

Stage 3

Head downhill on the path, passing a device for counting walkers and eventually keep left when the path joins a larger track. The next section is almost level with excellent views over the water. Soon a stone cave is passed on the left which makes a great shelter in wet weather. After passing a bench at a viewpoint keep on the main path always following the blue markers. At the next junction keep right and the track descends to a bridge at Alltsigh. Here it is said that the last she-wolf in Scotland was killed. This section has small areas of native pinewood and is an important habitat for pine martens, Scottish crossbill, and black grouse. It is also home to a rare hoverfly, which may excite botanists but is unlikely to be as much of a thrill as a pine marten or red squirrel sighting for most people.

Stage 4

After the bridge keep on the upper track which heads behind a house and then uphill. Keep climbing and you will be rewarded with views across the water to Foyers and the nearby hydro-power station. Water from lochs in the hills above Loch Ness is forced down through pipes to generate electricity, and when demand for power reduces at night, the water is pumped back up ready for the next day. The dark shape of the old aluminium smelting works can also be seen - this was one of only a few local places to be bombed during the second world war as the metal from the factory was used to make fighter planes.

Stage 5

Turn right at a signed junction after an information board and pass some benches before continuing through the mixed woodland. 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 cafe). Here turn right and follow an off road path on the left side of the narrow road.

Stage 6

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

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