A new off-road section of the Great Glen Way has been opened taking walkers away from the tarmac for much of the section between Bunloit and Drumnadrochit.
The new section is on the Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit stage, and takes walkers and cyclists off the narrow, and sometimes busy, Bunloit road for a new 3.3km section from Ancarraig to Clunebeg. The updated route is now on the Walkhighlands app and website with a new description and mapping for that stage. The new section is also clearly waymarked and affects both the High and Low Routes for that stage.
The new route is a big improvement, reducing any danger from traffic, improving the walking underfoot and making the experience more scenic with more chances to spot wildlife. Contractor Mark Hedderwick of Hitrak has created wildlife pools and taken care to ensure the new track blends into the landscape; he has had a long standing involvement with the route and is a keen mountain biker and outdoorsman himself.
Around 4500 people walk the entire Great Glen Way each year with many more walking parts of it. Highland Council estimates that the route generates over £3 million for the local economy annually. Highland Council was responsible for the project and says it has been delivered on budget and that thanks are also due to Highlands Rewilding for gifting land and co-operating with site work.
Although the route is now fully open to walkers and cyclists, Highland Council is asking horse riders not to use the steep section down to Clunebeg to allow the surface to naturally dry and consolidate. There is also a very small area before this descent where forestry workers are currently having to cross the route while felling takes place, walkers should follow any signs in place until this work is complete.
The Great Glen Way stretches for 118.5km from coast to coast across the Highlands, linking the main centres of Fort William and the regional capital of Inverness. The route follows the major natural faultline of the Great Glen which divides Scotland from coast to coast. Most of the route keeps to lower levels and offers a good introduction to the Highlands and to long distance walking. Check out the full description on Walkhighlands and start planning your Great Glen adventure now.