Laggan Locks to Invermoriston
NN286962 From 1 Laggan Locks begin by heading away from Loch Lochy in a northerly direction along the nearside of the canal past a large floating pub barge called The Eagle. Continue along the canal-side path sloping up into a narrow gravel path and enter into pine trees. Ignore the path on the right-hand side and continue to cross over a footbridge. Keep to the canal-side route, which is marked by Great Glen Way markers, as the path leaves the trees and eventually emerges on to the A82, near Laggan swing bridge.
NN299981 Cross 2 straight over the A82 and follow the minor road signposted for ‘Great Glen Water Park’ on the shores of Loch Oich. Branch right off the road and head up the track to join the old Invergarry and Fort Augustus Railway trackbed. The route now follows the well-defined line of the old railway along the Eastern Shore of Loch Oich passing through several old railway tunnels and an abandoned white cottage at Letterfeirn. Towards the end of the Loch the path passes through some metal gates before crossing an old railway bridge over Calder burn arriving to another set of gates. 3 NH338029 Turn left away from the gates indicated by the obvious Great Glen Way marker and follow the path down to the shoreline of Loch Oich. Continue beside the Loch before passing through a wooden gate to rejoin the Caledonian Canal. Follow the canal-side path to Alberchalder Swing Bridge. Cross the busy A82 for a second time as the walk now continues on the south side of the canal, passing the Bridge House Tea Garden and along the towpath before crossing to the north side at Cullochy Lock. The canal now broadens with occasional glimpses of the River Oich to the left before arriving to Kytra Lock flanked by tall pine trees on either side. Continue on the towpath with the canal bending to the right until the outlying buildings of Fort Augustus come into view before descending the flight of five impressive locks into the village. NH379092 Turn 4 left and head north along the A82 passing the TIC, a petrol
station and then a large car park. A Great Glen Way sign indicates a path off to the left up a minor road called Bunoich Brae. Follow the road uphill bearing right after Morag’s Lodge and then keep straight ahead at the next junction. Follow the quiet road as it curves around to the right and turn left opposite The Three Bridges B&B, where a Great Glen Way sign indicates the footpath. Cross a wooden footbridge and climb the steep path amidst giant fir trees before the path joins a forest track. Turn right and follow the track downhill to junction and an obvious bench offering fine views of Loch Ness.
NH383105 Turn left 5 up the small gravel path climbing into dense woodland and passing several waterfalls before joining another forest track. Turn right here and continue on the track which runs parallel with the loch until crossing a bridge and waterfall. Turn left up another winding path into more woodland. Climb the zigzags until the path emerges on rugged moorland.
NH388116 Continue 6 on the path until reaching an obvious viewpoint where there are again good views of Loch Ness. From here the path ahead is very clear, undulating and winding until a stone wind shelter is reached at the foot of Carn an Doire Mhoir. The path now descends to cross a bridge before continuing over more moorland. After crossing several more footbridges and passing a stone bench the path eventually enters the forest below.
NH418153 Head 7 down the steep zigzags before crossing two forest tracks where the high-level route rejoins the low-level route. Turn left and follow the path running just below the forest track before taking a sharp right turn down a clear felled slope. Turn right along a minor road before turning left over the original stone bridge to cross the River Moriston before a final left turn along the A82 to arrive at the Post Office in Invermoriston.