...the perfect introduction to the Scottish Highlands?
Starting at Laggan Locks and finishing in Inverness, Jonathan Cook takes on a challenging three-day walk covering most of the Great Glen Way.
This walk offers the perfect introduction to walking in the Highlands of Scotland, and samples the finest and most challenging parts of the Great Glen Way. Day one begins at Laggan Locks on the peaceful Caledonian Canal towpath, before later tackling the first of two new high alternatives which were officially added to the Great Glen Way and opened in 2014.
Day two takes walkers over the second new high alternative to Drumnadrochit. This section passes through some of the most spectacular scenery Scotland has to offer and crests the highest point on the route offering unsurpassed views down Loch Ness.
A long final day passes through remote moorland and forestry tracks offering spectacular views of distant Munros before descending into the bustling regional capital of Inverness. TRANSPORT
Train Several long-distance services to Fort William, including London North Eastern Railway, www.lner.co.uk and ScotRail, www.scotrail.co.uk Overnight service on the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Aberdeen, www.sleeper.scot Bus 919 Scottish City Link from Fort William to Inverness, 0871 266 33 33, www.citylink.co.uk Plane Fly to Inverness, www.invernessairport.co.uk
PUBS/GRUB
The Lock Inn, Fort Augustus, 01320 366302
Eagle Barge Inn, Laggan Locks (cash only), 07789 858567, www.eaglebargeinn.weebly.com Glenmoriston Arms Hotel – see below
ACCOMMODATION
Laggan Locks has a small camping area for five tents. No campfires or BBQs. Canal toilets and showers.
Camping pods at Laggan Locks, www.canalsidecottages.co.uk In Fort Augustus try Beaufort House B&B, 01320 366845, www. beauforthouselochness.com In Invermoriston try The Glenmoriston Arms Hotel, 01320 351206, www. glenmoristonarms.co.uk In Drumnadrochit try the Loch Ness Backpackers Lodge, 01456 450807, www.lochnessbackpackers.com
PRACTICALITIES
Plenty of amenities in Fort Augustus, Invermoriston and Drumnadrochit. Inverness is a large city at the end of the route with a wide selection of accommodation and facilities. Few amenities on the route.
LOCAL INFO www.visitscotland.com