Read - Self Guided Great Glen Way

On arrival to Fort William train station, you then head through the town centre. Head under the underpass and walk through the pedestrian precinct. To reach Fassfern continue to the end of the High Street and you will be at a roundabout. Take the second exit off the roundabout and continue along Achintore Road for a short distance until you reach Fassfern clearly signposted on the left hand side of the road.

This lovely b&b has superb views across Loch Linnhe to the Ardgour Hill and is only a short stroll to all facilities. Please note that this is a non-smoking establishment. A laundry service is not on offer but drying facilities are available at no extra charge (boiler room). Guests are welcome any time after 1600hrs or earlier by prior arrangement. There is a wide variety of restaurants in Fort William for an evening meal (advance booking essential). Packed lunches can be supplied, please order upon arrival. Wifi available.

Fort William sits on Loch Linnhe with the majestic Ben Nevis, at 1344m Britain’s highest mountain, as its backdrop. The town takes its name from the fort that William Prince of Orange built in 1690. Fort William was successfully held by government troops during the Jacobite uprisings of 1715 and 1745. However, the surrounding area saw great turmoil. Today, such a bloody past is difficult to imagine and the town is the main centre for visitors to the Western Highlands.

Coire Glas is situated in the village of Spean Bridge which is 3 miles/4.8 km from the official stage end, ie Gairlochy locks. Since this is a relatively easy section of the route, you may wish to actually continue your walk into Spean Bridge itself and visit the Commando Memorial on the way. Alternatively, a transfer service is available from the b&b. If a transfer is required then on your arrival at Gairlochy Locks, please telephone Coire Glas and the patrons will be pleased to send transport to transfer you from Gairlochy to Spean Bridge.

If you decide to walk into Spean Bridge, then the directions are as follows. Your walk along the canal will take you to the canal locks at Gairlochy. Do not continue along the canal but instead turn right and take the small tarmac road (B8004) which winds initially downhill. Simply continue on this road for approximately 2 miles/3.25 km until you reach the Commando War Memorial which sits at the junction of the B8004 and the main A82 roads. At this point you can either walk down the main A82 road for one mile/1.6 km into Spean Bridge (there is a good pavement) or take the new off-road track which also leads down into Spean Bridge but is longer, ie 2 miles/3.2 km (see the attached map). Once into the village you will reach a road branching off to the left (sign-posted Roy Bridge). Turn left and walk along the road until you reach Coire Glas on the left hand side. You are welcome to check in any time after 1530hrs. The next morning, your hosts will be pleased to transfer you back to Gairlochy locks to continue your walk.

A warm welcome will be extended by your hosts Morven & Simon at Coire Glas. Please note that this is a non-smoking establishment. Laundry facilities are not on offer for single night stays but may be available for longer stays. Guests will be welcomed any time after 1530 hrs. However, please advise Coire Glas if you are going to be later than 1900 hrs. The only option for an evening meal is the Old Station Restaurant and therefore pre-booking is vital. You can contact the Old Station directly or Coire Glas will be happy to assist with this if contacted in advance. Packed lunches can be provided, please order upon arrival (cash payment only for packed lunches). Wifi available.

Spean Bridge is best known for its historical links with the Allied Commando Training during the Second World War. Thousands of troops came to Spean Bridge to train for war in the surrounding mountains and lochs, based at Achnacarry Castle. A mile north of Spean Bridge on a prominent hillside by the A82 is the world famous Commando Memorial, erected to commemorate the service and sacrifice of the men and women who served their countries.

On the latter stage of the route you will be walking along a tarmac road. As you approach the end of Loch Lochy (past Kilfinnan) you will arrive at a junction where the road goes steeply uphill in front of you. Do not walk uphill but instead go right and cross the cattle grid and walk down the road, passing by a row of wooden chalets on your left hand side (you should now be looking down Loch Lochy to your right). Continue along the road until you reach Laggan Locks. On arrival at the Locks cross the canal at the gates, turn left following the Great Glen Way signage and walk following the canal bank (past the Eagle Barge) and then through a wooded area (for approximately 0.5 miles/0.80 km) until you reach a small wooden bridge (do not cross this). Turn right to face the main road (A82), turn right again and walk down the road (using the grass verge) for approximately 0.5 miles/0.80 km to reach Forest Lodge on the right hand side of the road (once you pass the Great Glen Hostel you will see Forest Lodge in the distance). Please take care along this busy road. Alternatively, Forest Lodge can collect you from South Laggan Locks between 1500 hrs & 1700 hrs and this is recommended (a voluntary contribution towards fuel would be greatly appreciated, eg £2.00 per person). Please either call Forest Lodge on your way to Laggan Locks or upon arrival, thank you.

A warm welcome will be extended by Lorraine & Laura at Forest Lodge. Please note that Forest Lodge is a non-smoking establishment. A laundry service is on offer (costs £10.00 per load and items must all be able to go into the tumble dryer) and drying facilities are available for no extra charge. Guests will be welcomed any time after 1500 hrs or earlier only by prior arrangement. Forest Lodge offers a two course evening meal served at 1800 hrs and at least 24 hrs notice is required. This costs £18.00 per person (main & dessert) but note that there is only one choice per night (Forest Lodge say that “It’s a little like going to dinner at your friend’s house, everyone eats the same home cooked hearty meal”). Forest Lodge does not have an alcohol license but feel free to pop some in your bag to enjoy (carefully wrapped to avoid any breakages). The Eagle Barge ( 07789 858567, www.eaglebargeinn.weebly.com) opens Wednesday to Sunday but please see their Facebook page for up to date information since they may also close other days and hence booking in advance is essential. Your hosts can provide a transfer to the Eagle Barge and will collect you when you have finished your meal (however a contribution towards petrol costs is much appreciated eg £2 per person). Forest Lodge also offers a packed lunch service, these can be ordered on arrival. Wifi available

You will be walking through land owned by the Cameron’s of Lochiel. Nearby is Clunes where Bonnie Prince Charlie hid in a cave for two weeks after his escape from Culloden. South Laggan saw the Clan Battle of the Shirts in 1544 (Gaelic: Blar na Léine, also the Battle of Kinloch-Lochy). The Clan Donald and their allies Clan Cameron fought the Clan Fraser and men from Clan Grant. Legend has it that the day was so hot that both sides threw off their plaids, fighting in their shirts. However, Blar na Léine is merely a corruption of Blar na Leana, ‘the Field of the Swampy Meadow.’

Your walk will take you to the main A82 road which runs through the village of Fort Augustus. Turn left and walk through the village, over the bridge and continue all the way through the village until you pass the bus lanes and the end of the car park (the latter on your left hand side). Continue on until you see a left turn signposted for Morag’s Lodge & Jenkins Park. Turn left and walk up the hill, cross the junction and Thistle Dubh is the first house on your left.

Thistle Dubh is of a very good standard and situated within walking distance of all amenities. Please note that Thistle Dubh is a non-smoking establishment. Limited drying facilities are available but a laundry service is not on offer. Thistle Dubh will welcome your arrival from 1600 hrs but no earlier because, like most accommodations during the current climate, it will take Margaret extra time to turn around rooms. However, there are plenty of pubs and facilities in the village for a refreshment if you arrive earlier. There is a wide choice of establishments in the village for an evening meal (advance booking highly recommended). Packed lunches are not on offer since there are so many options locally. Wifi available.

Fort Augustus is named after King George II’s younger son, Prince William Augustus the Duke of Cumberland, also known as ‘Butcher Cumberland’ as he suppressed and destroyed the highlanders and their clan system. In the aftermath of the final ‘clan’ defeat at Culloden in 1746 Augustus made his headquarters in the fort named after him 25 years earlier. Very little remains of the original fort, parts of which were incorporated into the Benedictine Abbey built in 1876. The monks left in 1998 when they were unable to sustain their community and the abbey. The original Gaelic name of the village was Cille Chumein (the church of Chumein).

Running through the village is the River Oich and the impressive Caledonian Canal and lock system built by Thomas Telford in the early 1800’s. Next to the locks is the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre which gives an insight into the history of the canal. Also in the village is the Clansman Centre where you can learn about clan life 500 years ago.

The Great Glen Way will take you down on to the main (A82) road. Turn left and follow the road until you reach the junction where the A82 and the A887 (to Skye) meet. Continue along the A82 for a short distance and you will pass a turning for Bracarina House on the left hand side – do not turn into this road. Instead, continue along the road for a short distance and you will reach a small gate on your left hand side signposted for Darroch View. Follow the steps up towards Darroch View ahead of you.

Darroch View is situated in a lovely location within easy walking distance of the Great Glen Way. It is of a very good standard and is a non-smoking establishment. Drying and laundry facilities are not available (but Hayley can hang wet gear in the entrance). Guests will be welcomed any time between 1500 hrs & 1900 hrs or later only by prior arrangement. However, no earlier than 1500 hrs because, like most accommodations during the current climate, it will take Hayley extra time to turn around rooms. Thus, when walking from Fort Augustus then on this short walking day it is suggested that you spend some time in Fort Augustus in the morning since Invermoriston is a very small village with limited activity if you arrive very early or you may wish to arrive early into Invermoriston and dine there before checking in to Darroch View (note the Glen Rowan closing times). An evening meal is available at the Glenmoriston Arms Hotel, 01320 351206, www.glenmoristonarms.co.uk ) or the Glen Rowan Café 01320 351208 (Closed Monday, 0900 hrs—1600 hrs & Sunday 1000 hrs—1600 hrs). Booking in advance is essential for both. Please note that packed lunches are not available but there is a village shop nearby who sells ample supplies. Wifi available.

Invermoriston dates back to circa 1600 and in the 1640’s a sawmill was in operation processing the surrounding forests for export by boat. The military roads were built along the Great Glen in the 1700’s and passed to the east side of Loch Ness, leaving Invermoriston heavily dependent on water transport. The first roads were built by Thomas Telford in 1813 along the west side of Loch Ness and towards Glen Shiel. This small village is steeped in Jacobite romance, like the legendary Seven Men of Moriston and rebel hero Roderick MacKenzie, killed in 1745 by English Soldiers who mistook him for Bonny Prince Charlie.

The village’s most popular attraction is the old Telford Bridge which crosses the spectacular River Moriston falls. This bridge was part of the main road between Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus. A new bridge was built in the 1930’s and still carries a stream of traffic today.

The Great Glen Way will take you downhill past Clunebeg and on to the main A82 road. Turn left and walk along the road, passing through the village of Lewiston until you reach Drumnadrochit village. You will shortly arrive at Fiddlers Restaurant clearly signposted on the right hand side of the road just before the village green. Turn right directly after Fiddlers to take you around the village green. Continue past the Glen Café and will you then reach Morlea clearly signposted on the right hand side of the village green.

Morlea is a lovely b&b ideally situated on Drumnadrochit’s village green so ideally placed for all amenities. Please note that this is a non smoking establishment. There is a boot dryer in the entrance and they can offer laundry facilities (£10.00 for a full load to wash and dry colourfast clothes). There is also a laundrette in the village. Guests are welcome any time after 1600 hrs but there are ample places locally for a refreshment if you arrive earlier. A wee slice of home baking is available to welcome you and you have the option to sit outdoors in their sheltered garden at any time. There is a wide choice of establishments in the village for an evening meal all within easy walking distance (advance booking essential). Packed lunches are available, please order 48hrs in advance if required. Wifi available.

Drumnadrochit lies on the West shore of Loch Ness at the head of Glen Urquhart and is the main centre for Monster watching! The first sighting of the Loch Ness Monster was made by Saint Columba in the sixth century and millions of people have visited the Loch since then with the same ambition. There are two exhibitions in the village devoted to Nessie. The centre of Drumnadrochit is very attractive with a village green and a splendid miniature model of Urquhart Castle made from hedges and plants. The magnificently situated Urquhart Castle, just south of the town on the banks of Loch Ness, remains an impressive stronghold despite its ruinous state. Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart’s remains include a tower house that commands splendid views of the famous loch and Great Glen. The castle’s history and that of the noble families, Durward, Macdonald and Grant, is told in the exhibition in the visitor centre.

GREAT GLEN WAY – From the end of the Way exit the Castle grounds through the main gate. Continue downhill for 125 yards/110 metres and turn right onto Castle Road. With the River Ness on your left continue along Castle Road and soon you will reach Young Street Bridge on the left. Cross the bridge and continue straight on after crossing. You will pass Huntly Street on your right and then you will soon reach a turning to the right for King Street. Turn right and walk down King Street until you arrive at a T-junction which leads on to Greig Street. Turn left and walk up Greig Street for a short distance until you reach Eskdale clearly signposted on the right hand side of the road.

Eskdale is well situated for all amenities in Inverness City Centre and your host Kathy will offer a warm and friendly welcome. Eskdale has a four star grading with VisitScotland and is a non-smoking establishment. Drying facilities are available and a laundry service for small items is on offer (costs £8.00 per load but note that there is a laundrette locally). Guests will be welcomed any time after 1600 hrs. There is a wide choice of establishments in Inverness for an evening meal all within easy walking distance (advance booking essential). Packed lunches are available, please order upon arrival. Wifi available.

Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, became Scotland’s fifth city at the millennium. It lies at the north end of the Great Glen, where the River Ness flows into the Moray Firth. The origins of Inverness lie on its western edge at the now wooded crag of Craig Phadrig. A fortress atop this crag was a capital of the Pictish kings from as early as the 400’s AD. A settlement was established by sixth century AD with the first royal charter being granted in the thirteenth century. In 1727 Fort George was built in the town, a large fortress capable of housing 400 troops. Fort George surrendered to the Jacobites when they took Inverness in February 1746 before their eventual defeat at nearby Culloden in April that year. After the garrison had surrendered the Jacobites laid explosives and destroyed Fort George. The red stone Inverness Castle you see today was built in the 1830s to house courts and administrative buildings.