Hartley - Self Guided Great Glen Way

Inverlochy Castle is situated north of Fort William on the A82 approximately 3.5 miles (5.5 km) from Fort William town centre. Therefore, you have two choices and the first is to take advantage of Inverlochy Castle’s pick-up service from/to Fort William train station (costs £20.00 each way) on your arrival/departure date. This can be arranged on the day itself but as much notice as possible would be appreciated. However, taxis are widely available at the bus and train stations as well as the town centre taxi rank which is near Tesco, ie at the edge of the pedestrian precinct/The Parade (you will pass the taxi rank on the way to the end of the walk).

Dining at Inverlochy Castle

‘Seasgair’ by Michel Roux Jr is our dinner service with a fresh and interactive new concept that will see all dinner guests dine together for one sitting. We have called it ‘Seasgair’, which is Gaelic for comfortable, cosy and warm. Advance bookings are essential

The Dining Experience

Each evening, dinner will start at 1900 hrs with a glass of Champagne or a custom designed cocktail. Canapes will be prepared and presented by our chefs in the Great Hall before the host welcomes guests to the dining rooms to enjoy a five-course set menu created with passion and flair and using the finest seasonal ingredients recommended to us by professional artisans. The small, local producers that neighbour us will feature prominently across the menu: some of which are not available anywhere else.

Everything will be overseen by the two Michelin starred chef Michel Roux Jr, who has taken inspiration from the castle’s history to design the experience. While the menu will change with what’s available each day, a taste of what to expect includes wild boar charcuterie made just seven miles from the castle, Highland venison wellington served to share or a platter of Scottish oysters. Each course is a new discovery of presentation and flavour, such is the magic of the experience. Wine pairings custom matched by our sommelier will be available.

The experience signals a return to how guests dined at Inverlochy Castle in days gone by, from a time when Mrs Hobbs owned the castle as her home and her cook Mary Shaw would prefer a menu each night for the family and guests to dine in the dining rooms. We very much want guests to feel like they’re being welcomed into our home for a relaxing and comfortable stay complete with the impeccable bespoke service to be expected of a five-star country house hotel.

Dining Options

Our goal is to make you feel as comfortable as if you’re visiting an old friend, and the chefs will be visible throughout the evening.

As well as individual tables in our dining room, there will also be an extra-special option to join Mary Shaw’s Table, an impeccably designed large wooden table nestled within our library. Here, you can meet and dine with other guests while you savour each dish. There’s also an option to enjoy expertly paired wines hand selected by our world-renowned sommelier to seamlessly complement each course.

Should you wish to make a reservation either on an individual table or joining our shared dining experience on The Mary Shaw Table please book directly through our website.

Dietary Requirements

As our menu is set, please do make us aware if you have any adverse allergens or dietary requirements, please make us aware prior to arrival and we’ll create you a menu that’s treated with the same respect. We would be happy to cater for your dietary needs, however, we cannot guarantee absolute separation of allergens and cannot take responsibility for any adverse reaction which may occur. If you have any dietary requirements, please make us aware prior to arrival and we’ll create you a menu that’s treated with the same respect.

Pricing

£145pp, including canapes, 5-course set menu, petit fours with tea and coffee, and a custom welcome drink created by our world-class sommelier.

Dress Code

Jacket is required for Gentlemen.

Additional points

For the dining experience to be truly memorable, it requires our kitchen’s full attention. There will be only one sitting per evening and no other dining options will be available after 1800 hrs/1830 hrs, including room service.

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.

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/3.2 km until you reach The Old Pines clearly signposted on the left hand side of the road. The Commando War Memorial, which sits at the junction of the B8004 and the main A82 roads, is only a short distance past the hotel. Alternatively, a transfer service is available from Gairlochy by the Old Pines at no extra charge. If you require a transfer please call the Old Pines on arrival at Gairlochy and Ken or Imogen will be pleased to come and collect you. Please note that uplifts are only available after 1400 hrs. The following morning you will be driven back to the stage of Gairlochy to continue your walk.

The Old Pines is a special place to stay, situated on the road between Gairlochy and the village of Spean Bridge and you will be assured of a warm and friendly welcome from the owner’s Ken & Imogen. Please note that there is a non-smoking policy throughout. Drying facilities are on offer and laundry can be arranged. Guests will be welcomed any time after 1400 hrs. Since there is nowhere else in the vicinity for an evening meal this has been advance booked on your behalf and is included in your rate so you do not need to pay for dinner this evening. Packed lunches are on offer and can be ordered upon arrival. 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.

As you approach Invergarry you will reach the end of Loch Laggan. At this point you need to leave the main Great Glen Way route and take the Invergarry Link which breaks away to the left onto the old Great Glen Way Cycle Route. Follow this route for approximately 3.75 miles/6 km and you will start to descend into the hamlet of Invergarry. As you enter Invergarry the Way joins the main A82 road and before the bridge there is a farm track. There is some signage but not visible from the A82, a small blue sign on the left side of the track. Follow the farm track to the Glengarry Castle gatehouse (at this point the River Garry will always be on your left), pass through the gate and carry on for about 200 yards/182 metres until you reach the hotel on your right. Do not walk under the arch. The following morning you will have to retrace your steps back to where you came off the track and then continue north on the Invergarry Link to Bridge of Oich and then back on to the Great Glen Way route into Fort Augustus.

Since 1958 Glengarry Castle Hotel has been a wonderful country house hotel within a jewel of a setting on the shores of Loch Oich. Glengarry has been awarded a Three Star Country House Hotel grading by VisitScotland and an AA Three Star. Please note that there is a non smoking policy throughout. Limited drying facilities are available (please contact reception to use) but a laundry service is not on offer. Guests will be welcomed any time and rooms are available from 1400 hrs onwards. The hotel assumes that walkers will dine at the hotel but it is essential that you reserve a suitable time well in advance (note that dinner is not included in the cost of your tour package). Packed lunches are on offer, please order upon arrival (note that they are unable to arrange packed lunches on the day of departure). 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.’

The Great Glen Way passes through Fort Augustus and for your accommodation follow the way markers through the village to the northern edge. At what used to be the Three Bridges B&B (the bridges are still there!) the Way turns left and up through a wood. Leave the Way at this point and continue straight ahead over the bridge and turn left. Follow this lane for a short distance uphill and to your right until you reach the Inch Hotel.

The Inch Hotel on Loch Ness is a historic country lodge hotel. Originally a hunting lodge it was a base for the RAF during World War II. The hotel has splendid views over Loch Ness from the northern edge of the village and is situated on the Great Glen Way. The hotel has a non-smoking policy throughout. Drying and laundry services are not on offer. Rooms are available from 1500 hrs or earlier by prior arrangement. There is a choice of establishments in the village for an evening meal including the Inch Hotel’s Restaurant which has won an AA Rosette and it is essential that you book in advance. Packed lunches are on offer for £18pp (48 hours notice is required) or there are ample supplies locally (it would be wise to purchase these upon arrival into Fort Augustus before making your way to the hotel if you intend to dine at the hotel). 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 onto the main A82 road. Turn left and simply follow the main road until you reach the Glenmoriston Arms on the left hand side of the road at the junction where the A887 road to Skye joins the A82.

The Glenmoriston Arms is a lovely Eighteenth Century Highland Hotel ideally situated directly in the village centre. The hotel has received a three star grading from VisitScotland and operates a non-smoking policy throughout. Drying and laundry facilities are not available (although they would do their best to assist with laundry if time and staff available. Charges would apply). Guests will be welcomed any time after 1500 hrs. An evening meal is available at the Hotel in either the bar or restaurant and advance booking is strongly advised. Packed lunches are on offer, please enquire upon arrival. 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 latter stages of the route towards Drumnadrochit will take you down the hill past Clunebeg Lodge and onto the main A82 road. Turn left and walk along the road over the bridge and then take the first left after crossing the bridge, ie the last turning on the left before the Esso garage. You will see the Loch Ness Inn clearly signposted thereafter on the left hand side of the road.

The Loch Ness Inn is a 160 year old building sympathetically restored with simple yet elegant rooms ideally situated just off the Great Glen Way. The Inn has received a three-star grading from VisitScotland and is a non-smoking establishment. Laundry and drying facilities are not on offer. Guests will be welcomed anytime after 1500 hrs. An evening meal is available at the Inn either in the Lewiston Restaurant or the Brewery Bar and advance booking is essential. You can book a table via their Facebook Page or on their website – see www.staylochness.co.uk and the Opentable tab. Alternatively, there is a wide choice of establishments in the village centre and advance booking is also essential. Packed lunches are available, please order upon arrival. 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.

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 then turn left onto Ness Walk and continue all of the way along Ness Walk until your each the hotel clearly signposted on the right hand side of the road.

The Ness Walk Hotel is situated in a lovely location on Ness Walk, originally a 19th Century house. The hotel has received a five star grading with VisitScotland and operates a non-smoking policy throughout. Drying facilities are not on offer as such but they can hang wet gear in their boiler room. They offer laundry facilities Monday – Friday. Guests will be welcomed any time after 1500 hrs (or an early check in is possible at a cost of £20.00 per hour). There is a wide choice of establishments in Inverness for an evening meal including the Ness Walk Hotel’s Torrish Restaurant for which advance booking is essential (please call the hotel or you can book online). Advance booking is also essential if dining in the City Centre. Packed lunches are on offer, 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.