Starting the Great Glen Way

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After spending an enjoyable day off in Fort William last Thursday, we set off on the Great Glen Way, which runs from Fort William to Inverness.

The Great Glen is a different type of walk, much more “pedestrian” as one crusty old hiker described it, and indeed we had to shift mental gears to appreciate the much flatter valley walk after 9 days in the Highlands. The walk goes through a valley and follows a series of lochs connected by the Caledonian canal, but the easier walking does leaves more room for the mind to wander and reflect.

The weather continues to be reasonable—cloudy with showers, but no constant rain. Yesterday, day 4, from Laggan to Fort Augustus, was glorious with warm weather and sunshine. Fort Augustus was a good place to enjoy it—a small town where five locks form the major centre and source of entertainment. Like many others, we enjoyed a pub lunch at one of the picnic benches by the canal and watched a big cruise boat go through the locks.

Today we had a short walk—only about 12 km—to Invermoriston. Looking at the forecast, which predicted 60% chance of rain by 11 a.m., we decided to leave early and stay ahead of the rain. We had the option of a high- or low-route and chose the high-route. It was described as more scenic with great views of Loch Ness. We are glad we did; it was absolutely worth the extra climbing.

Finally, apologies for initially posting the pictures without any text; the post got published by accident. Blogging from an phone can be a challenge!

Starting the Great Glen Way
Walking through a sheep field near Fort William
Steam train, the Jacobite, still in daily service from Fort William to the west coast.
Tow path on the Caledonain Canal
Neptune’s Staircase, a series of eight locks at Banavie
An historic two-part swing bridge across the canal
Roy gets to operate the swing bridge
Hauling a boat that wouldn’t start through the lock at Gairlochy
Wet morning starting out from Gairlochy
Sunshine!
Waterfalls running from the rain
Emptying tiny pebbles from boots along the rail trail
Looking back down Loch Oich
Series of five locks at Fort Augustus
Boat in the lock at Fort Augustus

Looking back at Fort Augustus

Photographing Loch Ness
Loch Ness
Wind shelter on the high route above Loch Ness
The high route
Trees on the high route

12 thoughts on “Starting the Great Glen Way”

  1. Great post as always, Inge & Roy. Phone blogging is THE worst! Those teeny tiny screens…
    xoxo

  2. very pretty..and looking quite pleasant . spent a night at Fort Agustus with Kaye and Carolyn and Shane and Vi and Ngaire 5 years ago…

    • Thought you might have. I remember you talking about touring the Loch Ness area. St. Augustus is a cute little place.

  3. I love your photos and comments. You are probably realizing that Scotland is haunted in a special kind of way.

    Enjoy

  4. I showed your photos to my Dad Vic. He worked in Fort William as a pulp mill manager for 5 years (1976 – 81) – his house overlooked the basin of the western entrance of the Caledonian Canal. He loved being reminded of the area and memories and told us stories from them – FUN. Nice. Thanks.

    • I’m glad he enjoyed the pics and memories. I had no idea he’d lived here for a while

  5. gives new context to the “You’ll take the high road and I’ll take the low road and I’ll be in…” ;^)
    xo S

  6. Taking the high road, whether in public debate or the Great Glen Way, rewards the soul.

    Scott & Coleen

  9. Ah, summer in Scotland!
    At least you don’t have to carry sunscreen .
    P, S….summer will occur one day next week…try not to miss it

    • I’m actually getting a tan, believe it or not! Never expected that to happen in Scotland, in April!

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