Wildlife stars of the ! Discover the forests / Slighe a’ Ghlinne Mhòir If you’ve got time, the Great Glen Way, which stretches 79 miles (127 kms) between Fort William and makes a fabulous multi-day Red squirrel Scottish crossbill of the Great Glen adventure. It’s a rewarding walk, cycle or horse ride, mainly following towpaths and woodland tracks. You can also travel the glen by boat, Smaller and daintier than grey squirrels, red The Gaelic name for a or kayak. Find out more at www.greatglenway.com squirrels have distinctive fluffy tufts on their crossbill is cam ghob (literally Discover the forests of the Lorg na coilltean Photo © Colin Leslie ears. They don’t hibernate, so you ‘squinty beaked’) and it’s this have a chance to see one at any clever tool which enables the adult bird to anns a’ Ghleann Mhòr time of year. Listen out – you open conifer cones and get the seeds out. GreatGreat GlenGlen Divach Falls (say: YeevuhK) may hear the scratching sound What does it sound like? Listen out for a clear 5 Craigmonie of a red squirrel’s claws in the metallic ‘jip jip jip’ in the forest. Stroll through atmospheric and Is there anywhere better to experience the Walk to a rocky crag by a woodland branches before you see it. and Loch Ness unique atmosphere of the Highlands? oakwoods to a viewing platform Male Scottish crossbill © David Whitaker wildlife refuge at Craigmonie, Red squirrel © Pete Cairns: 2020 Vision The Great Glen (An Gleann Mòr) cuts a line overlooking the dramatic falls. Many and look beyond giant redwoods Magical forests on the natural across the country from Fort William in the woodland birds can be heard here. towards Loch Ness. fault line between Inverness south to Inverness in the north. It’s a fantastic 66 and Fort William natural route with iconic Loch Ness at its heart. Change House Change House An Taigh-Seinnse This area is steeped in Highland history and Wander through hazel woods along the shore myth but it’s also full of life and wonder. 4 Balnain of Loch Ness to the ruins of the Change House.

Explore the forests and woodlands of the Highlands Mostly firm but ½ mile / Great Glen for tranquillity, wonderful Get away from it all on an extensive network of forest sometimes uneven 0.8 km wildlife and amazing views of distant trails off the beaten track. gravel path with a Allow  mountains and ’s most short steep slope. ½ hour intriguing loch.

Affric Kintail Way 3 Allt na Crìche Have an outdoor adventure on Explore the woodland and the 44-mile trail from Loch Ness enjoy sweeping views of Pause to soak up the panorama of Loch Ness to Kintail via magical . Loch Ness from above. and the Great Glen on the quiet south side of the loch. This is a great spot for a picnic and is www.affrickintailway.com one of the best places to enjoy a stroll on the stony shore of Loch Ness.

2 River Oich & Torr Dhuin You can feel the sweep of history as you take in the magnificent scenery – across the loch stands the Walk along the banks of the River Oich or dramatic remains of a 500-year-old royal castle, gaze over the from high Torr and just a short walk along the shore takes you Dhuin’s ancient ramparts. Trail of the 7 Lochs 4 5 6 A 50 mile / 80 km long-distance to the ruins of the Change House. This is where trail over varied terrain of quiet travellers, including the 18th century writer Dr country roads and forest tracks. Samuel Johnson, would rest and change their horses on long journeys. 1 Glengarry www.southlochnessaccess.org.uk Explore ancient Caledonian 7 pine forest at Glengarry, where red squirrels, crossbills and wood ants find sanctuary. 6 Change House 7 Farigaig / Farragaig Lochan Tòrr an Tuill Trail For more information A lovely picnic spot where , Chia-aig Falls you can look over the loch to Climb steeply on the rocky shoulder of Spital of Urqhuart Castle and visit the Tel: 0300 067 6100 & Allt Mhuic Butterfly Reserve Boleskine for magnificent views of the ancient ruins of the Change House. Email: [email protected] Enjoy a picnic by magical Chia-aig (say: Kaig) Falls fort on Dun Dearduil, before continuing on to on the shores of secluded Loch Arkaig and visit the beautiful Lochan Tòrr an Tuill. nearby Allt Mhuic (say Allt Vooik) for a chance to 3 Section of rough and 1¾ miles spot the rare chequered skipper butterfly. 7 Farigaig narrow earth path with / 2.9 km 2 muddy and rocky parts. Allow  Enjoy a colourful encounter Long steep slopes for 1 hour South Loch Ness Trail with wildflowers, butterflies up to half a mile. and dragonflies and catch Stretching approximately 36 miles from Fort glimpses of Loch Ness. Augustus to Torbreck on the edge of Inverness, Discover the secret side of Loch Ness at this this long-distance route offers an alternative 1 much-loved spot with views across Loch Ness way to explore the south side of Loch Ness. and towards the ancient fort of Dun Dearduil. picnic site www.visitinvernesslochness.com The rocky trails wind through tall conifers Don’t miss the chance to get to reach a secluded lochan, Lochan Tòrr an down to the water’s edge. Tuill, known locally as the ‘Magic Loch’. This Loch Ness 360° Trail Enjoy a walk on the shore, peaceful spot is a lovely place to soak in the Glenmore lovely views and easy access to atmosphere and enjoy a picnic. Forest Park The Loch Ness 360° is a Ancient forest, high mountains, and golden shores

Look out for more of Cairngorms National Park National walking, cycling and running the water if you fancy a paddle. our leaflets covering trail that loops around Loch For a longer walk, try the Farigaig Circular - some of the forests in Ness. It connects the Great continue on past the lochan following the Trail of the area Forestry and Land Scotland Glen Way and the South the 7 Lochs, cut across to the South Loch Ness Trail forestryandland.gov.scot Land Woodland Loch Ness Trail into one when you reach the main road and return via the Woodland Trust Land circuit, covering 80 miles. Other woodland forest road. If you’re short of time, you don’t have You can start and finish from Leanachan Forest to go far to enjoy the scenery – the viewpoint at the Use #FoundMyForest on your Inverness, or join the trail at Parking (no charge) and The North Face Parking (easy access) start of the trail is a great place to take in the view. pictures and videos, and we’ll share any point of your choice. Easy access facilities Explore Leanachan forest, Toilets them on social media. where mountain bikers Information www.lochness-360.com brave a world-class course Great Glen Way / West and get great views of Ben Highland Way 2020/Edition 1. and Land Scotland-15K/JTCP/March Design & Visitor Planning, Forestry Designed by and Land Scotland unless otherwise stated. © Forestry Jo Scott. Photography written by Text Nevis from The North Face Other long - distance routes Trail near Torlundy. Viewpoint Picnic area Ancient monument Find out more: Wildlife Hide forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/the-great-glen Non FLS Visitor Centre Discover beautiful views, Non FLS Campsite lovely walks and highland Non FLS Caravan Site For information on public transport services contact: history in this iconic glen Non FLS Cafe / Refreshments Traveline Scotland, 0871 2002233 or near Fort William. Please note Any symbols that www.travelinescotland.com appear black indicate they are not Forestry and Land Scotland facilities. © Crown Copyright 2020 Give Gaelic a go! 1 Glengarry 2 River Oich & Torr Dhuin Gleann Garadh Ciste Dubh (say Abhainn Omhaich agus Tòrr Dhùn Gaelic language is closely connected keeshcha doo), meaning ‘black with nature and Gaelic place names Picnic by the River Oich and explore a chest or coffin’ LS often tell stories of the landscape and meandering trail through the woods and along the people who lived here. the river bank. Keep a look out for water birds such as cormorants and goosanders by the As you travel through the Great Glen river, and if you’re lucky, you might spot an look out for these common Gaelic otter out fishing. words that often appear in hill and The hill-top iron age fort at Torr Dhuin once place names: played a crucial role in defending the area – now it offers us a fantastic viewpoint and a Allt – stream glimpse of the past lives in the glen. Mor or Mhor – big Tucked away just off the main Fort Torr – rocky River Oich Trail Dun or Dhuin – fort William to Inverness road, you’ll find Beag (say bake) – small two trails that explore the big river, big Follow the beautiful River Oich through Dubh (say doo) - black trees and big views of Glengarry. towering Norway spruce, larch and Scots pine, Bahn – white and look for squirrels, otters and water birds. Eas is ‘Falls’ as Explore the riverbank trail among oak, birch Taigh (say tie) – house Allt na Cailliche (say allt in Divach Falls and Caledonian pine and stop to pick some Uneven earth and grass 3¾ miles Beinn (say ben) - mountain na kay-lich), meaning delicious blaeberries among the pine trees at surface with exposed / 6.2 km Garadh (say garve) – rough ‘stream of the old woman’ Allt na Cailliche. As well as Scottish crossbills tree roots. Some rough, Allow  Drochaid (say droch-itch) - bridge and other birds on the water, you might spot narrow and muddy 2 hours Meall (say my-owl) – rounded hill kayakers playing in the rapids or people fishing sections. Generally flat And the last word goes to Gaelic for salmon in the calmer stretches of the river. with some short steep itself – say gaa-lick (not gay-lick) slopes. Riverside path floods in heavy rain.

Ciste Dubh Trail Allt na Cailliche Torr Dhuin Trail Wildlife stars of the Great Glen! A short loop beside the cascades of the River Follow the Allt na Cailliche stream to a stunning Climb steeply to an ancient hill fort perched waterfall and discover remnants of the ancient Pine marten Garry, where you may see red squirrels, deer on a precipice with surprising views over the and even pine marten in the peaceful forest. Caledonian pinewood. Great Glen and Caledonian Canal. Follow the Sections of uneven earth trail anti-clockwise for a less steep climb. These beautiful, elusive creatures Largely firm gravel 1¼ miles 3 miles / and gravel surface. Some were almost wiped out by hunting in surface. Uneven earthy / 2 km 4.8 km Narrow and steep 1½ miles exposed tree roots and the 1800s. While there are very few sections with exposed Allow  Allow  firm gravel path / 2.4 km muddy patches. One in the rest of the UK, pine martens tree roots and short ¾ hour 2 hours with tight corners. long steep slope with Allow  continue to thrive in highland forests. rocky patches. Short Includes a bridge. 1 hour short rocky section. In summer blaeberries make up a steep slopes. Some parts Includes two bridges and large part of their diet – look out for may be muddy. a quiet road crossing. This path links the River Oich trails through the distinctive blue-ish droppings. Jenkins Park towards Pine marten: Terry Whittaker © 2020VISION Whittaker Pine marten: Terry

3 Allt na Crìche 4 Balnain 5 Craigmonie say allt na creecha, meaning ‘boundary stream’ Baile an Àthain Creag Monaidh

Explore Allt na Crìche for stunning views and Enjoy some peace and quiet off the beaten a variety of trail options in a hillside forest track at Balnain. This peaceful spot is at the overlooking Loch Ness. If you’re travelling heart of some of Scotland’s best long-distance north from Fort William, this is the first chance walking routes: the Affric Kintail Way passes to get out into the woodland for lovely views right through the forest here and you can also of Loch Ness and the stone towers of Fort follow the trails to join the Great Glen Way at Augustus Abbey below. nearby . Alternatively, stretch your legs on the Loch Meiklie View Trail or This mixed birch and conifer pine woodland simply explore the network of informal forest is an ideal home for wildlife including red tracks on foot or by bike. Explore further: Glen Coiltie squirrels, pine marten and red deer. Stop off at Craigmonie community woodland* for a walk through attractive woods to a dramatic For truly breath-taking views, branch steeply Start at Craigmonie for a fantastic hike or lookout over Urquhart Bay. The woods here off the Allt na Crìche Trail to join the high Loch Meiklie View Trail challenging mountain bike ride along the have ancient origins but are also home to some route of the Great Glen Way. You’ll be glad you 9 mile Glen Coiltie Loop. Take a picnic and unusual trees -the two towering redwoods at the made the effort! A long circuit through the varied conifers enjoy great views over Loch Ness. of Forest with a magnificent start of the trails were planted by former estate viewpoint overlooking Loch Meiklie. A fine long owners 200 years ago. Allt na Crìche Trail walk or great off-road cycle ride. Keep an eye and an ear open for wildlife – red Wide, firm but squirrels and badgers make their homes here, An invigorating climb up the cascades of the Allt 5¼ miles / uneven gravel surface 8.6 km as well as a host of woodland birds, including na Crìche burn is rewarded with some marvellous blackcaps and woodpeckers. These trails loop around throughout. Long Allow  views over Loch Ness. Woodland Trust land fairly steep slope 2½ hours *These woods are managed in partnership with Firm gravel surface, 1¾ miles for half a mile. Craigmonie Woodland Association. with long steep slopes. / 2.9 km Includes one gate. Includes several Allow  sections of stone steps. 1 hour Wildlife stars of the Great Glen! Craigmonie Trail Milton Trail

Red deer Cilmb up through birches and recently felled areas An enjoyable walk through newly planted with new views to this historic look out over Loch woodland and magnificent Douglas fir to a The best time to spot red Ness. The crag was named after a Viking prince who viewpoint overlooking Milton where you can deer is early morning or in was mortally wounded in a siege here. discover the story of the village. the evening when the woods Long steep slopes for up to 1¼ miles Uneven earthy surface are quiet. They spend more 1½ miles 600m. Uneven earth and / 2 km with exposed tree time among the trees in the / 2.6 km grass paths, with rough, Allow  roots. Several narrow autumn and winter, but you’ll 1 hour Allow  narrow and muddy sections. and muddy sections. 1 hour need sharp eyes to spot them: Includes some steps and Long steep slopes their rusty-coloured coats are exposed tree roots. for up to 400m. excellent camouflage. Red deer stag: Danny Green/2020VISION Red deer stag: Danny