GREAT GLEN W AYS Slighe a n a’ Ghlinne Mhòir TheAccommodation Great Glen& Services Ways Guide Slighean a’ Ghlinne Mhòir Iùl Àiteachan-fuirich & Sheirbheisean www.greatglenway.com Contents Clàr-innse Introduction ................................................................................... 3 By Boot - The Great Glen Way ..................................................... 4 By Boat - The Caledonian Canal .................................................. 5 By Bike - The Great Glen Way ..................................................... 6 Invergarry Link ............................................................................. 7 The Great Glen Way Rangers / Mileage Charts .......................... 9 Things to Remember ................................................................... 11 Scottish Outdoor Access Code .................................................... 13 General Information ................................................................... 14 Frequently Asked Questions ...................................................... 18 Guided Walks and Events 2013 .................................................. 21 Other things to look out for in the Great Glen .......................... 22 Maps and Guides ........................................................................ 24 Great Glen Ways Accommodation ............................................. 27 Scotland’s Great Trails ............................................................... 48 Waymarkers and Signs on the Great Glen Ways ...................... 67 Eateries ........................................................................................ 68 Luggage / Taxi Services .............................................................. 71 Trekking and Booking Services .................................................. 73 Travel Information ...................................................................... 78 Visitor Information ..................................................................... 79 Attractions and Activities ........................................................... 80 Canoe Hire ................................................................................... 81 Motor Cruiser Hire ..................................................................... 81 Canoe Shuttle .............................................................................. 82 Canoe Guiding ............................................................................. 82 Bike Hire ..................................................................................... 83 Shops ............................................................................................ 84 Other Long Distance Routes in Scotland ................................... 85 Year of Natural Scotland 2013 ................................................... 86 Cover photo: “Glorious Great Glen Way” by Sarah Bennett Large print version available. Email: [email protected]. 2 Introduction Ro-ràdh The Great Glen Ways are a combination of routes that you can do in the greatest of all the Scottish glens. Whether you choose to travel by boot, boat or bike, you will find your journey through the magnificent scenery between Fort William in the south west and Inverness in the north Altsigh east a great experience. The Caledonian Canal, the Bike Trails or the Great Glen Way can be tackled in as few as 2 days or as many as 10, by traversing the greatest geological fault in Britain and following in Thomas Telford’s historic footsteps, and then up along trails in the majestic forests that cloak the hillsides. You can choose to start in the north east at Inverness or the south west in Fort William, but be prepared to be dwarfed by the scenery and wildlife that will soar in the sky above you or scoot on the paths and roads in front of you. This Accommodation and Services Guide is put together for all wayfarers of the Great Glen by the Great Glen Way Rangers. You will find it easy to use, helping you to plan your journey, find out how to enter the photo competition or purchase merchandise to mark your journey - and lots more. Check out the website www.greatglenway.com for the latest news on the routes: where forest harvesting is taking place, where canal repairs are being undertaken or where other route diversions are in place as necessary to maintain the integrity of the routes and infrastructure. Check back to the website when you have completed your journey to give feedback, complete the questionnaire and get your certificate. Enjoy your journey, whatever the weather, and come back to do it again another way! 3 By Boot / Le Bròig The Great Glen Way Slighe a’ Ghlinne Mhòir The Great Glen Way is one of Scotland’s Great Trails. This magnificent 79 mile/127km waymarked route stretches from Fort William in the south west to Inverness in the north east. Starting (or ending) in Fort William in the shadow of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, the route traverses the country’s greatest geological fault and follows sections of Thomas Telford’s historic Caledonian Canal before reaching Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. The route can be walked in 4 – 7 days, staying overnight in the various communities in the Great Glen, and suits all level of walker. For the most part the route is low-level and follows mainly canal towpaths, forest tracks and roads. There are some challenging sections though, and the more experienced walker may wish to tackle the Munros or Corbetts which lie within easy reach of the route. Keep an eye out for osprey, golden eagles, red kite and deer while enjoying the views available from this low-level yet challenging long distance route. The Great Glen Way is part of the Planning and Development Service of The Highland Council. 4 By Boat / Le Bàta The Caledonian Canal An Canàl Cailleannach The entire length of Great Glen can also be explored by boat whether by pleasure cruiser, sail boat, kayak or canoe. This navigation route is maintained and managed by Scottish Canals. The world-famous Caledonian Canal links the Atlantic Ocean and Loch Linnhe on the west coast to the North Sea and the Moray Firth on the east coast. Of the Caledonian Canal’s 60 miles. only 22 miles are man- made. The remainder of the distance is formed by the great lochs of Ness, Lochy and Oich. Scottish Canals welcomes responsible wild campers to selected sites along the Caledonian Canal, and provides fresh water points and toilet facilities along the route. Find the details of the facilities and how to contact Scottish Canals later in the guide. Great Glen Canoe Trail In March 2012 the Great Glen Canoe Trail was formally opened. The Canoe Trail offers paddler-specific infrastructure including low level pontoons, canoe tacks, Trail Blazer Sites and dedicated car parking as well as an attractive guide book and website. The route is suitable for paddlers with previous experience or novices joining guided expeditions. Details of canoe hire and expedition companies are later in the guide. Find out more on the following websites: www.greatglencanoetrail.info www.scottishcanals.co.uk [email protected] 5 By Bike / Le Baidhsagal The Great Glen Way Slighe a’ Ghlinne Mhòir It is possible to cycle all of the Great Glen by mountain bike or robust hybrid along the same route as the footpath, the Great Glen Way itself. The Caledonian Canal towpath and forest roads along Loch Lochy and Loch Oich offer some scenic but less demanding options. There are many opportunities for informal cycling along the Glen. There are also a collection of cycling facilities at a variety of Great Glen locations should you fancy a day out of your walking boots: Aonach Mor www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-6NLEYH Abriachan www.mtb-highland.com/Abriachan-g.asp They provide opportunities for everyone - from beginners and families to world-class competition level. For more detailed maps or information please contact the Forestry Commission: www.forestry.gov.uk, [email protected] or on 0845 367 3787 (local rate number). 6 Invergarry Link Ceum-ceangail Inbhir Garadh to The Invergarry Link The Great Glen Way Fort Augustus offers an alternative route Invergarry Link for people wishing to travel between Kilfinnan A82 (by Laggan Locks) and Bridge of Oich km Aberchalder. 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 Aberchalder The Link is more varied in terms of path surface Invergarry and gradient than the Great Glen Way path on the other side of A87 Loch Oich, and is very Mandally Loch Oich scenic with excellent © Crown Copyright and Intermap Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Highland Council. 2007 100023369. views over the loch. The link is 8.4 miles (13.6km) Invergarry Link long, is waymarked and is illustrated on commercial Glen Albyn maps available online. 1:40,000 Laggan The northern end of the Great Glen Way Rangers link is at Oich Bridge, A82 Auchterawe Fort Augustus Aberchalder and the PH32 4BT 01320 366 633 southern end is over the to [email protected] Fort William www.greatglenway.com Laggan Swing Bridge, near the Kilfinnan road end. The path winds along forest tracks on the northern side of Loch Oich, passing through the scenic village of Invergarry. It gives great views of Loch Oich, Glengarry, Ben Tee and the Loch Lochy Munros. A variety of accommodation, hotel restaurants, a post office, petrol station and general store (on A82) are available if you choose to rest here overnight. Please note that many charities use the Invergarry Link throughout the year for a variety of large outdoor events. Please check