Britain's official guide to canals, rivers and lakes

Monday 12th May 2008

The Great Glen Cycle Route 1

Route facts

Waterways:
Caledonian Canal »

Distance: 14 miles / 22.4 kms

Duration: 2.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Suitable for: Everyone

Starts at: Fort William

Ends at: Clunes

View route map »

This is a very pleasant ride of 14 miles that takes you by the side of the Caledonian Canal and Loch Lochy. There is a great view of Ben Nevis from the Canal's towpath, and enjoy the wonderful views of the loch and the mountains when you get onto the B road which hugs the side of the Loch.

From the centre of Fort William follow the A82(T) heading north. Take care on this busy road, especially if it is the rush hour. As you leave the large roundabout in the town centre, look out on your left for the first of the white on brown route signs. This one reads "Great Glen Cycle Route - Gairlochy 9 miles".

After about two miles look out for a large sign in English and Gaelic saying "The Road to the Isles", then take the left hand slip road onto the A830. There is a cycle track on the right hand side of the toad. Follow this for about half a mile until you come to the Caledonian Canal. Don't cross the Canal but take the towpath on your right. Ben Nevis is on your right as you climb up a staircase of locks.

You're on the towpath for about 6 miles. After about 5 miles you will come to a white bridge across the canal. Ignore this one and continue to the next one at Gairlochy. At this bridge turn left onto the B8005. There are refreshment places here, should you need it.

The B8005 is a lovely, single track road that hugs the side of Loch Lochy to Clunes. There is mainly woodland to your left. Clunes itself is just a few buildings where the road swings to the left. This is the end of this section of The Great Glen Cycle Route.

If you wish to continue, do not follow the road around to the left, but take the clearly marked Great Glen Cycle Route sign to your right and head into the forest.

Getting there

Parking: There's a car park near Neptune's staircase at Fort William, parking in the Leanachan Forest, half way along this stretch off the Canal and also at Clunes.

Public transport: Transport links are good.