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Great Glen | CYCLE ROUTE |
The Great glen cycle route has recently been created as an off-road alternative to the VERY busy and dangerous A832 for cyclist wishing to do the great glen (the large valley which starts at Loch Ness and runs down to Loch Linne and the west coast. Special paths have been laid (at great expense to the paying bodies) connecting the existing forest paths, minor roads and canal towpaths. The main route is split into 9 sections, starting at Fort William and leading all the way up to Drumnadrochit - or vice versa. As I have not yet completed the route in full the text here is extracted from the forestry commission leaflet 'Cycling in the Forest - Great Glen', copies of which are availiable from Tourist offices, contact Inverness tourist office by phoning +44 (0)1463 234353. Ordnance survey Landranger maps which cover the route are sheets 26,34 and 41. For further details of the route phone Forest Enterprises on +44 (0)1463 791575.
Follow the A82(T) out of Fort William heading North, turn West onto the A830 Mallaig Road and cycle over the Blahr Mhor using the cycle track adjacent to the road. When you reach the canal swingbridge at Banavie take the right hand towpath (looking North) this takes you past 'Neptunes staircase'. You may have an opportunity to see the lock system at work. The canal climbs from Banavie to its highest point on the waterway at Oich bridge. This is a busy canal with touring craft and commercial traffic. When you reach Gairlichy cross the canal bridge and turn North onto the B8005 for Clunes. An alternative route from Banavie to Clunes is the B8004. Either route gives excellent views of Aonach Mor and Ben Nevis.
This relatively flat section combining forest road and single track tarmac road with several short but steep gradients. It follows the north shore of Loch Lochy passing the ruins of Glas Dhoir croft and the historic Kilfinnan graveyard. The steep hillsides are the territory of red deer and golden eagles. At Laggan follow a short section of cycle path to avoid the A82(T) and join the Craig Liath forest road.
Sections 1 and 2 have easy gradients and are an excellent diversion from the A82(T)
The climb up Craig Laith forest road gives excellent views across Loch Oich over Invergarry Castle and up the Great Glen. The descent to the tarmac road at Mandally will blow the cobwebs away, but take care ! Here, turn East and cycle 500m, then turn north at the A82(T), cross the road bridge over the River Garry and turn West on to the A87, pass the hotel and tea-room (with public toilet) to rejoin the cycle route at the telephone box.
The route climbs quickly out of Glengarry on specially built track through several hairpin bends. Good views of Ben Tee and craig Liath appear as you climb. Look out for wildlife ranging from wood ants to red deer as the route takes you through the forest. At the top of the climb you pass by mature spruce trees (planted early 1930's) before joining the forest road and the descent towards Loch Oich. At the end of this road turn North on to the special cycle track. It will take you to Oich bridge through forest all the way with many scenic viewpoints and stopping places. Where this section joins the A82(T), head straight on towards the canal bridge (approximately 100m. ).
Take the canal towpath on the left hand bank looking North, this will take you to the centre of fort Augustus where there are shops, pubs and toilets.
From Fort Augustus follow the A82(T) towards Inverness for 1.5 miles. turn North in to the forest at the Allt na Criche car park and picnic site. There is an opportunity to stop here and admire the views of Loch Ness, Fort Augustus and Cherry Island.
This section is mostly undulating forest road, but with some steep slopes. The route takes you through huge douglas fir trees reaching up for 30m. or more. Watch out for timber harvesting in this area and obey the signs. Through gaps in the trees look out for Horse Shoe Crag on the other side of the loch. You will see a horse shoe shape of ock and scree leading down the loch and groups of native scots pine trees beside the burn.
The route climbs a steep corkscrew tarmac brae or hill to meet the forest road (180m.) above. Continue to the viewpoint at Achnaconeran where there are panoramic views of lochs, mountains and forests. The Glenmoriston Estate constructed walks and viewpoints on this hill more than a 100 hundred years ago and the slab stone seat and rock cave are remnants of this interesting era [cave is a very cool getaway if it is a warm day ]. Care is required on the gravel descent from this viewpoint.
This is a very steep long climb of 300m., but don't be put off. Take your time and perservere because the views along this section are very spectacular, keep your eyes peeled for Nessie ! Once you reach the top, the gradients are gentle, leading to a gradual descent down to the A82(T) at Bark Sheds. In times gone by this was where bark was harvested from felled oak trees, then dries in sheds, and the tannins extracted for the use in teh production of leather goods.
After traversing all the gates here you arrive at a pottery at the end of a tarred single track road. Follow this road North and it will take you virtually to Drumnadrochit. Take care on the downhill here. When you come to a T junction with the A82 turn left over the bridge to go to Drumnadrochit.
Please bear in mind this route is open to walkers , and be courteous to other users of the track.