THE GREAT GLEN WAY

 

Allt Sigh from Loch Ness

The last 5 days I have been guiding a group of 7 folk along the Great Glen Way. This long distance,  multi day trail begins in Fort William and finishes at Inverness. The major geological  fault line includes the lochs of Loch Lochy, Loch Oich & Loch Ness. A relitively easy trek, much of which is canal tow paths and forest trails. 

Good Forest trails 

Our moving accommodation 

I was guiding for Caledonian Discovery, who operate barge and activity holidays on the lochs and canals. This former cargo barge was built in 1929 and has been lovingly converted to superb accommodation for groups. This made the walk so much fun.

Telford Bridge, one of many wonderful engineering feats

The group on a side trip off the main GGW route

High level alternative above Loch Ness

I first guided the GGW back in 2005, just 3 years after it became an 'official long distance walking trail'. Prior to this it was actually a recognised mountain biking route. Since I last guided the trail.there has been some upgrading of the paths. Especially welcome is a few places where there is an high level section above the treeline. This offers great views, rather than the original lower sections in spruce tree plantations offering very little views of Loch Ness.

Loch Ness above the treeline 

The falls at Invermoriston 

Autumn berries

We had some wonderful weather, many days of bright sun and blue skies. No rain all week, no midges all week!

Barging to our next section of the walk

Beautiful morning 

Cruising Loch Ness

Wonderful on the loch

Getting ready to land

After a hearty breakfast on board the Fingal of Caledonia, we either walked from our mooring or had a short cruise on the Loch to regain our previous finish location from the day before. 

Loch Ness, no monster this week

The Pioneer, our wee boat to get ashore 

Steve, our Bosun and all round boat expert

Some days we had tge luxury of a cafe instead of a picnic. 

Pete enjoys a lunch and hammock at the cafe

Plenty of these along the way

Some company on Wednesday 

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle 

Well signed paths

Another day, another cafe

We varied the classic route and had a few alternative sections, devised by the team and for logistics to get back to the barge every day.

It was a great few days and a nice change from the hills. The route is very quiet, surprisingly. Where is everyone? Oh, they're all at the roadside honeypots. 

The only operating coal fired steamer in Scotland 

Our final steps

The team at Clachnaharry,  our alternative fiish point

My accommodation on the Fingal of Caledonia was first class. Ensuite and very comfortable. Far, far better than many Highland Hotels I've frequented. Come on hoteliers, get your act together!

My room , with no sharing