Gairlochy to Laggan Locks
Gairlochy to South Laggan
Distance: 12.8 miles/20.7 km
Following minor roads and forest tracks, this section of the route takes you the length of Loch Lochy, one of the 3 major Lochs in the Great Glen.
Beginning in Gairlochy, look out for the Pepperpot Lighthouse which marks where the Caledonian Canal enters Loch Lochy.
The route follows the minor road round the south western end of the loch, dropping down to the lochside on footpaths for a couple of miles before re-joining the road near the settlement of Achnacarry. At the village of Clunes the route leaves the road to follow forest tracks for the rest of the length of the loch. Please be aware that there is a permanent (until around 2030) diversion in place part way along the Loch to avoid the Coire Glas hydro scheme. This diversion adds only 600m of distance to the route and takes users on a well built path that zigzags up the hill for a short way, then joins a larger track that runs parallel with the original route before converging.
A short section of minor road takes you to the canal lock gates at South Laggan, where this section ends. For those looking to continue to Invergarry for the night, look out for the blue sign at the minor road junction about ½ mile before Laggan Locks. This will take you along an additional 4 miles of forest tracks and minor roads to the village of Invergarry, where you can find accommodation, a post office and a small shop/petrol station.
If staying the night in South Laggan, please be aware that the settlement is strung out along the main A class road with no footpath for pedestrians and a 60mph speed limit. We recommend that you speak to your accommodation provider to find out the best way to get to their premises safely.
