Great Glen Way – Invergarry Link alternative

A link route as an alternative to part of the Great Glen Way has now been included alongside the long distance route at Invergarry. The Invergarry Link is the first section to be included as an alternative to the original Great Glen Way.

Following the opening of the Great Glen Way in April 2002, the Great Glen Way Ranger team has been working hard to continue to develop and maintain the route. New sections of path have been built to take walkers off the tarmac roads and other sections have been upgraded or improved.

From Laggan, after crossing the A82, the Great Glen Way follows the foot print of the old railway on the southern shore of Loch Oich and then  onto one of General Wade’s Military Roads to meet the A82 at Aberchalder Swing Bridge.  Now, long distance route users have a choice of either taking the existing route or using the new route from South Laggan on the north side, staying on minor roads and forest tracks and following the way markers into Invergarry. From the village walkers climb up the hill and carry on to Aberchalder Swing Bridge.

Great Glen Way Manager Lynda Dodd said: “The village of Invergarry is now part of the Great Glen Way. What we know about Long Distance Route users is that they choose to follow the exact way. However, they would seek accommodation at Invergarry and in the morning they would return to their last point on the Great Glen Way, and continue on their journey. For many this may well have involved a harrowing journey along the A82 where no path exists.”

The decision to way mark the Invergarry Link was negotiated with the Forestry Commission late in 2007, who will continue to maintain the roads and tracks that make up the link. Great Glen Way Rangers will undertake inspections four times a year. The Invergarry Link will not be maintained to the same standard as the Great Glen Way, but users will be able to find their way back to the Great Glen Way without getting lost in the forest. The Invergarry link follows the exact line of the old Great Glen Cycle Route.

The existing Great Glen Way Route takes users through peaceful remnants of ancient woodland, along the military road and old railway track bed, with glimpses of old Invergarry castle ruins.  The Invergarry Link is mostly elevated and gives stunning views north over Loch Oich, Aberchalder Estate and surrounding countryside.

For more information about the Invergarry Link or general information about walks led by the Great Glen Way Rangers please call 01320 366 633.