Caledonian Canal and Canal Walks
The Caledonian Canal Walks.
The Great Glen Way takes you right along the whole length of the Caledonian Canal, one of four official long distance walking routes in Scotland. Generally regarded as being easier than the West Highland Way as it mostly follows the course of the Caledonian Canal.
The walk can be started at Inverness in the east or at Corpach by Fort William on the west coast. At 73 miles/117Km, the route stretches along the Great Glen from Fort William on Scotland's west coast to Inverness in the east. The route traverses the country's greatest geological fault and follows sections of the Caledonian Canal and forestry tracks through some of the Highlands' most beautiful scenery and alongside Loch Ness.
There is also an opportunity to walk or cycle the Great Glen whilst staying on a barge which travels with you along the route
Walks begins from the Centre of Inverness. There are a series of walk routes from Inverness City Centre, along the Caledonian Canal either to Muirtown basin or towards Loch Ness. Ask TIC for free leaflet produced by Area Countryside Project.
A 2nd Walk from Inverness, starting at Whin Park beside the River Ness at the west end of Inverness, near the Leisure Centre. - Caledonian Canal and Dochgarroch Locks along the towpaths west end of Inverness, near the Leisure Centre. It is 7.5 miles long, allow 3 hrs or so depending upon your walking fitness.
The Caledonian Canal runs 62 miles (100 km) in a straight line from Inverness to Corpach near Fort William. One third is man-made, the rest being formed by four lochs including Loch Ness. The canal is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument, attracting over half a million visitors each year. There are many ways to enjoy the canal, walking or cycling along the tow-paths, or cruising on Hotel Barges.