The Great Glen - The Rough Guide to Scottish Highlands and Islands - page 184

THE GREAT GLEN WAY AND CYCLE PATH
Ordnance Survey Landranger maps 41, 34 and 26
The enormous cleft of the Great Glen is the most obvious - and by far the flattest - way of
traversing northern Scotland from coast to coast. Stretching 79 miles, the Great Glen Way
long-distance footpath is a relatively undemanding five- to six-day hike that uses a
combination of canal towpath and forest- and hill-tracks between Fort William and Inverness.
Accommodation is readily available all the way along the route in campsites, hostels,
bunkhouses and B&Bs, though in high season you should book ahead and if you know you're
going to arrive late somewhere it's worth checking that you can still get a meal either where
you're staying or somewhere nearby. There are various guidebooks that describe the route,
including The Great Glen Way , published by Rucksack Readers (£10.99). For the best selection of
guides, plus the relevant Ordnance Survey Landranger maps (£6.99 each) head to the tourist
o ce in Fort William. Note, however, that forestry work can see the route diverted at short
notice, so it's wise to check the off. cial website ( W greatglenway.com) before setting off.
Cyclists with mountain bikes or hybrids can also use the Great Glen Way, which offers a
tranquil alternative to the hazardous A82 (currently the only option for those with road bikes).
The route is well signposted and can be pedaled in one long day or two easier days, though
of course you can tackle shorter sections. Bikes can be rented at Fort William, Banavie,
Drumnadrochit and Inverness.
Whether you're cycling or walking, the suggested direction for following the route is from
west to east, to take advantage of the prevailing southwesterly wind.

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courses throughout the year. A two-day introduction to winter
mountaineering costs £120 per person. Trips to Skye (and even
the Swiss Alps) can also be arranged.

MOUNTAINEERING
Snowgoose Mountain Centre Station Rd, Corpach
T 01397 772467, W highland-mountain-guides.co.uk.
Set beside Smiddy Bunkhouse and Blacksmith's Hostel , this
activity centre offers instruction, rental and residential
courses for activities such as mountaineering, ice-climbing
and dinghy sailing.
West Coast Mountain Guides T 01397 719120, W west
coast-mountainguides.co.uk. Long-established group of
experienced guides, who run climbing and mountaineering

CANOEING AND KAYAKING
Rockhopper Unit 17, Annat Industrial Estate, Corpach
T 07739 837344, W rockhopperscotland.co.uk. Get in
touch with Rockhopper for sea-kayak coaching, including
half-day excursions (£40) and two-day camping trips with
meals provided (£195 per person).

ACCOMMODATION
The town itself isn't the most exciting place to base yourself, but Fort William's plentiful accommodation ranges from large
luxury hotels to budget hostels and bunkhouses. Numerous B&Bs are also scattered across town, many of them in the
suburb of Corpach on the other side of Loch Linnhe, three miles along the Mallaig road (served by regular buses), where
you'll also find a couple of good hostels .

and luxurious en-su ite d oubles. Vegetarian breakfasts on
request. April-Oct. £116
Inverlochy Castle Torlundy, 3 miles north of the town
centre on the A82 T 01397 702177, W inverlochy
castlehotel.co.uk. Built on the site of a thirteenth-century
fortress, this is one of Scotland's grandest and most
luxurious country-house hotel s wit h fantastic accommo-
dation and Michelin-star food. £440
Ì Lime Tree Achintore Rd T 01397 701806,
W limetreefortwilliam.co.uk. A stylish and relaxing
option in an old manse, with a great modern restaurant
and an excellent gallery; they've also got the practicali-
ties cov ered w ith a drying room, map room and bike
storage. £110

HOTELS AND B&BS
Crolinnhe Grange Rd T 01397 703795, W crolinnhe
.co.uk. Beautifully appointed guesthouse overlooking Loch
Linnhe, with elegant French furniture in the rooms and
attractive landscaped garden s outside. Quite grand and
upmarket. Easter-Oct. £120
Distillery House North Rd T 01397 700103, W stayin
fortwilliam.co.uk. Very comfortable upper-range guest-
house a 10min walk north of the town centre near the Glen
Nevis turn-off, with singles, doubles a nd mor e expensive
“superior” rooms with king-sized beds. £99.50
The Grange Grange Rd T 01397 705516, W grange
fortwilliam.com. Top-grade accommodation in a striking
old stone house, with log fires, views towards Loch Linnhe