Scotland Coast to Coast Rambler Walk and Barge

Boarding time is 14:00. After meeting the crew and the other guests our first walk is along the towpath, a level walk from Banavie to Gairlochy. Along the way, take in the views of Ben Nevis and pass by Moy Bridge (the last remaining hand wound bridge on the Caledonian Canal). Alternatively, stay aboard and enjoy a short walk around Gairlochy after your first cruise of the holiday.

Leaving Gairlochy on foot we follow the Great Glen way towards Bunarkaig Bay offering some stunning views of both Ben Nevis and the full length of Loch Lochy towards South Laggan. Our route continues through the Clan Cameron estate, passing Chia-aig falls and on to the Mile Dorcha (Dark Mile). The afternoon can be filled with either a cruise or a cycle along the remaining section of Loch Lochy, before we berth at Laggan locks overnight.

A wonderful day of adventure. We leave Laggan locks to start our walk up the old Great Glen cycle way. Most of the walk is in the woodlands and follows the River Garry up to Whitebridge. The riverside paths on the way back to Invergarry provide great opportunities to spot wildlife. The barge will be lying at anchor on Loch Oich awaiting our return.

The morning walk (3mi) is along the banks of Loch Oich, on the cycle trail, with a small section on General Wade’s Military Road. The walk ends at the barge, which will be at Cullochy locks for lunch. A 5 mile walk makes up the rest of the journey to Fort Augustus, first along a towpath and then up a small hill Torr a Choiltreich (117m) which offers fantastic views of Loch Ness. The descent takes us into Fort Augustus.

Today we have a loop walk from Fort Augustus that heads out to Culachy falls. The trail is mainly on woodland paths and slightly narrow in places. It heads through Culachy estate via Kilchuimen burial ground, which is the final resting place of John Anderson, a close friend of the Scottish bard Robert Burns. Alternatively, there are numerous other paths that lead around Fort Augustus that can be self guided. The barge will cruise in the afternoon to Foyers, its overnight berth.

The morning we have a 4mi circular walk leading first up to the Lower Falls of Foyers via an ancient woodland with dramatic views of the gorge below, before following a track close to the loch side back to Foyers pier. After cruising the majority of Loch Ness, a drop off maybe possible near Dores for the start of a 4 mile walk. The walk takes in scenic views of the Northern end of Loch Ness and cuts through a pretty section of woodland near Aldourie Castle. The pick up point of the walk is from a small harbour before we spend the night at Dochgarroch.

The final morning offers a choice of walks. The first from Dochgarroch to Muirtown basin. The second, after the barge has cruised from Dochgarroch and arrives at Muirtown locks, is a short loop walk to the sea lock and back (2.4km/1.5mi).