Walks along the Caledonian Canal

Walks from 'Nevis View' · Great Glen Routes · Routebook · Home

The Caledonian Canal was designed and built by Thomas Telford between 1803 and 1822. It provides shipping with a much safer alternative to rounding the northern tip of Scotland, and now carries mainly pleasure vessels with some commercial traffic and the occasional naval boat. Some of the Canal's main structures had started to fall into disrepair after 250 years of Highland weather. However a large sum of money has been spent in 1997-1999 to refurbish it. Although parts of the towpath on the near (north-west) side of the canal have been cleared as part of this work the towpath on the far (south-east) side should be used. There is no direct access to the towpath from the grounds of 'Nevis View'. These walks are all gentle, with some splendid views of Ben Nevis and the surrounding mountains.

The key to walking the towpath are the access points. Starting at Banavie is Neptune's Staircase (GR 115770), which is well worth a visit in it's own right. There is a car park and access to both sides of the canal. The next point is where the Allt Sheangain passes under the canal. Just by 'An Crann' (GR 131479) is a rough track providing access to some holiday cabins. The right fork which leads under the canal to Torcastle and just the other side is a gated path leading up to the towpath. Parking is acceptable here when the restaurant is not open. The third point along the road to the right from 'Nevis View', where the Canal passes over the River Loy (GR 149818). The verge near the turning provides some safe parking. Next is the swing bridge at Moy (GR 163827), and finally the bridge and lock at Gairlochy (GR 177842).

From these access points you can construct a walk of varying length according to your taste and the time available. The distance between Banavie and Gairlochy is about 7 miles. The road can be quite busy at times (especially in the summer) so it may be safer to walk both directions on the towpath. Also, it can be very wet underfoot with deep puddles in the dark and lengthy arches under the canal near 'An Crann' and at Glen Loy. You may like to wear Wellington boots and take a torch!

A pleasant walk of about 1½ hours is from 'Nevis View' up to the road, turn right and walk along the road to 'An Crann', down under the canal and up onto the towpath on the far side. You can then walk along the towpath to the Glen Loy tunnel, under the canal to the road and back to 'Nevis View'.