Walks and Cycle Routes
For families: numerous forest trails and footpaths in Drumnadrochit, Abriachan and Fort Augustus,
by Loch Ness and in Glen Urquhart, Strathglass, Glen Affric, and the Black Isle, including a wide choice of seaside,
river, canal and loch side walks.
Craigmonie woodland offers a variety of marked woodland walks that link up with Balmacaan Wood.
Glen Urquhart is a beautiful Highland glen with an attractive mix of planted, conifer forest and native, broadleaved woodlands. Many areas are suitable for walking. There are way marked walks in Craigmonie woodland, near Drumnadrochit at the foot of the glen. There is also a network of forest roads all along the glen which are ideal for walking, cycling and horse-riding.
Off-road cyclists may like to try the Great Glen Cycle Route from Inverness to Fort William via Loch Ness (just over 75 miles) which has some demanding stretches. Some of the route is on the towpath of the Caledonian Canal. Contact Forest Enterprise - telephone 01397 702 184.
The Great Glen Way long distance footpath is a 70 mile hike across Scotland between Inverness in the east and Fort William in the west.
You can also have an easy walk from Inverness 3 or 4 miles up the canal to the locks at Dochgarroch and then walk back on the other side, and catch the Loch Ness Express boat service to take you back.
Glen Affric Walking Festival, 1—3 June 2007
Glen Affric plays host to an annual walking festival. This year the festival is held from the 1st to the 3rd of June. On the theme of "Conservation in Action", ten low level and three high level walks over three days will highlight the longest continuous UK conservation work carried out since the 1960s.
Graded easy to moderate to strenuous, all walks will be led by experts from Forestry Commission Scotland, Trees For Life and by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Complementary information packs and a social evening featuring live Scottish music will also form part of a package that will cater for body and soul.
Bookings only. Full colour brochure available. Prices from £3 for children on low level walks to £25 for adults on full hill walking days. Season and family tickets available.
For more information check out the Visit Scotland site:
http://walking.visitscotland.com/events/affric_walking_festival