This route follows the first few kilometers of the Great Glen Way and is a great ride for families with plenty to see that will interest children and adults. Much of the route is away from traffic, there's almost no uphill cycling and several places to stop and shop en-route. The Caledonian Canal and locks are not fenced - children should be old enough to understand their parent's instructions near the water's edge and when using pedestrian crossings over the road and railway.

This is the ideal route to access the Caledonian Canal by Bike from the town centre avoiding the traffic on the busy A82. The outward or return leg of this route is featured at the start or end of many of our longer routes but this page describes the route in greater detail.

Starting from the roundabout between Fort William railway station, the supermarket and the old Fort, look out for the Great Glen Cycle Way sign between MacDonald's and the Morrisons Petrol Station. Go along the path behind the Brewer's Fayre Hotel. Cross the River Nevis Bridge and ride along Wade's Road then across Inverlochy village square into Lochiel Rd. Maybe drop in to the Nevis Cycles shop where the experienced staff are always helpful and as keen cyclists themselves, have detailed knowledge of all the local routes.

Starting from Nevis Cycles (Bike Hire)at Inverlochy village, go along Locheil Road past playing fields and the depot that houses the Jacobite steam train - early in the day you may be lucky enough to see the engine taking on coal and water and being prepared for it's run along the West Highland line to Mallaig.
Continue until you come to a railway bridge. Go under the bridge and almost immediately on your left is the old castle of Inverlochy built in the late 13th century. After a quick exploration, cycle on past the main gate of the castle and down behind the Aluminium Works Social Club, following the path between the river and the putting green to the traffic lights. Turn left and (walk with small children) over the bridge and for a hundered metres then cross over at the pedestrian crossing outside the high school where a cycle path begins beside the main carriageway, follow this for a kilometer until you come to the swing bridge.

The swing bridge stands at the foot of Neptune's Staircase, turn right and ride up the right hand bank of the canal as it climbs 80 feet ( 24.5 metres) through a series of 8 locks. At night, the locks are floodlit and water cascades over each set of gates making a great spectacle. When you reach the top, there is a wide berthing area and you may see an interesting selection of vessels, the canal carries barges, pleasure cruisers, yachts, and occasionally tall-ships.
Now turn around ready to head back down to the swing bridge, ride back down the left bank. Alternatively you can cross over the canal on the wide walkway on top of each set of lock-gates to ride down the right bank to the bottom lock (there is a children's play area adjacent to the large car park) then cross back over the canal at the swing bridge.

Back at the swing bridge, cross over the road and follow the track between the bridge and the signal box to a pedestrian crossing over the railway line (take care) then onto the canal tow-path.

An alternative to this crossing lies 100 metres east of the signal box where a minor road crosses the railway at a level crossing - follow the road as it soon loops round back to the canal bank.

Now cycle along the wide flat tow-path for 1.6km (1 mile) until you reach Corpach Basin where three further locks link the canal to the sea via Loch Linnhe.

This is another interesting place to explore and if you wish to photograph the classic view of Ben Nevis, cross the railway at the level-crossing and ride along the parallel track a little way. While on this side of the railway, the Corpach shops are close by and just beyond, the fascinating "Treasures of the Earth" museum which has an amazing display of minerals, gemstones and fossils. There is also a geology Garden just outside Kilmallie Village Hall (which has a public Toilet).

Continue on this road as it follows the river bank for just less than a kilometer until the road climbs to cross the railway, stop here and look over to the river side for the narrow path that leads onto the "soldier's bridge" - cross here to find yourself back at Inverlochy Castle, go straight on to re-trace your route to Nevis Cycles at Inverlochy where there are welcome shops and a fish-and chip takeaway. To visit Fort William town centre, continue along Wade's Rd and across a small bridge then follow the cycle path to the supermarket and transport centre, from here a short subway leads to the pedestrianized high street.

After exploring Corpach, cross back over the railway and canal and ride back up to the top of the locks above Corpach Basin, from here a cycle path turns off right and drops down to the shoreline, follow this path for a kilometer with the shingle beach on your right, past the playing fields, shops and houses of the village of Caol. At the end of the seaward facing houses, turn left and continue for 200m to a tee junction, turn right onto Kilmallie Rd which has cycle lane markings as part of a traffic calming scheme.

Starting Points
Parking & Bike Hire - Nevis Cycles, Inverlochy grid reference NN112747
Distance
Approx 5.6 miles / 9 kilometres
Grade
Easy
Type of Route
1hr ride (it could take all day if you use all the opportunities to explore!)
Suitable for mountain / hybrid / road / children's bike
Terrain
Flat tar macadam road, smooth gravel paths
O.S.Map
O.S. Explorer 392
O.S. Landranger 41
Parking
Available at route start

Railway Stations
Fort William (0.2 miles), Inverness (70 miles)
Refreshments
Plenty of shops along the way
Accommodation
Nearest Hostel Glen Nevis, Corpach (independent)
There are many bed and breakfast places and many hotels in Corpach and Fort Willaim
Cycle Repair
If you break down or have an accident CALL Nevis Cycles 01397 705555 FOR PICK UP
Courtesy bikes available while you wait. Work guaranteed for 6 months. All types of bikes repaired!
FREE safety checks - FREE fitting of any accessories purchased from Nevis Cycles



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