the South Loch Ness Trail is 30 miles from Fort Augustus to Inverness

Today is the launch of the brand new South Loch Ness Trail a new trail which covers the entire length of Loch Ness. Running for nearly 30 miles through wild country and infinately variable terrain from open moors and craggy hills to forests and villages - it will prove to be a hit with all types of walkers, horse riders and bikers (not motorised).

You can read The trail story  and  trail info  on Destination Loch Ness website which comes with a series of downloadable maps for the entire route.  Perhaps the most exciting significance of this new trail is that now it is almost possible to circumnavigate Loch Ness entirely on dedicated paths by using the Great Glen Way down the North side and this new south Loch Ness Trail on the quieter south side.  The two trails are not yet linked but but for experienced walkers this should be a minor detail! which should not deter anyone from planning a full Loch Ness circuit, but it is a long term objective to link the two routes.

The new trail starts just up the hill from Fort Augustus! a very long uphill trudge on tarmac but once you get to the start it is a glorious 30 mile route with little in the way of shops or habitation for most of the way. The only shop on route is at Foyers so anyone planning to have a go at this route should carry some supplies with them and be prepared for overnight camping along the route. There is accommodation though and with careful planning you could do the walk without camping if that is not your bag! a good website to look for  accommodation on the South Loch Ness Trail is www.lochnesswelcome.co.uk  it is the official tourism website for South Loch Ness, other places to find accommodation on the trail is Visit Loch Ness    

Happy hiking!