Forests in The Great Glen
The Great Glen (An Gleann Mor) follows 80 miles of lochs and rivers from Glencoe and Fort William in the south to Inverness in the north. It's a fantastic natural route through the Scottish Highlands, with exceptional scenery and gorgeous forests. You can walk, cycle and canoe the Great Glen Way, or drive along the A82 and explore dozens of waymarked trails as you go.
Along the way, you can find sumptuous old oaks, impressive conifers, classic Scots pines and pretty native woodlands full of bluebells. Just take your pick. Open our map to explore the whole area.
Great Glen Way Diversion
Please note that there is a diversion in place between South Laggan and Aberchalder on the Great Glen Way due to live forestry operations. The diverted route is more challenging and rough than the Sustrans route and users should bear this in mind through their journey. A number of road crossings are now also required and users should take additional care at these points.
Forests to visit
Drumnadrochit and North Loch Ness
Balnain
Peace and quiet away from the beaten track along Loch Ness. The trail here offers a good long spell of peace and quiet amidst the trees.
Change House
Picnic in peace amongst hazels, birch and ash on Loch Ness's southern shore.
Craigmonie
For big trees, grand views and a rocky crag with Viking associations, start at Drumnadrochit.
Divach Falls
Oaks, atmosphere and dramatic waterfalls over Urquhart Bay. Watch water tumble 100 feet to the Divach Burn.
Farigaig
Beautiful colours, red squirrels and a magical hill loch on the quiet side of Loch Ness.
Fort Augustus and South Loch Ness
Allt na Criche
A beautiful burn winds through pine and birch woods above Loch Ness.
River Oich
A good place for spotting squirrels foraging for pinecones or listening to birdsong and the dreamy sound of flowing water.
Torr Dhuin
Commanding views over the Caledonian Canal from an Iron Age hill fort.
Invergarry and Loch Oich
Glengarry
Follow the river to a waterfall through tall Scots pines and soothing native woodland.
Loch Oich
Stop the car. Spread out a picnic and wiggle your toes in the loch.
Fort William
Glen Nevis
A beautiful glen with stunning views of Britain’s highest mountain.
Leanachan
Miles of routes snake across the northern side of Ben Nevis, with lots of choices for gentle cycling, walking and running.
North Face
Hill walkers and climbers head here for the crags of Carn Mor Dearg and Ben Nevis. However, a waymarked trail gives everyone a taste of the wild northern slopes.