The Old Fort and Inverlochy Castle from Fort William

The walk starts at the Old Fort, the site of the fort that gave Fort William its name, where the Great Glen Way begins. It follows the Great Glen Way north-east, first on paved paths by the shore, then over the River Nevis on a bridge and along a compacted path above the River Lochy. Short of Soldier's Bridge it leaves the way for the lane to Inverlochy Castle. The return goes by the lane beside the railway and the streets of the Inverlochy housing estate to the River Nevis bridge, then back by the shore, past the Underwater Centre, to the Old Fort.

It is 4.7 km and almost level, with 5 m of ascent; allow about 1¼ hours. The grade is Easy: paved and compacted paths, lanes and pavements, with about two-fifths of it on streets.

Inverlochy Castle was built by the Comyns in the 1200s and is one of the most complete castles of that century in Scotland; it is looked after by Historic Environment Scotland. Take care where the walk crosses roads.

The Old Fort has no car park of its own, so park in the town. Fort William station is about 160 m from the start.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.