River Ness and Caledonian Canal Loop Walk

0.00 km – At the junction of Castle Road and Ness Bridge (South Bank) Inverness Centre. Facing the river and Ness Bridge TURN LEFT heading along the river, on the south side. The river will be on your right-hand side as you walk and the Castle up on your left.

After about 10 minutes of walking along the river, you will pass a suspension walking bridge that crosses the river. Continue STRAIGHT ON walking along the riverside following the ‘ladies walk’ path.

1.00 km - Following the sign for ‘Great Glen Way’ TURN RIGHT, the path then turns left following the riverside.

1.30 km - You will come across a suspension bridge TURN RIGHT onto this and cross this section of the river onto a small islet and follow the path at the other side of the bridge that immediately heads left. Follow the path over the bridges that connect the small islets following the ‘Great Glen Walkway’ signs.

1.79 km - The final bridge you come across takes you to the north side of the river ness. This is clearly signposted ‘Great Glen Walk.’ At the other side of the bridge TURN LEFT.

2.24 km - The river will be on the left. There is a toilet block and here TURN RIGHT towards the sports facilities along the road. There is a coffee shop at the sports facilities.

3.35 km - After walking past the sports facilities you will come across the Great Glen Canal. Cross the road bridge and immediately TURN RIGHT along the canal path on the north side.

After about 15 minutes walking STRAIGHT ON along the canal path you will pass through a working boatyard. Continue to follow the canal, crossing a road at one point and past the working locks.

6.60 km - At the level crossing continue STRAIGHT ON. Please take care when crossing the railway line.  

6.95 km - At the end of the canal path, after enjoying the superb views of the surrounding coastline, TURN RIGHT across the bridge formed by the canal lock to cross the canal, then head back towards Inverness, going through another level crossing and continue along the other side of the canal.

7.55 km - TURN LEFT off the canal path down the steps onto the narrower path that traverses across the Merkinch Nature Reserve and continue along this path towards the final level crossing that lies ahead.

8.40 km - When the path ends after the level crossing TURN RIGHT onto the main road.

9.16 km - OPTIONAL: You will pass a sign for Carnac Point. It is a 700m walk out to the point and back that affords a great view of The Kessock Bridge that crosses the Beauly Firth.

9.80 km - After following the road with the river on the left. The road moves away from the sight of the river and then forks. At the fork BEAR LEFT onto Anderson Street.

11.3 km - Continue STRAIGHT ON and follow the north bank of the river to the start of the walk at the junction of Castle Road and Ness Bridge.