Walk 2166 - printer friendly version

Laggan Locks Circular Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 4.0 miles / 6.5 km

Ascent - 300 feet / 91 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference NN287962
Lat 57.0250120 + Long -4.8237560
Postcode PH34 4EB (approx. location only)

Laggan Locks lie at the southwestern end of the Caledonian Canal amidst glorious Highland scenery. This relaxing walk starts from near the shores of Loch Lochty and follows the canal past the locks to reach Loch Oich. The return route follows a lane, which is part of the Great Glen Way, back to the locks. The Caledonian Canal connects the Scottish east coast at Inverness with the west coast at Corpach near Fort William via the Great Glen and was constructed in the early nineteenth century by Scottish engineer Thomas Telford. Today most of the traffic is for leisure.

The start is the car park and picnic area west of the A82 at the head of Loch Lochty (grid ref. NN287962). After parking exit the car park and turn left towards Laggan Locks, which occupy a beautiful location amid the hills. Turn right and follow the canal northeast. The path is clear and easy to follow. After an open section by moorings the path enters woodland with occasional glimpses of the canal on your left. Leaving the trees, the outlook becomes more open before veering right to reach the A82.

Turn left along the wide grass verge and continue to the swing bridge. Cross the road and follow the tarmac path on the right-hand side of the bridge. Be prepared for a short delay if craft are using the canal. Once across the bridge stay on the footpath for 250 metres and take the road on the left signed to Balmaglaster (grid ref. NN300986). Follow the narrow road for three kilometres. Reaching the shores of Loch Lochty, turn sharp left over a cattle grid (signed the Great Glen Way) and continue past some lodges on the left to reach Laggan Locks. Cross the canal using the footway on top of either lock and return to the car park.

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