Fort Augustus - Laggan Locks | Scenic Low-Level Gravel Bike Ride, Scotland

Fort Augustus – Laggan Locks Out-and-Back | A Leisurely Gravel Bike Ride, Scottish Highlands

This gravel bike ride in Scotland explores a very bonny and accessible section of the Great Glen Way, following the Caledonian Canal between Fort Augustus and Laggan Locks.
At just 36.5 km, it’s a leisurely, low-level route perfect for many occasions: a family ride, a recovery spin, a bad-weather alternative to higher mountain routes, or simply when time is short — such as on arrival or departure days while on holiday.

Starting in Fort Augustus at the south end of Loch Ness, the ride follows the scenic Caledonian Canal towpath past Kytra Lock and Cullochy Lock, before continuing along the wild side of Loch Oich on a disused railway line and through the natural woodlands of the Leitirfearn Forest Nature Reserve. There are also occasional glimpses of the scenic River Oich.

Further on, the route crosses the A82 near Laggan Swing Bridge. Cross carefully — traffic can be fast, especially approaching from the bridge. After some fine views down the canal, you’ll head into the pinewoods. Emerging from the trees, you soon reach Laggan Locks at the east end of Loch Lochy, where steep, forested mountains create an impressive, fjord-like landscape.

The route back to Fort Augustus goes over the Aberchalder Swing Bridge and by the beautiful historic double-cantilevered Oich Bridge. You’ll also cross the weir at Cullochy — but if water is flowing over it or it’s icy, return via Aberchalder Bridge and stay on the south side of the canal to Cullochy Lock.

This really is a lovely, low-level gravel ride!

📺 Best viewed in HD or 4K.

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🗺️ Where I stayed
I stayed in a glamping pod at the Loch Ness Highland Resort, a great base for a cycling holiday:
🔗 https://www.hoseasons.co.uk/accom/loc...

🚴‍♂️Route Details
📏 Distance: 36.5 km / 22.5 miles
🚴 Strava:   / strava  
📍 Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/tour/2649887525

🎥 Discover more gravel cycling routes in Scotland on my YouTube Channel: Cycling in the Scottish Highlands
🔗    / pjd66  

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⏱️ Timestamps
0:00 — Fort Augustus to Laggan Locks
3:40 — Laggan Locks to Fort Augustus
6:59 — Fort Augustus Locks

🎵 Music
'Who Knows Where The Time Goes? ' by Fairport Convention
'Precious Memories' by JJ Cale

#FortAugustus #LagganLocks #CaledonianCanal #GravelRide #ScottishHighlands #FamilyBikeRide #GravelCycling