Great Glen opens up to visitors 'by boot, by boat and by bike'

Published on Tuesday 4 March 2008 20:59

IT IS already a significant tourist attraction and major route through the Highlands, passing by some of the area's premier landmarks.

Now a new project aims to encourage more people to get out of their cars and experience the Great Glen by "boot, boat and bike".

Muriel Gray, the author, broadcaster and outdoor enthusiast, launched the Great Glen Ways (GGWs) scheme to mark the completion of a 200,000 public access and interpretation project along the famous natural geographical fault-line and man-made Caledonian Canal.

It is hoped improved navigation, way-marking and tourist information will encourage more national and international visitors to the area to enjoy the spectacular surroundings in a more sustainable way.

More than 30 large stone and timber monoliths with information and interpretation panels have been sited at strategic locations throughout the glen, giving details of the area's history, archaeology, folklore and wildlife.

The work has been managed by Highland Council in partnership with British Waterways Scotland, the Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage. The European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund has contributed 45 per cent of funding.

Andrew Thin, the SNH chairman, said: "This initiative is a great example of enabling a range of people to get out there and enjoy the benefits to their health and wellbeing."

Drew Hendry, chairman of Highland Council's planning, environment and development services, said: "The results of the project will undoubtedly bring many more visitors."

The Great Glen is a geological fault-line running 62 miles between Inverness and Fort William and takes in landmarks such as Ben Nevis, Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.

The glen carries the main A82 trunk road but the Three Ways project aims to encourage more people to see the area by walking, cycling and boating.

The Caledonian Canal, built by Thomas Telford, took 21 years to construct and opened in 1822. It comprises 22 miles of artificial cuttings which connect with the four lochs along the glen to provide an inland waterway between the east and west coasts.

The Great Glen Mountain Bike Trails do not provide a continuous route through the glen, but are a collection of cycling routes at various points for everyone from beginners to those at world-class competition level.

The Great Glen Way Long Distance Route covers 73 miles from Fort William to Inverness.