Caledonian Canal (from Inverness)

An easy, family friendly route along the Caledonian Canal from Inverness.

The route starts from Tomnahurich Bridge which is easy to reach from most areas of Inverness and the approach via the west bank of the River Ness and Bught Park is particularly pleasant. Bught Park is home to the Inverness leisure centre, a substantial playpark, the Highland Archive Centre and Inverness Floral Hall (which has a café) so there is plenty parking if required and options for pre or post ride activities.

Start on the East side of the Caledonian Canal at Tomnahurich Bridge and follow the canal towpath southwards. The towpath surface is fairly good but may not be suitable for very skinny tyres. It is however very easy to follow – just continue alongside the canal. Being traffic free and almost entirely level this is a great route for families but the views not just of the canal but also over the River Ness at various points and to the hills above Loch Ness make it a pleasant route for anyone. The towpath can be followed for around 4 miles as far as the lock gates at Dochgarroch after which the canal opens out into Loch Dochfour and then Loch Ness. With mountain bikes it is possible to cross one of the lock gates and return on the west side of the canal but there isn’t a continuous good path so it’s simplest to return by the outward route.