Start on the East side of the Caledonian Canal at the Banavie car park. Follow the canal towpath northwards, initially uphill alongside Neptune’s staircase – a flight of locks – and then after it levels off continue past the last few houses and into open country. 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 and, being traffic free and almost entirely level this it’s a great route for families. There are constant good views not just of the canal but also over Ben Nevis, Aonach Mor and the surrounding mountains. The towpath can be followed for around 10 miles as far as Gairlochy but of course if you go the whole way it's then another 10 miles back unless you have arranged transport.