Walk Cycle Caledonian Canal: Laggan Avenue

Laggan Avenue

Distance 3 miles

Time 1+ hour

This is an easy walk or cycle, there and back, along the section of canal between Loch Oich and Loch Lochy. There is parking is available at the carpark close to Laggan Lock, just off the A82. Picnic tables are also provided here. There are spectacular views particularly to southwest along Loch Lochy. Stay on the southside of the canal and follow the towpath along the embankment through the impressive Laggan corridor. The pathway leads you through the Scots Pine planted at time of construction. This is an extremely pleasant walk, and on a sunny day the sheltered path is dappled with light falling on the moss and fern lined track, with glimpses of the canal some 20m below.

After about 1 mile the path emerges where a stream feeds into the canal over an articficial waterfall. Cross over the wooden bridge and continue on towards Laggan Top. The moorings are a good place to turn around and head back, or if you wanted to go a bit further you could continue towards the road, follow the route of the Great Glen Way. Alternatively you could make a circular route by crossing the canal at the Laggan swing bridge then turning right and returning to Laggan Locks via the minor road on the other side of the river.

Points of interest:

Engineering: Laggan is the summit of the canal. Constuction of this cutting was a considerable achievement as they had to excavate a deep channel though difficult ground conditions. Deep cutting was required to bring it down to the level of the Loch Oich, which itself needed dredging. The water supply was ample - fed by the river Garry from the mountain lochs of Loch Quioch and Loch Garry. To the west Loch Lochy was damned to raise the level of the loch by 12 ft.

Wildlife: South Laggan Fen SSSI was created by raising the level of the Loch Lochy during the construction of the canal. Watch out for the birds and plants that benefit from the lush cover provided by this rich lowland fen, including the Sedge Warbler or Reed Bunting.

Trees - Sides of the cutting were planted with trees, including Scots Pine.

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