Glenfinnan Visitor Centre to Corryhully

Description

Many visitors stop at the National Trust for Scotland Visitor Centre at Glenfinnan and walk towards the shore of Loch Shiel to climb up the Glenfinnan Monument at the head of the Loch. The monument was built as a tribute to the men who fell in the 1745 Jacobite uprising. Glenfinnan was where Bonnie Prince Charlie's standard was raised which launched the '45 rebellion. 

A few more visitors walk up to the viewpoint behind the Visitor Centre to catch the superb views over the Glenfinnan Viaduct and down Loch Shiel, but most will then move on to places such as Arisaig and Mallaig further along the 'Road to the Isles.'

If you visit Glenfinnan it's worth lingering a little longer however and considering this gentle stroll up the valley, alongside the River Finnan. The rewarding views from Corryhully are well worth the extra time spent here.

To walk the route, park at the visitor centre (car parking charge applies) and walk across the nearby road bridge which carries the A830 over the River Finnan. This road can be busy so take care especially when walking with children. Directly after the bridge take the private road (please don't take your car) on the right which leads up towards Glenfinnan Viaduct, which was built by Sir Robert McAlpine in 1897-98 at a cost of £318,904. The viaduct carries the train from Fort William to Mallaig and has recently been popularised by the Harry Potter films - watch out for The Hogwarts Express!

After passing below the viaduct carry on alongside the River Finnan passing through forest on the left until you reach Corryhully bothy around 3-4 kilometres further on. From Corryhully admire the views back across the viaduct, over Loch Shiel towards the Corbetts of Sgorr Craobh a' Chaorainn and Sgurr Ghiubhsachain on the east side of the Loch. Return to the NTS Visitor Centre car park via the outward route.

The route to Corryhully is suitable for wheelchair access throughout, perhaps with some assistance on a stretch with a gentle climb. It's a good family walk with the kids too.

For those who are keen and feel fit enough, the walk can be extended a further seven miles to Loch Arkaig and beyond. 

You'll also see from the route map that the walk can be extended to take in the Corbett (Scottish hill over 2,500 feet, with 500 feet of ascent on all sides) of Streap, but this should only be attempted by fit hillwalkers who have experience of walking in the Scottish hills, have a map and compass and know how to use them.   

Access Info

Glenfinnan is on the A830(T), 16 miles west of Fort William. The National Trust for Scotland Visitor Centre is well signposted just off the road and there is ample parking there too. From the Visitor Centre walk along the main road towards Mallaig, cross a bridge and a few yards further there is a sign on the right for Glenfinnan Lodge, pointing out the start of the walk.

Additional Info

Glenfinnan monument was built in 1815 to commemorate the Jacobites who fought and fell during the 1745 uprising against the Hanoverians. Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) sailed from France and landed at Glenfinnan where he rallied clansmen and raised his standard on the 19th August 1745 marking the start of his campaign to restore the exiled Stuarts to the throne.

More Info

For further information visit the walkingworld weblink below.

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