Taking the Great Glen Way off-road and into nature on Bunloit Estate
Works have begun this month to improve 3 kilometres of the popular Great Glen Way route, bringing the path off-road and into the varied habitats of Bunloit estate.
The 75-mile route linking Fort William and Inverness draws tens of thousands of walkers, cyclists and horse riders each year, with an estimated 4500 people completing the full distance. The path passes directly through Bunloit, but is almost entirely on the road, providing very little opportunity to experience the wonderful nature of the area. We are thrilled to now be able to help improve access through our estate, helping locals and long-distance users alike avoid traffic and experience Bunloit’s natural woodland and diverse rewilding landscapes.
Recent photos of views from the Great Glen Way at Bunloit, taken in February 2026.
The new path starts after an initial climb out of Drumnadrochit, taking people up through an area of young native woodland, in which we’ve planted 25,000 broadleaf trees from local seed stocks on the site of a previous clearfell. The path then enters established pine woods of plantation origin, before emerging onto Bunloit’s upland blanket bogs. Here, open views soon emerge to the south and west, particularly of Meall Fuar-mhonaidh, the nearby hill that stands sentinel over Loch Ness far below (and which offers a fantastic diversion in good weather). The route then takes in some heath and regenerating native woodland, where Curlew, Snipe, Crossbills, Crested Tits and the occasional Red Squirrel and Pine Marten may be heard or seen by those with sufficient luck and good timing. The path finally runs alongside a peatland restoration site and a more natural peatbog that shows what the restoration is working towards, before rejoining the road near the far end of Bunloit estate.
Our Bunloit Estate Manager, Alex Davies, shares his enthusiasm for the project, “We are delighted to welcome walkers on this new route through Bunloit estate. Taking the Great Glen Way off-road will undoubtedly make the area safer for everyone, while opening up some beautiful views and guiding people through the mosaic of wildlife habitats we’re restoring at Bunloit. Providing opportunities for access to local nature and all the benefits it brings is a priority for us at Highlands Rewilding, and it’s been a pleasure to work with the Highland Council Countryside Rangers and Access Officers to achieve this.”
Councillor Ken Gowans, chair of the council’s economy and infrastructure committee, said the project marked a significant step forward for one of the Highlands’ best-known trails: “This project represents a major step forward in improving safety and enhancing the experience for everyone who enjoys the Great Glen Way. By moving this busy section offroad, we are creating a more accessible and enjoyable route while working closely with partners to protect and celebrate the area’s outstanding natural environment.”
Preparatory work began in winter 2024, with the Highland Council carrying out community engagement and surveys, and with planning granted in 2025, £150,000 in funding was secured through a joint project fund with Forestry and Land Scotland and Scottish Canals.
Construction is being carried out by Hitrak Ltd, specialists in upland path building, with completion expected by the end of March 2026.
Highlands Rewilding is contributing substantial in-kind costs and our staff have been closely involved throughout the development of the project.
This work supports our aim of improving access and connections of people to nature, and Highlands Rewilding is receiving no payment for use of land or other contributions.
Pictured, from left, are Phil Waite (Highland Council Outdoor Access Manager), Andrew Gilmore (THC GGW Officer), Alex Davies (Highlands Rewilding), Daniel Holm (Highlands Rewilding), Mark Hedderwick (Hitrak Ltd).
Are you planning a Great Glen Way journey?
If you are interested in exploring the Great Glen Way, we recommend visiting their website: https://www.greatglenway.com/. There is a wealth of information on travelling by boot, boat or bike, along with packing information and what to look out for along the way. Before walking the Great Glen Way, it is important that you understand your access rights and responsibilities while using the path. For example, dogs are welcome provided they are under close control, and on a lead during lambing season (1st April – 31st May), when crossing areas containing livestock. Always follow any local signage in place.
We will share updates on the progress of this new path and our plans for information boards to further enhance the visitor experience.
Would you like to become more involved in our nature restoration work and nature-based wellbeing activities at Bunloit?
Join our Bunloit ranger team on bi-monthly ‘nature days’, on the first and third Thursdays of the month. These days are suitable for a range of ages and fitness levels, including activities from bird surveys to tree planting, woodwork and wildlife walks.
To find out more, visit our events calendar and get in touch with Bunloit Estate Manager, Alex Davies, for more information: alex.davies@highlandsrewilding.co.uk.
In the news
We were delighted that these substantial works have gathered a lot of excitement and interest across the media. You can read more here in these articles and publications:
BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8g8y2gq15o
STV: https://news.stv.tv/highlands-islands/great-glen-way-to-get-major-upgrade-with-new-off-road-section
West Coast Today: https://www.westcoasttoday.co.uk/all-content-wct/great-glen-way-set-for-major-upgrade-with-new-offroad-route
The Herald: https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25838420.great-glen-way-hiking-trail-section-move-off-road/
Scottish Rural Network: https://www.ruralnetwork.scot/news/great-glen-way-improvements/
Inverness Courier: https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/3km-stretch-of-great-glen-way-to-be-moved-off-public-road-426475/
Highland Council: https://www.highland.gov.uk/news/article/17130/great_glen_way_set_for_major_upgrade_with_new_off_road_route