Canal / Riverside Circular

Inverness: River Ness and Caledonian Canal circuit

Walk

Highland

Distance
6.9 mi
Est. time
3h 45m
Difficulty
Easy
PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

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About this walk

Start beside the River Ness and follow the riverside paths through the wooded Ness Islands. Continue to the Caledonian Canal via the pedestrian and cycle deck of Torvean Swing Bridge, then follow the canal towards Clachnaharry. Cross by the mapped lock-gate footway, continue along the South Kessock shore and return to the start via the riverbank, Greig Street Bridge and the riverside pavement on Bank Street. This circuit uses Torvean Bridge rather than the older Tomnahurich Bridge variant.

Use pavements on street sections, including the riverside pavement on Bank Street, and use the mapped crossings rather than walking around roundabout carriageways. Cross railway lines only at the designated crossings, obeying gates and warnings; wait if lock-gate or swing-bridge operations prevent passage.

Allow around three and three-quarter hours of walking, plus stops; this is an estimate. Choose a calm day, allow enough daylight and check current closures and water levels. Wet leaves, ice and high water can make bridges and waterside paths hazardous. Avoid the seawall during flooding or storm tides, and turn back if the route is closed or conditions are unsafe.

Current canal works: https://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/boating/ongoing-works

Walk details

County
Highland
Main location
Inverness / Inbhir Nis
Walk type
Circular
Category
Canal / Riverside
Distance
6.9 mi (11.1 km)
Est. time
3h 45m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

Route map

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Along the route

12 places
Parking
Essentials ยท 1.3 mi along
Parking
Essentials ยท 1.6 mi along
Café Botanics
Cafe ยท 1.6 mi along
Parking
Essentials ยท 1.6 mi along
Parking
Essentials ยท 1.6 mi along
Grazey Days By The Canal
Cafe ยท 1.9 mi along
Parking
Essentials ยท 3.1 mi along
Parking
Essentials ยท 3.9 mi along
Parking
Essentials ยท 5.1 mi along
Parking
Essentials ยท 5.1 mi along
Parking
Essentials ยท 6.8 mi along
Xoko Bakehouse and Coffee Bar
Cafe ยท 6.8 mi along

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