Walkers heading along the Great Glen Way can now enjoy a safer and more scenic journey after a newly improved section of the popular trail officially opened near Loch Ness.

The Highland Council has completed more than three kilometres of new off road path at Bunloit, moving part of the route away from the public road and creating a more peaceful experience for walkers, wheelers and visitors.

The improvements form part of ongoing efforts to enhance one of Scotland’s best known long distance routes, which stretches from Fort William to Inverness and attracts around 10,000 end to end walkers every year.

The new section takes visitors through a changing landscape of woodland, peatland and open countryside while offering greater opportunities to experience local wildlife and the natural environment.

Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, said:

“The new route has been created in partnership with The Highland Council, Bunloit Estate managers and Highlands Rewilding.

“Together, we have have developed a path that not only improves safety but also lets people explore woodland, wildlife and views that were not part of the trail before.

“By taking the route off road, it is now more accessible and much more enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities.

“Spending time outdoors is proven to support both mental wellbeing and physical health, and this new section gives people more opportunities to enjoy fresh air, stay active and connect with the natural environment at their own pace.

“It also helps us protect and showcase the area’s natural beauty.

“This has only been achieved through collaborative working and the Council’s ongoing commitment to improving active ways to experience the benefits of being outdoors and immersed in the beautiful Highland scenery.”

The project followed extensive planning work involving landowners, environmental surveys and local community engagement.

Funding of £150,000 was secured through a joint project fund involving Great Glen Way partners, while specialist upland path contractor Hitrak Ltd carried out the construction work.

The route begins with a climb out of Drumnadrochit before passing through young native woodland where 25,000 trees have been planted from locally collected seed.

It then continues through older pine forest and across Bunloit’s peatland landscapes, offering wide views across the surrounding countryside and opportunities to spot species including curlew, snipe, crossbills, crested tits, red squirrels and pine martens.

The final section passes through areas of peatland restoration before rejoining the road at the far end of the estate.

Generating more than £3 million annually for local businesses, the Great Glen Way remains one of the Highlands’ most important outdoor tourism assets.

For those setting out along its famous route, the latest improvements offer another reason to slow down, take in the scenery and enjoy one of Scotland’s great journeys.

More information about the Great Glen Way can be accessed on the Great Glen Way website.