SCOTTISH PATH COULD BE A NEW WAY TO SEE ‘NESSIE’ A new long-distance walking trail in the Scottish Highlands follows a geological fault line – the Great Glen – which cuts the country in two, from North Sea to Atlantic Ocean. The 73-mile (117 km) Great Glen Way, opened on April 30, offers breathtaking mountain and loch views and is expected to attract thousands of walkers in its first year. The waymarked route starts at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, at Fort William and uses canal towpaths and forest tracks to reach Inverness, the Highland capital, 160 miles north of Edinburgh. It follows the Caledonian Canal and skirts Loch Ness, where many will be hoping for a glimpse of the legendary water-beast, the Loch Ness Monster. An unusual way of doing the trek is by joining a cruise-barge, Fingal of Caledonia, which takes a week to sail the canal, providing a baggage carrying service and comfortable overnight accommodation for walkers. It is also ideal for non-walking partners, as well as those wanting to rest their legs awhile! (Tel. Caledonian Discovery, 01397 772167.) For others, there are guest houses, small hotels and hostels at regular intervals. Websites: www.greatglenway.com www.fingal-cruising.co.uk

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