The Old Fort and Inverlochy Castle – Fort William

John Feeney

If time is short or the weather prevents you from doing some of the more challenging walks in Fort William, I recommend the incredibly easy Old Fort and Inverlochy Castle walk.

Starting in the heart of Fort William at the Old Fort (which gives the town its name), this is an easy walk to Inverlochy Castle and back, following a path that runs alongside the River Lochy.

The trailhead starts and finishes on the north side of the roundabout near the waterfront. The fort itself was built by General George Monk in 1645 in an attempt to guard the mouth of the river.

The remains of the fort have now been demolished in favour of the nearby railway but various nearby information boards provide details on what remains

The trailhead is also the start of the Great Glen Way which this trail initially follows, so be sure to watch for the waymarkers along the way.

From here, follow the bridge over the River Nevis and turn left on the far side to follow the Great Glen Way as you continue walking alongside the River Lochy and enter into some stunning woodland.

Continuing on the path, you’ll cross several small footbridges along what I would say is the most scenic section of the entire walk as you’re treated to several scenic views of Ben Nevis.

The path pulls away from the river as you come to the gate which meets a tarmac lane. Walk through the gate and take a left along the lane and underneath the railway overpass.

A short distance beyond the overpass is the stunning ruins of the 13th-century Inverlochy Castle. Unfortunately, at the time of writing this blog, the castle was under repair and was cordoned off by construction fences making it impossible to explore the ruins.

The History of Inverlochy Castle

Located at the southern end of the Great Glen, Inverlochy Castle is a testament to the power and ambition of medieval Scotland.

Built around 1280 by the influential ‘Red’ Comyns, lords of Badenoch and Lochaber, the castle served as a strategic stronghold for one of Scotland’s most dominant families of the 13th century.

The Comyns’ vast estates spanned across the country, making Inverlochy a key asset in their extensive network of power.

A Commanding Location

Strategically situated at the mouth of the River Lochy, Inverlochy Castle was designed to control vital landward routes through the Great Glen and Glen Spean.

Its position also allowed oversight of navigation along the River Lochy to Loch Linnhe, reinforcing its importance as both a defensive and administrative centre.

Architectural Might

The castle’s structure, much of which dates back to the late 1200s, showcases the military engineering prowess of the era. Its notable features include:

A thick curtain wall: Over 3 meters thick, providing robust protection
Four round corner towers: Designed for both defence and accommodation, with the northwest Comyn’s Tower being the largest
A wide moat: Surrounding three sides, adding another layer of defence
Twin entrance gates: Located on opposing sides, each built with a simple forework for added security

Inside the castle, the courtyard once bustled with timber buildings, as discovered by archaeological excavations. These would have supported the day-to-day activities of its inhabitants and visitors.

A Legacy of Strength

Though now in ruins, Inverlochy Castle offers a captivating glimpse into Scotland’s medieval history. Its enduring walls and commanding presence speak to the might of the Comyns and the strategic importance of this corner of the Highlands. For visitors, it remains a fascinating window into a bygone era of power and architectural ingenuity.

At this point in the walk (approximately 2kms), if you need something to eat and drink, there’s the nearby Larder Cafe that is attached to the Highland Soap Company Visitor Centre. My recommendation is the salted caramel millionaire slice. You won’t be disappointed.

Once you’re finished at the cafe, simply retrace your steps back to the trailhead at the Old Fort.

As mentioned at the start of this blog, the Old Fort and Inverlochy Castle walk is incredibly easy and follows a very straightforward path with views of the nearby Ben Nevis.

If you wish to follow the trail I recorded on WikiLoc, you can do so here.