Scenic distractions along the Loch Ness Marathon Route

The organisers of Baxters Loch Ness Marathon (30th September) know that runners have to dig deep to complete the challenging 26 mile route. But they are hoping that by highlighting some of the scenic and historic attractions for runners to spot along the route, these distractions may help lessen the pain for many runners and make the race even more rewarding

The iconic, world famous setting and the scenery that greets runners around every corner makes this marathon different from many others. The route passes through stunning open countryside down into the quietness of lochside miles, through supportive local villages and into Inverness over the fast flowing River Ness to the finish line.

For those who have already booked their place for this year’s marathon, the following landmarks line the way. And for those who have still not taken the leap of faith, perhaps these historic and scenic attractions will provide the final proof that this marathon more than lives up to its reputation.

1. WHITEBRIDGE, 2.5 miles: Shortly after the start of the race at Whitebridge, check out one of the finest surviving examples of a 40ft single span, hump-backed bridge, built in 1732 at a cost of £150 by General Wade’s troops as they created a road link between Inverness and Fort Augustus. Today the marathon route on the main road bypasses the old bridge which now stands as a monument to General Wade’s extensive and successful road network.

2. Foyers, 5.5 miles: Just before Foyers on your right, look out for a field of Highland cattle, one of Britain's oldest, most distinctive, and best known breeds. They thrive and breed where no other cattle could exist - on vast areas of poor mountain land with high annual rainfall and bitter winds. Making the most of poor forage, calving outside and seldom, if ever, housed they make a real economic contribution to hill and upland areas. They are remarkable for their longevity - many Highland cows continue to breed to ages in excess of eighteen years having borne fifteen calves. They are great mothers.

3. FOYERS, 6 miles: As you enter Foyers, you’ll see a B&B on your left hand side called Intake House – so named because the intake for the hydro power station is here.

4. ½ MILE PAST FOYERS, 6.5 miles: Here you’ll see the Foyers Hotel on your left-hand side. The hotel sits on the site of the Foyers Inn which was built in 1653. But did the property house German spies here before the second world war? A pre-war entry in the guest book suggests it might have done. Against the name of a German guest, someone has written the word ‘spy?’

5. BOLESKINE HOUSE AND CEMETRY, 7.5 miles: Half way between Foyers and Inverfarigaig, Boleskine House dates from the 19th century, and is famous for its association with Aleister Crowley, perhaps the country’s most notorious occultist and self-proclaimed “great beast” of black magic. It seems that Crowley caused quite a stir while he was here - his experiments in magic were not completely successful and resulted in some disturbing phenomena that were to send one of his housemaids mad, and lead to the house becoming haunted by strange entities. Until relatively recently the house was owned by the rock guitarist Jimmy Page, who is also an avid collector of Crowley memorabilia. Check out the two impressive stone golden eagles standing guard on the gate to Boleskine House.

6. INVERFARIGAIG, 9 miles: As you pass through Inverfarigaig look up to your right to the rocky buttress of Dun Dearduil, the remains of a vitrified Iron Age fort towering over the town. The hill is associated with the Celtic heroine Deirdre and tales of forbidden love and deep sorrow.

7. ½ MILE PAST INVERFARIGAIG, 9.5 miles: To your right is the Black Rock. As you run past it look up and see if you can spot the remains of General Wade’s road which goes up and over it. In 1732 General Wade blasted his road through ‘2000 yards of solid rock’. It was an immense achievement at the time, and a small section has survived to this day.

8. FIRST LAY-BY ON LOCH NESS, 12.5 miles: Down to your left by the first lay-by along Loch Ness you’ll see remains of the Change House, a staging post for changing horses in the 1800s. Its renown comes from the travellers Johnson and Boswell who visited on their Highland tour in 1773.

9. LOCH NESS SHORELINE, 12.5 -17 miles: There are five lay-bys along this section of Loch Ness which will take you to the 18 mile mark at the village of Dores. Try not to get too distracted by unexplained large shapes or movements on the loch!

10. DORES, 17 miles: As you pass through Dores village – no doubt to the cheers of many local villagers – look to your left and you’ll see the large grassy area which plays host to the monster of a festival that is Rock Ness.

11. ALDOURIE, 19 miles: As you pass Aldourie School, look to your left and see if you can glimpse Aldourie Castle. Madonna nearly bought it when it was on the market in 2002.

12. NESS ISLANDS, 24 miles: As you enter Inverness, the Ness Islands are situated on the River Ness and, prior to 1828 when the first bridges to the islands were built, the only access was by boat. The original bridges were washed away in the flood of 1849 and were replaced in 1853-1854 by two suspension bridges designed by William Dredge. The islands are a natural beauty spot and a popular walk, as they are home to a number of imported species of trees and to wildlife such as bats and otters and occasionally deer.

13. RIVER NESS, 24 miles: The Inverness Angling Club has the rod fishing for some three miles of the River Ness which has built a solid reputation for its fine catches of salmon, sea trout and brown trout.

14. INFIRMARY BRIDGE, 24.5 miles: On your left, this suspension footbridge was opened in 1879 and erected at a cost of £2000 (well in excess of £1million today). It’s known as one of Inverness’ ‘bouncy bridges’. You only have to walk across it to find out why.

15. INVERNESS CASTLE, 24.5 miles: The red sand stone structure of Inverness Castle (on your right) was built in 1836 by architect William Burn on the site of an 11th century defensive structure. Today it houses Inverness Sheriff Court. Although the grounds are open to the public, the castle is not.

16. NESS BRIDGE, 25 miles: There has been a bridge crossing the River Ness at or near this spot since the 11th century. The current Ness Bridge was completed in 1961, after two years of construction.

The 2012 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running includes the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon, Baxters River Ness 10K, 10K Corporate Challenge, River Ness 5K Fun Run and Wee Nessie. Over 9000 runners are expected to gather on the start lines this year.

Entry is guaranteed for all marathon runners until 1st July or sooner if race limit is reached, although charity and club runner places will still be available after this date. The closing date for entries into any of the other races is 10th September. To enter any of the races or for further information, visit lochnessmarathon.com.