Corrieyairack Pass — Laggan to Fort Augustus via General Wade’s Military Road
Wade's Jacobite-era road over the Highland roof.
Corrieyairack Pass is a Highland road with 18th-century bones. General Wade’s soldiers built it in the early 1730s to move troops across the Highlands after the first Jacobite rising, and Bonnie Prince Charlie’s army marched over it in 1745. From Laggan the road follows Glen Spean, crosses the narrow Garva Bridge, then climbs steeply to the summit at roughly 2,500 feet. Switchbacks near the top are the hairiest part, with a long drop-off on one side. The descent toward Fort Augustus runs through open moorland and burn fords, with Loch Ness waiting at the bottom.
It’s a rough gravel and cobbled track, not a rock-crawl, but weather is the real hazard. Snow and fog can shut the summit well into spring. A high-clearance 4×4 is the realistic minimum, and the washed-out sections are hard on low-slung vehicles. It’s a public right of way, and vehicle access is permitted, but the land is privately owned estate ground. Check Highland Council for closures, stalking season notes, and any works on the nearby pylon line. Expect no cell service on the pass. Go late May through September, bring spare fuel, and leave gates as you found them. Wild camping is for people on foot under Scottish access rules, so sleep at Fort Augustus. Have a dirty day.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 26 mi / 41.8 km |
| Duration | 4-6 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2529 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Fort Augustus, Scotland |
| Land manager | Private Highland estates; public right of way administered by Highland Council |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | Highland Council Scottish Outdoor Access Code |
| Verified | |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock high-clearance 4WD handle Corrieyairack Pass?
Yes. A stock 4WD SUV or pickup with decent ground clearance and all-terrain tires is enough in dry conditions. The surface is loose gravel and rock with washouts, so low-slung AWD crossovers risk scraping and punctures.
Is Corrieyairack Pass open in winter?
Not reliably. The summit tops out at 2,529 ft, there is no winter maintenance, and snow, ice, and storm damage can close the road from roughly November through April. The best window is May to September, and you should check conditions before committing.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to drive Corrieyairack Pass?
No permit or fee is needed. The route is a public right of way across private Highland estates, with Highland Council as the contact for the right of way. Stay on the road, close gates behind you, and obey estate signs, especially during deer stalking season.
What's the hardest part of the Corrieyairack drive from Laggan to Fort Augustus?
The summit approach and the steep zigzags down toward Fort Augustus. Expect loose rock, rutted washouts, tight switchbacks, and open drop-offs. Take the descent slowly in low range, and be ready for burn crossings that rise after heavy rain.
Where can I fuel up and camp, and will I have cell service?
There's no cell service anywhere on the route, so tell someone your plan and carry a paper map. Fill up in Fort Augustus or before Laggan, since the trail is 26 miles one-way and there are no services on it. Scottish access rights cover tent camping on foot but not vehicle-based camping, so plan to camp at a legitimate site or get landowner permission.
Trail track
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