Walking the Great Glen Way is a spectacular way to explore the Scottish Highlands, taking hikers through some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland. The trail is approximately 79 miles long and takes around 5-7 days to complete, depending on your pace and level of fitness.
The Great Glen Way starts at the town of Fort William at the southern end of the Great Glen, and follows the Caledonian Canal through the heart of the Highlands to the town of Inverness on the east coast. The trail passes through a variety of landscapes, including rugged mountains, tranquil lochs, and charming villages, and offers stunning views of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain.
The route takes hikers along the shores of Loch Lochy and Loch Oich, with opportunities to explore the beautiful forests of the Great Glen. The trail also passes through the picturesque village of Fort Augustus, which is home to a flight of locks on the Caledonian Canal, and the historic ruins of Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness.
One of the highlights of the Great Glen Way is the opportunity to walk along the banks of Loch Ness, with the chance to spot the elusive Loch Ness Monster. The trail also passes through several other small villages, providing opportunities for refreshments and rest.
Accommodation options along the trail are plentiful, with a range of campsites, B&Bs, and hotels available in the nearby towns and villages. There are also plenty of pubs and cafes along the way, providing opportunities for refreshments and rest.
Overall, walking the Great Glen Way is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Scottish Highlands, and is suitable for hikers of all levels of experience and fitness.
5 Day Walking – Great Glen Way
| Day 2 | Fort William to Gairlochy then transfer to Spean Bridge | 10 | 16 |
| Day 3 | Transfer back to Gairlochy then walk to South Laggan | 13 | 21 |
| Day 4 | South Laggan to Invermoriston | 18 | 29 |
| Day 5 | Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit | 14 | 23 |
| Day 6 | Drumnadrochit to Inverness | 18 | 29 |
6 Day Walking – Great Glen Way
| Stage | Start Point | End Point | Distance | Ascend / Descend |
| Stage 1 | Fort William | Gairlochy | 10 | |
| Stage 2 | Gairlochy | Laggan Locks | 11.5 | |
| Stage 3 | Laggan Locks | Fort Augustus | 11 | |
| Stage 4 | Fort Augustus | Invermoriston | 9.3 | |
| Stage 5 | Invermoriston | Drumnadrochit | 14.7 | |
| Stage 6 | Drumnadrochit | Inverness | 17.5 |
7 Day Walking – Great Glen Way
| Day 2 | Fort William to Gairlochy then transfer to Spean Bridge | 10 | 16 |
| Day 3 | Transfer back to Gairlochy then walk to South Laggan | 13 | 21 |
| Day 4 | South Laggan to Fort Augustus | 10 | 16 |
| Day 5 | Fort Augustus to Invermoriston | 8 | 13 |
| Day 6 | Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit | 14 | 23 |
| Day 7 | Drumnadrochit to Blackfold (Drumnadrochit) | 11 | 18 |
| Day 8 | Blackfold (Drumnadrochit) to Inverness | 7 | 11 |