The Great Glen Way

Day 1 – Arrival in Fort William

Today you’ll make your own way to Fort William where you’ll spend the night at your first guesthouse of the trip. Tomorrow morning the hike begins!

Day 2 – Past Ben Nevis to Gairlochy

The route starts in Fort William and takes you close to Inverlochy Castle, built in the 1200s, then continues to the start of the Caledonian Canal. From here the journey along Scotland’s longest glen and greatest geological fault begins. Following the canal towpath, you travel up Neptune’s Staircase, a ladder of eight locks which give some of the best views of Ben Nevis, and continue along to Gairlochy.

Distance: 17km/10.5 miles Ascent: 40m

Day 3 – Gairlochy to South Laggan

The second day’s walk sticks fairly closely to the west shore of Loch Lochy. It follows mainly quiet, forest tracks with high mountains rising up on both sides of the loch, offering fine views. By the time you reach your accommodation, you will have hiked the length of Loch Lochy.

Distance: 19km/11.5 miles Ascent: 85m

Day 4 – South Laggan to Fort Augustus

You hike along the east shore of Loch Oich, joining the famous Caledonian Canal at the north end of the Loch. This is one of the easier days on the trail so take your time and enjoy the scenery. After leaving Loch Oich behind, you follow the canal to Fort Augustus at the southern end of Loch Ness, which stretches into the distance in front of you.

Distance: 17km/10.5 miles Ascent: 10m

Day 5 – Fort Augustus to Invermoriston

Today you will walk along the west side of the world famous Loch Ness. There are two route options – a high and lower level route. Both are the same overall length but the higher one obviously adds more ascent. It also provides some of the best views of the trip above the forest and the loch, stretching on for miles and miles. The higher route is therefore usually preferred, but if you want an easier day you can stay lower down.

Distance: 12km/7.5 miles Ascent: 120m (low level option) / 480m (high level option)

Day 6 – Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit

Today you again have the choice of a high or low level route, however, this only affects the first part of the day. Either way, there is still a fair amount of ascent today. The high level option climbs a hill beside Drumnadrochit, offering superb views again before descending gradually through forest to rejoin the original route. The low option skirts past this hill through forestry. After the paths rejoin you will pass the tiny hamlet of Bunloit – this marks halfway along Loch Ness. From here there is a section along a quiet road before a steep trail descends to Drumnadrochit and day’s end.

Distance: 23km/14.5 miles Ascent: 500m (low level option) / 740m (high level option)

Day 7 – Drumnadrochit to Inverness

The final day is a long trek but with straightforward walking on decent trails and a short section of quiet road. After about 4km the route leaves Loch Ness and heads inland, climbing up onto open hillside where you are rewarded with more views down Loch Ness and the Great Glen. You descend gradually through the forest as you walk north and meet the River Ness at the edge of Inverness. The last few miles follow the river bank, finishing in the city centre with views across the river to Inverness Castle.*

On reaching Inverness, you will have traversed Scotland from coast to coast along its most natural route, the Great Glen. On arrival in Inverness, settle into your accommodation then decide whether you need an early night, or if it is time to celebrate your success!

Distance: 29km/18 miles Ascent: 480m

*Day 7 can be split into 2 shorter days with an extra night’s accommodation in Drumnadrochit.

Day 8 – Depart Inverness

After breakfast this morning you can start your journey homeward, though if you have time or wish to add an extra night to your itinerary you may enjoy a look around Inverness before departing. On the way home you’ll have time to look back and reflect on a memorable hike across Scotland.