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    Self Guided Walking

    The Great Glen Way

    116 reviews

    Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

    From: £995.00

    Travel Planning & Advice

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    Trip created by Rachael Gavan
    View Rachael's Profile

    Region: Multi-Location
    Trip Type: Self Guided
    Accommodation: Classic
    Deposit From: £256

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    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    Download Itinerary

    The Great Glen Way traverses Scotland from west to east, following the Great Glen fault line which almost splits Scotland in two.

    Hiking past some of our most beautiful lochs, including Loch Ness, at 117km the Great Glen Way route is one of Scotland’s finest long-distance trails.

    The trail begins in Fort William beneath the slopes of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. You will then trek north-east through spectacular scenery and past lochs Lochy, Oich and, of course, Loch Ness. The hike becomes more challenging in its second half as the path takes to the hillsides above the loch, but by then you are well warmed up to the hike. You finish the route in the capital of the Highlands, Inverness.

    Your Self Guide Questions Answered

    PLEASE NOTE: Total daily distances are given for each stage but will vary slightly as you also need to walk to your accommodation each day which will usually add a short distance.

    Extra Nights and Accommodation Upgrades
    You also have the option to choose the following upgrades and extra nights:

    • Upgraded accommodation package – we will reserve the best rooms available along the route – £1345 per person
    • Split Day 7 and walk the route over 8 days. The additional charge is £95 per person, £120 per person if using upgraded accommodation
    • Upgraded package plus luxury nights at 5 star Inverlochy Castle and Rocpool Reserve – £1955 per person

    Trip Highlights

    • Traverse Scotland from coast to coast on a rewarding journey through deep glens and past dramatic mountain ranges.
    • Take in the sweeping views across Loch Ness, perhaps catching a glimpse of the Loch Ness Monster.
    • Enjoy moderate hiking on good trails as you hike from village to village through this spectacular geological fault line.

    Day by Day Itinerary

    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.

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    Self Guided Walking
    The Great Glen Way

    To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

    Fields marked with * are mandatory

    The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

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    Price from: £995
    Duration: 8 Days 7 Nights

    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    At each stage of your trek, we will arrange accommodation for you to stay that night. The accommodations range from small guesthouses, Highland inns, small hotels and bed and breakfast establishments which will be of a 3 or 4 star standard. Our accommodation partners are carefully chosen according to a number of factors – charming locations, very good facilities and a reputation for providing Highland hospitality. We do not use accommodations we have not personally visited.

    If you choose the upgraded accommodation option we will reserve the best available accommodation option in each location for you. However, in some areas, accommodation is very limited so the choice is restricted. Where this is the case we will book the best quality room available for you.

    If you wish to choose upgraded accommodation please call us to book – this is not available online.

    Meals Read More

    Meals
    Accommodation will be reserved on a Bed & Breakfast basis – lunches and evening meals are not included. Local shops sell sandwiches and snacks for the day ahead. Many guest houses will also be able to provide a packed lunch for you if you ask them the night before. In the evenings, meals can be taken in local restaurants, hotels or bars.

    Inclusions Read More
    • 7 nights’ accommodation on a Bed and Breakfast basis in Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfasts, Small Hotels and Inns on the route, based on two people sharing a twin or double room
    • Luggage transfer for 1 bag per person for the duration of the trip, meaning you will only have to carry a day rucksack
    • Route notes which include a map and full directions to your accommodation.
    • The services of the Wilderness Scotland Team prior to & during your trip.
    Trip Grading Read More

    Blue Graded 4-6

    Self guided Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. Walking at a good pace you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will be following a trail but should understand how to follow a hiking map with at least basic navigation skills. Daily distances will vary – typically up to 20km but may be longer occasionally, or often on the more challenging trips in the grade. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

    Trail conditions will vary from well laid and maintained sections of gravel track to rough and rocky sections including muddy and wet areas. Short sections may be on tarmac.

    Photo Gallery

    Speak to an Expert

    Jane Gillies

    Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Scotland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

    Ask Jane a Question

    Difficulty Grades Explained

    Blue Graded Self Guided Holidays 4-6

    Self guided Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. Walking at a good pace you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will be following a trail but should understand how to follow a hiking map with at least basic navigation skills. Daily distances will vary – typically up to 20km but may be longer occasionally, or often on the more challenging trips in the grade. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

    Trail conditions will vary from well laid and maintained sections of gravel track to rough and rocky sections including muddy and wet areas. Short sections may be on tarmac.

    Trip Reviews

    Rated 4.90 out of 5 based on 116 reviews of Self Guided – The Great Glen Way

     

    Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.

    That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.

    LS

    Laurel Silvia

    Reviewed on 27/09/2023

    Age: 50 - 60
    Country: USA
    Trip Date: 14/09/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    I have nothing but good things to say about Wilderness Scotland. They were an excellent company to work with, and provided us with a wonderful holiday.

    HF

    Heidi Fisher

    Reviewed on 25/09/2023

    Age: 50 - 60
    Trip Date: 14/09/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    MS

    Mark Skubis

    Reviewed on 23/09/2023

    Age: 50 - 60
    Country: USA
    Trip Date: 08/09/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    We had a wonderful experience with Wilderness Scotland and they will absolutely be our first choice for planning future adventure vacations in Scotland or further afield.

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