coast-to-coast from Fort William to Inverness.

The Great Glen Way

Is there anywhere better to experience the unique atmosphere of the Highlands? The Great Glen cuts a line across the country and is a magnificent 79 mile/127 km waymarked route that stretches from Fort William in the south to Inverness in the north. Starting (or ending) in Fort William in the shadow of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, the route follows the country’s greatest geological fault and follows sections of Thomas Telford’s historic Caledonian Canal before reaching Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. It is a fantastic natural route with iconic Loch Ness at its heart.

This area is steeped in Highland history and myth, but it is also full of life and wonder. Explore the forests and woodlands of the Great Glen for tranquillity, wonderful wildlife and amazing views of distant mountains and Scotland’s most intriguing loch.

The Routes

The Great Glen Way is one of Scotland’s Great Trails.

The route can be walked in 4 – 7 days, staying overnight in the various communities in the Great Glen, and suits all levels of walker. For the most part the route is low-level and follows mainly canal towpaths, forest tracks and roads. There are some challenging sections though. Many walkers choose to take a week to hike the Great Glen Way. While some days are shorter, there are some longer stretches too.

Stage 1: Fort William to Gairlochy 10.5 miles/17km 4 - 5 hours
The Great Glen Way begins (or ends) at the grounds of the Old Fort in Fort William

Stage 2: Gairlochy to South Laggan 11.7 miles/ 19 km 4.5 – 5 hours
Following minor roads and forest tracks, this section of the route takes you the length of Loch Lochy, one of the 3 major Lochs in the Great Glen.

Stage 3: South Laggan to Fort Augustus 10.5 miles/17km 4 - 4.5 hours
Now you come to Loch Oich, the smallest of the Great Glen’s lochs.

Stage 4: Fort Augustus to Invermoriston 7.5 miles/12km 3.5 - 4 hours
Beyond Fort Augustus the Great Glen Way begins to climb and you come upon a choice – Follow the low route through the forest or take the steep climb out of Fort Augustus onto the high route, which climbs above the tree line and opens up spectacular views along the length of the Great Glen.

Stage 5: Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit 14 miles/ 22km 7 to 8 hours
Another day of choice for GGW users. After a climb out of Invermoriston on a minor road you will again come to an information panel directing you to either the high or low routes.

Stage 6: Drumnadrochit to Loch Laide 9 miles/14 km 3 - 4 hours

Stage 7: Loch Laide to Inverness 11 miles/17km 5 – 6 hours

Alternatively

Drumnadrochit to Inverness - Distance: 19.88 miles/ 32 km.

The longest stretch of the route between major settlements is often split in two by walkers by breaking at Abriachan, where a small amount of accommodation can be found. Alternatively, transport can often be arranged to and from the half way point, either by taxi or through your accommodation provider, allowing for a second night in Drumnadrochit

Please visit Walk Highlands website for alternative extensions. (www.walkhighlands.co.uk)