Great Glen Way

Walk the Great Glen Way

The Great Glen Way is a 78-mile long-distance walking route from Fort William to Inverness through the Highlands of Scotland. Following the natural corridor of the Great Glen, the route combines the Caledonian Canal with forests, lochs, old tracks and elevated paths overlooking some of the most distinctive landscapes of the Highlands.

From Fort William, the Great Glen Way begins close to the southern end of the Great Glen before heading towards the Caledonian Canal at Banavie. The route passes Neptune's Staircase and continues north-east beside the canal towards Gairlochy.

Beyond Gairlochy, the trail reaches Loch Lochy and follows tracks and paths through woodland along the loch. Mountains rise on either side of the Great Glen as the route continues towards the settlements around South Laggan and Invergarry.

The Great Glen Way then reaches Loch Oich, the smallest of the three major lochs encountered along the route. Forest tracks, old railway infrastructure and sections beside the Caledonian Canal lead onwards towards Fort Augustus.

Fort Augustus lies at the southern end of Loch Ness and forms an important stopping point around the middle of the journey. The locks of the Caledonian Canal meet Loch Ness here before the Great Glen Way begins its journey along the north-western side of the loch.

Beyond Fort Augustus, the character of the trail becomes more undulating. The route climbs through forest and open hillside towards Invermoriston, with higher-level alternatives providing extensive views across Loch Ness and the surrounding mountains.

From Invermoriston, the Great Glen Way continues above Loch Ness towards Drumnadrochit. Forest tracks, hillside paths and elevated sections offer changing views over the loch before the trail descends towards the village.

Beyond Drumnadrochit, the final section crosses hills and forests towards Inverness. The route gradually leaves the more remote landscapes of the Great Glen before descending towards the River Ness and entering the Highland city.

The Great Glen Way finishes in Inverness, completing a journey across the Highlands from Scotland's west coast to its north-eastern side. Fort William, Invergarry, Fort Augustus, Invermoriston, Drumnadrochit and Inverness provide useful bases along and around the route.

Although the complete Great Glen Way is a substantial multi-day walk, its combination of canal-side paths, lochs, Highland villages and accessible sections also makes it well suited to shorter walks and stay-based walking breaks along the Great Glen.

Overview

Distance: 78 miles / 125 km
Typical duration: 5–7 walking days
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Fort William, The Highlands
Finish: Inverness, The Highlands
Terrain: Canal towpaths, forest tracks, old drove roads, former military roads, purpose-built paths, hillside paths, minor roads and urban paths