Canals, long lochs, and wooded glens cutting a straight line through the Highlands
The Great Glen Way follows the natural corridor of the Great Glen fault line, creating a coast-to-coast route across the Scottish Highlands from Fort William to Inverness. The trail links a chain of lochs and canals — Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, and Loch Ness — using the towpaths of the Caledonian Canal and tracks along the glen floor.
Walking here is defined by steady progress rather than steep ascent. Much of the route follows level canal paths or firm forestry tracks close to water, allowing consistent daily distances. Occasional higher alternatives climb onto the glen sides for broader views, but the main line remains accessible and straightforward underfoot.
The presence of water shapes the character throughout. Locks, swing bridges, and small harbours punctuate the canal sections, while long stretches beside loch shores offer wide views toward surrounding hills and mountains. Woodland provides shelter between open sections, giving the route a measured rhythm between enclosed forest and expansive water.
Settlements such as Gairlochy, Laggan, Fort Augustus, and Drumnadrochit appear at regular intervals, offering services and accommodation without breaking the continuity of the journey. The route feels connected and linear, with each stage naturally leading to the next along the glen.
The appeal of the Great Glen Way lies in its clarity and balance. It offers a sustained Highland crossing that combines waterside walking with mountain scenery, providing variety without technical difficulty.
Trail Overview
Distance
Approximately 79 miles / 127 km
Typical time on foot
5–7 days
Start
Fort William, Highland
Finish
Inverness, Highland
Terrain
Canal towpaths, gravel tracks, forest paths, lochside trails, minor roads, villages
