Great Glen Way

Canals, long lochs, and a journey through the Scottish Highlands.

The Great Glen Way is a long-distance route running from Fort William to Inverness, following the natural corridor of the Great Glen through the Scottish Highlands. Linking the Caledonian Canal, Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, and Loch Ness, the trail creates a continuous coast-to-coast journey through one of Scotland's most distinctive landscapes.

As a self-guided journey, the route connects places such as Fort William, Gairlochy, Laggan, Fort Augustus, Drumnadrochit, and Inverness while passing canal towpaths, loch shores, forest tracks, and Highland settlements. Water remains a constant presence throughout, creating a route defined by long views, steady progression, and the dramatic scenery of the Great Glen.

With accessible terrain, clear waymarking, and a range of places to stay along the route, the Great Glen Way offers one of Scotland's most approachable long-distance walking journeys. The trail combines Highland scenery, engineering heritage, and waterside walking, providing a rewarding crossing of the Highlands without the demands of mountain terrain.

Overview

Distance 79 miles / 127 km

Duration 5–7 days

Difficulty Moderate

Start Fort William, Highland

Finish Inverness, Highland

Terrain Canal towpaths, gravel tracks, forest paths, lochside trails, minor roads, and villages