Great Glen Way

Explore this stunning long distance walk

The Great Glen Way

This popular long distance path spans 73 miles/117km between Fort William and Inverness, can be walked in 5-6 days, staying overnight in the various communities within the Great Glen including Morag’s Lodge in Fort Augustus. It can also be combined with the West Highland way to form a classic trek from Glasgow to Inverness.

The Great Glen Way suits all levels of walker. It’s a great introduction to long distance walking, being for the most part low-level and following mainly towpaths and woodland tracks. The route can be walked in either direction, however, most people choose to walk from Fort William to Inverness.


Section 1: Fort William to Gairlochy, 11 Miles
The north route out of Fort William takes you close to the original Inverlochy Castle, built in the 1200s. It then crosses the River Lochy before going on to the start of the Caledonian Canal at Corpach. See the spectacular Neptune's Staircase, the ladder of eight locks that raise the canal 70 feet a little north of its start. This spot also gives you some of the best views of the towering cliffs that hide around the north face of Ben Nevis.

The onward route to Gairlochy, at the southern end of Loch Lochy, uses the Caledonian Canal towpath the whole way. A few miles to the east of Gairlochy is Spean Bridge, complete with its spectacular Commando Memorial.

Section 2: Gairlochy to Laggan, 12 Miles
The second day's walk follows the west shore of Loch Lochy.
The section of the day's walk from Clunes to Kilfinnan is along forest tracks, and in pleasingly remote countryside: the main road runs down the far, eastern bank of Loch Lochy.

Section 3: Laggan to Fort Augustus, 11 Miles
Day 3 follows the shores of Loch Oich.The route emerges at Aberchalder swing bridge where you once again join the canal towpath for a scenic walk to Fort Augustus passing the delightful Kytra and Cullochy Locks. Passing through historic Fort Augustus you may catch sight of the grand, imposing Abbey, which until recently, housed Benedictine monks.

Fort Augustus lies at the southern end of Loch Ness and is built around the locks that lower the canal to its level. Great value accommodation on the Great Glen Way is to be found at our award-winning hostel Morag’s Lodge

Section 4: Fort Augustus to Invermoriston, 8 Miles
A shorter day and the chance to do some real nessie spotting as you follow the shore of Loch Ness the route to Invermoriston is along paths and forest tracks above and parallel to the main A82 road as it runs along the west shore of Loch Ness. From Fort Augustus you start the first real climb but the reward is a series of breathtaking views back over the village and across Loch Ness as you follow high forest tracks to Invermoriston. As you come into the tiny village and cross the mighty river Moriston, have a look at the splendid old bridge, another Telford design.

Section 5: Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit, 14 Miles
Follow more forest tracks north from Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit. For the last section the route drifts away from Loch Ness and picks up the path of a minor road. Its well worth exploring Urquart Castle if you have a chance

Section 6: Drumnadrochit to Inverness, 18 Miles
The journey from Drumnadrochit north along tracks and minor roads to Inverness makes this the longest and hardest single day on the standard schedule for the walk. The day also takes you to the highest point on the walk after you climb above the A82 and out of the Great Glen altogether. The end of the walk brings you to Inverness, The capital of the Highlands.

The official end point for the Great Glen Way is at Inverness Castle, destroyed by Jacobites and rebuilt as a court. Inverness offers a wide range of accommodation; it also has a railway station and bus station.

For more information on the Great Glen Way see www.greatglenway.com