Great Glen Way: The Complete Guide
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The Great Glen is the result of a tectonic collision that raised the Scottish Highlands and created a giant crack across the entire country from coast to coast. The Great Glen Way is the trail travels the entire length of the Great Glen stretching for 117.5km (73 miles).
Starting at Fort William the route passes Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, Loch Ness and follows much of the Caledonian Canal, before finishing in Inverness.
Surrounded by some of the UK’s highest mountains the route offers some incredible vantage points, as well as majestic woodland, other unique wilderness and throws in some Highland heritage and history for good measure.
The Route in Numbers
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Days to complete
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Miles (117.5km)
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m
Total Ascent
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Walkers P/Year
What to Expect
Gear
Full 6 days? You’ll have to pack trekking and camping gear, clothing, and other essentials.
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Transport
With several train stations and buses along the route, getting to and from the walk is fairly easy.
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Lodging & Camping
The route has plentiful options for lodgings, and there are some campsites too.
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Route & Terrain
Stunning glens, lochs, and rocky paths. The route varies from forest trails to mountain terrain.
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Baggage Transfer
There’s a few bag transfer services that can take your extra gear to pre-arranged locations every day.
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Climate & Weather
Between Apr – Oct is the ideal time for the walk. But always prepare for “4 seasons in one day”.
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6 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Fort William to Gairlochy
- Start: Fort William
- 10.5 miles / 17km
- B&Bs, Hostels +
- Campsites: 4
- Shops: 5+
- Stations: 2
- Start: Gairlochy
- 11.75 miles / 19km
- Lodges, Hostels +
- Campsites: 2
- Shops: 1
- Stations: 0
- Start: Laggan
- 10.5 miles / 17km
- B&Bs, Hostels +
- Campsites: 4
- Shops: 5+
- Stations: 0
- Start: Fort Augustus
- 7.5 miles / 12km
- B&Bs, Hostels +
- Campsites: 1
- Shops: 1
- Stations: 0
- Start: Invermoriston
- 13.75 miles / 22km
- Hotels, Hostels +
- Campsites: 4
- Shops: 1
- Stations: 0
- Start: Drumnadrochit
- 19 miles / 30.5km
- B&B, Hostels +
- Campsites: 3
- Shops: 5+
- Stations: 1
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Day 1: Fort William to Gairlochy
Day2: Gairlochy to Laggan
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Day2: Gairlochy to Laggan
Day 3: Laggan to Fort Augustus
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Day 3: Laggan to Fort Augustus
Day 4: Fort Augustus Invermoriston
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Day 4: Fort Augustus Invermoriston
Day 5 Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit
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Day 5 Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit
Day 6: Drumnadrochit to Inverness
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Day 6: Drumnadrochit to Inverness
Travel Essentials
TRAVEL INSURANCE
FLIGHTS
ACCOMMODATION
TRAINS & BUSES
CAR RENTAL
GEAR
Route Lowdown
Route Map
Day 1: Fort William to Gairlochy
Start:
Fort William
End:
Gairlochy
Distance:
10.5 miles / 17km
Ascent:
40m
Suburban route & Canal path
The Great Glen Way kicks off in unspectacular fashion, starting at the roundabout at the end of Fort William High Street. However, things thankfully pick up from here.
The route goes through suburban paths sitting in the shadow of the awe-inspiring Ben Nevis and continues along the Caledonian Canal for a mostly flat walk that offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains as well as passing several interesting landmarks such as the ruins of Inverlochy Castle, Loch Linnhe, and Neptunes Staircase.
View the starting point from Fort William here.
Lodging
Many in Fort William
Gairlochy (x4)
Lochaber Lodges
Old Pines Hotel
Shops
Many in Fort William
Some in Spean Bridge
Campsites
Gairlochy Holiday Park
Insh Scout Campsite
Moy Bridge
Wild Camping
Eateries
Many in Fort William
Some in Spean Bridge
Transport
Fort William Station
Fort William Bus
Spean Bridge Station
Spean Bridge Bus
Highlights
Views of Ben Nevis
Loch Linnhe
Inverlochy Castle
Neptunes Staircase
Day 1 Images
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Day 2: Gairlochy to Laggan
Start:
Gairlochy
End:
Laggan
Distance:
11.75 miles / 19km
Ascent:
110m
Good footpaths & Forest trails
The majority of the route on day 2 passes alongside the great expanse of Loch Lochy. Leaving Gairlochy the trail meanders alongside the Loch in stunning woodland surroundings close to the water’s edge.
After a short stretch of road walking it passes the entrance of Achnacarry, the ancestral home (and now museum) of Clan Cameron, until it crosses a bridge over the River Arkaig and reaches a forestry car park. From here there is the option to go 2km (each way) to see Eas Chia-aig a small but picturesque waterfall, and a very worthwhile detour.
The route continues through more lush woodland where, if you’re very lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the Pine Martens who inhabit the area. Finally reaching the head of Loch Lochy and passing in the shadow of two munros (Meall na Teanga and Sron a’ Choire Ghairbh) as it leads into Laggan.
View the starting pointing in Gairlochy here.
Lodging
Great Glen Hostel
Glengarry Lodges
Forest Lodge
Covent Garden B&B
Shops
Lochside Larder Shop
Campsites
Glas Dhoire (wild)
Loch Lochy (wild)
Wild camping
Eateries
Eagle Barge Inn
Lochside Larder
Transport
Laggan Bus
Highlights
Views of Loch Lochy
Lush woodland trails
Views of nearby Munros
Eas Chia-aig
Day 2 Images
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Image credits: Adrian-Read
Day 3: Laggan to Fort Augustus
Start:
Laggan
End:
Fort Augustus
Distance:
10.5 miles / 17km
Ascent:
20m
Lochside trails & Flat paths
The trail on day 3 includes two stretches along the Caledonian Canal which sandwich a trail through the wild (and magnificent) woodland on the banks of Loch Oich, and finally arrives at Fort Augustus – a picturesque village on the banks of Loch Ness with shops, facilities and plenty of accommodation options.
The day is full of stunning nature and scenery and offers up plenty of highlights such as the impressive Loch Lochy Munros, lovely vantage points down the Caledonian Canal, the Letterfeirn Nature Reserve, and views of Invergarry Castle ruins.
During day 3 we also recommend you visit The Eagle Barge Inn, a floating pub on a Dutch barge for some delicious nourishment, and taking a small detour after Loch Oich to go see Oich Bridge, a beautiful old bridge which is maintained by Historic Scotland.
View the starting pointing in Laggan here.
Lodging
Richmond House Hotel
Whitehouse B&B
Many in Fort Augustus
Shops
Invergarry Post Office
Many in Fort Augustus
Campsites
Cumberland’s Campsite
Kytra Lock (wild)
Leiterferan (wild)
Aberhalder Bridge (wild)
Eateries
Bridge House Tea Garden
Many in Fort Augustus
Transport
Fort Augustus Bus
Highlights
Caledonian Canal views
Letterfeirn Nature Reserve
Oich Bridge
Views of Loch Ness
Day 3 Images
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Image credits: John Collins
Travel Essentials
TRAVEL INSURANCE
FLIGHTS
ACCOMMODATION
TRAINS & BUSES
CAR RENTAL
GEAR
Day 4: Fort Augustus to Invermoriston
Start:
Fort Augustus
End:
Invermoriston
Distance:
7.5 miles / 12km
Ascent:
479m
Good trails with ascents & descents
Day 4 is a short day but offers plenty. There are two options – the low route and the high route. We recommend the high route as it provides amazing scenery and since it’s a short day there’s plenty of rest time.
The route begins in forest trails and leads up to open moorland beyond the tree line and high above Loch Ness with some stunning views over the giant body of water, as well as of Fort Augustus and the Caledonian Canal back down the Great Glen.
Along the way there are also views of Cherry Island, a small island with a few spruce trees which is in fact a crannog – a man made fortified dwelling dating back 2,500 years.
Finally the trails descends quite steeply to Invermoriston – which has a hotel, shops, toilets and B&B accommodation.
View the starting pointing in Fort Augustus here.
Lodging
Some in Invermoriston
Glenmoriston Arms Hotel
Tigh Na Bruach B&B
The Pole Cottages
Shops
Invermoriston Post Office
Campsites
Knockie (wild)
Wild Camping
Eateries
Redburn Cafe
Glen Rowan Cafe
Transport
Invermoriston Bus
Highlights
View over Loch Ness
Carn an Doire Mhoir
Day 4 Images
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Image credits: UltraPanavision, Gary Webb, Giancarlo Di Sotto
Day 5: Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit
Start:
Invermoriston
End:
Drumnadrochit
Distance:
13.75 miles / 22km
Ascent:
740m
Good trails with ascents & descents
Day 5 also offers the option of a high and low route. We recommend the high route again, purely for the stunning vantage points it offers.
There are some steep climbs and paths through stunning woodland, including the forested Glen of the Allt Saigh, and it leads around the south flank of Creag Dhearg before heading down to meet up with the low route once again.
Finally the trail crosses moorland (which can be a great place to spot birds of prey) before a steep descent down to Drumnadrochit.
View the starting pointing in Invermoristion here.
Lodging
Lochside Youth Hostel
Loch Ness Backpackers
Others in Drumnadrochit
Shops
Drumnadrochit market
Campsites
Loch Ness Shores Camp
Foyers (Wild)
Aberhalder Bridge (Wild)
Borlum Farm Campsite
Eateries
The Pottery Cafe
Several in Drumnadrochit
Transport
Drumnadrochit Bus
Highlights
Views of Loch Ness
Glen of the Alltsigh
Day 5 Images
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Image credits: La Orden del Camino, ofthenorth
Day 6: Drumnadrochit to Inverness
Start:
Drumnadrochit
End:
Inverness
Distance:
19 miles / 30.5km
Ascent:
519m
Good tracks & Forest trails
Day 6 of the Great Glen Way is fairly easy walking through a mix of farmland and forestry. However, it does offer some great views over Loch Ness and the Cairngorms.
Leaving Drumnadrochit the trail leads alongside the shore of Loch Ness with some good views of Urquhart Castle and leads up to the highest point of the Great Glen Way which is marked by a post.
When the trail comes to a signpost for Abriachan Forest walkers have the choice to make a scenic detour to pass a reconstructed iron age fort which is worth the extra 0.5km.
Finally the trail heads down to Inverness, past Great Glen House (HQ of Scottish National Heritage), crosses the lovely Ness Islands and the route leads on the centre of Inverness and Inverness Castle on the banks of the River Ness which is the official end of the Great Glen Way.
View the starting pointing in Drumnadrochit here.
Lodging
Inverness Youth Hostel
Inverness Student Hotel
Many in Inverness
Shops
Several in Inverness
Campsites
Bught Park Campsite
Dochgarroch Lock (wild)
Seaport Marina (wild)
Wild Camping
Eateries
Dores Inn
Oakwood Restaurant
Many in Inverness
Transport
Inverness Bus
Inverness Station
Highlights
Views of Urquhart Castle
Views of Cairngorms
Iron Age Fort
Inverness Castle
Day 6 Images
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Next
Image credits: Graham Howarth, Mike.Dales, Badlyparkedcar
Travel Essentials
TRAVEL INSURANCE
FLIGHTS
ACCOMMODATION
TRAINS & BUSES
CAR RENTAL
GEAR
What Gear to Bring (Essentials)
Backpacking
Backpack
Hiking boots
Hiking socks
Daypack
Map / Guide
GET THESE
Camping
Tent
Torch
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Inflatable pillow
GET THESE
Clothing
Rain jacket
Hiking trousers
Wicking t-shirts
Underwear
Beanie hat
GET THESE
Other
First aid kit
Camera
Food / Water
Mobile phone
Toiletries
GET THESE
Full Packing Checklist
We’ve gone and made it easy for you and with a free downloadable multi-day hiking packing checklist. To get it, chuck your email address into the form below.
Lodging & Camping
Plan your route properly so you know where you’ll be stopping each night. Book well in advance, especially for high season, as beds get booked up fast. You can book lodgings using the websites below:
BOOKING.COM
Go
HOSTELWORLD
Go
HOSTELS.COM
Go
EXPEDIA
Go
Wild camping is permitted in Scotland, including along much of the Great Glen Way route.
Always be sure that you’re not camping on private property. Get permission from the landowner first.
Also, please always stick to the leave no trace policy to ensure nature is preserved. See Outdoor Access Scotland for more details.
Baggage Transfer
If you want to ease the strain on your back and body you can utilise one of the baggage transfer services. The way it works is someone will drive your extra gear to pre-arranged stop off points every day. Leaving you with a small backpack to carry everything you need for that day.
Trust us, walking without a big pack full of plenty of kgs makes the whole experience a lot more enjoyable. Plus it’s very affordable. Below are all the services you can use:
PIGGYBACK BAG TRANSFERS
GREAT GLEN BAG TRANSFER
LOCH NESS TRAVEL
Transport Options
There’s plenty of transport options going to and from Milngavie and various other points on the route. So whether you’re doing the walk from the start or from one the later points you shouldn’t have too many problems getting to that location.
Train stations on route:
Fort William
Spean Bridge
Inverness
Buses go to and from here:
Fort William
Spean Bridge
Laggan
Fort Augustus
Invermoriston
Drumnadrochit
Inverness
DRIVING ROUTE
CAR SHARE
TRAIN TIMES
BUS TIMES
Route & Terrain
73 miles taking you from Fort William cutting right through the heart of Scotland up to Inverness.
Passing iconic and beautiful Scottish landscapes and landmarks such as Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. Ending in Inverness, you’ll pass nearby Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the United Kingdom.
This remarkable trail offers everything from stunning glens, lochs, and forests to mountain top views.
Climate & Weather
Obviously the weather will be different depending on what time of year you do the walk. However, since it’s Scotland, it’s safe to assume it will rain at some point so definitely bring your waterproofs.
Between April to October you’ll likely fin a mix of sunny, overcast, rainy and windy days. Sometimes all of that in one day. It can get quite windy in Scotland so be prepared for that, especially on more exposed parts of the walk.
Be prepared: The weather in Scotland can change really quickly. That’s all part of the challenge and fun though.
Wildlife
There are plenty of amazing and interesting creatures that you might happen to come across in the Scottish Highlands. Some much harder to find than others:
Commonly Seen
Highland Cow
Mountain Goat
Fallow Deer
Red Deer
Sometimes Seen
Red Squirrel
Otter
Buzzard
Adder
Rarely Seen
Capercaillie
Golden Eagle
Wildcat
Pine Marten
Special mentions for a couple of little blighters here: Midges and Ticks.
Midges are a tiny flying insects that typically form swarms near water or marshy areas. They are plentiful from late spring to late summer and can be a bit of a nuisance. If you do the hike during that time you will very likely meet them. Wear full coverage clothing and use insect spray to repel them.
Ticks are little bugs that feed on human and animal blood. When you’re hiking through foliage they will try and latch on to you. They’re bites are usually harmless but left untreated can cause Lyme’s disease. Always check yourself for them at some point during the day.
Travel Essentials
TRAVEL INSURANCE
FLIGHTS
ACCOMMODATION
TRAINS & BUSES
CAR RENTAL
GEAR
FAQs
How easy is it to navigate the Great Glen Way?
The route is easy to follow and is very well signposted throughout. You’ll have no trouble finding your way.
Are there extra activities on or nearby the GGW route?
West Highland Way
Ben Nevis
How fit do I have to be to do the Great Glen Way?
In healthy condition? Can walk a distance without getting out of breathe? Can carry a small backpack? You’ll be fine. Just have some practice walks with a pack to see how you feel.
What should I budget for the trip?
Hostels: £14 – £30 p/night
Hotels: £30 – £65 p/night
Pub meal: Around £15
Supplies: £10 – £15 p/day
Bag Transfer: Around £45
Clothes wash: Around £5
Train journey: £20 – £55
Bus journey: £3 – £15
When is the busiest time for the Great Glen Way?
Between May and September it’s busy but especially in June, July and August.
How can I prepare for the Great Glen Way?
Plan your daily route out before, book accommodation in advance to ensure good nights sleep. Have some practice walks. Most importantly, break in your footwear well in advance!
Best backpack for the Great Glen Way?
Using a bag transfer service? Use a daypack: around 20l to 30l. Carrying all your gear with you? Get a backpack in the 50l to 80l range.
When is the best time to do the Great Glen Way?
We always recommend May or September. Trail is a bit quieter, weather is good (but mixed), and the midges are yet to come out in full force (May) or they’re dying out (Sept).
Is it safe to drink from the rivers and streams?
You can but it’s not always safe e.g. animals like goats and sheep do their business near the rivers and streams. We recommend carrying the water you need each day. Or use a good water filter!
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Awesome post! Keep up the great work! 🙂
Great content! Super high-quality! Keep it up! 🙂
Truly informative, looking forth to coming back again.