Great Glen Way

This magnificent 75 mile/120 km waymarked route stretches from Fort William in the south west to Inverness in the north east. Starting (or ending) in Fort William in the shadow of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, the route follows the country’s greatest geological fault and follows sections of Thomas Telford’s historic Caledonian Canal before reaching Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.

The route can be walked in 4 – 7 days, staying overnight in the various communities in the Great Glen, and suits all levels of walker. For the most part the route is low-level and follows mainly canal towpaths, forest tracks and roads. There are some challenging sections though, and the more experienced walker may wish to tackle the Munros or Corbetts which lie within easy reach of the route.

Fort William to Gairlochy

Distance: 10.5 miles/17 km – The Great Glen Way begins (or ends) at the grounds of the Old Fort in Fort William from which the town gets its name.

Gairlochy to South Laggan

Distance: 12.8 miles/20.7 km – Following minor roads and forest tracks, this section of the route takes you the length of Loch Lochy, one of the 3 major Lochs in the Great Glen.

South Laggan to Fort Augustus

Distance: 12.1 miles/19.5 km – Now you come to Loch Oich, the smallest of the Great Glen’s lochs.

Fort Augustus to Invermoriston

Distance: 9.2 miles/14.8km (10.5miles/16.9km by High Route) – Beyond Fort Augustus the Great Glen Way begins to climb and you come upon a choice – Follow the low route through the forest or take the steep climb out of Fort Augustus onto the high route, which climbs above the tree line and opens up spectacular views along the length of the Great Glen.

Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit

Distance: 14.3 miles/23km (13.6 miles/21.9km via high route) – After a climb out of Invermoriston on a minor road you will again come to an information panel directing you to either the high or low routes.

Drumnadrochit to Inverness

Distance: 19.88 miles/ 32 km -The longest stretch of the route between major settlements is often split in two by walkers by breaking at Abriachan, where a small amount of accommodation can be found. Alternatively transport can often be arranged to and from the half way point, either by taxi or through your accommodation provider, allowing for a second night in Drumnadrochit or Inverness.

The below website gives a lot of information regarding routes, essential kit etc., and any current diversions due to forestry work:

https://www.highland.gov.uk/greatglenway

Luggage Transfer can be arranged through any of the following companies:

https://www.lochnesstravel.com

https://www.piggybackbaggagetransfers.co.uk

Walking Group’s Links

If you are looking for info to plan your walks while in the area, we’ve compiled a handy list of tour providers who operate nearby:

www.macsadventure.com 
www.mickledore.co.uk
www.geminiwalks.com
www.contours.co.uk
www.hillwalktours.com
www.absoluteescapes.com …
http://easyways.com
www.northwestfrontiers.com