Great Glen Way

Programme

Day 1: Welcome to the Westhighlands

Individual arrival in Edinburgh or Glasgow. Take the bus or train along the beautiful Loch Lomond, the “king” of all Scottish lochs and through the Trossachs National Park into the heart of the Westhighlands. Past tranquil lochs, towering mountains, heather moors and secluded valleys you will reach Fort William, the outdoor capital of Scotland at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Take a walk along Loch Linnhe and end the day in one of the cosy pubs. Accommodation: Fort William

Day 2: Fort William to Spean Bridge

The first section of the Great Glen Way heads through the suburbs, overshadowed by the mighty Ben Nevis. Follow the River Lochry on a short detour to the ruins of Inverlochry Castle or stop at the Ben Nevis Distillery for a tour and a dram before heading along the shores of Loch Linnhe to Corpach where the Caledonian Canal meets the Atlantic. Soon you will reach Neptune’s Staircase, a dramatic flight of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal. Built by Thomas Telford in the early eighteen-hundreds it’s the longest staircase lock in Britain. Follow the pretty countryside above the River Lochry all the way to Gairlochry, here you detour to Spean Bridge where you will stay the night. Walk: 15 miles, 5.5-6 hrs, Accommodation: Spean Bridge

Day 3: Spean Bridge to Laggan

Head back to Gairlochry, past the Commando Memorial, and follow the shores of Loch Lochry. The countryside you are passing belongs to Clan Cameron, you can visit the Clan Museum on a small detour to Achnacarry. The path follows a minor road before reaching a fine section beside the loch. After a bit more roadwalking the path starts to follow forestry tracks just above the loch to South Laggan. Here, the cosy Eagle Inn, a converted Dutch barge offers food and drinks for weary walkers. Walk: 15 miles, 6-6.5 hrs, Accommodation: Laggan

Day 4: Laggan to Fort Augustus

Today’s walk starts at Laggan Bridge, with 106 ft the highest section of the Caledonian Canal. The third section of the Great Glen Way is fairly short but one of the finest of the route. Follow the lovely walk along the wild side of Loch Oich with its magnificent natural woodlands. You will leave the loch behind and follow the Canal past Kytra Lock to Fort Augustus. Walk: 10.5 miles, 4-4.5 hrs, Accommodation: Fort Augustus

Day 5: Fort Augustus to Invermoriston

Today’s short stage of the Great Glen Way leaves the Canal behind and starts following the shores of Loch Ness. The walking mostly follows forest tracks above the Loch with some good views but mostly the view is blocked by trees. A new High Route climbs high above Loch Ness, the famous and deepest loch in Scotland, with great views over the water before a steep zig zag descent to Invermoriston. The High Route a bit longer due to the steeper climb but is worth it for the stunning views. Walk: 7.5 miles, 3-4 hrs, Accommodation: Invermoriston

Day 6: Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit

The low-level option from Invermoriston keeps you on tracks through the forestry north of Loch Ness. Between the tree you get glimpses of the water and the hills on the south side of the Loch. The walk passes through woodland before reaching a minor road and crossing a high moorland area before the steep descent to Drumnadrochit. If you follow the High Route, prepare for some steep climbs through wooded hills north of the loch with some stunning vantage points before the path rejoins the low-level option. The village on the shores of Loch Ness is best know for the ruins of Urquhart Castle on the shores of the Loch and Nessie, the famous monster. Here you can visit one of the Monster Exhibitions before relaxing at the award-winning Fiddler’s Inn, famous for its Whisky collection. Walk: 14 miles, 6-7.5 hrs, Accommodation: Drumnadrochit

Day 7: Drumnadrochit to Inverness

The final section of the Great Glen Way is generally easy walking through farmland and forestry. It is however the longest section of the walk. Follow the route through the Abriachan Forest, which is the biggest community-owned forest in Britain. Past Blackfold the path descents towards Inverness and Moray. For the last mile of the walk you will rejoin the Caledonian Canal and follow the path into the centre of Inverness and to Inverness Castle where the Great Glen Way finishes. Walk: 19 miles, 7-9 hrs. Accommodation: Inverness

Day 8: Departure 

The capital of the Highlands is a tourist destination most famed for its proximity to Loch Ness. The city on the River Ness is one of the fastest growing cities in Western Europe, centre of the local folk music scene and packed with lively pubs, shops and restaurants. Take a walk to the Ness Islands before before saying goodbye to the Highlands. Individual departure from Inverness.

Services

Tour includes

• 7 overnight stays in 3-4* B&B accommodation (en-suite)
• Scottish breakfast
• luggage transfer from Fort William to Inverness
• Great Glen Way map
• comprehensive info pack including leisure and restaurant recommendations
• 24/7 emergency hotline

Not included

• flights
• lunch and dinner
• admissions

Optional add-ons

• £69 pp additional night in Edinburgh/Glasgow B&B, based on 2 people sharing (£41 single supplement)
• £89 pp additional night in Edinburgh/Glasgow hotel, based on 2 people sharing (£61 single supplement)
• £69 pp extra day/rest day
• from £50 transfer from Edinburgh/Glasgow to Fort William/Inverness (train or coach)

Additional Information

Duration: 8 days
Participants: from 1 pax
Start: Fort William
Finish: Inverness

When deciding on your travel dates, please bear in mind that we require at least 6 weeks to prepare. Every trip is meticulously planned and organised, and the information pack is compiled with great care and attention. We also have to allow time for the information pack to be delivered (postal delivery can take on average 4 weeks in Europe). If you do want to travel at short notice, please contact us by email. Thank you for your cooperation!

If you prefer to walk shorter distances or would like to add in a day or two of rest, that can be arranged.

Dates & Prices

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