This iconic 7-day Great Glen Way walking holiday begins at Fort William and runs past Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and the forests above Loch Ness. Enjoy the Caledonian Canal towpaths, linking these major lochs and opt for the High Path through Drumnadrochit for dramatic views.
9 days, zero-hassle and all this included:
- 7 days self-guided hiking with navigation mobile app provided
- 8 nights accommodation in a range of local guesthouses & small hotels
- breakfast daily
- luggage transfers throughout
- transfers to / from trail where needed
- easy access, starting in Glasgow and ending in Inverness
- handy mobile app to keep every trip detail at your fingertips
- 24/7 telephone support during your adventure
- 1 native tree planted in our woodland
Plus flexible booking terms as part of our Adventure Promise, including instalment payments to spread the cost of your adventure.
See the full itinerary in the tab above.
For adventurers who:
Are experienced walkers looking for a multi-day hiking experience. The walks are moderately challenging and can take you over difficult paths. Expect undulating paths on the early stages, with the mid & later stages including significant ascents and descents.
Perfect for couples, friends and solo hikers
Day 1 - Fort William
Arrive in Fort William, Scotland’s outdoor capital and gateway to the Highlands. Check in to your hotel and take the opportunity to stock up with spare hiking socks, waterproof laters and more at the many outdoor gear shops in town.
Enjoy a relaxed evening, ready for the adventure ahead!
Day 2: Fort William to Gairlochy (17km / 108m)
A good day starts with a good breakfast. Then it’s time to check out of your room, leaving your luggage behind and carrying only your hiking essentials, as you set out on this iconic long distance hiking trail.
Set out under the shadow of the mighty Ben Nevis, joining the Caledonian Canal where it meets with Loch Linnhe. From the towpath to Banavie and Neptune’s Staircase, experiencing a series of canal locks that raise the canal by 24m across a distance of just 120m. Continue along the canal towpath, enjoying a flat walk through stunning mountain scenery above River Lochy, to arrive in Gairlochy.
From Gairlochy you will be collected by taxi and taken to your accommodation in nearby Spean Bridge. Relax, refuel and enjoy a good night’s rest at the end of your first day on the Great Glen Way.
Day 3: Gairlochy to South Laggan (19km / 320m)
After breakfast you’ll be collected for the short transfer back to Gairlochy to resume your walk along the Great Glen Way trail. Enjoy easy walking along minor roads and forest tracks, following the length of Loch Lochy, the first of the three major lochs along your route.
Arriving into South Laggan, you’ll be collected by taxi again for the short transfer back to Spean Bridge for a second night.
Day 4: South Laggan to Fort Augustus (21km / 130m)
After a good night’s sleep and filling breakfast, it’s time to checkout ready to move on to your next location. A short transfer takes you back to the trail at South Laggan, from where you’ll continue the route toward Fort Augustus.
Considered the most attractive of all the Great Glen lochs, enjoy walking along the shores of Loch Oich. One of Scotland’s most beautiful and natural woodlands, discover a rich variety of birds and wildlife. At the end of Loch Oich, the Oich Bridge reveals one of the prettiest sections of the entire walk, Kytra Lock.
Arriving into Fort Augustus, make your way to your guesthouse where you will be reunited with your luggage. Check in for the night and check out the local pubs and restaurants for a well deserved dinner.
Day 5: Fort Augustus to Invermoriston (13km / 330m)
Today you will continue your journey along the Great Glen Way, first to Glen Falloch and then continuing past Loch Ness along old military roads and forest tracks through the Douglas Firs. The trail has been relatively flat so far, but from here the elevation increases and this section includes some relatively steep climbs. Enjoy the impressive views of Loch Ness as descend into Invermoriston, a pretty little village and your home for tonight.
Check into your guesthouse and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Day 6: Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit (24km / 639m)
Make sure you get an early start and fuel up with a good breakfast. This is a big day and you’ll reach the trail’s highest point on today’s hike! Steep paths will take you high above Loch Ness, then descend again to the loch side, before climbing yet again. The last section of the day ends in Drumnadrochit, flanked by Glen Urquhart and Glen Moriston.
Enjoy a restful evening at your small family-run B&B.
Day 7: Drumnadrochit to Blackfold (19km / 480 m)
Your penultimate day is another sizeable one as you set off from Drumnadrochit to Blackfold. As you scale another steep climb, soak up the stunning views of Loch Ness. Today is a mix of woodland, farmland and moorland, including the hidden gem of Abriachan Wood where you can look for signs of pine martens, shy red squirrels and majestic golden eagles. Upon arrival in the tiny village of Blackfold, you’ll be collected and returned to your B&B in Drumnadrochit for a second night.
Day 8: Blackfold to Inverness (11km / 30m)
Today is the final leg day of the Great Glen Way and after a tough few days, your legs will be pleased to hear this is a relatively short flat day!
After a delicious breakfast, pack your bags and take the short transfer back to Blackfold. Resuming the trail from here, you’ll set off through the enchanting Caledonian Pine forest. Continuing along the gentle route to the outskirts of Inverness, a final steep descent takes you onto the Caledonian Canal. With a remarkable finish along Ness Islands, the imposing figure of Inverness Castle marks the end of the iconic Great Glen Way and your inspirational journey across Scotland. Congratulations, you’ve done it!
Check into your final guesthouse and enjoy a celebratory dinner in the city.
Day 9 : Depart from Inverness after breakfast
After a delicious and well-earned breakfast, it’s time to pack your bags and depart, knowing you’ve made a memorable achievement and seen parts of Scotland only those who brave it on foot will ever see!
What’s included
- 7 days self-guided hiking with navigation mobile app provided
- 8 nights accommodation in a range of local guesthouses & small hotels
- breakfast daily
- luggage transfers throughout
- transfers to / from trail where needed
- easy access, starting in Glasgow and ending in Inverness
- handy mobile app to keep every trip detail at your fingertips
- 24/7 telephone support during your adventure
- 1 native tree planted in our woodland
Supercharge Your Trip
- Private room – this trip is based on a 2-person booking in a shared room. We can usually accommodate requests for private rooms, please check when you enquire about dates
- The Great Glen Way is a great introduction to long distance walking in Scotland but it’s no easy feat! If you would like to add in a rest day mid trip, simply let us know and we can arrange an additional night
- Additional excursions can be arranged, including a wildlife cruise on Loch Linnhe, a boat trip on Loch Ness and a city walking tour of Inverness
- Add pre- or post-hike nights to extend your stay in Scotland
What you need to bring
- Comfortable waterproof walking boots or shoes
- Walking socks
- Waterproof jacket & trousers
- Walking poles (optional)
- Warm layers for walking
- Warm hat and gloves
- Suncream
- Midge spray
- Head torch
- Small first aid & blister kit
- Day backpack – to carry hydration, lunch, snacks and spare clothing
- Portable battery charger – to keep your phone powered for navigation and communication
What you need to know
- Enjoy the reassurance of flexible booking terms, part of our Adventure Promise
- Spread the cost of your adventure with instalment payments
- Check in is from 15:00 on your arrival day
- Dates are booked to suit you – please use the enquiry form to request availability of your preferred dates
- Suitable for age 16+ years (accompanied by a parent or guardian)
- Expect to be out walking for 4-7 hours per day
- This is your adventure and you’re in control – if you’d like any additional experiences or an extended stay, simply let us know when you submit your enquiry
- We’ll manage all the bookings and arrangements to make your experience perfect
Getting here
By Air
- The closest international airport to the start point is Glasgow Airport
- The closest international airport to the end point is Inverness Airport
By Rail
- The closest train station to the trip start point is Fort William Station, it is approximately a 10 minute walk to your accommodation
- The closest train station to the trip end point is Inverness Station, it is approximately a 15 minute walk from your accommodation
By Road
- The trip start point in Fort William is connected to Glasgow in the south and to Inverness in the east by the A82
- The trip end point in Inverness is well connected to the south of the UK by the A9
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