Long distance
Great Glen Way
Low-level coast-to-coast walk along the Great Glen, linking Fort William with Inverness via the shores of Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness.
Quick facts
- Distance
- 127 km/ 79 mi
- Typical days
- 6
- Total ascent
- 2000 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Start → Finish
- Fort William → Inverness
- Best direction
- South to North
✔ Waymarked throughout
Our take
The Great Glen Way is the easiest of the official long-distance trails and the obvious progression from shorter walks. Mostly low-level forestry and towpath alongside the Caledonian Canal, with some brilliant high-level alternative routes that are worth the extra effort on dry days. Good choice for an early-season walk.
Highlights
- Neptune's Staircase at Banavie
- The high-level alternative above Loch Ness
- Drumnadrochit and Urquhart Castle
- Finish on the banks of the River Ness in Inverness
Best months
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Accommodation
Well-served by B&Bs and small hotels. Several campsites and a handful of wild camping spots. Book ahead in July-August.
Resupply
Resupply available at Gairlochy, Laggan, Fort Augustus, Invermoriston, Drumnadrochit. Longest resupply gap is ~25km around Invergarry.