Great Glen Way – 7 nights / 6 days walking

About this trail

The Great Glen Way is an excellent introduction to walking in the Highlands. Much of the route is over reasonably level ground and a couple of sections offer choices to either stay on the valley floor or climb higher up the sides of the glen to obtain panoramic views.

A stone plinth marks the start of the Great Glen Way walking trail and from here you are led on footpaths close to the shore of Lochs Linnhe, Lochy and Oich and then on to the Caledonian Canal and then eventually to the famous Loch Ness. From here, the trail follows the northern side of Loch Ness through Invermoriston, Drumnadrochit and onwards over a stretch of moorland and forest to a final descent into Inverness.

Terrain and navigation

The Great Glen Way is well waymarked. Most of the route is along forest tracks and roads, and also uses sections of the Caledonian Canal towpath, old drove roads and purpose-built paths. Much of the trail is relatively undemanding and runs along the valley floor, though the higher route option between Fort Augustus and Alltsigh does offer some more rugged terrain and more strenuous climbs. The highest point on the route is on this section,  near the summit of Creag Dhearg.

Highest point: 421 metres
Total ascent / descent: 2140 metres / 2135 metres

Route elevation

Included as standard in the price

The price quoted is per person and is based on two people sharing a room. It includes:

• Carefully selected, en-suite bed and breakfast accommodation*
• Daily luggage transfers to your accommodation**
• All the necessary maps and guidebooks for your walk
• Route notes and maps detailing how to find your B&B at the end of each day
• The cost of any transfers that are required from the route to your accommodation if we are unable to book you into a B&B within easy walking distance of the trail
• Information about any special facilities offered by your hosts (eg hot tub or licensed bar)
• Suggestions and contact details for places for an evening meal each day
• Telephone support if required
• Advice from our team on travel to and from the start and end of the trail.

*En-suite is always chosen unless all options are booked out, in which case private bathrooms are sought. Customers are always consulted about non-en-suite options before details are finalised.

**Standard package includes one piece of baggage per walker, up to a maximum weight of 20kg. Additional bags can be transferred but incur an additional cost. Please enquire if you need this service.

Packed lunches and evening meals

The cost of these is not included in our standard package. All the accommodation providers we use offer packed lunches to keep you well fed during your walk. Payment is made directly to your hosts. Similarly, if you have an evening meal either at your accommodation or another local establishment, you pay them directly for it.

Optional extras that can be provided by Discovery Travel

Discovery Travel specialises in providing completely tailor-made services to our clients. This means that if our standard published itineraries do not suit our customers’ needs, we are always happy to discuss ways in which we can adjust accommodation, shorten or lengthen itineraries and distances to make for the perfect trip.

We also offer the following services to make for a seamless holiday:

• Transport to and from the start and finish of a trail
• Airport transfers
• Minibus and driver service, in particular for large groups where multiple accommodations are required each night and transfers are frequently required at the end of the day’s walk

If you are interested in any of the above or have any particular requirements, please do contact us to discuss your needs.

Make more of your break

If you would like to pause during your walk and explore one of the overnight locations for longer, you are free to select and add extra days to your holiday at any of your overnight stops. Prices for extra days are quoted above and will be added to the total cost of the holiday. If the itineraries on our website do not quite meet your requirements please do get in touch to arrange a bespoke trip.

Below are some suggestions for good places to spend an extra day or so.

Fort William

Take an extra day to scale the UK’s highest peak Ben Nevis from your base at Fort William, or else sign up for one of the many activities available in the UK’s outdoor activity capital. For Harry Potter and steam train fans, a trip on the wonderful Jacobite train to Mallaig and back is a must.

Drumnadrochit

Located on the northern shore of Loch Ness, Drumnadrochit is a popular destination for those wishing to catch a glimpse of the Loch Ness monster! Visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition or take a boat ride out to try and see her for yourself! Also nearby is Urquhart Castle, perched on the edge of the loch.

Inverness

With a wealth of historical sites, museums and places to shop and eat, there is plenty to do in this cosmopolitan Scottish city situated on the shore of the Moray Firth.

When to go

The weather in the UK can vary hugely so be prepared for all weathers whatever time of the year. April, May and June are when everything comes to life so it is very green, wild flowers are abundant and blossom abounds. July and August tend to be the warmest months, but it is rarely so warm as to be uncomfortable for walking. September is one of the most pleasant times in the countryside and is quieter as most people with children have finished their holidays. By October the days are getting shorter and the weather can be much more changeable.

Getting to and from the trail

By Air: Inverness has its own airport. Glasgow airport is a three hour train journey to Fort William and has a larger selection of inter-continental flights.

By Rail: There are mainline train stations at Fort William and Inverness, with services from all parts of the UK. For train times and fares visit National Rail Enquiries.

Got a question about travel? If you need any advice about travel to and from your walk please get in touch with Discovery Travel and we will be happy to help.