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Travel the Great Glen Way

The long distance walking trail, the Great Glen Way, is a challenging route through some of the most dramatic scenery in Scotland. 73 miles/117 km in length, it follows the entire length of the Great Glen from Fort William in the south west to Inverness in the north east. (You can also walk from Inverness to Fort William in the other direction, of course!). There are many spectacular views to enjoy along the way, with some awesome panoramas on the Loch Ness section of the walk. There are also lots of historic and natural heritage sites and information. The route is suitable for all levels of walker and takes up to 7 days to complete. A must do hill walk, Meall Fuar-mhonaidh a short diversion from the trail just south of Drumnadrochit. Highly recommended for the spectacular coast-to-coast views from the top!

Great Glen Way Route

The Great Glen Way is 117 km in length, running from Fort William to Inverness.

Walk or Cycle The Great Glen Way

The Great Glen Way is 117 km in length, running from Fort William to Inverness. The route is part of the Loch Ness 360° Trail, so you can continue on at Inverness around the south side of Loch Ness, completing a full loop of the loch. Below, the Great Glen Way is split into six sections. You can set yourself the challenge of walking the entire trail. Or, you can choose any section and walk it at your own pace. Prefer to cycle? Why not hire bikes for the trail, see Ticket to Ride.

Section One: Fort William to Gairlochy

Length: 17 km
Walk time: 4 hours

Section One of the trail begins in Fort William and take you to the tiny village of Gairlochy.

You’ll find full instructions on how to walk from Fort William to Gairlochy on the Great Glen Way website.

Gairlochy to Laggan Locks

Explore this stretch between Gairlochy and Laggan Locks

Section Two: Gairlochy to Laggan Locks

Length: 19 km
Walk time: 5 hours

Section Two of the trail goes on to Laggan beside the River Spey.

You’ll find full instructions on how to walk from Gairlochy to Laggan Locks on the Great Glen Way website.

Section Three: Laggan Locks to Fort Augustus

Length: 17 km
Walk time: 4 hours

Section Three takes you to the popular town of Fort Augustus on the Caledonian Canal.

You’ll find full instructions on how to walk from Laggan Locks to Fort Augustus on the Great Glen Way website.

Fort Augustus to Invermoriston

Continue your spectacular journey in section four of the Great Glen Way

Section Four: Fort Augustus to Invermoriston

Length: 13 km
Walk time: 2.5 hours

Section Four starts at Fort Augustus and ends in Invermoriston.

You’ll find full instructions of how to walk from Fort Augustus to Invermoriston on the Great Glen Way website.

Section Five: Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit

Length: 23 km
Walk time: 4.5 hours

Section Five has a low route or high route option, taking you to the village of Drumnadrochit, home of Nessie.

You’ll find full instructions on how to walk from Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit on the Great Glen Way website.

Drumnadrochit to Inverness

Head to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness, on this stretch.

Section Six: Drumnadrochit to Inverness

Length: 32 km
Walk time: 9 hours

Section Six brings you to the end of the Great Glen Way at Inverness, capital of the Highlands. This longer part can be split into two at Abriachan.

You’ll find full instructions on how to walk from Drumnadrochit to Inverness on the Great Glen Way website.

The journey continues …

The Great Glen Way connects up with the South Loch Ness Trail at Inverness and Fort Augustus, creating a loop around the whole of Loch Ness. If you’d like to continue your route around the south side of the loch, please see the Loch Ness 360° Trail website. This epic journey takes around 6 days to complete or 3 days to cycle.

Find Out More

Walking

Cycling

Loch Ness 360° Trail

Great Glen Way