Your Complete Guide to Walking Scotland’s Great Glen Way
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Rachel RoseNovember 27 2025
Walking the Great Glen Way offers a unique journey through the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
With over two decades of experience in self-guided walking holidays in the UK & Ireland, Absolute Escapes is perfectly placed to help you explore the trail.
Based in Scotland, our team has first-hand knowledge of this iconic route, from the towpaths and forest tracks to the lochs and castles that make it so special.
Since opening in 2002, the Great Glen Way has become one of Scotland’s most iconic long-distance trails. The walk starts at the ruins of the Old Fort in Fort William, with views of Ben Nevis, and follows Scotland’s longest glen all the way to Inverness, covering a total distance of 73 miles (117 km).
The Glen is home to three major lochs: Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, and, of course, Loch Ness. This walk is steeped in military and clan rivalry history. It follows Thomas Telford’s Caledonian Canal, which connects the three lochs and passes the Clan Cameron Museum, Urquhart Castle, and eventually finishes at Inverness Castle.
Made up of towpaths, forest tracks, and former military roads, this trail is also popular among cyclists and canoeists travelling coast to coast.
How many days does it take to walk the Great Glen Way?
Most people complete the full trail in 5–7 days.
Our GGW1 itinerary covers the entire route over 5 walking days and 6 nights, with an average of 14.5 miles per day.
If you’d prefer a gentler pace, our GGW2 and GGW3 itineraries include additional overnight stops – including time in Fort Augustus – allowing you to break the journey into shorter daily distances.
You’ll find full details of all itineraries, daily walking distances, and overnight stops in the Great Glen Way Itineraries & Prices section of our website.
It’s also possible to add extra rest days to enjoy more of the surrounding Scottish scenery and history.
Where should I add a rest or sightseeing day on the Great Glen Way?
There are several stops along the way that provide excellent opportunities to slow down and take in more of Scotland’s natural beauty and heritage. Our team has a few favourites with great opportunities for sightseeing, boat trips, and spotting some famous postcard landscapes.
Fort William
To start your trip off on a high, take on the challenge of climbing Ben Nevis, which stands tall over Fort William at 4,413 feet.
If you would prefer to enjoy stunning views from a slightly more comfortable seat, the famous Jacobite Steam Train starts from Fort William and takes passengers on a beautifully scenic round trip, passing over Glenfinnan Viaduct, best known for its appearance in the Harry Potter films. Booking in advance is recommended, as the train sells out quickly each year.
If you have extra time, consider extending your Scottish adventure with our Scotland by Train tour. This self-guided rail tour includes the Jacobite Steam Train and a trip to the Isle of Skye – a perfect way to explore more of the Scottish Highlands without the need for a car.
Fort Augustus
Fort Augustus is the natural halfway point of the Great Glen Way. After a gentler start walking alongside Loch Lochy and Loch Oich, you may want to take an extra day to enjoy the Scottish village before setting off on the more challenging section of the walk.
There are several boat trips that set off from Fort Augustus to explore the loch. For those looking to outpace Nessie, you might even enjoy taking the speedboat.
Inverness
To delve deeper into the Highlands’ history, take an extra day of sightseeing in the capital of the Highlands, Inverness.
Before heading home, spend some time exploring the castle, cathedral, museums, and the well-known Leakey’s Bookshop.
How do I travel to and from the Great Glen Way?
Both Fort William and Inverness are well connected with public transport from all major cities, so you should be able to reach your starting point fairly easily, no matter where you are starting from. The closest airports for both domestic and international arrivals are Glasgow and Inverness. We suggest using Traveline Scotland to help plan the best route for your journeys.
Is there public transport along the Great Glen Way?
Scottish Citylink provides a bus service between Fort William and Inverness, stopping at many of the overnight locations on the trail, including Spean Bridge, South Laggan, Fort Augustus, Invermoriston, and Drumnadrochit.
When is the best time of year to walk the Great Glen Way?
To get the best of the Scottish weather, we recommend walking between May and August.
From mid-September to the end of October, you will be able to walk amongst the beautiful Scottish autumnal colours. Much of the Great Glen Way runs through large sections of forestry, giving plenty of opportunities to enjoy the autumn foliage.
How difficult is the Great Glen Way?
The Great Glen Way is a trail of two halves. Overall, the trail is graded as a moderate hike; however, there is a clear distinction in difficulty between the section that follows the Caledonian Canal on flat towpaths and the higher, more remote section that traverses alongside Loch Ness.
Fort William to Fort Augustus
The first half of the walk makes for a gentle start, following the Caledonian Canal from Corpach. There is very little elevation to Gairlochy as the path continues along the towpaths, rising slightly from Gairlochy and offering scenic views of the Glen along the full length of Loch Lochy.
The terrain remains smooth and flat to Fort Augustus, passing Loch Oich and back to the Caledonian Canal.
Fort Augustus to Inverness
The walk beyond Fort Augustus becomes much more remote, making its way over undulating forest tracks. Walkers have the option of taking the high or low route as the path splits in two between Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit.
If you are ready to take on some steeper climbs, we recommend taking the high route for the best experience and optimal views over Loch Ness.
What are the highlights on the Great Glen Way?
Ben Nevis: From the very start of your walk, you will have breathtaking views of Ben Nevis, towering over Fort William.
Corpach Shipwreck: Just a few kilometres into your walk, the impressive shipwreck from 2011 is a sight to behold, with Ben Nevis making an appearance in the background.
Neptune’s Staircase: Take a moment to behold this amazing feat of engineering built by Thomas Telford between 1803 and 1822. This is the longest staircase lock in Scotland, taking boats around 90 minutes to travel up. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet some of the boats that will be travelling alongside you as you walk past each loch.
Loch Ness: Arguably, the whole second half of this walk is a highlight as you are accompanied by the famous Loch Ness (keep your eyes peeled for you-know-who!).
Urquhart Castle: A short detour from the section between Invermoriston and Drumnadrochit will take you to the 13th-century castle associated with William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.
Do I need to book accommodation in advance?
To give us the best chance at securing the best accommodation at each stop along the trail, we recommend booking your Great Glen Way holiday 6-9 months in advance. In some overnight stops, there are just a few options, so booking early can help secure the best and most enjoyable arrangements for your trip.
We ensure comfortable stays with friendly hosts along the way. Examples of the accommodation we use include:
Do I need to carry my own bags on the Great Glen Way?
You don’t need to worry about carrying your large rucksack along the trail. We will arrange bag transfers so you only have to take what you need for the day. Your luggage will be dropped off each day at your next overnight stop.
Can I walk the Great Glen Way solo?
Yes, this is a great trail to walk solo. The path is clear all the way along, with mainly smooth terrain. It is perfect for enjoying quiet moments of solitude in the atmospheric glen. There is also a great sense of community along the trail, and your hosts will look after you well.
When travelling solo, it is a good idea to inform your accommodation hosts of your estimated arrival times in advance.
Can a friend join me for part of the Great Glen Way?
Most of our packages have a minimum requirement of 5 nights’ accommodation, as we specialise in long-distance walking holidays and are therefore unable to offer shorter weekend breaks.
That said, if you have a companion who would like to join you for part of the walk, we’d be delighted to include them in your package.
Is the Great Glen Way well signposted?
Yes, the Great Glen Way is very clearly signposted with the iconic Scottish Great Trails thistle on pale blue posts all the way along.
Can I take my dog on the Great Glen Way?
While the trail is suitable for dogs, we’re not currently able to arrange holidays with dogs, as suitable dog-friendly accommodation along the route is very limited and cannot be guaranteed.
What should I pack for the Great Glen Way?
Once you set off from Fort William, you will make your way to overnight stops, mainly in small villages with few shops, so make sure to be well prepared with everything you need ahead of your holiday.
Well-worn walking boots are essential, along with a waterproof jacket, trousers, and layered clothing for changing conditions (it is Scotland, after all!). A comfortable rucksack and walking poles will make the trail easier, and don’t forget essentials like blister plasters and a small first-aid kit.
If you are walking in June, July, or August, you may come across midges, so we recommend packing some Smidge to keep them at bay. Above all, the most important thing is that your kit is tried and tested so you know it works for you on the trail.
What are the best food and drink stops along the Great Glen Way?
Hearty meals are available all the way along the trail. In the larger towns at the start and end of your trip, you will have a great variety of food to choose from, and in the smaller villages, you will be well catered for by local favourites. Recommended options include:
Black Isle Brewing Co., Fort William – Pizza and a pint with wood-fired pizzas and craft beers.
Eagle Barge Inn, South Laggan – Cosy barge dining atop the Caledonian Canal. An Absolute Escapes team favourite.
MacGregor’s Bar, Inverness – for a celebratory drink and live music.
Many local pubs along the route serve fresh, locally sourced produce, giving walkers a true taste of the Highlands.
How busy is the Great Glen Way compared to the West Highland Way?
While being one of Scotland’s most iconic walking trails, the Great Glen Way is relatively quiet. Compared to the West Highland Way, it has around 90,000 fewer users each year.
Towns such as Fort William, Fort Augustus, and Inverness will be busier in the summer months, but the trail itself offers plenty of quiet moments to appreciate the remote surroundings and atmosphere of the glen.
Can I walk the Great Glen Way north to south?
Traditionally, this trail is walked south to north to keep the prevailing winds behind you. This route starts with the flatter section of the walk and progresses to the more scenic and elevated sections.
We also offer each itinerary in reverse, including the official Cicerone guidebook, which navigates the trail in both directions with useful maps.
Can I combine the West Highland Way and Great Glen Way into one trip?
Yes, you can combine them!
With the West Highland Way finishing in Fort William and the Great Glen Way starting there, these two trails can be seamlessly joined. Simply let us know when enquiring that you would like to combine both trails.
How can I book a walking holiday on the Great Glen Way?
We would be delighted to help you explore this stunning trail on a self-guided walking holiday. On our dedicated Great Glen Way page, you’ll find itinerary ideas and suggested daily stages along this iconic trail. We offer three different itineraries that allow you to find the trip that best suits your walking pace and schedule.
