The Great Glen Way

The Great Glen way runs from Inverness to Fort William.

The Great Glen Way was formally opened in April 2002 by HRH Prince Andrew. It is 73 miles long and runs from Inverness to Fort William.
It is normally covered in 4-6 days and is in general on easy terrain such as canal towpaths and woodland paths.

Starting from Fort William will make it easier for the less experienced walker since the first stretch is not at all challenging! Also, the wind can fairy howl in from the sea off Loch Linnhe and it will give you a nice push from behind!

Inverness, Drumnadrochit, Invermoriston, Fort Augustus, Invergarry,  Spean Bridge and Fort William are clickable for accommodation. If you would like accommodation in the rest of the Highlands then click here

Start at the Old Fort in Fort William and head for Corpach where you will join the Caledonian Canal and see Neptune's Staircase, a series of seven canal gates. The towpath is an easy walk to Gairlochy.

If you had decided to stay here for the night then South Laggan is just a moment off the track ( Invergarry is the wrong side of Loch Oich and thus not  the actual walk - you'll have to walk beside the main road for a couple of miles but you could join the cycle track and re-join the walk at Aberchalder bridge. Check your map - this means that Forest Lodge and Lilac Cottage B&B  - you will get a particularly warm welcome at Lilac Cottage - (apart from YH) are the only accommodation we have in South Laggan almost on the track, (follow forest path as above but about a mile along turn right just before a small wooden bridge and go up the main A82 heading south)

Back on track and at the swing bridge  you cross the A82 immediately before the bridge and follow the road by the Great Glen Water Park. At the back of this you'll find the old railway line, remnants of the platform still around with huge trees sprouting from them. Follow this track along the shores of Loch Oich till you come to Aberchalder bridge.
View looking south over Loch Oich
  Locks a mile from Aberchalder towards F. Augustus

 Cross over the swing bridge to join the towpath on the other side. Along this very easy stretch to Kytra Lock and into Fort Augustus.

From Fort Augustus you should be 'weathered' enough to face the slightly more strenuous walk up the path where you are rewarded with spectacular views of Loch Ness and beyond. Follow the forest track to Invermoriston. Once out of Invermoriston you have another steep climb but another reward is in store with its views. Mostly forest track takes you along pass Grotaig  where you follow a quiet road turning off and going down  to Drumnadrochit (known as Drum to the locals). Once into the Drum' valley it's a somewhat laborious walk beside the main A82 (unless you stop for a cup of coffee in the local cafes and a loo stop - they're next to the TIC) through the village and about 2 miles heading north leaving the main road at Temple Pier.  Leaving Drum' and climbing up , once again with super views of   Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.  A reasonable climb through the woods  awash with foxgloves earlier in the year, over troll-like wooden bridges and when you think you're almost at the next stage you aren't!  

  However, it's easy going at the top      and you'll soon find yourself at Abriachan, a crofting community, where you'll join a quiet road to Blackford. Easy-peasy from here. Once here you go through Craig Leach forest coming out at the reservoir with its superb views of Inverness and the Moray Firth. Once downhill you can join the canal and river paths leading you into Inverness.

General walking links:

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