The Great Glen Way

The Great Glen Way

tourhub | Walkers' Britain | The Great Glen Way | WGL
tourhub | Walkers' Britain | The Great Glen Way | WGL tourhub | Walkers' Britain | The Great Glen Way | WGL

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 tourhub | Walkers' Britain | The Great Glen Way | WGL

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 tourhub | Walkers' Britain | The Great Glen Way | WGL tourhub | Walkers' Britain | The Great Glen Way | WGL tourhub | Walkers' Britain | The Great Glen Way | WGL | Map
72 Views
8 Days From

$1290

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Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Scotland with "The Great Glen Way" tour. This self-guided adventure takes you from Fort William to Inverness, offering breathtaking views of Ben Nevis and the Scottish Highlands. Walk along canal and loch-side footpaths, explore historic sites like Old Inverlochy Castle and Urquhart Castle, and enjoy the serene beauty of Loch Ness. Stay in charming guesthouses, with luggage transfers and an emergency hotline ensuring a hassle-free experience. With daily walks ranging from easy to moderate, this tour is perfect for those seeking both relaxation and adventure in Scotland's stunning landscapes. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Walking in the Heart of Scotland

  • Hiking Through the Scottish Highlands

  • Canal and Loch-Side Footpaths

  • Views of Ben Nevis

  • Exploring Old Inverlochy Castle

  • Visiting the Well of the Seven Heads

  • Excursions to Urquhart Castle

  • Exploring the Loch Ness Monster visitor centers in Drumnadrochit

Itinerary

tourhub | Walkers' Britain | The Great Glen Way | WGL | Route Map

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Day 1 : Arrive Fort William

Location: Fort William

Accommodation Name: Guischan House

Meals Included: Breakfast

Make your own way to Fort William. There are only traces left of the original fort built to keep the dreaded Highlanders at bay. Today the town is the “Chamonix” of Scotland with a proliferation of outdoor shops, cafes, bookshops and bars to entertain you if you arrive early. If you have an extra night here and you are an experienced hill walker, you could go and climb Ben Nevis, or you could take a boat trip to “Seal Island” to see the grey seals loitering around. Accommodation: Our usual guesthouse is Guisachan House situated in the centre of Fort William. However we use a selection of bed & breakfast/guesthouses in Fort William all offering ensuite facilities. ...more ...less

Day 2 : Fort William to Gairlochy 17 km/10.5 miles

Location: Fort William

Accommodation Name: Distant Hills Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today’s walk is very easy which will give you the opportunity to do several side trips. The first one being Old Inverlochy Castle, which is one of Scotland’s earliest stone castles, built in 1260. Continue on with your walk before taking a short diversion to Corpach sea loch, with its lock-keepers’ cottages and pepper-pot lighthouse. You then head up to the tow path of the Caledonian Canal following it past “Neptune’s staircase” (a flight of 8 locks) to the small village of Gairlochy. You will be staying at Spean Bridge, which is another 3.5 miles hilly walk as there is no accommodation on the route. Normally the guesthouse will be able to collect and transfer you for a fee by prior arrangement, if you prefer not to walk.
Accommodation: Distant Hills Guesthouse is a modern gueshouse and is set amongst beautiful mountain scenery.

Day 3 : Gairlochy to South Laggan 17.5 km/11 miles or 21km /13 miles

Location: Gairlochy

Accommodation Name: Forest Lodge Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

A mainly easy walk today, but it does have some short steep ascents. You will be walking on a mixture of tarmac, forest paths and tracks, mostly shared with the Great Glen Cycle Route. Two miles after the start of your walk, you could take a side trip to Clan Cameron Museum and Cia-aig waterfall before rejoining the Way at Clunes (an extra couple of miles or so) but note that the museum is only open in the afternoons. From Clunes all the way to Kilfinnan, you walk on forest tracks, you will get splendid views of Loch Lochy with the mountains behind.
Accommodation: Forest Lodge Guesthouse is surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Day 4 : South Laggan to Fort Augustus 21 km/13 miles

Location: Fort Augustus

Accommodation Name: Thistle Dubh

Meals Included: Breakfast

Due to logging activity on the east side of Loch Oich until December 2024, The Great Glen Way follows the Invergarry Link from South Laggan. This way marked route has always existed as an option on the Great Glen Way. It takes you through the woodland on the West side of Loch Oich, rather than following the old railway line on the east side. Before you take the trail to Invergarry you can do a dog leg diversion to visit The Well of the Seven heads and learn about its grim history. There is a handy cafe nearby if you need to steady your nerves! Continuing on, the route has some great views down to the loch; before you descend to the small village of Invergarry and cross the River Garry. There is a small hotel here if you want a drink and also a service station for snacks. There is another up and over before you rejoin the route at the top of Loch Oich and following the Caledonian canal tow path to Fort Augustus.
If you have time, you could walk up Meall a’Cholumain from Fort Augustus, which is a great viewpoint. Fort Augustus was largely built in 1729 as the hub of General Wade’s military road building programme to calm the highlanders after Culloden and there are 5 locks at the centre of town on the Canal and museums. There are some great restaurants here, you may even have enough time for a short cruise on Loch Ness.
Accommodation: Our usual accommodation is Thistle Dubh, it is a small family run bed & breakfast. However we use a number of mainly Victorian age guesthouses and b&b establishments in this busy village.

Day 5 : Fort Augustus to Invermoriston 13 km/8 miles

Location: Invermoriston

Accommodation Name: Darroch View

Meals Included: Breakfast

A harder day today with steeper ascents. You will climb through a forest of birch and pine, beside a stream and uphill to a forest track. You should get some dramatic views of Loch Ness at intervals through the woods. Walk through the village of Invermoriston with its little bridge built by Thomas Telford. The Invermoriston Hotel is a great place to eat and has several types of malt whisky. They also have great beer from The Skye Brewery. There are nice leafy walks down by the river. Note our route describes the low level option for this leg.
Accommodation: Darroch View is a guesthouse that was purpose built in 1995 to provide a family home and bed & breakfast accommodation. Each bedroom is well-furnished and has a spacious ensuite. You can relax in the evening by the open fire in the lounge, while the breakfast room enjoys great views of Sron Na Muic.

Day 6 : Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit 22 km/14 miles

Location: Drumnadrochit

Accommodation Name: Glenkirk Bed & Breakfast

Meals Included: Breakfast

A moderate day of walking with some steep sections. There is quite a bit of undulation today, but hopefully you’ll be used to the walking now! For strong walkers in good weather you could ascend Meall Fuar-Mhonaidh from where you may get views from Ben Nevis all the way to Inverness. You can take excursions to Urquhart Castle with commanding views over Loch Ness, with a stop at the café or an interpretational centre. You end up at Drumnadrochit, an attractive ‘Green Village’, which has a Loch Ness Monster visitor’s centre…or two! Note our route describes the low level option for this leg.
Accommodation: Glenkirk Bed & breakfast was once the village church and has been renovated and transformed into a bed & breakfast.

Day 7 : Drumnadrochit to Inverness 21 km/14 miles

Location: Inverness

Accommodation Name: The Coo's Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is normally a long day: 19 mile/30.5 km, which may be too much, especially if you want to see something of Inverness. So the tour is shortened by an optional taxi transfer taking you from the town to Loch Laide, famous for its very clean water. Descend then to Blackford and the Great Glen once again meets the Caledonian Canal before reaching Inverness, a beautiful city of past and modern, although mostly Victorian. If the taxi option is taken then this is a 21 km/14 mile walk. Accommodation: Eskdale Guesthouse is a small and warm guesthouse located on the west bank of the River Ness.

Day 8 : Arrangements end after breakfast

Location: Inverness

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast depart from Inverness.You may wish to spend another day visiting the Neo Gothic St. Andrew’s Cathedral and the Castle, the museum and art galleries at Scotland’s Northern Capital. We would recommend that you visit Fort George, the Clava Stones and the newly rebuilt Culloden centre, which are all nearby, and with the exception of the Clava Stones, on local bus routes.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    7 nights in small guesthouses

  • 7 breakfasts

  • 7 nights accommodation in small guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities where available

  • One piece of luggage per person transferred from Inn to Inn, not to exceed 20kg

  • Digital information pack including route notes & maps

  • Emergency hotline

  • Taxi transfer on Day 7 to Loch Laide

  • Lunch, Dinner and drinks

  • Entrance fees

  • Travel insurance

  • Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip

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What's Not Included

  • Lunch, Dinner and drinks

    Lunch, dinner, and drinks are not included in the package.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees to attractions and sites are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not provided and must be arranged separately.

  • Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip

    Travel to the starting point in Fort William and from the end point in Inverness is not included.

  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls

    Personal expenses, including laundry and phone calls, are not covered.

  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip

    Any unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.

  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room

    A supplement fee will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday

    This is a self-guided holiday, and no guide is provided.

  • Excess Luggage

    Any excess luggage beyond the one piece per person limit is not included.

Accommodation

7 nights in small guesthouses. Described is the normal accommodation that we use on this tour. At the time of booking please be aware that other accommodation might be used instead, if these choices are full or closed for whatever reason. Rooms generally do not have baths, the main reason being that they take up a lot of space, some hotels/guesthouses may have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests, but on the whole it is generally showers. ...more ...less

What You Carry

As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including raincoat, lunch supplies, waterbottle, warm top, camera etc.

Grading

Easy to moderate, walking approx 8 miles/ 13 km to 18miles/ 29km. 3.5-8 hours The route starts fairly flat but gets harder over the last 3 days with short steep hills and longer hills on the last day of walking. The last day of walking can be reduced by taking optional taxi transfer (included in the price) to a point about a third along the trail, missing out the steep climb. ...more ...less

Mode of Transport

The tour includes a taxi transfer on Day 7 to Loch Laide. Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip is not included.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides 7 nights in small guesthouses, typically with ensuite facilities where available. Rooms generally do not have baths, but some hotels/guesthouses may have a separate room with a bath available to guests.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 7 breakfasts. Lunch, dinner, and drinks are not included.

  • Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?

    Yes, one piece of luggage per person, not exceeding 20kg, is transferred from Inn to Inn.

  • What should I carry during the walks?

    You only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including a raincoat, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and camera.

  • Is there an emergency contact available during the tour?

    Yes, an emergency hotline is provided as part of the tour package.

  • Are there any optional activities or side trips during the tour?

    Yes, there are several optional activities and side trips, such as visiting Old Inverlochy Castle, Corpach sea loch, Clan Cameron Museum, Cia-aig waterfall, The Well of the Seven Heads, and Urquhart Castle. You can also take a boat trip to 'Seal Island' or a short cruise on Loch Ness.

  • What is the difficulty level of the walks?

    The walks are graded as easy to moderate, with distances ranging from approximately 8 miles/13 km to 18 miles/29 km. The route starts fairly flat but gets harder over the last 3 days with short steep hills and longer hills on the last day of walking.

  • Is there an option to reduce the walking distance on the last day?

    Yes, the last day of walking can be reduced by taking an optional taxi transfer, which is included in the price, to a point about a third along the trail, missing out the steep climb.

  • Is this a guided tour?

    No, this is a self-guided holiday. An information pack including route notes and maps is provided.

  • What happens if the usual accommodation is not available?

    If the usual accommodation is full or closed for any reason, other accommodation options will be used instead.

  • Self-guided holidays - inclusions

    We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip

  • Trip Grading & Preparation

    Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.

  • Route notes

    While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.

  • How our self-guided holidays work

    Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

R. Witt(Colorado, USA)  

The Great Glen Way

09 Jul 2019

We had a great time walking The Great Glen Way. Food was great, people were friendly and beautiful views. We would highly recommend this walk.

A. Weaver(Canada)  

The Great Glen Way

27 May 2024

We recently finished walking the Great Glen Way in Scotland. It was a wonderful time, our agent Peggy was very helpful and we thoroughly enjoyed the walk and the places we stayed.

Philip Clements-Jewery(Huddersfield)  

The Great Glen Way

18 Jul 2021

We had a great time walking the Great Glen Way, with the weather mostly fine and only a little rain. Wonderful views, especially from the high-level routes. However, the route instructions were sometime a little hard to decipher. I particular the information about Blackfold on page 19 is not necessary because the signposted path turns off before reaching that point. ...more ...less

J & R Rieth(Ohio, USA)  

The Great Glen Way

30 May 2019

First walking holiday and already thinking about our next adventure with Walkers' Britain. Excellent B&B's. All accommodations were fantastic. Staff at every location was friendly and helpful. Great service across the board.

Steve S.(, UK)  

The Great Glen Way

17 Jul 2021

Great walk nice views really good accommodation

Carol H.(US)  

The Great Glen Way

11 Aug 2021

Great walk nice views really good accommodation.

Ellen Brock(Virginia, USA)  

The Great Glen Way

15 Sep 2022

Overall the various BnBs were great, the hosts were warm, friendly, helpful with information about the trail and what to expect.

M. Campbell & S. Purcer(Washington, USA)  

The Great Glen Way

26 Sep 2016

Thank you, we had a fabulous time, and an unforgetable experience. We will definitely return.

T. Cleland(United States)  

The Great Glen Way

4 Jul 2023

This was our first walking trip in Europe and we had a good time. The route is a mix of canal paths and roads and trails through farms and forests above the lochs. A lot of the forests you see are tree farms, less scenic than a natural forest. Would recommend taking the high routes where possible for nice views of the lochs and highlands. They did a fine job with arranging the lodging and handling the luggage transfers. They also made sure that each B&B was aware of my wife's dietary restrictions. ...more ...less

R. Melchior(USA)  

The Great Glen Way

10 Jun 2022

Solitude; Less scenic than the West Highland Way but beautiful walk along the lochs; rich history in Caledonia Canal and lochs; less accommodations in number and quality; six more days of rain.

Read all 14 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

The Great Glen Way

8 Days Starting in Fort William, Scotland and ending in Inverness, Scotland

Visiting: Fort William, Gairlochy, Fort Augustus, Invermoriston, Drumnadrochit, Inverness

Tour operator:

Walkers' Britain

Tour code:

WGL

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

introductory to moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active, Walking Hiking and Trekking

Interests:

Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours

Activities:

Hiking, Sightseeing

From: $1290 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 29-Mar-2025 but subject to change.