Self Guided View Trip Dates The Great Glen Way Book Now
Trip Grade: Blue 4 Point to Point The Great Glen Way
The Great Glen Way traverses Scotland from west to east, following the Great Glen fault line which almost splits Scotland in two.
Hiking past some of our most beautiful lochs, including Loch Ness, at 117km the Great Glen Way route is one of Scotland’s finest long distance trails.
The trail begins in Fort William beneath the slopes of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. You will then trek north-east through spectacular scenery and past lochs Lochy, Oich and, of course, Loch Ness. The hike becomes more challenging in its second half as the path takes to the hillsides above the loch, but by then you are well warmed up to the hike. You finish the route in the capital of the Highlands, Inverness.
Highlights • Traverse Scotland from coast to coast on a rewarding journey through deep glens and past dramatic mountain ranges. • Take in the sweeping views across Loch Ness, perhaps catching a glimpse of the Loch Ness Monster! • Enjoy moderate hiking on good trails as you hike from village to village through this spectacular geological fault line. • We will arrange all accommodation, luggage transfer and provide you with maps and comprehensive route notes.
Book with confidence • You pick the dates that suit you – we make all the arrangements required. PLEASE NOTE – The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wilderness Scotland Guide with regard to weather conditions and other factors. Planned Itinerary Day 1 | Arrival in Fort William Day 2 | Past Ben Nevis to Gairlochy Day 3 | Gairlochy to South Laggan Day 4 | South Laggan to Fort Augustus Day 5 | Fort Augustus to Invermoriston Day 6 | Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit Day 7 | Drumnadrochit to Inverness Day 8 | Depart Inverness
Arrival Info
• Make your own transport arrangements to Fort William and your first nights accommodation Departure Info
• From Inverness depart for home or onward travel after breakfast the day after completing the hike.
For advice on getting to and from Scotland please our travel advice page on our website: www.wildernessscotland.com/faq/travel-to-scotland/ Day 1 | Arrival in Fort William
Today you’ll make your own way to Fort William where you’ll spend the night at your first guesthouse of the trip. Tomorrow morning the hike begins!
Day 2 | Past Ben Nevis to Gairlochy
The route starts in Fort William and takes you close to Inverlochy Castle, built in the 1200s, then continues to the start of the Caledonian Canal. From here the journey along Scotland’s longest glen and greatest geological fault begins. Following the canal towpath, you travel up Neptune’s Staircase, a ladder of eight locks which give some of the best views of Ben Nevis, and continue along to Gairlochy.
Walk details: 17km/10.5 miles | Ascent: 40m
Day 3 | Gairlochy to South Laggan
The second day’s walk sticks fairly closely to the west shore of Loch Lochy. It follows mainly quiet, forest tracks with high mountains rising up on both sides of the loch, offering fine views. By the time you reach your accommodation, you will have hiked the length of Loch Lochy.
Walk details: 9km/11.5 miles | Ascent: 85m Day 4 | South Laggan to Fort Augustus
You hike along the east shore of Loch Oich, joining the famous Caledonian Canal at the north end of the Loch. This is one of the easier days on the trail so take your time and enjoy the scenery. After leaving Loch Oich behind, you follow the canal to Fort Augustus at the southern end of Loch Ness, which stretches into the distance in front of you.
Walk details: 17km/10.5 miles | Ascent: 10m
Day 5 | Fort Augustus to Invermoriston
Today you will walk along the west side of the world famous Loch Ness. There are two route options – a high and lower level route. Both are the same overall length but the higher one obviously adds more ascent. It also provides some of the best views of the trip above the forest and the loch, stretching on for miles on miles. The higher route is therefore usually preferred, but if you want an easier day you can stay lower down.
Walk details: 12km/7.5 miles | Ascent: 120m (low level option) / 480m (high level option)
Day 6 | Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit
Today you again have the choice of a high or low level route, however this only affects the first part of the day. Either way, there is still a fair amount of ascent today. The high level option climbs a hill beside Drumnadrochit, offering superb views again before descending gradually through forest to rejoin the original route. The low option skirts past this hill through forestry. After the paths rejoin you will pass the tiny hamlet of Bunloit – this marks halfway along Loch Ness. From here there is a section along a quiet road before a steep trail descends to Drumnadrochit and day’s end.
Walk details: 23km/14.5 miles | Ascent: 500m (low level option) / 740m (high level option) Day 7 | Drumnadrochit to Inverness
The final day is a long trek but with straightforward walking on decent trails and a short section of quiet road. After about 4km the route leaves Loch Ness and heads inland, climbing up onto open hillside where you are rewarded with more views down Loch Ness and the Great Glen. You descend gradually through forest as you walk north and meet the River Ness at the edge of Inverness. The last few miles follow the river bank, finishing in the city centre with views across the river to Inverness Castle. *
On reaching Inverness, you will have traversed Scotland from coast to coast along its most natural route, the Great Glen. On arrival in Inverness, settle into your accommodation then decide whether you need an early night, or if it is time to celebrate your success!
* Day 7 can be split into 2 shorter days with an extra night’s accommodation in Drumnadrochit.
Walk details: 29km/18 miles | Ascent: 480m
Day 8 | Depart Inverness
After breakfast this morning you can start your journey homeward, though if you have time or wish to add an extra night to your itinerary you may enjoy a look around Inverness before departing. On the way home you’ll have time to look back and reflect on a memorable hike across Scotland. Trip Grading | Blue 4 |
Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. We walk at a good pace and you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will not always be on a path and the terrain underfoot can be rough and boggy, including boulder fields and mountain tops. Some of the daily walks will involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. Daily distances will be up to approx 16km but may be longer occasionally.
The weather in Scotland can be unpredictable and at times can make activities more challenging. Please do bear this in mind when thinking about what trip to join.
If you have any questions about the grading, then please do give our Adventure Consultants a call to chat through your experience and suitability for this trip.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are appropriately fit and capable of doing the described hikes in the expected times. Please refer to the grading section on our website for more details. If you are unsure we encourage you to speak to us first. Accommodation and Meals
This is a point to point itinerary where you walk to a new accommodation each day. The accommodation on this trip is graded as Classic and we handpick the best available accommodation along the route, which ranges from small guesthouses, Highland inns, small hotels and bed and breakfast establishments.
As accommodation is in short supply on this route however, please note that some establishments will be better than others.
Our accommodation partners are carefully chosen according to a number of factors - charming locations, very good facilities and a reputation for providing Highland hospitality. Wherever available, we will reserve en suite rooms for you, however on this trip it is not always possible.
Breakfast is included each morning. Lunches and evening meals are not included however many guest houses will also be able to provide a packed lunch for you if you ask them the night before. Local shops sell sandwiches and snacks for the day ahead. Evening meals can be taken in local restaurants, hotels or bars.
Single Rooms
Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.
Wherever available, we will reserve en suite rooms for you. Please note however that on the West Highland Way this is not always possible due to the limited accommodation options, so on some nights you will have private facilities instead. Inclusions
This trip includes the following:
• 7 nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in guest houses, B&Bs, small hotels and inns along the route.
• Luggage transfer for 1 bag per person for the duration of the trip, meaning you will only have to carry a day rucksack while you hike
• Comprehensive information pack containing your maps, route notes, amenities dossier and helpful information for your hike
• The services of the Wilderness Scotland Team prior to & during your trip
Extra Nights & Accommodation Upgrades If you wish to choose upgraded accommodation you may consider the following options. Please contact a member of the team to book. • Upgraded accommodation package – we will reserve the best rooms available along the route • Split Day 7 and walk the route over 8 days. • Upgraded package plus luxury nights at 5 star Inverlochy Castle and Rocpool Reserve Our holidays reviewed in your words…
Wilderness Scotland is an outstanding company “ that reflects the warm and friendly people of Scotland. We are looking forward to a future hiking trip and tailoring it to our itinerary and time frame. Joseph Rayball ”
All Trip Reviews Here Sustainable Travel
Wilderness Scotland is committed to the principles of ecotourism. We work very hard to ensure our engagements with local communities, wild lands and wildlife are positive.
We are a proud partner of the Leave No Trace Centre for Outdoor Ethics, which enhances our commitment to responsible activity in Scotland’s wild lands, as enshrined in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC).
We are also proud to be a John Muir Trust Peak Partner. Thanks in part to the generosity of our clients though our Conservation Contribution scheme the John Muir Trust can rely on our investment to go towards conservation projects that have a deep connection to Wilderness Scotland and the areas we adventure in.
You can learn more about the work we’re doing with the John Muir Trust and the other ways we care for the wild places we love here. Equipment List
Check out our guide on what to wear when adventuring in Scotland. wildernessscotland.com/blog/hiking-in-scotland-what-to-wear
Eat | Stay | See
Looking for accommodation for before or after your adventure with us? Check out our list of where to stay and what to do
Eat – Stay – See – Inverness.pdf
Eat – Stay – See – Fort William.pdf
General Info – Scotland
From food and drink to the Loch Ness Monster, our General Info for Scotland guide has got you covered for all your need to know facts.
General-Info-Scotland.pdf Travel Insurance
It is your responsibility to take out appropriate travel insurance to cover you during your trip. This should include cover for cancellation prior to the trip, the activities undertaken (i.e hiking), curtailment, and adequate medical insurance for sickness/ injury and medical repatriation. We also strongly recommend you have cover for your other travel arrangements such as flights, and your personal possessions.
We suggest you do your own research to find the best insurance cover for you however the follow companies offer suitable policies.
Campbell Irvine Direct – campbellirvinedirect.com Journeyman Insurance Services – journeyman-services.com/travelInsurance
If you cancel your holiday charges will apply. Please see section 2 of our terms and conditions for a breakdown: wildernessscotland.com/make-a-booking/booking-conditions
Travel With Confidence
You can book with us in complete confidence that all trip payments made to us are fully protected.
Wilderness Scotland Ltd is a licensed and bonded tour operator. Your financial security is guaranteed through our membership and bonding with ABTA. FAQs
Looking for more information? Check out our frequently asked questions page.
wildernessscotland.com/selfguided/faq
Questions To Ask? Ready to Book?
If you want to get in touch please send us an email or give us a call. We accept bookings online, by email, or over the phone. A deposit of 25% is required at the time of booking to secure the trip with the balance payable 8 weeks (56 days) before departure. If booking less than 56 days before the trip start date, full payment of the trip price is required immediately.
We accept payment by credit or debit card, or bank transfer.
email: [email protected] View Trip Dates Tel (UK and Europe): +44(0)1479 420 020 Book Now Tel (US and Canada): 866-740-3890