Great Glen Way walking itinerary

Distance:
73 miles (117 km)
Airports:
Inverness

Plan your route: VisitBritain Journey Planner

The Great Glen Way was opened in 2002 by H.R.H Prince Andrew, Earl of Inverness. It runs from Fort William to Inverness, or perhaps more romantically, from Ben Nevis (Britain's highest peak) to Loch Ness. There are spectacular views and historical natural heritage to be discovered all along the way, and the trail is suitable for walkers of most abilities.

Day 1: Fort William - Gairlochy

Fort William - Gairlochy: 11 miles (18 km)
Totals for Day: 11 miles (18 km)

Fort William

Credit: wwwlicious

The Great Glen Way starts in Fort William. The town is the capital of Scotland's Lochaber District, and is also home to Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak. As well as being a great challenge to climbers, the mountain has provided the dramatic backdrop for films such as Braveheart, Highlander and Rob Roy. Take a cable car to the Aonach Mor Ski Resort to admire the views.

Must see & do:

Ben Nevis Distillery | Treasures of the Earth | West Highland Museum | Ben Nevis Woollen Mill

Gairlochy

The walk along the Way brings you to the village of Gairlochy, which lies on the southern end of Loch Lochy. From the village, you can enjoy great views on Ben Nevis, Aonach Mor and the surrounding mountains. Gairlochy isn't a particularly big or busy place, but it's a great place to stop and meet other walkers.

Must see & do:

Spean Bridge Woollen Mill | Clan Cameron Museum

Day 2: Gairlochy - South Laggan

Gairlochy - South Laggan: 13 miles (21 km)
Totals for Day: 13 miles (21 km)

South Laggan

Credit: Vicki

Today, stop in the hamlet of South Laggan, which boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the Great Glen. Surrounded by the Monadhliath and Grampian mountain ranges, South Laggan offers a variety of wildlife, ranging from Golden Eagles to Red Deer, and an abundance of wild flowers, plants and trees.

Must see & do:

Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre | Fort Augustus Abbey

Day 3: South Laggan - Aberchalder - Fort Augustus 

South Laggan - Aberchalder: 4 miles (6 km)
Aberchalder - Fort Augstus: 5 miles (8 km)
Totals for Day: 9 miles (14 km) 

Aberchalder

The small village of Aberchalder is situated on the north east end of Loch Oich. The views from Aberchalder take in Loch Oich, the River Oich and Thomas Telford's Caledonian Canal. It was at Aberchalder Lodge in 1745 that Prince Charles Edward Stuart ('Bonnie Prince Charlie') gathered over 2,000 men for his march to the Scottish lowlands.

Must see & do:

Fort Augustus Abbey | Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre

Fort Augustus

Credit: conner395

The village of Fort Augustus is the next stop on the Way. The village and its fort were named after King George II's youngest son, Prince William Augustus. Fort William lies on both the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness. Visit the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre, where you can learn about the history and operation of the canal.

Must see & do:

Fort Augustus Abbey

Day 4: Fort Augustus - Invermoriston

Fort Augustus - Invermoriston: 8 miles (13 km)
Totals for Day: 8 miles (13 km) 

Invermoriston

Today, you reach the small hamlet of Invermoriston, which lies on the western edge of the world-famous Loch Ness. What better time to stop and take in the stunning scenery that surrounds the village, and look for the elusive Nessy, the Loch Ness Monster? Visit the Old Telfod Bridge, which crosses the spectacular River Moriston Falls.

Must see & do:

Fort Augustus Abbey | Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre

Day 5: Invermoriston - Drumnadrochit

Invermoriston - Drumnadrochit: 14 miles (22 km)
Totals for Day: 14 miles (22 km) 

Drumnadrochit

The village of Drumnadrochit is situated on Loch Ness, and is the centre of the Loch Ness Monster industry in Scotland. Since the first sighting of Nessie in the 6th century by St Columba, the village has attracted visitors from all over the world. After you've hunted for Nessie, visit the nearby Urquart Castle, one of the largest castles in Scotland.

Must see & do:

The Official Loch Ness Monster Exhibition

Day 6: Drumnadrochit - Abriachan - Inverness

Drumnadrochit - Abriachan - Inverness: 18 miles (29 km)
Totals for Day: 18 miles (29 km) 

Abriachan

The first of today's destinations is the small village of Abriachan, situated in a hanging valley in the Highlands of Scotland. Lying in the hills above Loch Ness, the village has a small population of around 120 people. Visit Loch Laide (pronounced 'latch'), which is said to be home to a kelpie - a water spirit of Scottish legend. 

Must see & do:

Dochfour Gardens | Abriachan Nursery and Gardens

Inverness

Credit: Paula Funnell

Finally, the trail brings you to Inverness, where the Great Glen Way ends. The city prides itself as the main cultural centre of the north of Scotland. Visit Inverness Castle, where the Way officially ends, and see a costume re-enactment of life as an 18th century soldier. If you come to Inverness in the summer months, don't miss the Highland Games.

Must see & do:

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery | Highland House of Fraser | Fort George | Saint Andrew's Cathedral