
Great Glen Way
Hike or cycle Scotland's Great Glen, a 79-mile trail from Fort William to Inverness, following a dramatic fault line and the Caledonian Canal.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds.

Great Glen Way
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike or cycle Scotland's Great Glen, a 79-mile trail from Fort William to Inverness, following a dramatic fault line and the Caledonian Canal.

Pack for All Weathers 🌦️
Scottish weather is unpredictable. Layers are key! Be prepared for sun, rain, and wind, even in summer.
Choose Your Route Wisely ⬆️⬇️
Many sections offer high and low routes. High routes often have better views but are more challenging.

Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Caledonian Canal
Fort William to Fort Augustus
Follow the historic canal towpaths, a relatively flat and scenic start to your journey.

Loch Ness Views
Fort Augustus to Inverness
Experience the legendary Loch Ness, with opportunities for breathtaking views and maybe even a Nessie sighting!

Abriachan Forest
Near Drumnadrochit
Hike through enchanting woodlands with diverse flora and fauna, offering a different perspective from the canal paths.

Craig Dunain Standing Stones
Inverness
Discover these intriguing standing stones, rumored to be linked to Outlander, offering a touch of mystery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Trek
Navigating the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for All Weathers 🌦️
Scottish weather is unpredictable. Layers are key! Be prepared for sun, rain, and wind, even in summer.
Choose Your Route Wisely ⬆️⬇️
Many sections offer high and low routes. High routes often have better views but are more challenging.
Book Accommodation Early 🛌
B&Bs and hostels fill up fast, especially in smaller villages. Book well in advance!
Dog-Friendly Options 🐾
The Great Glen Way is generally dog-friendly, but check specific accommodation and be mindful of livestock.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for All Weathers 🌦️
Scottish weather is unpredictable. Layers are key! Be prepared for sun, rain, and wind, even in summer.
Choose Your Route Wisely ⬆️⬇️
Many sections offer high and low routes. High routes often have better views but are more challenging.
Book Accommodation Early 🛌
B&Bs and hostels fill up fast, especially in smaller villages. Book well in advance!
Dog-Friendly Options 🐾
The Great Glen Way is generally dog-friendly, but check specific accommodation and be mindful of livestock.
Consider a Luggage Transfer 🧳
Lighten your load by using luggage transfer services between accommodations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Great Glen Way is widely praised for its stunning Highland scenery, diverse landscapes, and well-maintained paths. Many appreciate the option of high and low routes, catering to different fitness levels. The journey along the Caledonian Canal and the iconic Loch Ness are consistent highlights. Some find the latter half of the trail, particularly near Loch Ness, to be less varied than the initial canal sections.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fort William is accessible by train from Glasgow and other major cities. Buses also run to Fort William. Many visitors fly into Inverness Airport and take a train or bus south.
Yes, the Great Glen Way is suitable for cycling, with many sections following canal paths and forest tracks. Some parts may require dismounting.
Absolutely! The trail is well-served by public transport at key points, and many hikers use luggage transfer services, making it car-free friendly.
You can take a train or bus from Inverness back to Fort William. The journey offers scenic views of the Highlands.
While the main trail doesn't involve ferries, some alternative routes or sections might, especially if you're exploring the lochs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Great Glen Way is a public footpath and does not require any entry tickets or permits to walk.
The Great Glen Way is accessible 24/7. However, daylight hours and weather conditions will affect your experience.
There are no official fees for using the trail itself. However, you will incur costs for accommodation, food, and transport.
Wild camping is permitted in Scotland under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, but always follow responsible camping practices. There are also designated campsites.
Yes, several companies offer guided walking holidays and self-guided tours with accommodation and luggage transfers.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Great Glen Way is approximately 79 miles (127 km) long, stretching from Fort William to Inverness.
Most people complete the Great Glen Way in 5 to 7 days, depending on their pace and fitness level. Some opt for a faster 4-day hike.
The terrain varies from flat canal towpaths and forest tracks to more undulating hills and some road sections.
Yes, particularly on the higher routes around Loch Ness, you'll find stunning viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the glen and lochs.
Yes, the Great Glen Way is considered a moderate trail and is suitable for beginners, especially if they choose the lower routes and take their time.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Options range from pubs and cafes in villages like Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit to picnic spots with stunning views. Some campsites also offer basic provisions.
Inverness has a vibrant food scene with many recommended restaurants, cafes, and pubs offering local Scottish cuisine and international options.
Larger villages like Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit have small shops where you can buy groceries. For more extensive options, plan to stock up in Fort William or Inverness.
Some campsites and B&Bs offer home-cooked meals. The Wild Gorse Kitchen near Abriachan Forest is a popular spot for lunch.
Expect hearty Scottish fare, including haggis, neeps, and tatties, fresh seafood, venison, and local ales.
📸 📸 Photography
The canal locks, the vast expanse of Loch Ness, the rolling hills, and the charming villages all offer fantastic photo opportunities.
The higher routes around Loch Ness provide panoramic views. The area around Fort Augustus with its locks is also very photogenic.
Early morning and late afternoon light often create the most dramatic and beautiful scenes, especially around the lochs and hills.
Yes, the Craig Dunain standing stones near Inverness are a popular spot for Outlander fans and offer a unique photographic subject.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended. Consider a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a sturdy tripod if you plan on capturing sunrise/sunset.








Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit