Walk Scotland’s Great Glen Way, a remarkable 120km (74-mile) long-distance trail through the Highlands from Fort William to Inverness. One of Scotland’s Great Trails, the Great Glen Way follows the Caledonian Canal and a series of lochs — including Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and the legendary Loch Ness — tracing historic drove roads, lochside paths, forest tracks and canal towpaths. Achievable for first-time long-distance walkers yet rewarding for experienced hikers, this well-waymarked route offers flexible daily distances and good transport links, making it an ideal introduction to Scotland’s long-distance trails.

Created to help you get the most from every stage of the journey, this Cicerone guidebook provides clear, day-by-day route descriptions for walking the Great Glen Way in both traditional directions, from Fort William to Inverness or in reverse for a fresh perspective on the landscape. A separate OS 1:25,000 map booklet showing the full route line is included with the guidebook, enabling easy and accurate navigation throughout your journey, whether you’re following towpaths by the canal, high-level scenic options, or alternative links such as via Invergarry. 

• The route is divided into 6 manageable stages, each clearly described with distance, terrain and ascent details, plus alternative walking schedules to help you tailor the journey to your timeframe and fitness level
• High- and low-level options are described for key parts of the trail, offering a choice between more challenging, view-rich variants and easier, sheltered paths, helping you adapt each day’s walk to the weather and your own preferences
• A dedicated stage facilities planner outlines what you will find at the end of every stage and at key points en route, including accommodation listings, food shops, cafés, pubs and other refreshments, so you can plan overnight stops and breaks with ease
• Insightful background information brings the route to life, including the history and engineering of the Caledonian Canal and the enduring myth and folklore of Loch Ness, enriching your understanding of the landscape you’re walking through
• Downloadable GPX files for the full Great Glen Way and its variants provide a simple digital navigation option for use on smartphones or GPS devices, offering extra reassurance

The Great Glen Way offers a rewarding experience through classic Highland scenery, linking lochs, forests and historic waterways along a natural route through the country. With detailed guidance, practical planning tools and reliable navigation, this Cicerone guidebook provides everything you need to walk the trail with confidence.

Author Highlight

“The Great Glen Way provides an easy and scenic route through the Highlands, where walkers can admire the rugged mountains without having to climb them. Although much of the route can be covered by mountain bike, some paths are only for walkers. Take the time to delve into the long and turbulent history of clan rivalry, strife and warfare. Marvel at the engineering associated with military roads, railway lines and the Caledonian Canal. Keep an eye peeled for a glimpse of the celebrated Loch Ness Monster!”

- Paddy Dillon, author of Walking the Great Glen Way 

Map key 

Overview maps and profiles 

Route summary tables 

Stage facilities planner 

Introduction 

Planning your trip 

Choosing an itinerary 

When to walk 

Travel to the Great Glen 

Travel through the Great Glen 

First/Last night: Fort William 

Last/First night: Inverness 

Baggage transfer 

Accommodation 

Food and drink 

Money 

What to take 

Planning day by day 

Using this guide 

Additional mapping 

Weather forecasts 

Waymarking and terrain 

Scottish Outdoor Access Code 

Rescue services 

Great Glen Way Rangers 

Phones and wi-fi 

All about the Great Glen 

Geology 

Animals and plants 

The Loch Ness Monster 

History

Great Glen Way – south to north 

Stage 1 Fort William to Gairlochy 

Stage 2 Gairlochy to Laggan Locks 

Stage 3 Laggan Locks to Fort Augustus 

Invergarry Link 

Stage 2A Gairlochy to Invergarry 

Stage 3A Invergarry to Fort Augustus 

Stage 4A Fort Augustus to Invermoriston (high-level) 

Stage 4B Fort Augustus to Invermoriston (low-level) 

Stage 5A Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit (high-level) 

Stage 5B Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit (low-level) 

Stage 6 Drumnadrochit to Inverness 

Great Glen Way – north to south 

Stage 1 Inverness to Drumnadrochit 

Stage 2A Drumnadrochit to Invermoriston (high-level) 

Stage 2B Drumnadrochit to Invermoriston (low-level) 

Stage 3A Invermoriston to Fort Augustus (high-level) 

Stage 3B Invermoriston to Fort Augustus (low-level) 

Stage 4 Fort Augustus to Laggan Locks 

Stage 5 Laggan Locks to Gairlochy 

Invergarry Link 

Stage 4A Fort Augustus to Invergarry 

Stage 5A Invergarry to Gairlochy 

Stage 6 Gairlochy to Fort William 

Appendix A Useful information 

Appendix B Accommodation along the route 

Appendix C Timeline history 

Appendix D Gaelic–English glossary 

Seasons

Low-lying, so it is possible to walk the Great Glen Way at most times of year. Accommodation is often busy in summer, and midges are out! Daylight is short in winter and less accommodation is available.

Centres

Inverness, Drumnadrochit, Invermoriston, Fort Augustus, North Laggan, Gairlochy, Fort William

Difficulty

The Great Glen Way is a 5-6 day low-level waymarked National Trail, with a range of facilities along the way. An ideal introduction to long-distance walking

Must See

Views of the highlands, fascinating clan history, Caledonian canal, wildlife (including, possibly, the Loch Ness monster)

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