Great Glen Way Map and Itinerary

Section 1 | Fort William to Gairlochy | 12 miles| 19 Km | 4 - 5 hours

Fort William is a bustling town and very popular among climbers and walkers as it sits at the base of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest peak. From the start on the outskirts of the town you follow the river Lochy with a short detour to the ancient Old Inverlochy Castle. You can also make a short detour to the Ben Nevis Distillery, which runs tastings and tours. After briefly following the banks of Loch Linnie you reach Corpach where the Caledonian Canal meets the Atlantic. (Make sure you dip your feet).

Here you turn North Eastwards and follow the towpath to Banavie and Neptune’s staircase, an interesting series of lochs which raise the canal 80 feet in 400. Leaving Banavie behind you follow the canal towpath as it winds it way through stunning countryside above the River Lochy. Your overnight stop in Gairlochy* appears all to soon. It is a hamlet nestled at the mouth of Loch Lochy.

*There is very limited accommodation in Gairlochy and you may be staying in Spean Bridge, a pleasant 3-mile walk further up the valley (We will inform you if this is the case)

Section 2 | Gairlochy to Laggan | 15 miles | 24 Km | 5 - 6  hours

From Gairlochy you follow the shore of Loch Lochy on forest tracks through land owned by the Cameron Clan.  The Clan Cameron Museum at Achnacarry is well worth the short detour. Achnacarry was also home to one of the toughest commando training camps in the world and the museum has some information on the conditions they endured. If you do decide to visit the museum I would strongly recommend taking the detour (on the minor road) past Loch Arkaig to then rejoin the path again at Clunes as this is a wonderful walk. After Clunes the road continues on fire tracks above Loch Lochy all the way to South Laggan. Make sure that you don’t miss the turn to the right before the wooden chalets which takes you to Laggan Lochs.

There is a wonderful pub and seafood restaurant on a moored barge at Laggan Lochs called the Eagle Inn. Great for an afternoon pint or a fantastic evening meal. Your accommodation is generally a mile of so from the lochs.

Section 3 | Laggan to Fort Augustus |10 miles | 16 Km | 4 - 5  Hours

Your day starts at Laggan Bridge, which is the highpoint of the Caledonian Canal at 106ft above sea level. Initially you follow the Eastern shore of Loch Oich, one of Scotland’s most beautiful pristine natural woodlands, which is teeming with bird and wildlife. Once you reach the end of Loch Oich at Oich Bridge you follow the canal for a few miles along to Fort Augustus. This is a lovely section of canal and Kytra Loch is one of the highlights of the entire walk.

Fort Augustus is a busy little town and is centred on a series of lochs which are always a hive of activity. It is a great spot to spend a relaxed afternoon or evening.

Section 4 | Fort Augusts to Invermoriston | 8 miles | 13 Km | 4 - 5 hours

At Fort Augustus you leave the canal and begin our journey on the banks of Loch Ness. This section has some steep climbs and is mainly on fire roads and some good tracks. You have great views of Loch Ness throughout so make sure you keep those eyes peeled for the monster, you might be lucky. Invermoriston is your overnight stop and a very pretty little village.

Section 5 | Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit | 14 Miles | 22 Km | 7 - 8  hours

As you leave Invermoriston the path climbs steeply until you are high above Loch Ness, it then descends again to the Lochside after three miles and climbs again, so yes, a tougher day of walking today. Most of the section is spent on woodland paths and tracks on the steep sides of the Glen. A great day's walk ends in Drumnadrochit, famous for its proximity to Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness Monster experiences. You should have enough time to explore at least one of these attractions.

Section 6 | Drumnadrochit to Loch Laide | 9 Miles | 14 Km | 3 - 4  Hours

From Drumnadrochit you endure a section on the busy A82 before climbing steadily through woodland and forestry. Eventually the climbing comes to an end and you wave goodbye to Loch Ness. If you are splitting the walk to Inverness into two sections you will then follow the road to Loch Laide (Near Abriachan Forest trust Walks), where your transfer is booked from.

Transfer Info: If you are walking the trail over seven days or longer you will have a return transfer from Loch Laide booked.

Section 7 | Loch Laide to Inverness| 11 Miles | 17 Km | 5 - 6  Hours

Initially you follow a minor road for a few miles and then at Blackfold you branch off through the forest before beginning your descent down towards Inverness and the Moray Firth. A mile before the end of the way you once again meet the Caledonian canal and it is possible to walk all the way to the end if you wish. The way turns right instead and follows the River Ness into the centre of Inverness and Inverness Castle, which marks the end of your wonderful journey across Scotland. If you have walked all the way from Drumnadrochit you will be very pleased to reach the end of the days walk.