Stories from the Great Glen Way: The People Who Make the Journey 

There's a moment on the Great Glen Way when you realise it's not just about the scenery. For me, it didn't come at a viewpoint or a summit - it came through conversations, cups of tea, and warm welcomes from people who call this place home. Walking from Fort Augustus to Inverness on the Great Glen Escape itinerary, you quickly discover that the Great Glen Way is more than a route through the Highlands - it's a thread that connects communities, artisans, and centuries of tradition. And it’s these people who bring the trail to life. 

Craftsmanship in Invermoriston 

My first walking day on the trip eased me in with an 8-mile walk through woodlands and scenic plateaus where the glistening waters of Loch Ness started to peek into view. 

By the time I reached Invermoriston, my legs were feeling it, but this small village had a surprise waiting. 

Tucked quietly along the route is the Clog & Craft Shop, a family-run workshop where everything is made by hand. Stepping inside, I was immediately struck by the smell of leather. 

The owners welcomed me in and began to share how each item-belts, bags, hats, even traditional clogs-is crafted in their workshop. Every piece is inspired by the Highlands and shaped by the landscapes just beyond their doors. 

There’s something grounding about seeing objects made this way. No shortcuts, no mass production-just skill, patience, and pride. It’s not just a shop- it’s a continuation of tradition. 

I left not only with a beautifully made belt, but with a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that still thrives in these small Highland communities. 

Clay, Cake, and a Moment to Pause 

Setting off on day two, the trail between Invermoriston and Drumnadrochit offered some of the most peaceful stretches of the journey. Forest paths, glimpses of Loch Ness, and misty stretches of purple heather dotted with evergreens. 

Then, about halfway through the 14-mile hike came the perfect pause: Loch Ness Clay Works. 

Run by ceramicist Rebekah Allan, this welcoming space feels like a sanctuary for tired walkers. Inside, shelves are lined with stoneware glazed in earthy tones-greens, greys, and blues that echo the surrounding landscape. 

I took a seat in the café, grateful to sit on something besides a boulder, and was soon handed a cup of tea and a slice of cake made by local baker Marion. It was exactly what I didn’t know I needed. 

Sitting there, resting and refuelling, I realised how important these moments are. The journey isn’t just about moving forward-it’s about knowing when to stop, take it all in, and enjoy where you are. Had I just been a day visitor to Loch Ness, I would never have known this hidden treasure was here. 

Meeting the Highland Coo (and the Man Behind Them) 

Arriving in Drumnadrochit, the adventure didn’t stop at the trail. One of the highlights of the day was heading up above the village for the Highland Coo Tour. 

Perched high above Loch Ness, the views alone are spectacular, stretching across the water to Urquhart Castle. But it’s Iain, the crofter, who brings the experience to life. 

His family has lived and worked this land for eight generations, and listening to him speak, you can feel that deep-rooted connection. Every story he shared-about the land, the seasons, and the cattle-carried that sense of continuity. 

And then there are the coos themselves. 

Seeing these iconic Highland cattle up close, with their auburn shaggy coats, fringes that seem well overdue a trim, and gentle presence, is something special. Getting to feed and pet these ginger beasts with their huge, curling tongues was quite the entertaining experience. 

It felt less like a tour and more like being welcomed into a living piece of Highland history. 

A Hub at the Heart of the Community 

Back in the village, I stopped by the Loch Ness Hub, where I met Russell. 

What might seem like a simple visitor centre is actually something much more meaningful. Owned by the Glen Urquhart Community, the hub reinvests all its profits back into local businesses, groups, and amenities. 

Russell walked me through everything they offer, from locally made gifts and souvenirs to booking experiences like boat cruises, e-bike hire, and the Highland Coo Tour I’d just experienced. 

And then there’s the behind-the-scenes magic: this is the team that ensures your luggage is transported along the Great Glen Way, so it’s waiting for you at your next stop. 

It’s easy to overlook how much that adds to your journey-until you realise you don’t have to carry everything on your back. 

But what stayed with me most was Russell’s passion and generosity.  
“This isn’t just a job-it’s about supporting the community and helping visitors connect with it in a meaningful way,” Russell explained.  

Nothing was too much trouble, and Russell immediately made me feel not only welcome in his neck of the woods but a part of it. Nowhere has made me feel like that before. 

Whisky, Stories, and a Warm Welcome 

That evening, I found myself at the Fiddlers Bar, the perfect place to end a full day on the trail. 

It’s everything you’d hope for in a Highland pub: warm, welcoming, and full of character. The food menu is hearty, but it’s the whisky that truly steals the show. 

Behind the bar and on shelves around the entire room was a vast collection sourced from around the world, each bottle chosen by the owner during his travels. There’s a sense of curiosity and passion here that’s infectious. 

Whether you know your whisky or not, it doesn’t matter. There’s always a story to hear, something new to try, and someone ready to guide you through it. 

Sitting there, reflecting on the day, with tired legs and a wee whisky tasting board in front of me, I couldn’t think of a better way to experience the Highlands. 

More Than a Walk 

The Great Glen Way is, of course, a journey through incredible landscapes-but it’s also a journey through living, breathing communities. 

From handcrafted goods in Invermoriston to clay studios and cafés, from crofts passed down through generations to community-run hubs and whisky-filled evenings, every encounter adds depth to the experience. 

These are the moments that turn a walking holiday into something far more meaningful. 

Why Travel the Great Glen Way with Macs Adventure 

Choosing to explore the Great Glen Way with Macs Adventure means experiencing more than just the route-it means connecting with the people who make it special. 

With carefully planned itineraries, seamless luggage transfers (thanks to partners like the Loch Ness Hub), and hand-picked accommodation, Macs Adventure takes care of the logistics so you can focus on the experience. 

But more importantly, they work closely with local communities and businesses, ensuring your journey supports the very places you’re exploring. 

So, when you walk or cycle the Great Glen Way, you’re not just passing through-you’re becoming part of its story. 

And trust me, it’s a story worth being part of.