9 Days & 8 Nights

4.6

Great Glen Way & Loch Ness | 9 Days

A classic trail through Highland scenery from Fort William to Inverness
Discover the Caledonian Canal with its very impressive series of locks
Visit Urquhart Castle and its superb setting on Loch Ness; look-out for Nessie!
Impressive views of Ben Nevis en route - the UK's highest mountain
Offering a sense of accomplishment on completion of this long-distance trail

This 9-day version of our Great Glen Way walking itinerary is the most popular! A 79-mile long-distance trail along Scotland's most famous glen as you walk through beautiful forests, past peaceful working canals and alongside Scotland's most famous loch. See fascinating historical sites, such as Urquhart Castle, at one time home to Robert the Bruce, the Caledonian Canal, opened in 1822 and Neptune's Staircase, a feature of its remarkable engineering. The Great Glen Way then follows the shores of Loch Ness passing the highland towns of Invermoriston and Drumnadrochit until you reach the historic town of Inverness. The terrain varies from canal towpaths to heather-clad hills and open moorland to quiet forest trails. Revel in the Scottish culture; local pubs and traditional food, and stays in quaint villages within the walk itself, and in bustling towns at the beginning and end of your trip. You will not easily forget the atmosphere, views and your incredible experience on the Great Glen Way.

From £999.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Fort William

Lying in the shadow of Ben Nevis at the head of Loch Linnhe sits Scotland’s outdoor capital - Fort William.

Glasgow and Inverness are the closest airports to Fort William and regular trains and buses connect to Fort William.

Overnight Fort William

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Myrtle Bank Guest House | Guest House

Dora welcomes you with open arms to her lovely guest house, Myrtle Bank. Overlooking Loch Linnhe and just a short stroll from the town centre and its selection of shops, pubs and restaurants, this is the perfect place to relax after a day of exploration.

Guisachan House | Guest House

A warm welcome awaits you at Guisachan House, a family run private guest house. They are situated in an elevated position off the main road with views over Loch Linnhe and surrounding hills only 5 minutes walking distance from Fort William town centre. They have 17 bedrooms and a guest lounge and bar offering wine, beer, spirits and malt whiskey. Wireless Internet is available for the guests. There is some photography dotted around the guest house taken by Phil, one of the owners.

Fassfern Guesthouse | Guest House

Located in a prime residential area overlooking Loch Linnhe, the guest house is only 5 minutes walk from the shops and restaurants in Fort William town centre. You are assured a warm welcome at this splendid property and all rooms are en-suite with central heating, flat screen televisions and tea/coffee making facilities. There is free WiFi.

Day 2 Fort William to Gairlochy/Spean Bridge 10 miles / 17 km

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. Follow the river Lochy with short detours possible to Old Inverlochy Castle or Ben Nevis Distillery. After briefly following the banks of Loch Linnie, you reach Corpach where the Caledonian Canal meets the Atlantic (make sure you dip your feet!).

Follow the towpath northeast to Banavie and Neptune’s Staircase, a series of canal locks that raise the canal 80 feet in just the length of 400 feet. Continue along the canal towpath as it winds its way through stunning countryside above the River Lochy. Gairlochy appears all too soon and from here you can walk further to Spean Bridge along the B8004 and take in parts of General Wade’s military road (mid 18th Century). Alternatively, use a public bus or organise a transfer through your accommodation from Gairlochy to Spean Bridge.

Ascent: 35m (114ft) / Descent: 9m (30ft)

The Great Glen Way is an extremely popular route and accommodation is limited, therefore we book a hotel or guest house in Spean Bridge which is slightly off the main route. To walk to Spean Bridge from Gairlochy is around 4.5 miles / 7 km, if able, we recommend walking today and then arranging a transfer through your accommodation back to Gairlochy in the morning. You also have the option to use public transport to get to your accommodation and back onto the trail the next day.

Overnight Spean Bridge

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Distant Hills Guest House | Guest House

Distant Hills has a peaceful setting amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in the Highlands. They have seven individually designed comfortable rooms with en-suite shower rooms. Rooms are furnished in contemporary quality furniture with 24 hour individually controlled heating. There is also a drying room and a hot tub available, along with an honesty bar. Don’t forget to pack your swimwear if you wish to use the hot tub.

Coire Glas | Bed and breakfast

Morven and Simon look forward to offering you a warm welcome. Coire Glas is situated in one acre of grounds facing south looking over the spectacular Grey Corries, home to the Nevis Range Ski Resort.

Inverour Guest House | Bed and breakfast

Inverour is a charming 19^th century guest house located in the Highland village of Spean Bridge; just a stone’s throw away from Ben Nevis and the beautiful town of Fort William. All our rooms feature tea and coffee making facilities, en-suite or private bathroom with complimentary toiletries , Smart TV and free WiFi. Fresh, soft towels and clean bed linen are all provided. There is free onsite parking and free Wi-Fi throughout the building. They have a heated drying room for your clothes and equipment following days out.

Day 3 Gairlochy/Spean Bridge to Laggan/Invergarry 14 miles / 22 km

From Gairlochy you follow the shore of Loch Lochy on forest tracks through land owned by the Cameron clan. Achnacarry was also home to one of the toughest commando training camps, and the nearby museum highlights the remarkable conditions they endured. After Clunes, the road continues on fire tracks above Loch Lochy all the way to South Laggan and the locks.

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

Ascent: 219m (718ft) / Descent: 206m (675ft)

Ascent: 330m (1082ft) / Descent: 306m (1003ft) - *If walking onto Invergarry*

There is only one accommodation in Laggan with limited rooms. If there is no availability, you may be booked into an upgraded accommodation in Invergarry (A supplement for this may be payable on confirmation)

If staying overnight in Invergarry, your mileage on this day will be slightly longer (17 miles / 28 km), followed by a shorter walk the following day (8 miles / 13 km). Alternatively, you can use a City Link bus service to get from Laggan to your accommodation in Invergarry and back onto the trail the next day. We will provide all the information needed, should that be the case. If you would prefer a private transfer, please let us know at the time of confirmation so we can organize this for you.

Overnight Laggan

Overnight Invergarry

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Forest Lodge Guest House | Guest House

Forest Lodge is ideally located in the heart of the Great Glen. Managed by Lorraine and Laura you are guaranteed a warm welcome in this tranquil spot. They have comfortable en-suite rooms equipped with tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer, clock/radios and toiletries.

Glengarry Castle Hotel | 4 Star | Hotel

Glengarry Castle Hotel is a comfortable country house hotel located on the shores of Loch Oich, between Loch Ness and Loch Lochy. All 26 bedrooms are individually furnished and have private bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi is available in all bedrooms, Library and Lounge.

Rokeby Manor | 4 Star | Guest House

A romantic Victorian country house nestled in a woodland forest. Rokeby Manor is an early Victorian House (1840) situated on the edge of the Highland Village of Invergarry. This late Georgian-early Victorian Manor oozes rustic elegance and has retained its character of a country home that was built with local materials and handmade techniques.

Day 4 Laggan to Fort Augustus 10 miles / 16 km

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 and 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 Lock is one of the highlights of the entire walk.

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

Ascent: 18m (60ft) / Descent: 42m (138ft)

Overnight Fort Augustus

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Oaklands B&B | Bed and breakfast

Oaklands Bed and Breakfast provides accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.The bed and breakfast offers a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer, free toiletries and shower.

Abbey Cottage | Bed and breakfast

This house was built in 1760 in the grounds of the 2nd fort, and has undergone a number of alterations over the years. Most recently they have added the new breakfast room which provides stunning views of the Caledonian Canal, Meall Dubh peak and the centre of Fort Augustus.

The Bank House | Bed and breakfast

The Bank House sits on an elevated site overlooking the Caledonian Canal in the centre of Fort Augustus. They are within walking distance of pubs, restaurants and shops. They have three en-suite rooms that are named after Castles and come with tea and coffee making facilities, a hair dryer and a colour TV.

Day 5 Fort Augustus to Invermoriston 8 miles / 13 km

At Fort Augustus, you leave the canal and head along the shore of Loch Ness. For the best views, we recommend the 'High Route' route, the distance is similar but the ascent/descent slightly more than the 'Low Route'. Both start on forested tracks before impressive views of the Loch open up - keep those eyes peeled for the monster - you might be lucky.

Invermoriston is your overnight stop with its lovely waterfall running through the centre. Enjoy a peaceful evening in this incredibly quaint village, there is a good restaurant serving hearty meals and the locals are very friendly and full of knowledge.

High Route - Ascent: 450m (1476ft) / Descent: 420m (1377ft)

Low Route - Ascent: 187m (613ft) / Descent: 142m (465ft)

Overnight Invermoriston

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Bracarina House | Bed and breakfast

Jay and Nicky would like to extend you, a warm welcome to their Bed and Breakfast, Bracarina House. Bracarina House is set in the middle of the beautiful village of Invermoriston and is a stone’s throw from the pub.

Craik na Dav | Guest House

Sisters Lindsey and Manda would like to offer you a very warm welcome to their home in Invermoriston. All rooms are en-suite and have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay.

Darroch View | Bed and breakfast

Darroch View is situated near to the world-famous Loch Ness and in the heart of Invermoriston. All their rooms are en-suite, as well having satellite T.V., free wireless internet connection (WIFI), tea/coffee making facility, hairdryer, alarm clock & complimentary toiletries. Downstairs the dining room has a wonderful view of mountains and the beautiful village of Invermoriston.

Day 6 Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit 14 miles / 22 km

A slightly tougher day of walking but a truly enthralling one. Again you have the option of the 'High Route' or the 'Low Route'.

Both have a relatively steep start as you climb out of Invemoriston. The 'Low Route' then follows tracks back down through forestry north of Loch Ness, with good views across the water to the hills on the south side of the Loch. The 'High Route' continues to climb and gives truly spectacular views of Loch Ness and the surrounding area. On a clear day, you can spot the UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

Both routes rejoin and end by crossing a high moorland area before a steep descent into Drumnadrochit, famous for its magnificent Urquhart castle sitting on the banks of Loch Ness.

High Route (22km) - Ascent: 598m (1961ft) / Descent: 616m (2021ft)

Low Route (24km) - Ascent: 559m (1833ft) / Descent: 573m (1879ft)

Overnight Drumnadrochit

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Kilmore Farmhouse | Bed and breakfast

Situated just a little outside the village centre of Drumnadrochit the shores of Loch Ness, this peaceful haven gives you all the relaxation you need after day out on the Great Glen. All rooms are well appointed and the house is surrounded by well-kept gardens, with a relaxing lounge and bright and airy breakfast room. All rooms include complimentary upgraded Wi-Fi and tea and coffee making facilities.

Glenkirk | Bed and breakfast

This B&B is a tastefully converted old church and a warm highland welcome is ensured from Fiona Urquhart. Each room is furnished to a high standard and are all light and airy. Wi-Fi is available throughout the house. Laundry facilities are not available but drying facilities are on offer for no extra charge.

Bridgend House B&B | Bed and breakfast

Bridgend House dates from the mid-19th century, and is situated centrally on the village green, in the award-winning village of Drumnadrochit.

Day 7 Transfer to Loch Laide and walk to Drumnadrochit 9 miles / 15 km

You will start your morning with a transfer from your overnight stay in Drumnadrochit to Loch Laide. The walk from Loch Laide gives remarkable views almost immediately as you follow a short high route up to Carn Na Lietire, a great vantage point. Descend through woodlands and forestry with the occasional view of Loch Ness and the iconic Urquhart Castle in the foreground. Finish off today's walk by enduring a small section on the busy A82 to your overnight accommodation in Drumnadrochit.

Ascent: 218m (715ft) / Descent: 464m (1522ft)

Overnight Drumnadrochit

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Kilmore Farmhouse | Bed and breakfast

Glenkirk | Bed and breakfast

Bridgend House B&B | Bed and breakfast

Bridgend House dates from the mid-19th century, and is situated centrally on the village green, in the award-winning village of Drumnadrochit.

Day 8 Transfer to Loch Laide and walk to Inverness 12.5 miles / 20 km

Transfer from Drumnadrochit, avoiding the busy A82 section of the Great Glen Way, to Loch Laide (approx. 15 mins). 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. 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.

Ascent: 153m (501ft) / Descent: 411m (1348ft)

Overnight Inverness

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Ballifeary Guest House | Guest House

Ballifeary Guest House is an impressive Victorian Villa with many original features. It is ideally located only a matter of yards from Eden Court Theatre and a short walk from the River Ness where you can find many restaurants, Inverness Castle and the cathedral. Rooms have been refurbished to a high standard offering every comfort you would expect.

Aye Stay | Guest House

Aye Stay is family run B&B in situated close to the renowned Eden Court theatre right in the heart of Inverness, the Gateway to the Highlands, providing a base to explore the city and the spectacular sights of the surrounding areas. All rooms are equipped with high speed free wifi, USB charging ports, Smart TV, Scottish fine soap toiletries, and coffee & tea making facilities with yummy biscuits!

Ardmeanach House | Guest House

The house that this accommodation is located in was built in the mid-19th century by a local shipping merchant. It is full of character and still has the original fireplace. It is an approximate 8-minute walk from the city centre and a large choice of restaurants and pubs. The rooms are warm and cosy.

Day 9 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 13kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 13kg is equivalent to 3 full English breakfasts. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

The Great Glen Way is a beautiful walk among some of the most dramatic scenery in the country. The Great Glen was frequently used by Robert the Bruce to covertly travel north, so there is a rich history to the area to accompany its jaw-dropping vistas.

Trip Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Long-Distance Trails

Accessible by Rail

Grade & Terrain

This holiday is graded easy to moderate overall, with the 7 and 8 day and the Great Glen Escape tours graded moderate, due to a couple of longer days. Daily walking distances very between 8-20 miles. Some days will be more challenging than others and the terrain will be varied with some rough and rugged footpaths. There are ascents and descents involved, so a good level of fitness will be required. For fitter walkers the High Route will appeal, which affords particularly spectacular views. Some road walking is imevitable along the way.

The High Route

Through a £1 million project, the Forestry Commission Scotland created over 10 miles (16km) of waymarked Great Glen ‘High Route’ above Loch Ness. These options take you above the treeline and offer more fantastic views than the traditional route, with some challenging gradients and a new summit at 422m (1385ft) on Creag Dhearg.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

Hand-picked accommodation in B&B's, guest houses and small hotels
Breakfast at each accommodation
Baggage transfers
Detailed trip info and mapped tracks, via the Macs App
All your trip documents provided digitally through your online Macs ‘My Account’
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our UK office

Excluded

Travel to the start / from the finish of the walk
Lunches, dinners, snacks & drinks
Travel insurance (required)
Personal equipment
Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage

Extras

Extra nights before, during or after your walk
Single/Solo Supplements

When to go Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

By Air: Inverness and Glasgow Airports are the most convenient. From Inverness Airport catch the bus (2 hours) or arrange a private transfer to Fort William. From Glasgow Airport take the shuttle bus into Glasgow city centre and then the train (4 hours) or bus (3 hours) to Fort William.

By Train: Between 3 and 4 trains run daily from Glasgow to Fort William and the journey takes around 4 hours. Widely regarded as one of the world’s great rail journeys this is a great way to start your trip. Visit Scotrail's website for timetables and tickets.

By Bus: Scottish Citylink operates up to 8 departures per day from Glasgow to Fortwilliam (3 hours) and up to 8 buses per day from Inverness (2 hours) to Fort William. Visit Scottish Citylink's website for timetables and tickets.

By Car: Fort William is 100 miles (approx. 3 hours) north of Glasgow on the A82. Parking (not secure) is available in Fort William. You can sometimes leave your car at the properties we use in Fort William, but please request this at the time of booking.

Journey Planning: If travelling by public transport the website www.travelinescotland.com has an excellent journey planner.

Getting from the End

Inverness has excellent transport links by road, rail and air to destinations throughout Scotland and the UK. Use the websites listed above for timetables and tickets.

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 18kg per person.

At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.

Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Online Documents

At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.

On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

How far in advance do I need to book? How fit do I need to be? How do the baggage transfers work? What personal equipment do I need? When is the best time of year? How do we get to and from the trail? What are the midges like? Am I able to take my dog? What happens if I cant walk a stage?

Walking the Great Glen Way

Join Kirsty and her dad on an unforgettable father-daughter adventure along Scotland’s iconic Great Glen Way! Experience the beauty and wonders of the Great Glen Way on this stunning 79-mile trail from Fort William to Inverness. Follow their journey along the shores of Loch Ness, through ancient forests, and past towering mountains in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.