Great Glen Way & Loch Ness In Comfort

Your journey across the Highlands starts in Fort William, the outdoor capital of the UK and home to Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain.

Settle into Highland Life in one of our carefully selected hotels that combine traditional charm with modern amenities. You will located in the centre of the town and have a great selection of highly recommended restaurants nearby to pick from. Spend your evening sampling the finest Scottish Hospitality ahead of tomorrow's adventure. 

Your Great Glen Way adventure starts here! Leave Fort William behind and 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 organise a transfer to Spean Bridge through your accommodation (details in your accommodation info). Alternatively, you can walk walk the extra 4.5 miles / 7 km to Spean Bridge along the B8004 and take in parts of General Wade’s military road (mid-18th Century). 

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

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 afternoon refreshments while you wait for your pre-arranged transfer to your accommodation in Invergarry to arrive. 

Invergarry is a community rather than a town where the River Garry flows into Loch Ness, the village has award-winning Scottish Country Hotels with charm you could only find in the Highlands of Scotland. Good restaurants are on site that serve elevated versions of all the Scottish classics. 

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

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.

A treat awaits tonight for your stay in Fort Augustus. The Lovat is a truly fantastic Highland Hotel with the most attentive staff. Their onsite restaurant is one of the best in the area, Chef Sean Kelly creates sensational dishes using only the freshest seasonal produce. 

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

At Fort Augustus, you leave the canal behind and follow the shoreline of Loch Ness. This is a relatively short day, so we always recommend taking the 'High Route' for the best experience. The trail begins on forestry tracks and ascends high above Loch Ness, offering stunning views of the water before descending steeply down a series of switchbacks into Invermoriston. Alternatively, the 'Low Route' involves slightly less ascent and descent but covers the same distance. While it shaves about an hour off the walk, it offers fewer views of the loch.

Invermoriston is your destination for the night, a charming village with a picturesque waterfall running through its centre. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere, a great restaurant serving hearty meals, and friendly locals eager to share their knowledge of the area.

Important Note: Due to the closure of The Glenmoriston Arms for renovation works starting on July 24th, any trips with a start date after July 20th will include a 2-night stay in Fort Augustus. A transfer (this may be a shared service with other Macs customers) will be arranged between Invermoriston and Fort Augustus to get you to/from the Great Glen Way trail. Your daily walking distance will not be affected.

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

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

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)

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)

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)

Your trip ends after breakfast. Inverness has excellent transport links by road, rail and air to destinations throughout Scotland and the UK.