Long-distance walk · Scotland
Great Glen Way
Coast to coast along the Great Glen, by the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness.
- Distance
- 117 km
- 73 miles
- Stages
- 6
- 5–7 days for most people
- Total ascent
- 1,928 m
- over the whole trail
- Highest point
- 381 m
About the Great Glen Way
The Great Glen Way follows the fault line that splits the Highlands in two, from Fort William on the west coast to Inverness on the east. The first days follow the towpaths of the Caledonian Canal and forest tracks above Loch Lochy and Loch Oich.
Beyond Fort Augustus the route climbs above Loch Ness, with optional high routes that are worth the extra effort for the views down the loch. It's a gentler walk than the West Highland Way, and makes a good first long-distance trail.
Stages
The usual stages, ending where there's somewhere to stay. Times are by Naismith's rule, without stops.
| Stage | Route | Distance | Ascent | Time | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fort William to Gairlochy | 15.6 km | 39 m | 3 h | GPX for stage 1 |
| 2 | Gairlochy to South Laggan | 19.9 km | 369 m | 4½ h | GPX for stage 2 |
| 3 | South Laggan to Fort Augustus | 17.9 km | 237 m | 4 h | GPX for stage 3 |
| 4 | Fort Augustus to Invermoriston | 12.0 km | 269 m | 3 h | GPX for stage 4 |
| 5 | Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit | 21.7 km | 549 m | 5½ h | GPX for stage 5 |
| 6 | Drumnadrochit to Inverness | 30.3 km | 467 m | 7 h | GPX for stage 6 |
Walks along the way
Day walks that start near the trail, for a rest day or a detour.
Hard
·
New
Meall na Teanga and Sròn a' Choire Ghairbh
Laggan Locks, Loch Lochy
21.3 km · 1340 m · 7–9.5 h
