Scotland – Great Glen Way Hiking Tour 2023

From € 1095.00

As the most important trading route in the Scottish Highlands, the “Great Glen” has plenty of stories to tell. While the legend of Loch Ness probably belongs to the world of fantasy, this region has also been part of countless disputes and battles between clans. Nowadays, little disturbs the peace that reigns in the “Great Glen”. The Great Glen Way follows the Caledonian Canal, takes you to the shore of crystal clear lochs and in little towns with cozy pubs. This scenery is framed by green hills of the Scottish Highlands, which provides a wonderful contrast to the still waters. The Great Glen Way shows Scotland like in a picture book.

Trip Type

Hard Level, Hiking Tours, Self-Guided
Group Size

1 - 20
Reviews

0 Reviews
Locations

Scotland
Trip Duration

9 Day(s) 8 Night(s)

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Trip code WT-CODE 3501

Route:

Technical Characteristics

Tour Profile: Hard. Good physical condition is mandatory for the Great Glen Way. Occasionally there are steep climbs to overcome but the long stages are the biggest challenges in this long distance hike. As in many other long distance hikes, the Great Glen Way has occasional sections on asphalt roads. The entire route is perfectly sign-posted.

Total distance: 129 - 134 km

Travel Season: Departures daily from April 8 to October 15, 2023
Season 1: April 8 - April 28 and September 25 – October 15
Season 2: April 29 - September 24

Accommodation:

3* Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrival in Fort William

The small town of Fort William is picturesquely situated on the deep blue Loch Linnhe. Behind the roofs of the town, the peak of Ben Nevis rises majestically into the air. The diverse landscape makes Fort William a popular starting point for excursions into the nearby Highlands.

Day 2

William – Gairlochy / Spean Bridge 20 – 23 km + 180 m - 120 m

Ben Nevis and the peaks of the surrounding Highlands provide wonderful scenery for the first few kilometers. The Great Glen Way takes you close to the water through the outskirts of Fort William and through small parks. After a few kilometres you reach the Caledonian Canal, which you will follow to Inverness. The walk is flat until you reach the locks at Gairlochy. From here it is only a stone's throw to your accommodation in Spean Bridge.

Day 3

Spean Bridge – Laggan 24 km + 220 m - 240 m

The shores of Loch Lochy await you today. Keep your eyes open, because this loch also has its own supernatural spell. "Lizzie" is less well known than “Nessie” the Loch Ness Monster. The wild shore of Loch Lochy inspires folklore tales. You walk the entire length of the loch and soon the first houses of Laggan village come into view.

Day 4

Laggan – Fort Augustus 20 km - 230 m - 250 m

A variation of the Great Glen Way takes you a little higher today and offers views over nearby Loch Oich. You will walk through tranquil woodland with a myriad of colourful thistles lining the path. At Aberchalder, the Great Glen Way re-joins the Caledonian Canal, which takes you through a beautiful floodplain to Fort Augustus.

Day 5

Fort Augustus – Invermoriston 12 km + 200 m - 150 m

Today you will reach the legendary Loch Ness. This stage is a little shorter than the previous ones, giving you the opportunity to take it easy on today's hike. In the village of Invermoriston you will find a small waterfall and some cafés and restaurants.

Day 6

Invermoriston – Drumnadrochit 22 - 24 km + 565 - 615 m - 565 - 625 m

Today's stage offers two variants. The "high" tour leads you over steep steps to wonderful viewpoints. The "low" variant on the shores of Loch Ness involves less altitude gain, but it too climbs after a few kilometres. After the two paths have come together again, the path leads through untouched woods and moors to Drumnadrochit.

Day 7

Drumnadrochit – Loch Laide 12 km + 375 m - 120 m

The long final leg of the Great Glen Way is split into two shorter stages. In the morning a transfer takes you to Loch Laide. From here you will walk through tranquil woodland and heathland back to Drumnadrochit. In the village you have the option of visiting the Nessie Visitor Centre, one of the nearby waterfalls or the ruins of Urquhart Castle.

Day 8

Loch Laide - Inverness 19 km + 60 m - 335 m

In the morning transfer back to Loch Laide. The last stage leads through idyllic woodland with occasional views of the city of Inverness. After a gentle descent to the banks of the River Ness, this channel leads you into the city. Your destination is Inverness Castle, which towers picturesquely over the city and marks the end point of the Great Glen Way.