If we had to pick only one word to describe the Scottish Highlands, it would undoubtedly be ‘breathtaking’. From dramatic mountain peaks and mysterious lochs to ancient ruins and medieval villages, this region is a hiker’s dream.
In this blog post, we’ll look at one of its most iconic walking trails – the Great Glen Way. Stretching from Fort William to Inverness, this route is 79 miles long (or 127 kilometers), making it perfect for a week-long adventure.
Ideal time to visit
Unlike most destinations, July and August are not the best time to walk the Great Glen Way. Although the weather might be more pleasant, this time of year is known for midges and ticks, which could put a frustratingly uncomfortable spin on your experience.
Instead, it’s recommended to visit in early summer or autumn, such as September and October. Weather in the Highland is certainly unpredictable during these months, but it’s unlikely to be too harsh or unsafe.
7-day itinerary
You may walk the Great Glen Way on both a guided and self-guided walk. The route can be completed in as little as 4 days, although most visitors choose to have a week-long experience. Your itinerary can, of course, vary depending on your preferences and fitness level.
Here is a 7-day itinerary organised by Orbis Ways, a leading walking holidays’ travel agency in Europe:
Day 1: Arriving at Fort William. You may either fly to Inverness or Glasgow airports and catch a bus or a train to the infamous town, nestled in the shadow of Ben Nevis – UK’s highest peak.
Day 2: Walking for 10.5 miles from Fort William to Spean Bridge. As you walk along the banks of the River Lochy, you get to see Inverlochy Castle, the Great Glen Valley, Corpach, Caledonian Canal, Neptune’s Staircase and Gairlochy.
Day 3: Trekking 12 miles to Laggan, a beautiful village surrounded by Grampian and Monadhliath mountains as well as the River Spey. On the third day, you’ll also visit the fascinating Achnacarry Castle.
Day 4: From Laggan, you’ll be heading to Invermoriston, 18.5 miles away. The attractions this day will include Loch Oich (the highest point on the Caledonian Canal), Fort Augustus, with beautiful views of southern Loch Ness, and the Thomas Telford stone bridge at Invermoriston.
Day 5: Continue your walk for another 14.5 miles, ascending above Loch Ness and touring its majestic moorland area and wooded grounds, before descending towards Drumnadrochit, where you will spend the night.
Day 6: The final and longest push of the trip, day six will take you 20 miles from Drumnadrochit before reaching the end point of Inverness, renowned for its city center, castle, Victorian market and St. Andrew’s Cathedral. You will explore Blackford, with its popular distillery and church, as well as walk alongside the Caledonian Canal.
Day 7: Depending on your flight time, you can continue to explore the city of Inverness. Otherwise, get a bus or a train back to your airport of choice and head home.
If you like the sound of this itinerary, Orbis Ways is your go-to. The agency will provide you with all the details and recommendations for your trip, as well as book cosy accommodations and luggage transfers for each stopover.
All in all, the Great Glen Way is a highly accessible yet rewarding long-distance trail, welcoming walkers from all walks of life and taking them through some of Scotland’s most incredible scenery.
