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Great Glen Way Walking Holiday in Scotland
8 nights and 7 days walking
Day by Day Itinerary
A 73 mile Scottish walking holiday in Scotland’s Great Glen along the Caledonian Canal from Fort William to Inverness.
This is one of our Canal Walking Holidays, one of our Coast to Coast Walking Holidays in UK, and also one of our Scotland Walking Holidays.
Where in the UK is the Great Glen Way?
Great Glen Way Walking Holiday
in Scotland
from Fort William via Loch Ness, The Caledonian Canal,
Fort Augustus to Inverness the capital of the Scottish Highlands
8 nights and 7 days walking
The Great Glen Way walking holiday in Scotland is a 73 miles (117 kilometres) way-marked walking trail. This self guided Scottish walking holiday in Scotland’s Highlands along The Great Glen makes a varied and interesting hiking tour.
The Great Glen Way passes through some of Scotland’s most stunning landscape, the magical lochs and mountains full of wildlife. The towns along the way are some of the Highlands most famous. Fort William, a centre for walkers and mountaineers for generations, is a great place to extend your stay and climb Scotland’s highest mountain Ben Nevis.
The Great Glen Way Walking Holiday can be walked in either direction and for those looking for a longer walking holiday it can be linked to the West Highland Way at Fort William and the Loch Ness Circular at Fort Augustus and Inverness.
Our self-guided walking holidays are designed with your comfort and enjoyment in mind and can be tailor-made to your own personal requirements.
The routes are clearly way-marked to provide reassurance on your hiking vacation.
We use a selection of guest houses, inns or small hotels with en-suite or private bathroom to ensure you are well rested each night after a busy day hiking and sightseeing. Rest assured that all our accommodation walking holiday providers are hand-picked and offer you that famous British hospitality.
Special diets can be catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free.
We organize the luggage transfer so your bags are at your next accommodation when you arrive. We try to get your bags delivered by 4pm, but this may be delayed due to road conditions.
Let’s Go Walking has developed one of the largest selection of walking holidays.
Our offices are staffed 9am to 9pm during our walking season (March to September) to ensure your walking holiday runs without a hitch.
All our walking holidays are self-guided and you must be a confident map reader and able to navigate from a compass bearing. The weather in the UK and Ireland can change quickly effecting visibility and underfoot conditions. It is important to carry a selection of clothing with you on your hike each day to cope with changing weather conditions. If you are not confident of completing any days walk, do not set out.
This walking holiday in the UK operates April to September and in either direction.
These daily distances are only a suggestion. If you would like to walk longer or shorter distances, we can arrange that too.
Our stated distances include mileage to the accommodation or pickup point and so may not agree with the guide book mileages.
Rest days can be taken in any location.
Why not combine this walk with a hiking tour in another part of England or the UK. Our staff will be happy to advise on necessary transfers.
Online booking available.
A deposit of £85 per person is required to secure the booking, with the balance due 6 weeks before departure.
Optional extra days and accommodation upgrades can be added during the booking process online.
Please wait for the confirmation of your holiday before making final travel plans just in case your holiday is not available for your requested date.
Great Glen Way Walking Holiday
Suggested Tour Duration:
8 nights, 7 days walking
Total Distance:
73 miles
Min/max daily distance:
8/14 miles
Average Daily distance:
12 miles
Grading:
easy/moderate
Features:
Fort William
Loch Ness
Caledonian Canal
This route connects with:
West Highland Way
Loch Ness Circular
Great Glen Way Walking Holiday in Scotland
from Fort William via Loch Ness, The Caledonian Canal,
Fort Augustus to Inverness the capital of the Scottish Highlands
8 nights and 7 days walking
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Fort William, Scottish Highlands
To start your Scottish walking holiday you make your own to Fort William in Scotland. We can assist with air, coach or train transfers. Here is a great opportunity to travel to Fort William using the world famous railway journey from Glasgow to Fort William via Rannoch Moor, possibly one of the finest rail journeys in Scotland. Car parking is available for the duration of your self-guided walking holiday on The Great Glen Way. In Fort William the Great Glen Way connects with the West Highland Way.
Optional Day: Extra day in Fort William
Enjoy the area and maybe take a gentle stroll up Ben Nevis!! or take a train ride on the steam train from Fort William to Mallaig
Day 2: Walk Fort William to Gairlochy 11 miles easy
The Great Glen Way starts in Fort William at the Old Fort on the banks Loch Linnhe. Fort William is a busy town steeped in history with a fine range of shops and pubs. The trail follows the banks of Loch Linnhe for a short way. At the point where the Caledonian Canal meets Loch Linnhe the hiking trail leaves the loch side and follows the canal. The trail passes the famous Neptune’s Staircase with its flight of eight locks. You leave Fort William and Ben Nevis behind and walk along the river bank to a more highland scene of distant mountains and wooded slopes, along the banks of the Caledonian Canal to Gairlochy
Day 3: Walk Gairlochy to North Laggan 13.5 miles easy
Walking on from Gairlochy the canal joins Loch Lochy and the walking trail follows the loch’s shore line. The Clan Cameron Museum and the Church of St Ciaran’s in the area around Achnacarry is worth a small detour to visit. The trail passes through woodland along Loch Lochy shore. At South Laggan the loch ends and the route rejoins the canal. The town of Invergarry on the banks of Loch Oich offers a selection of shops and pubs.
Day 4: North Laggan to Fort Augustus 9 miles easy
The Great Glen Way follows the southern shore of Loch Oich. The trail follows the course of a disused railway to Aberchalder where the Caledonian Canal is followed to Fort Augustus and the start of Loch Ness. The trail passes the famous Bridge of Oich and flight of five lochs. The Town of Fort Augustus has a good selection of shops, bars and restaurants. Fort Augustus is approximately the half way point of this walking trail along The Great Glen Way, and here this route connects with the Loch Ness Circular..
Optional Day: Extra day in Fort Augustus
Spend an extra day in this popular Scottish town of Fort Augustus with its interesting bars and shops. Or take a boat trip on Loch Ness and maybe spot the Loch Ness Monster !!
Day 5: Fort Augustus to Invermoriston 8 miles easy
Today’s walk is an easy day with time to linger awhile and take in the splendours the Scottish Highlands have to offer. The chance of a cruise on Loch Ness is a very popular option with guests as there is no better way to explore its 22 square miles. Invermoriston is only a small town but steeped in history and the Glenmoriston Arms is well worth a visit.
Day 6: Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit 14 miles easy
The Great Glen Way follows the Northern shore of Loch Ness all the way to Drumnadrochit. The route uses well defined forest trails alive with wildlife, and you may even get a glimpse of the Loch Ness monster! Those who did not manage to see the beast may wish to visit one of two exhibitions devoted to the Loch Ness monster in Drumnadrochit. Drumnadrochit is a busy village with shops, cafes and bars a nice place to overnight.
Day 7: Drumnadrochit to Abriachan 9 miles moderate
Today’s walk reaches the highest point of the walking holiday. The trail follows the banks of Loch Ness for a short distance before heading onto forest trails. The highest point on The Great Glen Way is in the Abriachan forest at 380m (1245ft). This forest is the oldest of the largest community forests in Scotland is very popular with walkers and cyclists. Overnight again in Drumnadrochit.
Day 8: Abriachan to Inverness 9 miles moderate
We transfer you back to Abriachan forest for you to continue your walk to Inverness, which is reached by a suspension bridge over the River Ness. The trail ends at a stone monument by Inverness Castle overlooking the River Ness.
Optional Day: Extra day in Inverness
Spend an extra exploring the capital of the Scotish Highlands Inverness . The city offer a fine selections of shops and restuants.
Day 9: Depart after breakfast
Depart after breakfast or extend your holiday and spend some time in the area.
In Inverness the Great Glen Way connects with the Loch Ness Circular.
We can transfer you to your car or you can depart by train or bus.
Please note the following events in Fort William:
The Scottish 6 day Motorcycle Trails will take place from Sunday 4th to Saturday 10th May 2025.
The West Highland Way Race will take place on Saturday 21st June 2025.
This affects the availability of accommodation in Fort William and our ability to deliver your luggage.
Therefore when booking your walking holiday on Great Glen Way we suggest you avoid Fort William around these dates.
The Ben Nevis Hill Race will take place in Fort William on Saturday 7th September 2024 (date for 2025 to be confirmed).
This affects the availability of accommodation in the area (day 1 and 2 of your itinerary)
and our ability to deliver your luggage.
Fort William to Inverness
in Scotland UK
9 day itinerary
7 days walking and 8 nights
Suggested Itinerary
| Day 1: | arrive Fort William | |
| Optional Day: | optional extra day in Fort William | |
| Day 2: | Fort William to Gairlochy | 11 miles |
| Day 3: | Gairlochy to North Laggan | 13.5 miles |
| Day 4: | North Laggan to Fort Augustus | 9 miles |
| Optional Day: | optional extra day in Fort Augustus | |
| Day 5: | Fort Augustus to Invermoriston | 8 miles |
| Day 6: | Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit | 14 miles |
| Day 7: | Drumnadrochit to Abriachan | 9 miles |
| Day 8: | Abriachan to Inverness | 9 miles |
| Optional Day: | optional extra day in Inverness | |
| Day 9: | depart Inverness |
9 day itinerary 8 nights
| Double or Twin Occupancy | Single Occupancy travelling with others | Solo Traveller |
|
| 2024 | £1,008 | £1,560 | £1,640 |
| 2025 | £1,008 | £1,560 | £1,640 |
All prices subject to change
Extra nights from £64.00 per person
depending on location
A 73 mile Scottish walking holiday in Scotland’s Great Glen along the Caledonian Canal from Fort William to Inverness.
This is one of our Canal Walking Holidays, one of our Coast to Coast Walking Holidays in UK, and also one of our Scotland Walking Holidays.
Optional Accommodation Upgrades for
Great Glen Way
Can be added when booking online
Subject to availability Supplement per person per night
Fort William
Alexandra Hotel
double/twin
£55.00
single
please ask
Ben Nevis Hotel
£55.00
please ask
Nevis Bank Inn
£55.00
please ask
Invergarry
Invergarry Hotel
double/twin
£55.50
single
please ask
Fort Augustus
White House B&B
double/twin
£49.00
single
please ask
Invermoriston
Glenmoriston Arms
double/twin
£58.00
single
please ask
Drumnadrochit
Benleva Hotel
double/twin
£35.00
single
please ask
What’s included
in your Great Glen Way Walking Holiday in Scotland
- accommodation at high quality guest houses, inns or small hotels on a bed and breakfast basis
- room with en-suite or private bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities
- daily luggage transfer
- support should there be any problems on route
- detailed itineraries
- OS 1:25 map
- guide book to Great Glen Way
Optional Extras
for your Great Glen Way Walking Holiday in Scotland
- upgrade to the region’s most elegant, prestigious and famous hotels, where available
- transfers back to car or station
- parking facilities
- rest days
- inn to inn walks
What’s not included
in your Great Glen Way Walking Holiday in Scotland
- lunches and dinners
- travel insurance
Lunches and Dinners
These are not included.
Evening meals
These are available at overnight locations, either at your accommodation or in the town/village.
Packed lunches
These can be provided by your accommodation or can be obtained from a local store, or cafe or inn along the route.
Holiday Travel Insurance
We require that you take out holiday insurance as Let’s Go Biking Ltd accepts no liability for the following:
cancellation, personal accident, illness, loss/theft of personal possessions and/or money, and any unforeseen circumstances, especially travel delays.
This is in addition to our existing
booking conditions.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Our telephone Lines are open 7 days a week.
UK +44 (0)1837 880075
or +44 (0)207 193 1252
March to September 9am to 9pm
October to February 9am to 5pm
US +1 (646) 233-1541
New York 5 hours behind UK time:
March to September 4am to 4pm EST
October to February 4am to 12noon EST
AUS +61 (02) 8006 0182
Sydney 10 hours ahead of UK time:
March to September 7pm to 7am EADT
October to February 7pm to 3am EADT
CAN +1 (647) 4786251
Toronto 5 hours behind UK time:
March to September 4am to 4pm EST
October to February 4am to 12noon EST
or
Great Glen Way Walking Holiday:
How to get there
- By Plane to Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness airport
- By Car to Fort William where parking is available
- By Train / Bus to Fort William or Inverness
Our canal walking holidays in the UK include Grand Union Canal Towpath, Great Glen Way, John Muir Way, Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath, Leeds and Liverpool Canal Towpath and Oxford Canal Towpath.
This is one of our categories of walking holidays.
