Great Glen Way

The journey begins in Fort William, in the shadow of Ben Nevis, following a pleasant, largely flat path alongside the Caledonian Canal. This first stage offers a gentle introduction to the Great Glen, with minimal elevation change and well-maintained towpaths. The highlight is Neptune's Staircase, an impressive series of eight locks raising the canal 19 meters over a quarter-mile stretch – a remarkable feat of 19th-century engineering designed by Thomas Telford.

The route continues northward along the canal, offering excellent views of Ben Nevis on clear days to the east, while the waters of Loch Linnhe stretch to the west. Wildlife spotting opportunities abound, with herons, oystercatchers, and occasionally otters visible along the waterway. The path transitions through peaceful woodland sections as you approach Gairlochy.

Water is readily available at Fort William and canal-side facilities, but becomes more limited after leaving the town. The Commando Memorial near Spean Bridge offers historical context to the area's WWII significance as a training ground for elite soldiers. Gairlochy, while small, marks your first encounter with Loch Lochy and provides basic accommodation options.

From Gairlochy, the trail hugs the northeastern shore of Loch Lochy, Scotland's third-deepest loch. Initially following forestry tracks through the vibrant Clunes Forest, this stage alternates between sheltered woodland paths and open stretches offering magnificent views across the loch toward the mountains beyond. Gentle undulations characterize this section, with relatively modest overall elevation change.

Approaching the halfway point at Laggan Locks, the route passes the enigmatic "Witches Stone," linked to local folklore about a 17th-century witch trial. The trail transitions to canal towpath again at Laggan, where the Caledonian Canal connects Loch Lochy to Loch Oich. This engineering marvel showcases the ingenuity required to create a navigable waterway across Scotland.

The path continues to South Laggan along the western shore of Loch Oich, Scotland's highest loch at 32 meters above sea level. The ruins of Invergarry Castle offer a brief historical diversion, having played a role in the Jacobite risings. Water is available at Laggan Locks, where the Eagle Barge Inn (a converted Dutch barge) offers refreshments. South Laggan provides limited but adequate accommodation options and marks the approximate midpoint of Loch Oich.

After leaving Loch Oich behind, the path rejoins the Caledonian Canal at Aberchalder Swing Bridge, a historical crossing point. The canal section features well-maintained towpaths that lead directly to Fort Augustus, offering glimpses of boats navigating the waterway. Approaching Fort Augustus, you'll encounter a spectacular flight of five locks lowering the canal to the level of Loch Ness.

Fort Augustus itself holds significant historical importance as a military garrison established after the Jacobite rising of 1715. The Benedictine Abbey (now converted to luxury apartments) dominates the town landscape. As your first encounter with Loch Ness, Fort Augustus offers excellent facilities including accommodations across all budgets, restaurants, shops, and a visitor center detailing the engineering achievements of the Caledonian Canal. Water and resupply options are plentiful, making this an ideal place to restock before the more challenging eastern sections.

Leaving Fort Augustus, the trail character changes significantly as it climbs away from Loch Ness through dense coniferous plantations. The original low route and newer high route (added in 2014) offer two distinct experiences – the lower path provides more sheltered walking through woodland with occasional loch views, while the higher alternative delivers spectacular panoramas across Loch Ness and the mountains beyond, though with considerably more climbing.

The high route ascends to over 400 meters, following forestry tracks and offering viewpoints where, on clear days, hikers can see the entire length of Loch Ness. Both routes feature mixed terrain of forest paths, moorland sections, and occasional rocky areas requiring careful footing, particularly after wet weather.

The paths converge for the descent into Invermoriston, passing the spectacular Falls of Moriston where the River Moriston cascades through a dramatic gorge before entering Loch Ness. The Thomas Telford bridge (built 1813) stands alongside the older General Wade military bridge from 1749, both spanning the river gorge and representing different periods in Highland development. Invermoriston offers limited but quality accommodation options, a village store for basic supplies, and a historic church. Water sources are available throughout this section, but filtering is recommended for streams away from established facilities.

This challenging section represents the most demanding day of the Great Glen Way, with significant ascents and descents as the trail climbs high above Loch Ness. Again offering high and low route alternatives, most hikers choose the higher path for its unparalleled vistas. The trail climbs steeply from Invermoriston through ancient woodlands rich with native Scots pine, reaching heights of over 400 meters at several points.

The high route traverses open moorland and forests, offering breathtaking panoramic views across Loch Ness toward the distant mountains of the Northwest Highlands. On clear days, the visibility can extend for dozens of miles, creating a profound sense of Highland wilderness. Several viewpoints provide ideal rest stops, including Meall Doire Bhrath which offers a 360-degree vista.

The final descent into Drumnadrochit passes through Urquhart Bay Woodland, an atmospheric ancient wet woodland designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The approach reveals glimpses of the ruined Urquhart Castle standing dramatically on the shores of Loch Ness – a site with over 1,000 years of turbulent history and connections to both clan warfare and Jacobite conflicts.

Drumnadrochit itself serves as the center of Loch Ness tourism, offering comprehensive facilities including multiple accommodation options, restaurants, and two Loch Ness-themed visitor centers exploring both the natural history and the monster mythology. Water is readily available throughout this section at established crossing points, though the exposed nature of the high route means carrying adequate supplies is essential.

The final stage of the Great Glen Way presents a fitting conclusion to this Highland journey, initially climbing steeply from Drumnadrochit through working farmland before entering the extensive Abriachan Forest. This community-owned woodland offers a network of well-maintained paths through diverse forest habitats, with the route reaching its highest point (380m) near the Abriachan Eco-Campsite and Forest School – a pioneering environmental education center where hikers can take refreshments.

The trail continues through varied terrain featuring mixed woodland, open heathland rich with heather and gorse, and occasional stretches of pine plantation. As you progress eastward, the landscape gradually transitions from Highland to Lowland characteristics, with more cultivated fields appearing alongside traditional crofting areas. Views extend across the Beauly Firth and, on clear days, to the distant mountains of Wester Ross.

The final approach to Inverness follows the forested slopes of the River Ness, descending gradually toward Scotland's northernmost city. The route offers tantalizing glimpses of Inverness Castle and Cathedral before finally crossing the River Ness to reach the official endpoint at Inverness Castle, standing proudly above the city. This medieval fortress (largely rebuilt in the 19th century) provides a dramatic conclusion to your journey, with its esplanade offering views back along the Great Glen you've traversed. Inverness offers comprehensive facilities including all accommodation types, excellent dining options, and transport connections to the rest of Scotland. Water sources are available throughout this section at established points.