Route Stops
Fort William is known as the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’ and the main town in the Lochaber area. As one of the major resorts of the Highlands, the town commands an important position and is situated on the shore of Loch Linnhe under the mighty hulk of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. There is a footpath to the top of the mountain starting close to the town. It takes around 4 hours to reach the summit. Just a few minutes from the town is Glen Nevis, one of Scotland’s most picturesque Highland glens. The glen is formed from the flank of Ben Nevis and has the River Nevis flowing through it. Overnight in Fort William.
It is an easy walk past ruined Inverlochy Castle to reach Banavie and the seven locks of Neptune’s Staircase. Join the Caledonian Canal towpath, enjoy wonderful views of Ben Nevis and the Grey Corries, spot birds and wildlife and continue to Gairlochy. There is no accommodation at Gairlochy. From previous experience, many walkers have found this section to be relatively easy and most have actually walked the addition 3 miles from Gairlochy Locks into Spean Bridge. However, a transfer service is available and most walkers take advantage of the service the next morning to make their way back to Gairlochy Locks.
Return from Spean Bridge to Gairlochy on foot or by transfer. Walk to Clunes and join the lochside forest trail to Laggan Locks. Perhaps stop for a refreshment at the Eagle, the Inn on the Water, a beautifully converted Dutch barge. Just a short walk now to the accommodation at South Laggan.
A pleasant easy walk along the east side of Loch Oich to Oich Bridge. From there follow the Caledonian Canal towpath into the attractive village of Fort Augustus where you can watch the boats descending the staircase of six locks into Loch Ness.
Perhaps take a morning cruise on Loch Ness before joining the forest trails to Invermoriston. Enjoy the lovely views as you walk through the forest high above Loch Ness.
Mostly forest trail walking today until the last stretch which follows the minor road from Gortaig. A steep descent leads to the busy lochside village of Drumnadrochit.
Quite a steep climb out of the village: continue through open moorland along the edge of Craig Leach Forest and enjoy spectacular views over the Beauly Firth on the descent to Invernesss. Follow the River Ness into the town and the completion of the walk at Inverness Castle.
Congratulations – you have completed The Great Glen Way! After breakfast, it is time to set off on your onward journey.
Great Glen Way
73 miles / 117.5 km
The Great Glen was formed by a massive glacier during the last ice age and traverses Scotland from West to East, from Loch Linnhe on the Atlantic Coast to Inverness on the Moray Firth.
Stretching from Fort William, under the shadow of mighty Ben Nevis, to the highland Capital of Inverness, it offers a breathtaking landscape of lochs, hills and forests, with glorious views over Loch Ness.
Encounter Neptune’s Staircase, a series of eight sea locks linking the sea to the Caledonian Canal built by the Victorian engineer, Thomas Telford in the early 1800s.
Continue past beautiful Loch Lochy, Loch Oich to the world-famous Loch Ness, home of many myths and legends overnighting in the iconic highland villages of Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit. Follow the history of this turbulent region as the Way passes castles and forts, including Urquhart Castle based on the Loch Ness and able to be visited by purchasing tickets in advance.
Most of the route follows lower levels, however, a high level option between Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit offers more dramatic views over the surrounding landscapes before crossing over the Ness Islands to the finishing point at the Inverness Castle on the Beauly Firth.
It is possible to spend an additional night in Fort William in order to climb Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK.
Quality Accommodation
Door to Door Baggage Transfer (max 18kg)
Rucksack Readers Guide Book
Location Details For Each Accommodation
Travel Information from start to finish
Sugguested Equipment List
Route Packages
| Days | Location |
| 1 | Arrive Fort William |
| 2 | Fort William to Gairlochy (10.5 miles / 17 km) |
| 3 | Gairlochy to South Laggan (12 miles / 19 km) |
| 4 | South Laggan to Fort Augustus (10.5 miles / 17 km) |
| 5 | Fort Augustus to Invermoriston (8 miles / 13 km) |
| 6 | Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit (14 miles / 22.5 km) |
| 7 | Drumnadrochit to Inverness (18 miles / 29 km) |
| 8 | Depart Inverness |
What’s included?
- An Electronic Tour Pack with full tour information downloaded to your mobile device
- En-suite accommodation from a selection of Hotels, Guest Houses and B&Bs.
- Breakfast included at all stages
- Bag Transfer at All Stages (max 18kg)
- A Great Glen Way Walking Guide Book
- A Guibo GPS Mapping App detailing all walking routes
- Travel information to the start and from the finish of the walk
- Emergency support during your walking period
What’s not included?
- Evening meals, packed lunches and drinks
- Travel insurance
- Travel to and from the walk start and end point
| Days | Location |
| 1 | Arrive Fort William |
| 2 | Fort William to Gairlochy (10.5 miles / 17 km) |
| 3 | Gairlochy to South Laggan (12 miles / 19 km) |
| 4 | South Laggan to Fort Augustus (10.5 miles / 17 km) |
| 5 | Fort Augustus to Invermoriston (8 miles / 13 km) |
| 6 | Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit (14 miles / 22.5 km) |
| 7 | Drumnadrochit to Abriachan (8 miles / 13 km) |
| 8 | Abriachan to Inverness (10 miles / 16 km) |
| 9 | Depart Inverness |
What’s included?
- An Electronic Tour Pack with full tour information downloaded to your mobile device
- En-suite accommodation from a selection of Hotels, Guest Houses and B&Bs.
- Breakfast included at all stages
- Bag Transfer at All Stages (max 18kg)
- A Great Glen Way Walking Guide Book
- A Guibo GPS Mapping App detailing all walking routes
- Travel information to the start and from the finish of the walk
- Emergency support during your walking period
What’s not included?
- Evening meals, packed lunches and drinks
- Travel insurance
- Travel to and from the walk start and end point
First established in 1996, EasyWays has built a strong reputation with the UK and International walking community in the delivery of walking holidays throughout Scotland.
The template of every successful business is grounded in long term relationships, and EasyWays, along with our accommodation providers and baggage transfer companies work as one to ensure your walk experience is both enjoyable and memorable.
As a Scottish based company we are close at hand to the walking routes and pride ourselves in delivering a bespoke service – tell us what you would like and we will build an itinerary to match.
