Great Glen Way - Intensive

This is a long stage from Laggan Locks to Invermoriston, covering almost 29 km through the Great Glen. The profile stays low for much of the day, with only modest climbs and descents, so the main challenge is the distance. You follow a practical line of riverside paths, canal-side sections and lochside walking, gradually moving from the Laggan Locks area via Fort Augustus and then on towards Invermoriston.

Starting from Laggan Locks, the route heads north-east through the valley, following quiet paths along the right bank of Loch Oich. Next, walk along General Wade's military road towards Oich Bridge, which is one of the most prominent landmarks along the route. Next, you will hike alongside the Caledonian Canal and the River Oich towards Fort Augustus (ideal for a well deserved break!), before continuing along the lower route alongside Loch Ness. The final section keeps you close to the lower hillside on the left-hand side of the lake, among the trees, before approaching Invermoriston.

You arrive in Invermoriston after a long but mostly gentle stage through the Great Glen. Your accommodation is the perfect place to rest, eat and recover after finishing your stage.

This stage follows the Great Glen Way Low Route from Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit, covering 21 km along the western side of Loch Ness. With 540 m of ascent, it is a longer day with several steady climbs rather than a flat lochside walk. The profile rises and falls throughout, with a higher middle section before the final descent into Drumnadrochit. Expect woodland paths, loch views and quieter hillside sections above the water.

From Invermoriston, the route heads north among trees following the lower line above Loch Ness. You pass viewpoints towards the loch, then continue through mixed woodland and open hillside. Further on, the trail passes close to a viewpoint overlooking Lochan Torr an Tuill and the surrounding area on the opposite shore of the lake. Near Drumnadrochit, the route leads to a footpath offering views of the moorland.

You arrive in Drumnadrochit after the final descent from the hillside above Loch Ness. The accommodation is the perfect place to rest after a long stage with repeated climbs, forest sections and wide views over the loch.

This is a long final stage from Drumnadrochit to Inverness, covering 33 km along the Great Glen Way. The profile includes 490 m of ascent and 510 m of descent, with a steady climb in the first half before a long gradual descent towards the city. The distance is the main challenge, so keep a steady pace and take breaks early. Expect Loch Ness views, forest paths, hillside tracks and a practical finish into Inverness.

From Drumnadrochit, the route heads north and follows the western side of Loch Ness. After the lower opening section, it climbs towards viewpoints over the loch and the area around Abriachan, passing right below Carn na Leitire summit. Further on, the trail continues across higher ground past multiple viewpoints before descending towards the River Ness and the edge of Inverness.

The final kilometres bring you into Inverness after the long descent from the hills above Loch Ness. You finish in the city, with transport, food and accommodation close by, making it a comfortable end to the Great Glen Way.