Great Glen Way - Medium

This is a straightforward stage along the Great Glen, following low ground between Laggan and Fort Augustus. The profile stays gentle throughout, with only small rises and descents, so the walking is mainly about keeping a comfortable rhythm. The route follows the line of water, woodland and canal-side terrain, with views opening towards Loch Oich and the surrounding hills before the final approach into Fort Augustus.

From the accommodation area near Laggan Locks, the route heads north-east along the Great Glen corridor. You pass close to Invergarry Castle Ruins and continue near General Wade’s military road before reaching the Oich Bridge area. Further on, the trail follows the River Oich and passes Cullochy Lock and Kytra Lock, staying close to the water for much of the way. The final section leads steadily towards Fort Augustus.

You arrive in Fort Augustus at the end of the stage, where the route reaches the village near the southern end of Loch Ness. After an easy-going day along the canal and river, the accommodation gives you a practical place to rest and settle in.

This stage follows the Great Glen Way Low Route from Fort Augustus to Invermoriston, staying close to Loch Ness for much of the day. The profile is moderate, with small climbs and descents rather than one sustained ascent. You leave the village and follow woodland paths, lochside sections and quiet tracks above the water. It is a varied but manageable stage, with regular views across Loch Ness and the hills on the far shore.

From Fort Augustus, the route heads north along the western side of Loch Ness and soon passes through a forest landscape that feels almost enchanted. Shortly after walking 2.5 kilometres, you will reach the junction where the high and low routes of the Great Glen Way diverge. Take the right-hand route this time. As you gain gentle height above the loch, several viewpoints appear, especially those overlooking Loch Ness. Further on, the trail continues close to the shoreline before reaching the junction that meets with the higher route near Invermoriston. The final section leads towards the village and the Thomas Telford bridge area.

You arrive in Invermoriston after a steady walk along Loch Ness. The end point is close to the village, giving you a practical place to rest, settle in and enjoy a quieter finish after the lochside stage from Fort Augustus.

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.