Great Glen Way - Intensive

Duration: 7 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: More than 20 km per day
Ascent per day: 250 - 500 m ascent per day
> Faster version of the Great Glen Way
> Complete the Great Glen Way in 5 days
> Accommodation in Fort William and Inverness included

The Great Glen Way is a long-distance route that starts in Fort William and ends in Inverness, and follows the major natural faultline of the Great Glen which divides Scotland from coast to coast. This extraordinary trail is 79 mile/127 km long and offers its visitors breathtaking landscapes including lochs, hills, and forests. If you are looking for a gentle walk in Scotland, the Great Highland Way is an excellent option.

The Great Glen Way starts at the foot of the impressive Ben Nevis and takes you along the coasts of Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, and the forests above Loch Ness. This route will also guide you through some historical milestones of this turbulent region, past castles, forts, and scenes of some of Scotland’s bloodiest battles. Despite running at lower levels, you can also choose to follow the higher level option of the Great Glen Way between Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit. This higher section offers more dramatic views for a little more effort.

This is a faster version of the Great Glen Way for those who are trainned and experience trekkers and can walk longer distances. On this 7-day tour, you will complete all the stages on the Great Glen Way, from Fort William to Inverness in 5 days. Stages 3 and 4, however, have been merged into 1 longer stage. We will arrange the accommodation and luggage transfer for you, and we will provide you with a detailed itinerary for your Great Glen Way adventure. This trek also includes the accommodation in Fort William and Inverness before and after the trek.

Itinerary

Day
1

Arrival in Fort William

Today you will have to make your way to Fort William. In Fort William, you will spend the night at a hotel preparing for your Great Glen Way adventure.

The Garrison (Fort William)

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The Garrison (Fort William)
Day
2

Fort William to Gairlochy

Duration: 05:49 h
Distance: 22.5 km
Ascent: 150 m
Descent: 100 m

Today you will start your Great Glen Way adventure at the Old Fort in Fort William. This first section of the trek is level and smooth. From Fort William you will first skirt the shores of Loch Linnhe and you will then join the Caledonian Canal at Corpach. While trekking along the canal you will come across Neptune's Staircase, the longest flight of locks on the canal. You will also see remnants of the original construction of the canal, like viaducts, original buildings and the hand-operated swing bridge. Follow the Canal towpath to Gairlochy.

It is important to note that Gairlochy has limited accommodation options and no shops. An alternative option is spending the night in Spean Bridge, 4.5 miles away.

Inverour Guest House (Spean Bridge / Gairlochy)

Info
Inverour Guest House (Spean Bridge / Gairlochy)
Day
3

Gairlochy to Laggan Locks

Duration: 07:04 h
Distance: 26.7 km
Ascent: 250 m
Descent: 260 m
Today you will walk along Loch Lochy, one of the 3 major Lochs in the Great Glen. The trail today guides you through small roads and forest tracks. At first, from the Pepperpot Lighthouse, the road follows the southwestern end of the loch. you will walk by the shore for a couple of miles and then you will join the trail near the settlement of Achnacarry. In Clunes, the path leaves the road and follows forest tracks up until the end of the loch. One last short trek takes you to the canal lock gates at South Laggan, where this stage of the Great Glen Way ends.

Great Glen Hostel (Laggan Locks)

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Great Glen Hostel (Laggan Locks)
See entire itinerary

Included

  • Accommodation

    We will arrange your accommodation on the Great Glen Way in hotels, inns, and guesthouses. Accommodation will be private in single, double or twin rooms and with en-suite bathroom where possible.

  • Full travel guide

    We will send you on your way with a digital travel guide which includes a route description, interactive Great Glen Way hiking maps, and the most important information applicable to your trek.

  • Baggage Transfer

    This trek includes the transfer of your luggage throughout the entire Great Glen Way trek. Your bags will be picked up every morning from the hotel lobby and will be driven to your next next accommodation. Baggage transfers allow you to travel lighter during the day and enjoy the walk in a more relaxed manner.

  • Breakfast

    Breakfast is, if possible, included in this trek and it will be provided every morning at your accommodation.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport. This also applies to any transport from the end point of your trail.

  • Transfers

    Should you need any form of (public) transport on location, this is not part of the trekking package. This includes the use of taxi, bus, cable cars, gondolas etc.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Lunch and Dinner

    Breakfast is, if possible, included in the price of the trek. You can get lunch and dinner at the shops, hotels, and restaurants along the way.

FAQ

  • Best season to walk the Great Glen Way

  • How do I get to the trailhead?

  • West Highland Way and Great Glen Way combined

How to Book

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  • Cancellation policy

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Natascha Langelaan
Natascha Langelaan

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