Great Glen Way
Length: 124km
Elevation gain: +2410m
The Great Glen Way (GGW) is one of Scotland’s renowned Great Trails, stretching approximately 124 km from Fort William to Inverness. It is frequently paired with the West Highland Way, offering an extended and comprehensive experience of the Scottish Highlands.
In September 2025, I chose to approach the GGW from the opposite direction, beginning in Inverness and ending in Fort William. I opted for the high-route variant of the trail, which involves a greater elevation gain but offers the reward of breathtaking views over Loch Ness and a more secluded, remote feel.
It took me four days and three nights to complete the route, although adding an extra day would probably have been better to avoid a few overly long stretches. To make the most of the experience, I wild-camped throughout the journey and would highly recommend the same to others!
I’ve compiled a GPX file outlining the route, including some points of interest and suggested wild-camping locations. Simply click the button below to download the file!
A quick glance!
Itinerary
Day 1 – 26km / +518m – Inverness to Abriachan Forest
Relatively easy going day with a gentle elevation gain – good way to start the journey, knowing there would be some climbs ahead. There was a bit more road walking than I prefer, but the scenery definitely made up for it. I came across a few other hikers, though all of them were heading the opposite way. This would be the trend for more or less the whole journey.
Day 2 – 37km / +1115m – Abriachan Forest to Fort Augustus Forest
A long but rewarding day hiking the length of Loch Ness. The high route involved some strenuous climbs, but the payoff was truly spectacular views over the loch. Overall, this was probably the best stretch of the trip. It did get a bit windy on the hilltops, though!
Day 3 – 37km / +615m – Fort Augustus Forest to Clunes
Another long day, but with much less elevation gain. Most of the route was easy walking along the Caledonian Canal, with a few stretches through forest. The weather, however, took a turn for the worse. At one point the rain was coming down hard and sideways. Biblical rains aren’t unusual in Scotland, so good rain gear is absolutely essential!
Day 4 – 24km / +160m – Clunes to Fort William
A mostly flat walk following the Caledonian Canal almost all the way to Fort William. My legs took a bit of a beating, as nearly the entire day was spent on paved or stony roads. The scenery was less dramatic than on earlier days, but by the end I was incredibly satisfied to have completed the trail!
Segments and spots
Ending point
Some practical information
- Getting to the starting point in Inverness is quite easy. The city is served by multiple daily buses and trains and even has an airport.
- The return from Fort William is also straightforward. The city is served by multiple buses and a few trains per day to e.g. Glasgow and Edinburgh.
- The trail is nicely waymarked. Just pay attention and you will not miss a turn! Nonetheless, it is always a good idea to carry a map.
- The route is a mix of gravel paths, paved sections, logging and miners roads. I used trail running shoes and would recommend the same to others (more generally, shoes with good cushioning).
- The trail has a few optional high-route sections. These do come with some elevation gain, but the views afterwards certainly make up for the effort. Just be careful in high winds as it can get a bit rough.
- There are plenty eating and re-supply opportunities on the route. Carrying a single days worth of food is probably enough (though this of course depends on your itinerary!).
- Wild camping spots are quite plentiful along the trail. I’ve marked these into the downloadable GPX file. Alternatively, there are plenty of campsites, hostels and hotels on the way as well.
- Be sure to have enough water! Although there are many re-supply opportunities, the stretches between them are quite long and there are not a whole lot of streams to filter water from.
- Pack proper rain gear! In Scotland, when it rains it RAINS and good rain gear will protect you from getting wet, cold and ill!
What do you think?
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