Hike or Bike the Great Glen Way

Great Glen Way

Highlights
  • Hike or bike through Scotland’s wild beauty—lush forests, towering mountains & shimmering lochs
  • Visit iconic sights like Ben Nevis, Urquhart Castle & the famous Loch Ness
  • Hike at your own pace with flexible itineraries ranging from relaxed to challenging
  • Enjoy comfortable accommodation—handpicked inns, guesthouses & hotels along the route
  • Travel light with daily luggage transfers, so you can focus on the journey
  • Navigate with confidence using our award-winning Macs Adventure app with GPS maps & turn-by-turn directions

The Great Glen Way is a 79-mile trail coast-to-coast route through that stretches from Fort William to Inverness, passing alongside the legendary Loch Ness, the historic Caledonian Canal, and the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle. Whether you're looking for an unforgettable Scotland hiking tour or a scenic cycling trip, this self-guided adventure offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and Scottish charm.

The Great Glen Way is one of the most iconic long-distance trails in Scotland that promises enchanting scenery, rich history, and an unforgettable experience. Combine the West Highland Way with the Great Glen Way to take on an epic hiking adventure in Scotland where you’ll explore the rugged beauty and challenging terrain of the West Highland Way and then continue on the serene, waterside journey of the Great Glen Way. Whether you tackle these iconic Scottish adventures back-to-back or as separate trips, Scotland's landscapes will not disappoint. 

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  • Hiking the Great Glen Way

    Join Kirsty and her dad as they embark on an unforgettable father-daughter adventure along Scotland’s iconic Great Glen Way! Experience the beauty and wonders of the Great Glen Way on this stunning 79-mile trail from Fort William to Inverness. Follow their journey along the shores of Loch Ness, through ancient forests, and past towering mountains in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

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  • Great Glen Way FAQs

    How long is the Great Glen Way?
    The Great Glen Way distance is 79 miles (127 km) from Fort William to Inverness.

    Can you cycle the Great Glen Way?
    Yes! The Great Glen Way Cycle Route follows much of the same path as the hiking trail, with some alternative sections for a smoother ride.

    How difficult is the Great Glen Way?
    The Great Glen Way elevation profile is moderate, with some challenging ascents on the High Route. It’s suitable for most hikers with a reasonable level of fitness.

    Is the Great Glen Way signposted?
    Yes, the Great Glen Way trail is well-marked with clear signs and waymarkers. However, for added confidence, our tours include GPS navigation via our award-winning Macs Adventure app.

    Best time to walk the Great Glen Way?
    Spring and fall offer the best weather for hiking in Scotland, with mild temperatures and fewer midges. Summer can be warm but also busy.

    Are midges a major problem?
    There is no denying that midges can be a nuisance when there is no breeze. They will bite if they find bare skin, but they do not cause illness. Some people suffer from itchy bites. The worst time for midges in Scotland is June to August on warmer, humid days. The best solution is to carry midge repellent and keep moving. See our Say Goodbye to the Midges for repellent ideas.

    Will my accommodation be close to the route?
    We endeavor to book accommodation as close as possible to the trail. Generally, you will only have to walk less than a mile from the route to get to your overnight accommodation. On some itineraries you may have a private taxi transfer if your accommodation is further from the route. 

    Great Glen Way FAQs
  • Why book your Great Glen Way trip with Macs Adventure?

    - Expertly designed self-guided itineraries—hike worry-free with a route planned just for you
    - Luggage transfers included—carry only what you need each day
    - Turn-by-turn GPS navigation—never get lost with our award-winning app
    - Handpicked accommodations—relax in comfortable hotels and guesthouses
    - Local knowledge & expert support—detailed travel guides and 24/7 assistance

    Explore Scotland’s Great Glen Way on a self-guided walking or biking tour—book your adventure today!

    Why book your Great Glen Way trip with Macs Adventure?
  • 5 Fun Facts about Loch Ness
    1. Nessie: Loch Ness is home to the famous Loch Ness Monster, with sightings dating back to 565 AD.
    2. Size: It’s one of Scotland's largest freshwater bodies, 23 miles long and 754 feet deep. It is so deep that it holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined!
    3. The Surgeon’s Photo: The iconic 1934 photo of Nessie, likely a hoax, sparked global interest.
    4. Urquhart Castle: The 1,000-year-old ruins of Urquhart Castle sit along the loch, offering stunning views.
    5. Ancient Tree Stump: The world’s oldest tree stump, over 5,000 years old, was found submerged in Loch Ness.
    5 Fun Facts about Loch Ness
  • A Historic Coast-to-Coast Trail

    From Sea Loch Linnhe and the Atlantic to Moray Firth and the North Sea the Great Glen Way is also considered a fantastic Coast to Coast Trail.

    A great choice for history buffs, and nature-lovers alike the trail takes you from Fort William the 'outdoor capital' of the Highlands in the west to Inverness, Scotland's most northerly cathedral city in the east. The Great Glen Way is the perfect way to travel slowly, discovering the dramatic heritage of the settlements and landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Get away from it all and lose yourself in surrounding landscape and its history, while making new memories yourself. 

    From fact to fantasy, the Jacobites to Robert The Bruce, and everything in between, the Great Glen has it all. En route you'll pass forts, castles, Scotland's deepest loch - Loch Ness - with a reputation as a home to monsters (Nessie!), all while following the Caledonian Canal a feat of historical engineering in itself. The trail starts beside the now unassuming 17th century fort ruins in Fort William and ends in Inverness, settled as early as the 6th century and close to the famous Culloden Battlefield.

    A Historic Coast-to-Coast Trail
  • How to Get to the Great Glen Way

    Getting to the Start
    By Air: Inverness and Glasgow Airports are the most convenient. From Inverness Airport catch a Citylink bus (2 hours) to Fort William. From Glasgow Airport take the shuttle bus into Glasgow city centre and then the train (4 hours) or bus (3 hours) to Fort William.

    By Train: Between 3 and 4 trains run daily from Glasgow to Fort William and the journey takes around 4 hours. Widely regarded as one of the world’s great rail journeys, this is a great way to start your trip. Visit Scotrail's website for timetables and tickets.

    Getting from the End

    Inverness has excellent transport links by road, rail and air to destinations throughout Scotland and the UK. 

    Train on West Highland Line Railway
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