The Great Glen Way


 

The Great Glen Way was officially opened on the 30th of April 2002 by H.R.H. Prince Andrew, Earl of Inverness.

The route, which spans 73 miles/117km between Fort William and Inverness, can be walked in 5-6 days, staying overnight in the various communities within the Glen. The Great Glen Way suits all levels of walker. For the less experienced it is the perfect introduction to long distance walking, being for the most part low-level and following mainly towpaths and woodland tracks. There are some challenging sections though, and the more experienced may wish to tackle a few Munros or Corbetts within reach from the route.

The route can be walked in either direction, however, walking from Fort William to Inverness you have the prevailing wind behind you and begin with the easier sections of the Way.


The Great Glen Way Route

The route begins at the Old Fort in Fort William, under the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britains highest mountain. From here it skirts the shores of Loch Linnhe to join the historic Caledonian Canal at Corpach.

From Corpach, the journey along Scotland's longest Glen and greatest geological fault begins. The canal towpath is followed to Gairlochy, passing several interesting canal features such as Neptune's Staircase and the awesome aqueducts.

The next part of the route, mainly on forest tracks, hugs the peaceful western shores of Loch Lochy. There are splendid views as you pass below towering mountains, two of which are 'Munros'.

The Canal comes back into sight and you rejoin the towpath at Laggan Locks, where you are close to the site of the Clan Battle of the Shirts in 1544. From here the route leads you into Laggan Avenue, a lovely canalside path through a fine variety of tall trees established by Thomas Telford.

This takes you almost to Laggan swing bridge where you cross the A82 to find the secluded eastern shores of Loch Oich. Following first the old railway line, abandoned in 1946, and then a section of General Wade's Military Road, you follow the tranquil shores of the loch through beautiful mixed woodland where wildlife abounds.

The route emerges at Aberchalder swing bridge where you once again join the canal towpath for a scenic walk to Fort Augustus passing the delightful Kytra and Cullochy Locks. Passing through historic Fort Augustus you may catch sight of the grand, imposing Abbey, which until recently, housed Benedictine monks.

Take a rest on the stone seat at Invermoriston.

Loch Ness view at Invermoriston.


From Fort Augustus you start the first real climb but the reward is a series of breathtaking views back over the village and across Loch Ness as you follow high forest tracks to Invermoriston. As you come into the village and cross the mighty river Moriston, have a look at the splendid old bridge, another Telford design and maybe stop for refreshments at the Glen Rowan Licensed Restaurant and Coffee Shop.

Another steep climb and yet more dramatic views are in store as you leave the village and continue mainly along forest tracks to emerge at the crofting community of Grotaig. A quiet minor road is followed through crofting land, high above Loch Ness, until you turn off and descend through woodland to the River Coiltie and on to Drumnadrochit.

The route passes through the heart of the bustling village and centre of the Nessie industry. Leaving the roadside it then climbs steadily through farmland offering unforgettable views back over Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle before entering the woodland and winding its way up, with occasional glimpses of the Loch and far away the east coast of Scotland comes in to sight. A short section across exposed, rugged heather moorland and you are nearly at Abriachan, another hill crofting community.

A lovely quiet stretch along a minor road, with wide ranging views across the crofts and over to far away hills takes you to Blackfold.

Here the route turns into Craig Leach forest, emerging at the reservoir where you get a dramatic view of your destination, Inverness, with the Moray Firth stretching out behind it. Winding downhill, you pass close to Leachkin chambered cairn, and approach the city of Inverness.
 

You May Also Be Interested In The Great Glen Cycle Route

Cycle Route Map

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