6-Day Great Glen Way Route Itinerary — Explorer Pace

The Great Glen Way begins at the bronze statue of a seated walker in Fort William, near Lochaber Leisure Centre and the end point of the West Highland Way. Following the Caledonian Canal northeastward, the route passes Neptune's Staircase, an impressive series of eight locks designed by Thomas Telford in 1822 that raises boats 19 metres over 500 metres. Along here the Moorings Hotel offers refreshments. Shortly after, walkers cross the Sheangain Aqueduct, another Telford engineering marvel that carries the canal over the River Lochy. The path surface along this section is primarily well-maintained gravel towpath, providing easy walking conditions in all weathers. Continuing along the canal towpath, walkers may enjoy views of Ben Nevis (1,345m) to the south. At Gairlochy it is a 6km road detour (infrequent bus service or taxi available) to Spean Bridge for accommodation options.

From Gairlochy, the Great Glen Way leaves the Caledonian Canal and follows the eastern shore of Loch Lochy on a well-defined forest path. The terrain alternates between firm gravel tracks and road. After about 4 km, walkers pass the Achnacarry Estate, home to Clan Cameron, with its WWII Commando Training Centre memorial and museum (1km detour). The path continues through mixed woodland with intermittent views of Loch Lochy, passing beneath Meall na Teanga. The trail climbs gradually through Clunes Forest with occasional breaks in the trees offering spectacular views north-northeast down Loch Lochy. The path continues through forest sections before emerging onto a brief road section that leads to South Laggan and Laggan Locks. Here, the unique Eagle Barge Inn, a converted Dutch barge moored at the locks, offers refreshments, meals and a welcome rest stop for walkers.

The path follows the Caledonian Canal's eastern towpath to North Laggan and the southern tip of Loch Oich. The path now follows the eastern shore of Loch Oich along the old Caledonian Canal towpath, a section of General Wade's Military Road built in the 1720s to control the Highlands. The level, well-maintained gravel surface provides easy walking. This scenic route passes through mixed woodland with open views across Loch Oich to the western hills. The path continues north to reach Aberchalder Lock and swing bridge. The Great Glen Way follows another stretch along the Caledonian Canal. The route continues along the eastern bank on a well-maintained towpath of compacted gravel. At Cullochy Lock, walkers find a small picnic area with benches. The path proceeds through peaceful woodland alternating with open sections that offer views of the surrounding hills. After Kytra Lock, the trail continues on a wide gravel track before arriving at Fort Augustus. Here, the canal enters Loch Ness through a dramatic staircase of five locks in the village centre. Fort Augustus offers numerous facilities including cafés, restaurants, shops, accommodation and a water refill point at the tourist information centre.

Leaving Fort Augustus, the Great Glen Way climbs steadily through Inchnacardoch Forest on well-graded forestry tracks. The path winds through mixed coniferous plantation, offering occasional glimpses of Loch Ness through the trees. Along the way the trail crosses a stone bridge at Allt na Criche, designed by Thomas Telford in 1813. As the route continues, it passes through areas of mature woodland before beginning its descent toward Invermoriston. Invermoriston offers the Glenmoriston Arms Hotel, village store, public toilets and a tearoom, all centred around the historic bridge over the River Moriston.

The trail starts by climbing steeply through mixed woodland on well-maintained forest tracks. The path then contours along the hillside above Loch Ness, providing intermittent views through clearings in the trees. At Ruskich Wood, walkers pass through a tranquil area of native Scots pine. The trail continues northward on undulating terrain, alternating between dense forest and more open sections. A series of streams cross the path, each with bridges or stepping stones. After about 15 km, the route climbs to Grotaig car park and then follows the lane for the most part to finally descend to Drumnadrochit. In Drumnadrochit, facilities include hotels, B&Bs, the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre, cafés, restaurants, a grocery store with post office, public toilets and a pharmacy. Urquhart Castle, a dramatic 13th-century fortress and one of Scotland's most-visited historic sites, lies a 2km detour from the village on Strone Point.

Unlike previous sections that follow canals or loch shores, this segment has a distinctly highland character with elevation changes and open landscapes. After leaving the A82 there is approximately 6 km of ascent; the trail enters forested areas with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees and crosses the open moorland of Mauld with expansive views back over Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. The terrain becomes more exposed with panoramic vistas of the surrounding hills, offering a true mountain atmosphere despite the moderate elevation (385m). The trail then descends alongside plantation forest before reaching the Abriachan Forest road junction. The trail climbs gently, passing the café at the Eco-Campsite before joining the road for a few kilometres. After about 6 km the descent starts to Inverness with views across the Beauly Firth to the Black Isle and the mountains of Ross-shire beyond. The final kilometres follow the banks of the River Ness through the Islands area and riverside parks. Arriving at Inverness Castle marks your impressive accomplishment of a journey across Scotland's most famous geological fault line — the marker stone commemorates this significant achievement.