A breathtaking adventure through Scotland's longest Glen from Fort William to Inverness, following the route of the historic Caledonian Canal, incorporating many lochs, including Loch Linnhe and Loch Ness with its itinerant monster (remember your camera, just in case!).
At 73 miles long this is a rewarding long distance route for any level of walker, and should take around 5-6 days. Along the way, you'll pass some of Scotland's most historic sites. Surrounded by Munros and water you'll also never be far from an exhilarating outdoor/adventure activity too.
The Great Glen route can be walked in either direction, but you may want to start at the Fort William end, to take advantage of the south-westerly prevailing wind. It also means the sun will mostly be at your back, giving you even better views.
Your starting point is the Old Fort in Fort William. The route takes you out along the edge of Loch Linnhe and up to its north shore where it turns sharply to the west and narrows before widening out again to become Loch Eil.
This is where the Caledonian Canal reaches the sea, by means of the famous "Neptune's Staircase" a series of locks on the canal.
Continuing on, your route takes you along the Western side of Loch Lochy - the largest freshwater loch on the Caledonian Canal after Loch Ness. Here you'll find mostly easy walking along gentle forest paths, eventually joining the canal-side route again at Laggan Locks and walking onwards towards Loch Oich through the Laggan Avenue. This section of the canal is lined with Scots Pines, planted when the canal was being constructed in the early 1800's.
Nearby the Battle of the Shirts took place in 1544 - so named as the battle between rival Clans was fought on a hot day!
Just before you come to the Laggan Swing Bridge you'll cross the A82 and on to the quieter eastern side of Loch Oich. Follow the line that takes in sections of abandoned railway line and old road (part of General Wade's Military Road built in the early 1700's).
Your path will continue along the shores of Loch Oich through sections of mixed forest, emerging at another swing bridge: this time the one at Aberchalder. Walk on into Fort Augustus, looking out for the Benedictine Abbey up ahead on the right.
Continuing on, you leave Fort Augustus with a quick but steep ascent on a small road leading into a forest. You may well get your best views of the Canal and the Abbey here, looking back as you follow the undulating terrain.
Thomas Telford didn't just build the Caledonian Canal, he also built the bridge you'll cross over the Moriston River. Both are equally impressive.
You'll get some lovely views of Loch Ness as you follow the twists and turns of the path down into pretty Invermoriston.
Leaving the village, it's another steep climb with fine views of Loch Ness. Follow the steep undulating forest tracks until you reach the crofting community of Grotaig. Onwards your route takes you through a mixture of farmland and moorland, with views over the Great Glen and onwards to Drumnadrochit, home to the photogenic Urquhart Castle. This ruined castle - one of the biggest in Scotland - has a long history stretching from the iron age through to the Covenanters and Jacobites in the late 17th century.
Going through the village, you'll eventually leave the roadside, walking up through farmland to woodland beyond.
A short walk through more open heather-clad terrain takes you to the edges of Abriachan, a hill crofting community of about 120 people. There are good all-ability mountain bike trails here for those that are so-inclined. Follow the peaceful road to Blackfold.
From the Blackfold forest, continue on leaving Loch Ness behind and allow the river to guide you into Inverness with impressive views of Inverness Castle and the Moray Firth beyond.
The canalside and riverside paths take you all the way into the centre of Inverness, one of the few city centres where you might find a salmon fisherman. The castle, an imposing red sandstone building perched right on the River Ness, is now home to the city's Sheriff Court. This is your final stop.
The Great Glen Way route manager has produced a promotional DVD of the Way. To see an excerpt of this, visit the Great Glen Way website.
