Great Glen Way
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
| 117 kms | 4 - 7 days | 300 metres | Various Required |
Description
The Great Glen, a natural fault line cutting the Highlands in two, has long been a major communication route.
From Fort William to the south west the Great Glen Way, Scotland's fourth 'official' Long Distance Route, follows a route through the glen - first along the Caledonian Canal and Neptune's Staircase at Banavie near Fort William and then alongside Loch Lochy and Loch Oich to Fort Augustus, the central point of the Glen.
From there the route rises above Loch Ness, passing through and past some amazing Highland scenery, Urquhart Castle and the pretty villages of Invermoriston and Drumnadrochit, before descending to the Highland capital of Inverness.
The route can be walked in either direction, however, walking from Fort William to Inverness is recommended, as the prevailing south-westerly winds will be behind you and the easier sections of the Way are also found in the south-west.
The route follows paths throughout, is fully waymarked and is managed by a dedicated ranger service, which can be contacted on +44 (0) 1320 366633 or email: greatglenway@highland.gov.uk.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION!
A stretch of the Great Glen Way has been closed until the end of March next year to allow harvesting of trees. Diversions for walkers have been marked by orange arrows, but some sections are steep.
For more details click here.
Access Info
The route begins at the Old Fort in Fort William, heads alongside Loch Linnhe until you get to Banavie and the series of Caledonian Canal locks at Neptune's Staircase. Public transport links to Fort William are frequent via either First Scotrail or by Scottish Citylink bus services.
More Info
A dedicated guide to The Great Glen Way is published by Rucksack Readers. For more information on this guide and to purchase visit the Rucksack Readers website at www.rucsacs.com.
For further information about the route log on to the website detailed below.
