The Great Glen in the Scottish Highlands (in Gaelic, gleann mòr) is also partly known as Glen Albyn, meaning "The Valley of Scotland." This large valley stretches nearly straight for about 62 miles across the Highlands, from Inverness on the North Sea coast to Fort William on Loch Linnhe, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a geological fault where several lochs are aligned, connected by rivers.

The historical significance of the valley particularly relates to the Jacobite uprisings of the 17th and 18th centuries, as the valley provided a quick route through the Highlands. The military purpose is still evident today in place names like Fort William, Fort Augustus, and Fort George along the valley.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the valley was made fully navigable by the construction of the Caledonian Canal to boost trade. Today, the Great Glen is a popular vacation spot where hikers, cyclists, sailors, rowers, anglers, and others can pursue their passions.

The undisputed king of long-distance trails in Scotland is, of course, the notorious West Highland Way, and rightly so. But what if the West Highland Way is fully booked? Or if you already know that trail and are seeking a new experience in Scotland? Having hiked both trails, I’ll do my best to recommend the Great Glen Way as a worthwhile alternative to the West Highland Way and highlight its unique features. 

Nature vs. Culture 

Both trails go through the Highlands, but the Highlands are not all the same! The West Highland Way quickly leaves the suburbs of Glasgow and leads through regions such as Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, and Lairigmor, much of which is completely uninhabited and far from signs of human civilization.

In contrast, the Great Glen Way follows a route that has been a significant transportation route for centuries, mostly along the Caledonian Canal and various lochs, and passes through several settlements. Here, you’ll be in contact with people and the culture and history of the region for most of the way. So, if you’re looking for a good mix of nature and cultural highlights and especially want to experience Scottish life, the Great Glen Way might be a better choice than the West Highland Way. 

Variety

Both trails offer a great deal of variety; they traverse lake shores, old military roads, forest paths, and gravel tracks, and include modern footpaths. The Great Glen Way also excels in variety: the trail starts and ends with the Caledonian Canal on flat, wide paths, while forest and woodland paths along the many lochs lead to some breathtaking views. The difficulty level of the Great Glen Way is also well-designed: the first few days start off comfortably, ideal for warming up, while there are challenging "high routes" along the way that offer both a challenge and reward. 

Sightseeing  

One notable difference from the West Highland Way is the sightseeing opportunities along the route. If, like me, you enjoy combining an active hiking trip with visits to impressive historical sites, you’ll find the Great Glen Way has more opportunities for this. In contrast, The West Highland Way was sparsely populated in the past, so there are few castles, fortresses, or larger towns. On the Great Glen Way, you’ll hike through historic clan lands, passing the ancestral seats of these once-powerful clans. Some castle ruins and forts along the way, such as the ruins of Inverlochy, Achnacarry, Invergarry, and the prominent Urquhart Castle, add historical highlights to your hike! Even in Inverness, the "capital of the Highlands," there are some exciting sights like the Culloden Battlefield and the mysterious Clava Cairns. It’s worth sticking around for a few extra days before leaving Scotland. 

Conclusion  

As mentioned at the beginning, The West Highland Way is the well-known, classic, long-distance trail in Scotland, and there is a huge draw for choosing this route. But The Great Glen Way should not be underestimated! Much more than just a backup option, the Great Glen Way offers various highlights. Beautiful, local accommodations with welcoming hosts complete the experience and provide a hiking adventure that will stay in your memory for a long time. If you’re really seeking a challenge, consider booking them back-to-back for a full pilgrimage experience through the Scottish Highlands! 

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