Hike or Bike the Great Glen Way

- Expertly designed self-guided itineraries—hike worry-free with a route planned just for you
- Luggage transfers included—carry only what you need each day
- Turn-by-turn GPS navigation—never get lost with our award-winning app
- Handpicked accommodations—relax in comfortable hotels and guesthouses
- Local knowledge & expert support—detailed travel guides and 24/7 assistance

Explore Scotland’s Great Glen Way on a self-guided walking or biking tour—book your adventure today!

How long is the Great Glen Way?
The Great Glen Way distance is 79 miles (127 km) from Fort William to Inverness.

Can you cycle the Great Glen Way?
Yes! The Great Glen Way Cycle Route follows much of the same path as the hiking trail, with some alternative sections for a smoother ride.

How difficult is the Great Glen Way?
The Great Glen Way elevation profile is moderate, with some challenging ascents on the High Route. It’s suitable for most hikers with a reasonable level of fitness.

Is the Great Glen Way signposted?
Yes, the Great Glen Way trail is well-marked with clear signs and waymarkers. However, for added confidence, our tours include GPS navigation via our award-winning Macs Adventure app.

Best time to walk the Great Glen Way?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for hiking in Scotland, with mild temperatures and fewer midges. Summer can be warm but also busy.

Should I walk the high or low route variations? 
For the two days walking between Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit you can choose from high or low route variations. As the name suggests the high route involves more ascent, but we believe the amazing views over Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle are worth it. However, if you encounter bad weather or simply wish to take things at a more relaxed pace then take the low route largely on forest trails near the shore of Loch Ness. 

Are midges a major problem?
There is no denying that midges can be a nuisance when there is no breeze. They will bite if they find bare skin, but they do not cause illness. Some people suffer from itchy bites. The worst time for midges in Scotland is June to August on warmer, humid days. The best solution is to carry midge repellent and keep moving. See our Say Goodbye to the Midges for repellent ideas.

Will my accommodation be close to the route?
We endeavor to book accommodation as close as possible to the trail. Generally, you will only have to walk less than a mile from the route to get to your overnight accommodation. On some itineraries you may have a private taxi transfer if your accommodation is further from the route. 

A great choice for history buffs, and nature-lovers alike the trail takes you from Fort William the 'outdoor capital' of the Highlands in the west to Inverness, Scotland's most northerly cathedral city in the east. The Great Glen Way is the perfect way to travel slowly, discovering the dramatic heritage of the settlements and landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Get away from it all and lose yourself in surrounding landscape and its history, while making new memories yourself. 

From fact to fantasy, the Jacobites to Robert The Bruce, and everything in between, the Great Glen has it all. En route you'll pass forts, castles, Scotland's deepest loch with a reputation as a home to monsters (Nessie!), all while following the Caledonian Canal a feet of historical engineering in itself. The trail starts beside the now unassuming 17th century fort ruins in Fort William and ends in Inverness, settled as early as the 6th century and close to the famous Culloden Battefield.