Hiking Tours on the Great Glen Way

Great Glen Way Accommodation & Meals
Stay in hand-picked B&Bs, guesthouses, and small hotels, all selected for their comfort and warm hospitality. A hearty Scottish breakfast is included each morning, while packed lunches and evening meals can be arranged at nearby pubs and restaurants.

Terrain & Difficulty
The Great Glen Way is graded as ‘easy to moderate’ or ‘moderate’, making it accessible for both experienced hikers and those newer to long-distance walking. The High Route between Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit provides a more challenging option taking you above treeline for fantastic panoramic views of Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.

Luggage Transfers & Navigation
Travel light while we transfer your bags to your next stop each day. Our award-winning Macs Adventure app provides turn-by-turn GPS navigation and detailed maps to guide you effortlessly along the trail.

Best Time to Walk the Great Glen Way
The ideal months for hiking are spring (April–June) and fall (Sept–Oct), offering mild temperatures and stunning scenery. Summer is also a popular time but can bring midges, so repellent is recommended.

We offer a variety of itineraries so you can complete the classic Great Glen Way trail in a duration that suits you over 7-9 days.

Sample the highlights of the trail on our short break itinerary, the Great Glen Escape, or for a little extra comfort why not book our Great Glen Way In Comfort?

GGW is graded easy to moderate overall, with the 7 and 8 day and the Great Glen Escape tours graded moderate, due to a couple of longer hiking days. Daily hiking distances vary between 8-19 miles. Some days will be more challenging than others, and the terrain will be varied with some rough and rugged footpaths.

There are ascents and descents involved, so a good level of fitness will be required. For hikers up for a bigger challenge, the High Route (from Ft Augustus to Drumnadrochit) will appeal, which affords particularly spectacular views.

From Ft Augustus to Drumnadrochit, hikers have the option to take the Great Glen Way Low or High Route. Both options are fantastic and offer varied experiences. 

The Low Route has less elevation gain and hugs closer to the shores of Loch Ness through fragrant forests and is especially great if the weather forecast calls for rain, high winds, etc. 

The High Route is a great challenge – with an ascent that takes you up above treeline for fantastic views of Loch Ness below. 

Interested in doing one section of each? 
We recommend the Low Route from Ft Augustus to Invermoriston and the High Route on your day hiking from Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit (which includes aerial views of Urquhart Castle).

With over 20 years of experience, Macs Adventure offers expertly curated, self-guided Great Glen Way hiking tours. Our thoughtfully designed itineraries ensure a hassle-free experience, with:

Pre-booked accommodations, featuring comfortable B&Bs, inns, and small hotels.
Luggage transfers, so you can hike light while your bags are transported for you.
Turn-by-turn GPS navigation via our award-winning Macs Adventure app.
Comprehensive downloadable guidebooks and local insights—our headquarters are in Scotland!

How long is the Great Glen Way?
The full trail is 79 miles (127 km) from Fort William to Inverness, typically completed in 7–9 days, depending on your chosen itinerary.

When is the best time to hike the Great Glen Way?
The ideal seasons are spring (April–June) and fall (Sept–Oct), offering mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery.

How difficult is the Great Glen Way?
This is a moderate long-distance trail. While it is well-marked and follows clear paths, some sections (especially the high route) involve steep ascents and rugged terrain.

Do I need to be an experienced hiker?
The Great Glen Way is suitable for both seasoned hikers and those newer to hiking vacations in Scotland. Our detailed guides and GPS navigation make it easy to follow.

Can I cycle the Great Glen Way?
Yes! The trail is popular among mountain bikers, though some sections may require pushing your bike due to rough terrain.

How does Great Glen Way luggage transfer work?
We arrange daily luggage transfers, so you only need to carry a small daypack with essentials.

What should I pack?
- Comfortable, waterproof hiking boots
- Weatherproof clothing (Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable!)
- Lightweight daypack
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen and insect repellent (for midges in summer)

Is the Great Glen Way signposted?
Yes! The route is well-marked with clear signposts and marker posts.

The West Highland Way (96 miles) is a more rugged and challenging route through the Scottish Highlands, while the Great Glen Way (79 miles) tends to be a little quieter and less busy, and follows a comparatively gentler path along the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness.

They can be combined for an ultimate long-distance trek!