7-Day / 6-Night Challenging 🥾

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Fort William.

This gentle first stage follows the River Lochy and then the shoreline of Loch Linnhe as you leave Fort William, eventually meeting the Caledonian Canal at the Corpach Sea Locks. Along the way, a short detour leads to the well-preserved ruins of 13th-century Inverlochy Castle. After passing the impressive series of locks at Neptune’s Staircase, the route continues beside the canal and the River Lochy, through peaceful Great Glen scenery, all the way to Gairlochy. From there, you follow quiet country roads and riverside paths into the village of Spean Bridge

After a short transfer, the route follows the wooded shores of Loch Lochy and passes through historic Clan Cameron territory near Achnacarry. A worthwhile detour takes you to the Clan Cameron Museum, where you can learn about the clan’s heritage and the area’s WWII Commando training history. Expect remote woodland paths, beautiful loch views, and glimpses of the Coire Glas hydro works before descending to the locks at Laggan. From here, the route continues along the canal before turning north, along the wood slopes of the hills, towards Invergarry.

Today begins with a steep climb out of Invergarry before easing into forest tracks with occasional glimpses of Loch Oich. You rejoin the Caledonian Canal at the romantic Bridge of Oich suspension bridge, followed by an easy stroll into Fort Augustus. From there, the trail rises through woodland to meet the junction where you can choose between a High Route, offering more varied terrain and expansive views over Loch Ness, or a Low Route, which stays lower on sheltered forestry tracks with occasional glimpses of the loch. Both routes eventually converge for the final descent into Invermoriston.

High Route A steep climb from Invermoriston leads you into the hills along remote woodland paths and across open moorland, offering some of the best views of Loch Ness on the entire Great Glen Way. Interpretation boards, wildlife sightings, and scenic viewpoints add interest before the trail meets the low route. A little farther on, you can pause for a break at a charming pottery café. From there, a long stretch of road walking and a final descent on a track bring you down into Drumnadrochit.

Low Route The low route stays lower and keeps to sheltered forestry over the first 9km. This offers easier navigation and a quieter atmosphere than the high route. Interpretation boards, wildlife sightings, and scenic viewpoints still offer points of interest, and the trail eventually rises to meet the high route. A little farther on, you can pause for a break at a charming pottery café. From there, a long stretch of road walking and a final descent on a track bring you down into Drumnadrochit.

Today you have two options: a high route or a low route.

Stunning views over Loch Ness are your reward today for some steep climbs along forest tracks on the north-side of the lake. If you still have enough energy, we recommend a 4km detour to Urquhart Castle. Or perhaps a pint of the local brew sounds more appealing?

Today’s hike begins with excellent views over Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle before leading through quiet forest, open moorland, and the community-run Abriachan Forest. An optional High Route offers wider Highland panoramas. Approaching Inverness, the trail becomes easier underfoot, following greenways, canal paths, and riverside walkways into the city centre.