8-Day / 7-Night Moderate

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

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 towards the Well of Seven Heads near Invergarry.

Option 2: Laggan to Fort Augustus This gentle stage follows the old railway line along the wooded south shore of Loch Oich, offering peaceful walking with regular loch views and interpretive boards that highlight local history and wildlife. After reaching Aberchalder, the route joins the Caledonian Canal and passes the romantic Bridge of Oich suspension bridge. The final stretch, past locks and a traditional lock-keeper’s cottage, is an easy stroll into Fort Augustus, where you arrive beside the impressive flight of locks at the heart of this bustling village.

Option 2: Via/from Invergarry Depending on the location of your accommodation, today’s hike is either 19km (11.5 miles) from Laggan or 14km (8.5 miles) from Invergarry. This route starts with a steep climb out of Invergarry that leads to wide forest tracks overlooking the Glen and Invergarry Castle. You rejoin the Caledonian Canal at the romantic Bridge of Oich suspension bridge. The final stretch, past locks and a traditional lock-keeper’s cottage, is an easy stroll into Fort Augustus, where you arrive beside the impressive flight of locks at the heart of this bustling village.

High Route After leaving Fort Augustus, the trail climbs through woodland and forestry, offering your first glimpses of Loch Ness. It then rises above the tree line onto open moorland, where expansive views stretch across the loch. Along the way, you’ll pass sculptures, a high stone shelter, and several scenic viewpoints – perfect spots to scan the waters for the famous monster. As the path descends towards Invermoriston, an optional extension into Glen Moriston allows those seeking a longer hike to loop back along the River Moriston.

Low Route This lower-level option offers easier gradients and less climbing, but it remains mostly within sheltered forest. Along the way, occasional viewpoints open up over Loch Ness – ideal spots to scan the waters for the famous monster. The route then skirts the hillside on long forest tracks before rejoining the high route near Invermoriston. From here, an optional extension into Glen Moriston allows those seeking a longer hike to loop back along the River Moriston.

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.

In the morning, you will be transferred to the remote upland area of Blackfold (or to the Abriachan Café for a shorter hike). From there, you’ll follow the Great Glen Way in reverse back to Drumnadrochit, where you are staying for a second night. After an initial stretch of open moorland, the route enters the community-managed Abriachan Forest, where you can choose between two options: a high-level route with superb views from the summit of Carn na Leitire, or a lower route offering easier forest walking. The paths rejoin before a long descent toward Drumnadrochit, with views of Loch Ness and occasional glimpses of the iconic Urquhart Castle.

After another transfer to Blackfold, you now follow the trail northeast again. This final stage to Inverness descends gently from the uplands through woodland and forestry, offering wide views over the city and the Beauly Firth. Nearing Inverness, the route briefly joins the Caledonian Canal before continuing along pleasant riverside paths beside the River Ness, crossing the scenic Ness Islands and passing graceful footbridges over the river. The hike concludes at the official endpoint beside Inverness Castle, close to the city centre.