Great Glen Way
Great Glen Way
4.5
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RossDeMon
Greenock, Scotland, United Kingdom331 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
We love going walks so we started at the Inverness Castle and just walked up til we were knackered and walked back.
It is such a great picturesque walk with bridges, benches and a cool breeze from the river and the trees.
If you are doing this on a sunny day it adds to the walk. Well worth the effort.
It is such a great picturesque walk with bridges, benches and a cool breeze from the river and the trees.
If you are doing this on a sunny day it adds to the walk. Well worth the effort.
Written 30 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike W
8 contributions
Jul 2023
Walked it over seven days: a relatively leisurely pace. Highlight was Day 7 Fort Augustus to Invermorriston via the High Road. Shortish day which allowed time to enjoy the towns in one or both ends. Stunning views for most of the day's walk. If you want only a piece of the trail, this is the section to do. Days 1-6, Ft. William to Fort Augustus, are pleasant. Much of it along canal trails. Not strenuous, but the distances can be challenging because of the harder surfaces you walk on. Anticipated Day 8 to be the hardest due to climbs and distance, but soft trails actually made it quite pleasant. Spent an extra day in Inverness at the end and really enjoyed it.
Written 15 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fillyk
Kendal, UK876 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
Many of these reviews talk about the stunning scenery (true) and the ease or difficulty of the walk (fairly easy, but strenuous in parts), so as we walked with our dog I thought I would review that aspect.
First I should say this is a great walk for both dogs and dog owners, we loved the time walking with our pooch and taking in the amazing scenery along the way. But it wouldn't be for all dogs and there are things to consider if thinking about taking your dog on this long distance walk.
Firstly get organised, and book your accommodation early if you're planning to stay along the way rather than camp. There is a shortage of dog friendly B&Bs (which is a bit odd), but it is do-able. We used Gemini Walks to arrange our holiday, and Julie was fantastic at finding accommodation and organising transfers where we needed them. For example there is nowhere dog friendly in Laggan so we got a taxi transfer to the Glengarry Castle Hotel instead, which was dog friendly and fabulous! We booked about 8-10 months in advance, and that's probably well advised to get good places.
Secondly consider your dog, as it certainly wouldn't suit all. Our dog is a high activity breed, young but not too young (3yrs old) and VERY fit - but he was still shattered at the end of each day! Remember they'll walk twice as far as you with all their running about, so it's worth considering how quickly you want to do the walk. We did a seven day itinerary, to be honest as it suited us, but it turned out to also suit our dog - I don't think he'd have liked the 17 mile final day if we'd taken that option. Don't consider it with any dog that's too young, too old, overweight, unfit or a breed not bred to cover miles and miles every day.
Your dog needs to not only be fit but also used to walking on rough terrain. Much of the route is purpose built path or forest tracks, both of which tend to be quite stony. This is great for walkers, but can be hard going on dog's pads. So try to get your dog used to walking on this surface before going to harden up his pads. We used a pad wax to stop his paws cracking, but if we were thinking of doing something similar again I would consider training him to wear the boots you can get, as once or twice we thought he was feeling it a bit at the end of a long day. Luckily he was fine again by the next morning.
We did carry a dog boot in case of emergencies, but luckily never needed it. Our first aid kit also included non-stick bandages (just in case). You'll also need a tick hook - which you will almost certainly need - and you need to check for ticks every night. On the plus side, we found the hooks worked really well and the little blighters were pretty easy to remove.
On the whole, this is a fantastic walk for the right dog - and the right owners - but don't underestimate it, particularly for your dog.
First I should say this is a great walk for both dogs and dog owners, we loved the time walking with our pooch and taking in the amazing scenery along the way. But it wouldn't be for all dogs and there are things to consider if thinking about taking your dog on this long distance walk.
Firstly get organised, and book your accommodation early if you're planning to stay along the way rather than camp. There is a shortage of dog friendly B&Bs (which is a bit odd), but it is do-able. We used Gemini Walks to arrange our holiday, and Julie was fantastic at finding accommodation and organising transfers where we needed them. For example there is nowhere dog friendly in Laggan so we got a taxi transfer to the Glengarry Castle Hotel instead, which was dog friendly and fabulous! We booked about 8-10 months in advance, and that's probably well advised to get good places.
Secondly consider your dog, as it certainly wouldn't suit all. Our dog is a high activity breed, young but not too young (3yrs old) and VERY fit - but he was still shattered at the end of each day! Remember they'll walk twice as far as you with all their running about, so it's worth considering how quickly you want to do the walk. We did a seven day itinerary, to be honest as it suited us, but it turned out to also suit our dog - I don't think he'd have liked the 17 mile final day if we'd taken that option. Don't consider it with any dog that's too young, too old, overweight, unfit or a breed not bred to cover miles and miles every day.
Your dog needs to not only be fit but also used to walking on rough terrain. Much of the route is purpose built path or forest tracks, both of which tend to be quite stony. This is great for walkers, but can be hard going on dog's pads. So try to get your dog used to walking on this surface before going to harden up his pads. We used a pad wax to stop his paws cracking, but if we were thinking of doing something similar again I would consider training him to wear the boots you can get, as once or twice we thought he was feeling it a bit at the end of a long day. Luckily he was fine again by the next morning.
We did carry a dog boot in case of emergencies, but luckily never needed it. Our first aid kit also included non-stick bandages (just in case). You'll also need a tick hook - which you will almost certainly need - and you need to check for ticks every night. On the plus side, we found the hooks worked really well and the little blighters were pretty easy to remove.
On the whole, this is a fantastic walk for the right dog - and the right owners - but don't underestimate it, particularly for your dog.
Written 21 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elainen544
Cheshire, UK9 contributions
Apr 2013 • Couples
we cycled the Great Glen way over two days stayng midway at fort augustus. The weather this easter weekend was absoloutly fantastic and we couldnt have hoped for better. Although not a cycle route as such we both were able to use our bikes on most of the route especially on the first day from Fort William to Fort Augusts as this mainly followed the caledonian canal route. The second day to inverness was challenging especially some of the steep hills along the route and we did have to push our bikes on some of the ascents. ( could have been our fitness levels). We left our car in fort william and when reaching Inverness got bus back to our car. If we had bike bags we could have taken them on the bus. Apparetly the local halfords may supply bike boxes but with it being easter this shop was shut. Mountain bikes are a must especially on the second day . This route could be broken down into sections if so desired. We covered approx 36 miles on each of the two days and took all day to include food stops and sightseeing
Written 3 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LeeS3868
Yarm, UK4 contributions
May 2013 • Friends
Hi, I am walking The Great Glen way at the end of May. Can Anybody recommend the best hotels and restaurants to use along the Way ?
Written 5 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela
Austin51 contributions
Sept 2017 • Solo
I walked the GGW over seven days from Fort William to Inverness. I thought it was a great trail, not too hard (except on the feet at times, see more below) and with plenty of beautiful views. I booked my trip through Hillwalk Tours, so they took care of baggage transfers and B&B bookings. I would recommend using them or some other similar company to book your tour.
I have some random thoughts and tips that I hope will be helpful.
1. Bring multiple pairs of shoes. I had a pair of nice hiking boots that I had worn on a tough 12-mile hike in Colorado with no problems, but I got blisters wearing these my first day. Apparently I shouldn't have worn them on the first day because the trail is just the hard surface of the canal tow path and apparently street shoes or athletic shoes should really be worn.
2. People say that this trail shouldn't be too hard for anyone with a moderate level of fitness, but I'd really be sure and think about how many hours (4-6) you will be walking EVERY DAY for a week. I spent the six weeks up to this trip doing 10-12 mile hikes every other day, and was fine, except for my feet (PS be sure and bring bandaids and blister treatments). I also took a day off in the middle of the trip, and that turned out to be a great idea. Also don't forget that you're going to be walking with a backpack; I recommend doing any practice walks with a pack as well, it can make more of a difference than you would expect!
3. I did the hike as a single female and felt comfortable / safe the whole time.
4. Walk the path SW to NE so you will have the wind (and rain) to your back.
5. Speaking of rain, bring rain gear. I brought a waterproof jacket and pants but I didn't wear the pants at all (I just had lightweight normal pants that dried quickly) and I only wore the jacket once. I mostly wore my waxed cotton jacket, as that is pretty water repellent and is a lot more breathable (you'll appreciate that on those long uphills).
6. Take the high route when given a choice, but be prepared for some really stiff uphill / downhill at times.
7. I personally didn't have any problems with midges except for the one time I tried to sit down to eat in the middle of a forest. Apparently as long as you keep moving or aren't in the forest they won't bother you.
8. I went late August / early Sept and on a typical day I saw 6-10 other people the whole day. That was fine with me, as I didn't need the company. I've heard that the West Highland Way, while more scenic, can be really crowded.
9. Some of the places where you're going to be stopping aren't even big enough to be called villages, so keep your expectations low in terms of amenities and you won't be disappointed. Actually, to my surprise, most of the places where I ate were actually quite good.
I have some random thoughts and tips that I hope will be helpful.
1. Bring multiple pairs of shoes. I had a pair of nice hiking boots that I had worn on a tough 12-mile hike in Colorado with no problems, but I got blisters wearing these my first day. Apparently I shouldn't have worn them on the first day because the trail is just the hard surface of the canal tow path and apparently street shoes or athletic shoes should really be worn.
2. People say that this trail shouldn't be too hard for anyone with a moderate level of fitness, but I'd really be sure and think about how many hours (4-6) you will be walking EVERY DAY for a week. I spent the six weeks up to this trip doing 10-12 mile hikes every other day, and was fine, except for my feet (PS be sure and bring bandaids and blister treatments). I also took a day off in the middle of the trip, and that turned out to be a great idea. Also don't forget that you're going to be walking with a backpack; I recommend doing any practice walks with a pack as well, it can make more of a difference than you would expect!
3. I did the hike as a single female and felt comfortable / safe the whole time.
4. Walk the path SW to NE so you will have the wind (and rain) to your back.
5. Speaking of rain, bring rain gear. I brought a waterproof jacket and pants but I didn't wear the pants at all (I just had lightweight normal pants that dried quickly) and I only wore the jacket once. I mostly wore my waxed cotton jacket, as that is pretty water repellent and is a lot more breathable (you'll appreciate that on those long uphills).
6. Take the high route when given a choice, but be prepared for some really stiff uphill / downhill at times.
7. I personally didn't have any problems with midges except for the one time I tried to sit down to eat in the middle of a forest. Apparently as long as you keep moving or aren't in the forest they won't bother you.
8. I went late August / early Sept and on a typical day I saw 6-10 other people the whole day. That was fine with me, as I didn't need the company. I've heard that the West Highland Way, while more scenic, can be really crowded.
9. Some of the places where you're going to be stopping aren't even big enough to be called villages, so keep your expectations low in terms of amenities and you won't be disappointed. Actually, to my surprise, most of the places where I ate were actually quite good.
Written 9 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
timjstark
Shorewood, WI688 contributions
Sept 2012 • Solo
I completed the Great Glen Way in 6 walking days this September (2012) immediately following completing the West Highland Way. The two walks are very different, both wonderful in their own separate ways.
Heading north from Fort William is the usual route of the GGW hikers and that is the way I chose as well. Most of the luggage transport services work that direction as well.
After the rigors of the WHW, the first three or four days of the GGW felt quite easy. The weather was the only factor that proved challenging. Most of those days were on peaceful canal paths that allowed for meditative thoughts as the scenery captured my attention. One could walk for hours without paying attention to each and every footstep and get into a zone of sorts. I enjoyed the contrast, but longed for a bit more of the forest and hills. As one approached the final two days, the route became much more interesting and hilly. As soon as one leaves Invermoriston, the path goes straight up for a long stretch and the day is a great longish one into Drumnidrochit. The final day is long, but joyful one with sharp contrasts all along the way ending with a tremendous finish within the islands dotting and surrounding the beautiful Inverness. This ending was much nicer than the ending of the WHW.
So, decide what you want or do both! I did and it was a defining moment in my life!
Heading north from Fort William is the usual route of the GGW hikers and that is the way I chose as well. Most of the luggage transport services work that direction as well.
After the rigors of the WHW, the first three or four days of the GGW felt quite easy. The weather was the only factor that proved challenging. Most of those days were on peaceful canal paths that allowed for meditative thoughts as the scenery captured my attention. One could walk for hours without paying attention to each and every footstep and get into a zone of sorts. I enjoyed the contrast, but longed for a bit more of the forest and hills. As one approached the final two days, the route became much more interesting and hilly. As soon as one leaves Invermoriston, the path goes straight up for a long stretch and the day is a great longish one into Drumnidrochit. The final day is long, but joyful one with sharp contrasts all along the way ending with a tremendous finish within the islands dotting and surrounding the beautiful Inverness. This ending was much nicer than the ending of the WHW.
So, decide what you want or do both! I did and it was a defining moment in my life!
Written 27 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aebruce
Falkirk, UK181 contributions
May 2012 • Friends
After doing the West Highland Way which was our first long distance walk last year, my friend Yvonne and I decided the natural thing would be to continue north so got everything organised through Easyways for the Great Glen Way. We were a bit apprehensive as the WHW was so good (despite terrrible weather) and the reviews for the GGW were very mixed but having just returned on Friday after doing the walk over six days we have to say we had a great time and met some fantastic people along the way.
If it is a challenge you want then perhaps this isn't for you because apart from the climb out of Drumnadrochit, it is a very easy walk compared to the WHW.
Fort William to Spean Bridge -Start at Fort William is fine to begin with and then you have to walk through a housing estate but even that had it's interesting points as there are some very decorative gardens! When you get onto the canal you feel then you have really started this walk and the walk to Gairlochy is a very pleasant a scenic walk with Neptune's Staircase. Small shop there sells tea and coffee. We were staying at Spean Bridge so had the extra walk there which is along a minor but quite busy road as it leads to the Commando Memorial which we enjoyed visiting. Stopped off at the Spean Bridge Hotel for a Magners before heading to the b&b but wouldn't recommend it! Stayed at the Coire Glas b&b which was great.
Gairlochy to Invergarry
We were given a lift back to Gairlochy in the morning. As we had opted to do the Invergarry Link route this was to be a 17.5 mile day which turned out to be very enjoyable.
One of the first highlights was the Fairy Wood which we would love to know the story surrounding it but it is worth a few minutes wander. We stopped off for lunch at a very convenient picnic table then headed off after a very strange shower of hailstones came from nowhere! Further on we came across an area which had been felled and a had a second picnic sitting on a very large tree trunk overlooking the Loch. Bliss!We headed onto South Laggan where we had another pit stop on the Eagle Barge which was worth a visit and then we headed off onto the Invergarry Link which we would recommend. About a mile from the end you come to a viewpoint where we were able to see all the way to Loch Ness. We were staying at the Invergarry Hotel which was great.
Invergarry to Fort Augustus
This was a short day but lovely walk. Fantastic tearoom at Bridge of Oich, worth a visit.
Staying at the Thistle Dubh b&b at Fort Augustus which is right on the way and was good.
Fort Augustus to Invermoriston
Another very short day which we should probably have combined with the previous day! However, we met up with Ashley from Canada who was walking on her own and she walked with us all the way and we enjoyed her company. Invermoriston is nice with a cafe where we all had lunch (you have to head on the way out of the village to find this but we would recommend it), the hotel which is very friendly and serves good food, and there are the Fall of Moriston which are worth a visit. We stayed at Bracarina b&b which is highly recommended and was our best stop off of the whole walk.
Invermoriston - Drumnadrochit
For us this was the best bit of the walk. The views are absoutely fantastic!
Walk into Drumnadrochit seemed a bit long and was along a minor road for a bit but other than that we really enjoyed it.
Stayed at Drumbowie Farm which was along the way and was fine but if you head out at night take a torch as when you are walking back it is pitch black and on the main road.
Ate at the Fiddlers which we would recommend.
Last Day - Drumnadrochit to Inverness
The start of this walk is brilliant with steep climbs then it is a very varied day with moorland and forest track then walk into Inverness is country lane.
We had horrendous weather this day but would love to do this bit again in better weather.
Highlight of the day was visiting Sandra and Howie at Abriachan Cafe. Fantastic warm welcome with good Scottish humour and good food as well. I'll say no more but it's a must and definitely an experience.
We got a dry spell but it did't last and we headed to the end at Inverness Castle in the rain. Across to the Castle Tavern where we got a fantastic warm welcome and free certificates!
All in all we had a fantastic time and met some wonderful people.
In short if it is a challenging walk you are after then this is probably not for you but if you want a very pleasant walk with a few challenges and beautiful scenery then go for it!
If it is a challenge you want then perhaps this isn't for you because apart from the climb out of Drumnadrochit, it is a very easy walk compared to the WHW.
Fort William to Spean Bridge -Start at Fort William is fine to begin with and then you have to walk through a housing estate but even that had it's interesting points as there are some very decorative gardens! When you get onto the canal you feel then you have really started this walk and the walk to Gairlochy is a very pleasant a scenic walk with Neptune's Staircase. Small shop there sells tea and coffee. We were staying at Spean Bridge so had the extra walk there which is along a minor but quite busy road as it leads to the Commando Memorial which we enjoyed visiting. Stopped off at the Spean Bridge Hotel for a Magners before heading to the b&b but wouldn't recommend it! Stayed at the Coire Glas b&b which was great.
Gairlochy to Invergarry
We were given a lift back to Gairlochy in the morning. As we had opted to do the Invergarry Link route this was to be a 17.5 mile day which turned out to be very enjoyable.
One of the first highlights was the Fairy Wood which we would love to know the story surrounding it but it is worth a few minutes wander. We stopped off for lunch at a very convenient picnic table then headed off after a very strange shower of hailstones came from nowhere! Further on we came across an area which had been felled and a had a second picnic sitting on a very large tree trunk overlooking the Loch. Bliss!We headed onto South Laggan where we had another pit stop on the Eagle Barge which was worth a visit and then we headed off onto the Invergarry Link which we would recommend. About a mile from the end you come to a viewpoint where we were able to see all the way to Loch Ness. We were staying at the Invergarry Hotel which was great.
Invergarry to Fort Augustus
This was a short day but lovely walk. Fantastic tearoom at Bridge of Oich, worth a visit.
Staying at the Thistle Dubh b&b at Fort Augustus which is right on the way and was good.
Fort Augustus to Invermoriston
Another very short day which we should probably have combined with the previous day! However, we met up with Ashley from Canada who was walking on her own and she walked with us all the way and we enjoyed her company. Invermoriston is nice with a cafe where we all had lunch (you have to head on the way out of the village to find this but we would recommend it), the hotel which is very friendly and serves good food, and there are the Fall of Moriston which are worth a visit. We stayed at Bracarina b&b which is highly recommended and was our best stop off of the whole walk.
Invermoriston - Drumnadrochit
For us this was the best bit of the walk. The views are absoutely fantastic!
Walk into Drumnadrochit seemed a bit long and was along a minor road for a bit but other than that we really enjoyed it.
Stayed at Drumbowie Farm which was along the way and was fine but if you head out at night take a torch as when you are walking back it is pitch black and on the main road.
Ate at the Fiddlers which we would recommend.
Last Day - Drumnadrochit to Inverness
The start of this walk is brilliant with steep climbs then it is a very varied day with moorland and forest track then walk into Inverness is country lane.
We had horrendous weather this day but would love to do this bit again in better weather.
Highlight of the day was visiting Sandra and Howie at Abriachan Cafe. Fantastic warm welcome with good Scottish humour and good food as well. I'll say no more but it's a must and definitely an experience.
We got a dry spell but it did't last and we headed to the end at Inverness Castle in the rain. Across to the Castle Tavern where we got a fantastic warm welcome and free certificates!
All in all we had a fantastic time and met some wonderful people.
In short if it is a challenging walk you are after then this is probably not for you but if you want a very pleasant walk with a few challenges and beautiful scenery then go for it!
Written 13 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelinlite
Ayrshire, UK227 contributions
We walked the Great Glen Way a few years ago and thought it was amazing. There are plenty of places to stay en route and companies who will transfer your luggage daily. We chose to carry ours until we finally came to our senses on the last day faced with the final (definately most difficult day) 18 mile hike to Inverness! We did the walk late May and the midges didn't bother us much at all.
We broke the hike into 5 days;
Day 1 - Fort William to Gairlochy, an easy 11 miles along canal towpath passing Neptunes Staircase, a series of canal locks. Stayed at Dalcomera B&B which I'd highly recommend. Beautiful house with views of Ben Nevis. Evening meal and packed lunch available if required.
Day 2 - Gairlochy to Aberchalder, 17 fairly easy miles (even in constant rain!) mainly along lochsides. Coffee stop at The Great Glen water park.(May have facilities for paddling etc.) Stayed at Lundie View Lodge - basic but adequate.
Day 3 - Aberchalder to Invermoriston, 13.5 miles, again fairly easy. First stretch along towpath to the lovely town of Fort Augustus, shops, pubs, more canal locks, boat trips on Loch Ness. Then a climb up to forest path overlooking the loch almost all the way to Invermoriston, a smallish village with quite a few B&B's(we stayed at Bracarina House which was lovely), and places to eat.
Day 4 - Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit, 13.5 miles, a bit hard going for us, lots of uphill and downhill stretches along forest roads!! Stayed at Morlea B&B in Drumnadrochit and had a nice meal in 'Fiddlers'. Drumnadrochit also near Urquhart Castle and Nessie visitor centre which you might enjoy, of course by this time you may already have caught sight of the dear old girl!!
Day 5 - Drumnadrochit to Inverness, 18 miles uphill and across moorland then finally down into Inverness. Lovely views across the Beauly Firth to The Black Isle. Felt like we should have arrived at Inverness Castle to a trumpet fanfare but sadly only a bemused foreign tourist who kindly took a photo for us!!
It's also possible to cycle The Great Glen Way, although I'm not sure if you could hire bikes for just one part of it. Add an extra day to your trip if you want to climb Ben Nevis and probably another couple of days for Inverness and other side trips, maybe a dolphin cruise. There are lots of opportunities for outdoor activities in the area. Check out these websites
www.greatglenway.com
www.activity-scotland.org.uk
www.scotland-inverness.co.uk/outdoors.htm
We broke the hike into 5 days;
Day 1 - Fort William to Gairlochy, an easy 11 miles along canal towpath passing Neptunes Staircase, a series of canal locks. Stayed at Dalcomera B&B which I'd highly recommend. Beautiful house with views of Ben Nevis. Evening meal and packed lunch available if required.
Day 2 - Gairlochy to Aberchalder, 17 fairly easy miles (even in constant rain!) mainly along lochsides. Coffee stop at The Great Glen water park.(May have facilities for paddling etc.) Stayed at Lundie View Lodge - basic but adequate.
Day 3 - Aberchalder to Invermoriston, 13.5 miles, again fairly easy. First stretch along towpath to the lovely town of Fort Augustus, shops, pubs, more canal locks, boat trips on Loch Ness. Then a climb up to forest path overlooking the loch almost all the way to Invermoriston, a smallish village with quite a few B&B's(we stayed at Bracarina House which was lovely), and places to eat.
Day 4 - Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit, 13.5 miles, a bit hard going for us, lots of uphill and downhill stretches along forest roads!! Stayed at Morlea B&B in Drumnadrochit and had a nice meal in 'Fiddlers'. Drumnadrochit also near Urquhart Castle and Nessie visitor centre which you might enjoy, of course by this time you may already have caught sight of the dear old girl!!
Day 5 - Drumnadrochit to Inverness, 18 miles uphill and across moorland then finally down into Inverness. Lovely views across the Beauly Firth to The Black Isle. Felt like we should have arrived at Inverness Castle to a trumpet fanfare but sadly only a bemused foreign tourist who kindly took a photo for us!!
It's also possible to cycle The Great Glen Way, although I'm not sure if you could hire bikes for just one part of it. Add an extra day to your trip if you want to climb Ben Nevis and probably another couple of days for Inverness and other side trips, maybe a dolphin cruise. There are lots of opportunities for outdoor activities in the area. Check out these websites
www.greatglenway.com
www.activity-scotland.org.uk
www.scotland-inverness.co.uk/outdoors.htm
Written 13 August 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stacey324533564
Blenheim, New Zealand18 contributions
Jan 2014 • Solo
I started the walk in mid January from Fort William. I completed the walk by myself in six days and stayed in accommodation along the way.
I only saw one other walker and this was on my last day walking down to Inverness.
The weather was good, only had one morning of rain and one morning of rain. I spent two nights in Drumnadrochit for a rest day before the big walk (32kms if I remember rightly) to Inverness. Wish I hadn't as there wasn't much happening due to the season and it rained a lot that day, ironic? The Loch Ness visitor centre was worth the visit though.
The walk was enjoyable, not overly challenging apart from the last day. The tough part of this was the walk through the town which on top of the 100-odd km walking previous really took it out of my feet. Cider and pasta for dinner that night took care of that though!
Awesome feeling to get to the pub at the end by the castle for a happy photo that the lovely bar lady took for me after getting my certificate. Was a bit lonely but felt pretty chuffed to say I had walked from one coast of Scotland to the other and by myself no less.
I never had any security/ safety concerns and would recommend travelling this way to anyone. I had heard many horror stories about the weather in January but I was fine. Needed that scarf/beanie/gloves if venturing out at night and the temperature had a daily high of 6 degrees Celsius some days but I honestly didn't feel the cold was a problem of any sort.
Top tips:
Don't stay in Spean bridge if possible. The walk from the "way" was not pleasant, sealed road for 5kms was hard on the feet (and the Spean Bridge wasn't fun, see my other review). Although the commando memorial was lovely to view.
Leave later in the morning ( ie after breakfast ) if staying in accommodation, the walking days aren't that long and most places require you to check in later in the day.
Be prepared mentally for the last day, when you hit the edge of town it is still a ways to go yet...
Enjoy, I did :)
oh and I'm a black pudding convert, tried it for the first time here and had it every day :)
I only saw one other walker and this was on my last day walking down to Inverness.
The weather was good, only had one morning of rain and one morning of rain. I spent two nights in Drumnadrochit for a rest day before the big walk (32kms if I remember rightly) to Inverness. Wish I hadn't as there wasn't much happening due to the season and it rained a lot that day, ironic? The Loch Ness visitor centre was worth the visit though.
The walk was enjoyable, not overly challenging apart from the last day. The tough part of this was the walk through the town which on top of the 100-odd km walking previous really took it out of my feet. Cider and pasta for dinner that night took care of that though!
Awesome feeling to get to the pub at the end by the castle for a happy photo that the lovely bar lady took for me after getting my certificate. Was a bit lonely but felt pretty chuffed to say I had walked from one coast of Scotland to the other and by myself no less.
I never had any security/ safety concerns and would recommend travelling this way to anyone. I had heard many horror stories about the weather in January but I was fine. Needed that scarf/beanie/gloves if venturing out at night and the temperature had a daily high of 6 degrees Celsius some days but I honestly didn't feel the cold was a problem of any sort.
Top tips:
Don't stay in Spean bridge if possible. The walk from the "way" was not pleasant, sealed road for 5kms was hard on the feet (and the Spean Bridge wasn't fun, see my other review). Although the commando memorial was lovely to view.
Leave later in the morning ( ie after breakfast ) if staying in accommodation, the walking days aren't that long and most places require you to check in later in the day.
Be prepared mentally for the last day, when you hit the edge of town it is still a ways to go yet...
Enjoy, I did :)
oh and I'm a black pudding convert, tried it for the first time here and had it every day :)
Written 20 December 2014
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I’ll be visiting Inverness for 3 days in July and would like to do a day hike along the Great Glen Way. How is the trip from Abriachan to Inverness? I could (I assume) get a ride to Abriachan and hike back to Inverness. Has anyone done that? How close to Inverness is the trailhead? I’ll be staying at Ardconnel House in town.
Written 28 April 2019
Hi.
I’ll answer your last question first. The trail passes through Inverness using the river Islands. The start/finish is at the Castle close to the Centre.
I don’t think there is a direct public transport link to Abriachan. To do what you suggest the most likely solution would be to use a taxi. The route itself is nice enough with remnant pine forest, but much of the day is walking through plantation on an old drive road. There are stunning views over Inverness once you arrive.
As an alternative I would suggest traveling to Fort Augustus by bus (City Link service I think), then walking from there North via the high route to Invermoristion (return by bus). You could also begin at Invermoriston and walk North, doing a circular route, out by the low route and returning via the high route. These are by far the best sections on the whole trail.
Written 8 May 2019
I’m thinking of taking the Caledonian cruise boat and walking the great glen way. Any advice on season, when are there swarms of Midges?
Any info please
Cheers
Written 12 January 2019
Hi
I don't know if this answer is too late and you have already taken the trip. There are midges for most of the summer. I canoed from Fort William to Inverness in late August/early September and I was bitten lots of times.
I sail and have taken many narrow boat holidays the Caledonian canal doesn't have many facilities or places to visit in comparison to other canals and wouldn't be my choice for a motor cruiser holiday. In addition you may be limited by weather as cruise boats are not allowed on Loch Ness if it gets choppy. It took us two days to paddle Loch Ness, there were no motor cruisers on the loch on of the days and we paddled it in a canoe!
Written 26 October 2019
Sightsee122757
Prague, Czech Republic
Hi, is it also possible to walk the other way around - start in Inverness and end in Fort William? I haven't found any record of someone doing it this way so I am wondering if there is a reson for it :)
Thanks!
Written 2 September 2018
Can you rent bikes to do this trail?
If yes, please advise where
Written 22 June 2018
Yes , search for a place called ticket to ride in Inverness.
If you are travelling from the USA, be aware that Inverness airport is a great facility and has good connectivity to the larger U.K. airports.
Written 26 June 2018
Hi - I'm considering doing the Great Glen Way - is this possible on a hybrid rather than a full on mountain bike?
Written 1 May 2018
Yes , certainly, though a few parts where you may have to lift it over rocks .... but the basic answer is yes !
Written 3 May 2018
Silvana S
Province of Naples, Italy
Salve,
Io e il mio gruppo scout vorremmo percorrere il Great Glen Way in agosto in circa 10 giorni.
Sapete darmi informazioni sulla meta di partenza?? Magari come raggiungerla e se si può campeggiare lungo il sentiero; inoltre, ci sono supermercati, paesini o bagni pubblici?
Grazie in anticipo
Written 22 February 2018
Anna L
Pelissanne, France
Bonjour,
Avec quelques amis, fin aout, nous allons faire le Great Glen Way a pieds et nous voulions savoir quels logements étaient disponibles tout au long des etapes sans que ce soit forcement payant ou moins trop couteux... Etant etudiants, on aimerait limiter les dépenses. Est-ce que quelqu'un sait si le camping sauvage y est autorisé ?
Merci d'avance pour vos réponses !
Written 10 March 2016
Hi anyone that has done this what level of fitness is required and how steep are the climbs off rode?
Is it a comfatable 2 day trip i have done it on road in a day easily but road bikes are easyer to ride that distance and i wish to see the sites off road this time
Written 11 January 2016
Hi, I have walking boots and walking trainers (Salomon). I'm trying to pack light, but ideally would like to swap out my boots / trainers. Is it possible to do this route in trainers, or are ankle support boots essential?
Thanks for your help in advance:)
Written 1 June 2015
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