MARK Great Glen Way
The Great Glen Way is a 120 km long-distance trail running from Fort William to Inverness along Scotland's most famous geological fault line. It's a gentler, more accessible alternative to the West Highland Way — canal towpaths, forest tracks, and high-level balcony trails above Loch Ness.
The full trail guide — stats, the route day by day, what it really feels like, and the planning detail you need to walk it.
At a Glance
- Best Season: April–October
- Terrain: Canal towpaths, forest tracks, high-level balcony trails
The Route
🏔️ Route Character
The Great Glen Way is the easy-going sibling of the West Highland Way — a relaxed, scenic route along the Caledonian Canal, Loch Lochy, and Loch Ness, with optional high-level 'balcony' trails that deliver superb views across the water.
It's ideal for beginners and intermediate walkers, and the perfect follow-on from the West Highland Way — the two share a start/finish at Fort William.
🧰 Route Breakdown
- Day 1 — Fort William → Gairlochy — Canal towpaths with Ben Nevis views — a relaxed start leaving Fort William.
- Day 2 — Gairlochy → Laggan — Loch Lochy shoreline, forest trails and rolling terrain.
- Day 3 — Laggan → Fort Augustus — The Caledonian Canal, its locks, and open glens.
- Day 4 — Fort Augustus → Invermoriston — Choose the low lakeside forest route or the high balcony with superb Loch Ness views.
- Day 5 — Invermoriston → Drumnadrochit — Again choose low or high; the high route gives huge views across Loch Ness.
- Day 6 — Drumnadrochit → Inverness — Forest tracks, open moorland, and a city finish toward the Moray Firth.
Practical
⚠️ Difficulty & Hazards
- Navigation: Well-waymarked and easier than the WHW; still carry a map and GPX.
- Terrain: Canal towpaths, forest tracks, gentle climbs, optional balcony trails.
- Fitness: Suitable for beginners and intermediate walkers.
- Weather: Still Scottish — rain, wind and low cloud; check MWIS and the Met Office.
- Accommodation: Hostels, B&Bs, campsites and hotels — book ahead in summer.
🌠️ Who This Route Suits
- Beginners
- Intermediate walkers
- Anyone wanting a gentler Scottish long-distance route
- West Highland Way finishers looking for the natural next step
Not ideal for
- Walkers wanting sustained mountain terrain — this is mostly gentle
📱 Parking & Logistics
- Getting there: Start at Fort William, reached by train and bus from Glasgow.
- Finish: Inverness has mainline rail and airport links.
- Resupply: Regular towns and villages along the route.
🧰 GPX & Map Notes
On OS Landranger maps 41, 34, 26 and 27. Well-waymarked; a GPX helps with the high-route choices.
⭐ MX Summary: The Great Glen Way is a scenic, accessible trail from Fort William to Inverness — canal paths, forest tracks, and superb high-level views over Loch Ness. The perfect follow-on from the West Highland Way.