The Great Glen Way
Route facts
Waterways:
Caledonian Canal »
Distance: 73 miles / 117km
Starts at: Old Fort, Fort William
Ends at: Inverness Castle
The Great Glen Way is 73 miles / 117km in length. It runs from Fort William, in the west, to Inverness, in the east, with spectacular views and historical and natural heritage to be discovered all along the way.
The route can be walked in 5-6 days, staying overnight in the various communities within the Glen, and suits all levels of walker. For the less experienced it is the perfect introduction to long distance walking, being for the most part low-level and following mainly towpaths and woodland tracks. There are some challenging sections though, and the more experienced may wish to tackle a few Munros or Corbetts within reach from the route.
The route can be walked in either direction, however, walking from Fort William to Inverness you have the prevailing wind behind you and begin with the easier sections of the Way. The following description assumes this direction of travel.
Waypoints
1. Gairlochy Locks
From Corpach, the journey along Scotland's longest Glen and greatest geological fault begins. The canal towpath is followed to Gairlochy, passing several interesting canal features such as Neptune's Staircase and the awesome aqueducts.
2. Laggan Avenue
The Canal comes back into sight and you rejoin the towpath at Laggan Locks, where you are close to the site of the Clan Battle of the Shirts in 1544. From here the route leads you into Laggan Avenue, a lovely canalside path through a fine variety of tall trees established by Thomas Telford.
3. Loch Oich
Passing through historic Fort Augustus you may catch sight of the grand, imposing Abbey, which housed Benedictine monks until very recently.
4. Fort Augustus
Another steep climb and yet more dramatic views are in store as you leave the village and continue mainly along forest tracks to emerge at the crofting community of Grotaig. A quiet minor road is followed through crofting land, high above Loch Ness, until you turn off and descend through woodland to the River Coiltie and on to Drumnadrochit.
5. Loch Ness
The route passes through the heart of the bustling village and centre of the Nessie industry. Leaving the roadside it then climbs steadily through farmland offering unforgettable views back over Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle before entering the woodland and winding its way up, with occasional glimpses of the Loch and far away the east coast of Scotland comes in to sight. A short section across exposed, rugged heather moorland and you are nearly at Abriachan, another hill crofting community.
6. Blackfold
A lovely quiet stretch along a minor road, with wide ranging views across the crofts and over to far away hills takes you to Blackfold. Here the route turns into Craig Leach forest, emerging at the reservoir where you get a dramatic view of your destination, Inverness, with the Moray Firth stretching out behind it. Winding downhill, you pass close to Leachkin chambered cairn, and approach the city. Pleasant canalside and riverside paths lead you through the city to Inverness Castle, in the heart of the highland capital.
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