Great Glen Way to Loch Ness – 8 Day

On the shores of Loch Linnhe, Fort William’s train station makes for easy arrival. Gateway to Glen Nevis valley and the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis (1345m), the town sits in the privileged position amongst stunning scenery and excellent walking trails. The compact town centre has plenty of cosy cafes and traditional bars to sample Highland whiskies.

Accommodation: Myrtle Bank Guest House

Overlooking Loch Linnhe and only a short walk from town, Myrtle Bank is run by Dora and her team. In a converted Victorian Villa, ensuite rooms are classically furnished. The property also has extensive gardens and is a personal passion of Dora’s. Known for its friendly atmosphere, this guest house is a great start to some of the finest walking days in Scotland.

Starting at the old Fort ruins, walk from Fort William around the coast of Loch Linnhe to the Great Caledonian Canal. Follow the canal towpath past the famous eight locks of Neptune’s Staircase. Here you can watch boats making their way through the cascading series of gates which were constructed over 200 years ago. Continue along the towpath for a gentle day of walking ending at Spean Bridge.

Accommodation: Coireglas Guest House
Meals: Breakfast
Walking: 24km (option to finish after 17km)
Elevation: +50 or 150 / -50 or 150

On the edge of Spean Bridge village, this friendly B&B is run by Morven and Simon. Their 10-bedroomed guesthouse sits in beautiful sheltered gardens and overlooks the spectacular Grey Corries. The guesthouse is only a few minutes walk from the village centre and the superb gastronomic restaurant, Smiddy House.

From Spean Bridge, rejoin the Great Glen Way at Gairlochy to walk along the shores of Loch Lochy. An immensely peaceful walk through woodlands. The route progresses to a gentle climb above the loch onto wide woodland tracks.  The route descends to Laggan Locks where Loch Lochy is funnelled into the Caledonian Canal.

Accommodation: Forest Lodge B&B
Meals: Breakfast
Walking: 19km
Elevation: +200 / -200

Simple homestyle accommodation run by Lorraine and Laura. Cosy guest lounge and sunroom.

Today walk to the charming town of Fort Augustus. A gentle stroll along the shores of Loch Oich to the Bridge of Oich where you re-join the Caledonian Canal towpath and continue to Fort Augustus. On the southern tip of Loch Ness, Fort Augustus has a number of canalside pubs where you can watch boats navigate their way through the gates or sit and wait for a sighting of the mythical Loch Ness monster.

Accommodation: The Bank B&B

Meals: Breakfast

Walking: 14.5km
Elevation: +130 / -150

A lovely B&B located only a couple of minutes walk from the Caledonian Canal. Some of the ensuites have retained the wooden vaulted walls, and the property has beautifully maintained gardens.

As the saying goes in Scotland, you can take the high road or low road today! Both of which have far-reaching views across Loch Ness. On a fine, clear day, the extra effort required for the high route is definitely worth it. Enjoy beautiful spots for a picnic lunch with views across the loch to Beinn a’Bhacaidh. Arriving in Invermoriston, marvel at Telford’s early 19th-century double-arched bridge, which spans the moody River Moriston.

Accommodation: Bracarina House
Meals included: Breakfast
Walking: 13km
Elevation: +450 or 200 / -420 0r 150

A Highland welcome invites you to Invermoriston, and is warmly provided by Bracarina House, a cosy and delightful Bed and Breakfast.  Rooms are located on the first floor and offer garden or mountain views. Next door to a traditional-style inn, a popular restaurant serving classic Scottish dishes and the bar is well stocked with single malts and locally brewed beers.

From Invermoriston, the trail works its way up through woodlands with excellent viewpoints over Loch Ness. After a short while, the route splits offering a high and low route for a few km. The recommended high route is a splendid walk through open moorland where you may catch glimpses of black grouse and hen harriers. The low route follows forestry roads which are home to a wide range of butterflies. The paths converge to follow a steep descent into Drumnadrochit.

Accommodation: Greenlea B&B
Meals: Breakfast
Walking: 14km
Elevation: +500 or 740 / -500

Tucked away in the corner of the village green this delightful cottage dates back to 1810. Once a place where farmers traded cattle, the B&B is only a couple of minutes from the Fiddlers Pub, famous for its food and whisky selection. Ensuite rooms are very comfortable and your hosts, Gordon and Miranda, are always on hand to make your stay a good one.

The trail leaves Drumnadrochit along a roadside and then swings inland as it climbs into the hills high above Loch Ness to continue through the Great Glen. There are some excellent sections through the scenic forest today and stopping at the Abriachan Farm eco-café for their signature lemon cake is a must! Nearing Inverness the route begins to flatten until you reach the Caledonian Canal for one last time. From here, walk along the banks of the River Ness to finish at Inverness Castle, overlooking Scotland’s cultural capital of the Highlands.

This longer day can be reduced by around 15km by arranging a transfer to Abriachan Forest at the time of booking and walking to Inverness from there. We recommend that you consider our 9-day option which splits this day into two if this is of interest.

Accommodation: Drumdale B&B
Meals: Breakfast
Walking: 30km
Elevation: +530 / -450

Just 5 minutes from the city centre, Drumdale is an original Victorian villa, with very well-preserved features. All rooms are ensuite, and breakfast is served in a traditional-style room with a variety of continental and Scottish dishes.

Depending on your onward travel plans, the nearby train station is only a 10-minute taxi journey from your accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast