Great Glen Way

Great Glen Way

A walk through Scotland's Great Glen along the impressive Caledonian Canal.

3 to 8 nights
22-77 miles
Moderate to Demanding

From £390 per person

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About the trail

Take in Scotland’s finest scenery on a long-distance walking holiday through the Highlands, past Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and along the shore of Loch Ness.

The Great Glen Way National Trail follows the route of the Caledonian Canal, which links the enormous lochs of the Great Glen all the way from the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea. Open moorland, tree-lined towpaths, and towering, heather-clad hills are staple views, alongside castles and forts that have witnessed some of the most bloody scenes of Scotland’s turbulent history.

We offer multiple holiday options along this trail. If you wish to experience the entire trail, simply select the first option from the list below.

Choose your route

  • Great Glen Way
  • Great Glen Way Short Break

Trail running tours available

We also organise trail running holidays along this route. Find out more.

About this route

6 to 8 nights
77 miles
Moderate to Demanding
24th March to 13th October

From £725 per person

Great Glen Way

The Great Glen Way travels 73 miles from Fort William to Inverness. This epic holiday encounters the iconic British landmarks of Ben Nevis and Loch Ness, along with a plethora of other fantastic scenery to enjoy.

As you cross the breadth of Scotland from coast to coast, expect a unique mixture of beautiful views, charming settlements, elusive wildlife and fascinating history, making for an all-round magnificent walking adventure.

This route can be walked in the opposite direction upon request. Please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
GGW1 From Fort William to Inverness 6 nights, 5 days walking Demanding £725
GGW2 From Fort William to Inverness 7 nights, 6 days walking Moderate / Demanding £835
GGW3 From Fort William to Inverness 8 nights, 7 days walking Moderate £950

Short breaks

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
GGWSB1 From Fort Augustus to Drumnadrochit 3 nights, 2 days walking Moderate / Demanding £390
"Silver Birch Sapling near Achnacarry" by Trisha Cressey (2024) "Silver Birch Sapling near Achnacarry" by Trisha Cressey (2024)
"Bench between Drumnadrochit and Blackfold" by Trisha Cressey (2024) "Bench between Drumnadrochit and Blackfold" by Trisha Cressey (2024)
"Bears between Gairlochy and Laggan Locks" by Trisha Cressey (2024) "Bears between Gairlochy and Laggan Locks" by Trisha Cressey (2024)
"Looking out across Loch Lochy towards Ben Nevis" by Trisha Cressey (2024) "Looking out across Loch Lochy towards Ben Nevis" by Trisha Cressey (2024)
"Monster Emerging from Loch Ness" by Trisha Cressey (2024) "Monster Emerging from Loch Ness" by Trisha Cressey (2024)
"Rain coming in along Loch Ness" by Marty and Jane Holski (2022) "Rain coming in along Loch Ness" by Marty and Jane Holski (2022)
"Loch Lochy on a Gloomy Day" by Marty and Jane Holski (2022) "Loch Lochy on a Gloomy Day" by Marty and Jane Holski (2022)
"Trying to Catch a Rainbow" by Marty and Jane Holski (2022) "Trying to Catch a Rainbow" by Marty and Jane Holski (2022)
"Invermoriston" by Marty and Jane Holski (2022) "Invermoriston" by Marty and Jane Holski (2022)
"Rainbow near Drumnadochit" by Marty and Jane Holski (2022) "Rainbow near Drumnadochit" by Marty and Jane Holski (2022)
"Loch Lochy near St Ciaran's Church" by Fiona Walton (2021) "Loch Lochy near St Ciaran's Church" by Fiona Walton (2021)
"Swimming in the Caledonian Canal" by Fiona Walton (2021) "Swimming in the Caledonian Canal" by Fiona Walton (2021)
"Eating Cake at Abriachan Eco Cafe" by Fiona Walton (2021) "Eating Cake at Abriachan Eco Cafe" by Fiona Walton (2021)
"Glenfinnan Viaduct" by Lubo Jurkovic (2019) "Glenfinnan Viaduct" by Lubo Jurkovic (2019)
"Fairy Trail" by Lubo Jurkovic (2019) "Fairy Trail" by Lubo Jurkovic (2019)
"After Gairlochy Locks" by Paula Aaltonen (2019) "After Gairlochy Locks" by Paula Aaltonen (2019)
"Outside Fort William" by Kim Dudley (2019) "Outside Fort William" by Kim Dudley (2019)
"Outside Fort Augustus" by Kim Dudley (2019) "Outside Fort Augustus" by Kim Dudley (2019)
"Looking Back to Urquart Castle" by Kim Dudley (2019) "Looking Back to Urquart Castle" by Kim Dudley (2019)
"Looking Back to Ben Nevis" by Kim Dudley (2019) "Looking Back to Ben Nevis" by Kim Dudley (2019)
"Between South Laggan and Fort Augustus" by Kim Dudley (2019) "Between South Laggan and Fort Augustus" by Kim Dudley (2019)
"View across Loch Ness" by Mary Jane Haemig (2019) "View across Loch Ness" by Mary Jane Haemig (2019)
"Loch Lochy near Clunes" by Jo McDonough (2018) "Loch Lochy near Clunes" by Jo McDonough (2018)
"Walking Companion" by Jo McDonough (2018) "Walking Companion" by Jo McDonough (2018)
"Corpach" by Jo McDonough (2018) "Corpach" by Jo McDonough (2018)
"Loch Ness" by Hilary Donahue (2017) "Loch Ness" by Hilary Donahue (2017)

Customer reviews from the Great Glen Way

“This is the first time I have used a company to arrange our walking holiday. I was a bit worried that the accommodation wouldn't be as good as when I have arranged it myself but I was pleasantly surprised.”
Ms Fiona Day, UK
“Every aspect of this holiday was absolutely perfect. There were changes made to arrangements and accommodation which were carried out by yourselves without any problems whatsoever. Communication between us was 100% covered and couldn't have been any better. We could not find fault with any aspect of our trip and would like to thank every member of your team involved.”
Mrs Bradshaw, UK
“While the weather was challenging at times, the scenery was breathtaking and the path clear.”
Mr Bounds, Australia
“It was an amazing walk and an enjoyable time with all the hosts we met during the walk. We don't have enough words - especially in English - to explain how much we liked it.”
Mr Moreno, Spain
“Excellent if tiring at times.”
Mr Williams, UK
“Nice places to stay, fine weather, beautiful nature.”
Mrs Petersen, Denmark
“Thank you, we had a lovely, hassle-free holiday.”
Mrs Cresswell, UK
“Thank you, we had a lovely, hassle-free holiday… Everything went smoothly, pick-ups, etc.”
Mrs Cresswell, UK
“Another good walk. I enjoyed my stay in Scotland despite the weather (just one sunny day) I always tell others that I use yourselves and tell them home much I'm impressed with the holidays that you have sorted in the past. My next Contours holiday is The John Muir Way next May. This holiday had to be postponed in May 2020 and May 2021due to lockdowns! I will shortly be booking some more holidays for next year. I am keen to do some more of the Welsh Coastline.”
Mr Duthoit, UK
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