The Great Glen Way: The Great Glen Way is the newest long distance walking path in Scotland. It runs from Fort William to Inverness, a distance of about 73 miles / 117km. Along the entire route, you will be treated to panoramic scenery, the chance to see the natural heritage and archaeological sites of the towns as well as learn about the history of each place you visit. If you want to take a vacation to walk the entire route of the Great Glen Way, it will take you about 5 or 6 days to do so. It is perfect for all levels of walkers and for those who just want to walk a short distance, you can walk any section of the route that you want.
Start your journey back in time in Fort William at the site of the Old Fort. You will walk along the shores of Loch Linnhe, with the shadow of Ben Nevis towering over you. Once you leave Corpach, you will walk the longest glen in Scotland and get to see the geological fault. Some of the Great Glen Way follows the ancient cowpaths used by the farmers, while other sections of it follows forest trails, especially along the shores of Loch Lochy. Here you can get a look at two spectacular mountains called the "Munros".
Distance:
73 miles / 117km
Special Requirements:
Good Walking Footwear
The Route:
At Laggan Locks, the Great Glen Way will take you close to the battlefield of the Clan Battle of the Shirts in 1544. Follow General Wade's Military Road into Fort Augustus, where you can see the imposing abbey of the Benedictine monks. Once you leave Fort Augustus, you will have to start climbing, but with the commanding view that you get of the loch and the countryside, you won't even notice the pain in your muscles. Cross Loch Ness to the village of Invermoriston and continue on the trail to the small crafting village of Grotaig.
The Great Glen Way will take you through the town of Drumnadrochit before it climbs through farmland offering you a breathtaking look at Loch Ness. You might want to take a rest here and scan the loch for a glimpse of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. Take time to visit Urquhart Castle before the trail winds its way into the forest. You will be able to catch glimpses of the east coast as you come through the clearings.
The Great Glen Way does have some short sections of exposed moorland covered in blooming heather. Abriachan is another small crafting community that you will pass through on the way before you come to Blackfold. Once you walk through Craig Leach Forest, you will get your first glimpse of Inverness as you pass by a chambered cairn showing you that people have lived here for thousands of years.
Just about all the places along the Great Glen Way have various types of accommodations and restaurants where you can get a good meal. Of course, all the small towns and villages have general stores where you can stock up on supplies that you need to take with you on your walk. If you choose to walk the full route, it will be one week when you make a lifetime of memories.