Great Glen Way
Follow the Great Glen, running from Fort William in the west to Inverness in the east. The route is suitable for walkers and cyclists with a mountain bike or robust hybrid.
The stunning trail follows the Caledonian Canal and the shores of Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness with the mountains of the Ben Nevis range making a splendid backdrop. The route also passes Fort Augustus and includes several woodland sections, most notably through Creag nan Eun Forest. The final section along the River Ness to the finish point at Inverness Castle is also noteworthy.
The route is coincident with the Caledonia Way. This epic cycle route runs for 234 miles from Campbeltown to Inverness. It's a great way of continuing your cycling or walking in the area.
The Great Glen Way is waymarked with a black hexagon thistle.
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Great Glen Way Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Great Glen Way Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Great Glen Way OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Great Glen Way Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Glenmoriston Arms Hotel in Invermoriston is a fine place to stop for some refreshments. The hotel has an interesting history being set in a former drover's inn dating from 1740. The old stags head on the wall looks over you as you enter and has welcomed travellers from all over the word for decades. They have a cosy bar area and a nice restaurant which does very good food. There's also a nice garden area to relax in on warmer days and good quality accommodation if you need to stay over.
Dog Walking
The Moorings Hotel overlooks the Caldonian canal in Banavie. You can sit outside on the decking area and enjoy fine views of Ben Nevis and Neptune's Staircase, the longest lock flight in Scotland.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Near Inverness you could head a short distance north east to visit one of the historic highlights of the area at Culloden Battlefield. There's a circular walking trail here which explores the site of the famous battle of 1746. The site includes an informative visitor centre where you can learn all about this fascinating conflict. On the south eastern side of the battlefield there's also the Clava Cairns and the Culloden Viaduct. The ancient Bronze Age site includes prehistoric burial monuments and the remains of a medieval chapel. It's also a short walk from the eye catching Culloden Viaduct which carries the Highland Main Line over the River Nairn.
The Affric Kintail Way can be picked up at Drumnadrochit on the western side of Loch Ness. This long distance trail runs from the loch to Morvich via Glen Urquhart and Glen Affric. If you were to follow the trail west from Loch Ness it would take you to Loch Meiklie and the village of Cannich. Also near Drumnadrochit you can visit the historic Urquhart Castle. The photogenic 13th century castle ruins are positioned in a dramatic spot overlooking the western side of Loch Ness.
At Loch Ness you can enjoy a view of Invermoriston Falls from the 19th century Thomas Telford bridge. The old bridge is located just south west of the village and provides fine views over the rushing falls.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Scottish Highlands Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
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High point of the Great Glen Way. The stone shelter marks the highest point, 422m, between Fort William and Inverness. Appropriately enough there is a great view of Loch Ness.
Corryfoyness croft and Cnoc an t'Saraidh in the distance.
A cleared section between Fort Augustus and Invermoriston which offers over the steep bracken-covered mountainside to Loch Ness below.
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Great Glen Way near Blackfold
Start of the Great Glen Way Stone marking the Fort William terminal of the Great Glen Way, a 73 mile long path following the geological fault along the Glen to Inverness. This stone stands outside the Old Fort (seen in background) in Fort William.
These boards mark a viewpoint over Loch Ness on the Great Glen Way.
Loch Lochy
Inverness Castle and Great Glen Way finish post^