Comments on the Great Glen Way

The Great Glen Way is a well maintained and waymarked long distance path running from Fort William to Inverness over 119 kilometres (74 miles). That is the most popular and recommended direction to complete the route as the prevailing westerly winds are behind you. The first three days beside the Caledonian Canal, on an old railway line and along forestry tracks are satisfactory but the last three days, taking the high route options, are what really makes the trail worth the effort. On these last three days you rise above the forestry and views open out across Loch Ness and the mountains beyond and give a bit of a taste of what much of the Highlands are like. You might also see a red squirrel or deer. 

There are a handy number of villages for accommodation, coffees and resupply so it is not an onerous trip. Bridges cross all the streams. I walked it in six days but it could be walked in four if you are fit and without my knee problems. There is no real need to camp if you have the money for B&Bs,  hotels or hostels, but wild camping, official campsites and camping at locations on the Caledonian Canal are options which will broaden your experience. For use of Caledonian Canal facilities £10 is paid for a key.

With the number of waymarks, navigation is not a bit issue, but downloading a gpx track for your GPS is helpful in case you miss a turn, I used the gpx files that can be downloaded from the stage descriptions of the "Walk Highlands" website, which also has much informative information. In addition I bought the Cicerone guidebook, although rarely used on the trip, it gave me the background used to plan my trip.

I was glad I walked the route in late September as by this time the midges were not a problem. Midges are tiny insects that can plague you in the highlands if you ever stand still, requiring a fine mesh head net and midge repellent for any comfort.

The start of my walk from Inverness on the Great Glen Way is here.

End of Great Glen Way in Inverness.