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    Great Glen Way

    Scotland · Scottish Highlands
    Rolling

    A 120km trail through Scotland's Great Glen from Fort William to Inverness, following the geological fault line that splits the Highlands. The route uses towpaths along the Caledonian Canal, forest tracks above Loch Ness, and quiet lanes connecting small settlements. The terrain is mostly gentle with some hillier forest sections offering panoramic views. Keep watch for Nessie on the long Loch Ness shore section. Well-waymarked with good accommodation, making it an accessible introduction to long-distance walking in the Scottish Highlands.

    Itinerary Planner AvailablePlan your Great Glen Way day-by-day — choose your pace, get daily distances & times, download PDF & GPX.
    Distance
    120 km
    Duration
    4–6 days
    Total Ascent
    1,788 m
    Total Descent
    1,775 m
    Elevation Range
    5–360 m
    Region
    Scottish Highlands
    Midge Season: Late May – Mid September

    Highland midges can be a serious nuisance on this trail from late May through August in still, damp conditions. The first three weeks of May are generally midge-free. Midges start to decline from mid-September. Consider carrying a head-net and repellent if hiking from late May onwards.

    Check the live midge forecast

    Monthly Trail Rating

    Based on passability window, temperature, precipitation patterns, daylight hours, and midge season.

    Jan
    Poor
    Feb
    Poor
    Mar
    Poor
    Apr
    Good
    May
    Good
    Jun
    Fair
    Jul
    Fair
    Aug
    Fair
    Sep
    Good
    Oct
    Fair
    Nov
    Poor
    Dec
    Poor
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