5 Days & 4 Nights

4.8

Great Glen Escape: Loch Ness to Inverness

Immerse yourself in the highland landscape on one of Scotland's most renowned trails
Discover the historic tow paths of the Caledonian Canal and its impressive series of locks
Visit Urquhart Castle with its superb setting on Loch Ness
Explore Loch Ness by foot and perhaps catch a glimpse of the famous Loch Ness Monster!
Arrive in Inverness having passed through some of Scotland’s finest scenery

Known as one of Scotland’s finest long distance walks, the Great Glen Way takes you along the Caledonian Canal, through beautiful forests, peaceful working canals, and magnificent brooding lochs. On the Great Glen Escape short break, we have focused on arguably the most scenic part of the walk, from Fort Augustus to Inverness, allowing you to experience the highlights of the Great Glen over 5 days. Set off from Fort Augustus, from where the trail follows the western shores of Loch Ness, passing the charming Highland towns of Invermoriston and Drumnadrochit before reaching the historic city of Inverness. "Nessie" hunters can take a cruise on Loch Ness from Fort Augustus, and shouldn’t miss the Loch Ness Experience in Drumnadrochit. Urquhart Castle, with its commanding view of Loch Ness is another must see, as is Inverness Castle at the walk’s end! We include hand-picked overnight accommodation in high quality hotels, B&B’s and guesthouses, daily door to door baggage transfer, maps, route notes and emergency telephone support from our UK office in your short break with Macs Adventure.

From $1,059.00

Select Date Inquire Tour Brochure

Gallery

All Photos (9)

Itinerary

Expand all

Day 1 Arrive in Fort Augustus and overnight

Fort Augustus is a busy little town, lying on the southern tip of Loch Ness and is centred on a series of lochs which are always a hive of activity. It is a great spot to spend a relaxed afternoon or evening. Should you be travelling from Inverness, take the bus (approx. an hour’s journey) to Fort Augustus.

Overnight Fort Augustus

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Oaklands B&B | Bed and breakfast

Oaklands Bed and Breakfast provides accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.The bed and breakfast offers a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer, free toiletries and shower.

Abbey Cottage | Bed and breakfast

This house was built in 1760 in the grounds of the 2nd fort, and has undergone a number of alterations over the years. Most recently they have added the new breakfast room which provides stunning views of the Caledonian Canal, Meall Dubh peak and the centre of Fort Augustus.

The Bank House | Bed and breakfast

The Bank House sits on an elevated site overlooking the Caledonian Canal in the centre of Fort Augustus. They are within walking distance of pubs, restaurants and shops. They have three en-suite rooms that are named after Castles and come with tea and coffee making facilities, a hair dryer and a colour TV.

Day 2 Fort Augustus to Invermoriston 8 miles / 13 km

At Fort Augustus, you leave the canal and head along the shore of Loch Ness. For the best views, we recommend the 'High Route' route, the distance is similar but the ascent/descent slightly more than the 'Low Route'. Both start on forested tracks before impressive views of the Loch open up - keep those eyes peeled for the monster - you might be lucky.

Invermoriston is your overnight stop with its lovely waterfall running through the centre. Enjoy a peaceful evening in this incredibly quaint village, there is a good restaurant serving hearty meals and the locals are very friendly and full of knowledge.

High Route - Ascent: 450m (1476ft) / Descent: 420m (1377ft)

Low Route - Ascent: 187m (613ft) / Descent: 142m (465ft)

Overnight Invermoriston

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Bracarina House | Bed and breakfast

Jay and Nicky would like to extend you, a warm welcome to their Bed and Breakfast, Bracarina House. Bracarina House is set in the middle of the beautiful village of Invermoriston and is a stone’s throw from the pub.

Craik na Dav | Guest House

Sisters Lindsey and Manda would like to offer you a very warm welcome to their home in Invermoriston. All rooms are en-suite and have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay.

Darroch View | Bed and breakfast

Darroch View is situated near to the world-famous Loch Ness and in the heart of Invermoriston. All their rooms are en-suite, as well having satellite T.V., free wireless internet connection (WIFI), tea/coffee making facility, hairdryer, alarm clock & complimentary toiletries. Downstairs the dining room has a wonderful view of mountains and the beautiful village of Invermoriston.

Day 3 Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit 14 miles / 22 km

A slightly tougher day of walking but a truly enthralling one. Again you have the option of the 'High Route' or the 'Low Route'.

Both have a relatively steep start as you climb out of Invemoriston. The 'Low Route' then follows tracks back down through forestry north of Loch Ness, with good views across the water to the hills on the south side of the Loch. The 'High Route' continues to climb and gives truly spectacular views of Loch Ness and the surrounding area. On a clear day, you can spot the UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

Both routes rejoin and end by crossing a high moorland area before a steep descent into Drumnadrochit, famous for its magnificent Urquhart castle sitting on the banks of Loch Ness.

High Route (22km) - Ascent: 598m (1961ft) / Descent: 616m (2021ft)

Low Route (24km) - Ascent: 559m (1833ft) / Descent: 573m (1879ft)

Overnight Drumnadrochit

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Kilmore Farmhouse | Bed and breakfast

Situated just a little outside the village centre of Drumnadrochit the shores of Loch Ness, this peaceful haven gives you all the relaxation you need after day out on the Great Glen. All rooms are well appointed and the house is surrounded by well-kept gardens, with a relaxing lounge and bright and airy breakfast room. All rooms include complimentary upgraded Wi-Fi and tea and coffee making facilities.

Glenkirk | Bed and breakfast

This B&B is a tastefully converted old church and a warm highland welcome is ensured from Fiona Urquhart. Each room is furnished to a high standard and are all light and airy. Wi-Fi is available throughout the house. Laundry facilities are not available but drying facilities are on offer for no extra charge.

Bridgend House B&B | Bed and breakfast

Bridgend House dates from the mid-19th century, and is situated centrally on the village green, in the award-winning village of Drumnadrochit.

Day 4 Transfer to Loch Laide and walk to Inverness 12.5 miles / 20 km

Transfer from Drumnadrochit, avoiding the busy A82 section of the Great Glen Way, to Loch Laide (approx. 15 mins). Initially you follow a minor road for a few miles and then at Blackfold you branch off through the forest before beginning your descent down towards Inverness and the Moray Firth. A mile before the end of the Way you once again meet the Caledonian Canal. The way turns right instead and follows the River Ness into the centre of Inverness and Inverness Castle, which marks the end of your wonderful journey across Scotland.

Ascent: 153m (501ft) / Descent: 411m (1348ft)

Overnight Inverness

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Ballifeary Guest House | Guest House

Ballifeary Guest House is an impressive Victorian Villa with many original features. It has a large private car park for guests use and a secured shed for those with bikes. It is ideally located only a matter of yards from Eden Court theatre and a short walk from the River Ness where many restaurants, the Cathedral and Castle can be found. The rooms have been recently refurbished to a high standard offering every comfort you would expect.

Aye Stay | Guest House

All rooms are equipped with high speed free wifi, USB charging ports, Smart TV, Scottish fine soap toiletries, and coffee & tea making facilities with yummy biscuits!

Ardmeanach House | Guest House

The house that this accommodation is located in was built in the mid-19th century by a local shipping merchant. It is full of character and still has the original fireplace. It is an approximate 8-minute walk from the city centre and a large choice of restaurants and pubs. The rooms are warm and cosy.

Day 5 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 7kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 7kg is equivalent to 1 single running shoe (not even a pair!). Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.

Reviews

Expand all

Other Information

Expand all

Is it for me?

If you only have a few days available for walking through the Great Glen then this short break allows you to experience some of its most dramatic scenery and enjoy the jaw-dropping vistas.

Tour Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Long-Distance Trails

Short Break

Accessible by Rail

Activity Level & Terrain

This holiday is graded easy to moderate overall, with the 7 and 8 day and the Great Glen Escape tours graded moderate, due to a couple of longer days. Daily walking distances very between 8-20 miles. Some days will be more challenging than others and the terrain will be varied with some rough and rugged footpaths. There are ascents and descents involved, so a good level of fitness will be required. For fitter walkers the High Route will appeal, which affords particularly spectacular views. Some road walking is imevitable along the way.

The High Route

Through a £1 million project, the Forestry Commission Scotland created over 10 miles (16km) of waymarked Great Glen ‘High Route’ above Loch Ness. These options take you above the treeline and offer more fantastic views than the traditional route, with some challenging gradients and a new summit at 422m (1385ft) on Creag Dhearg.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

Hand-picked accommodation in B&B's, guest houses and small hotels
Breakfast at each accommodation
Baggage transfers
Detailed trip info and mapped tracks, via the Macs App
All your trip documents provided digitally through your online Macs ‘My Account’
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our UK office

Excluded

Travel to the start / from the finish of the walk
Lunches, dinners, snacks & drinks
Travel insurance
Personal equipment
Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage

Extras

Extra nights before, during or after your walk
Single/Solo Supplement

When to go Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

Fort Augustus can be easily reached by public transport.

By Bus: Scottish Citylink operates buses from Inverness (1 hour) to Fort Augustus. Visit www.citylink.co.uk for timetables and tickets.

By Train: To reach Inverness from Edinburgh, there are regular direct trains (3 Hours 30 Mins). Alternatively, you can travel from Glasgow to Fort William (3 Hours 45 mins) by train and then use a Citylink bus to get to Fort Augustus (1 Hour).

Journey Planning: If travelling by public transport the website www.travelinescotland.com has an excellent journey planner.

Getting from the End

Inverness has excellent transport links by road, rail and air to destinations throughout Scotland and the UK. Use the websites listed above for timetables and tickets.

Luggage Transfer

Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 18kg per person.

At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.

Taxi Transfer

You will be collected from your accommodation in Drumnadrochit on day 4 of your trip and transferred to Loch Laide, avoiding the busy A82 section of the Great Glen Way, and allowing you to enjoy walking into Inverness at a more leisurely pace.

Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Online Documents

At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.

On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.

How far in advance do I need to book? How fit do I need to be? How do the baggage transfers work? What personal equipment do I need? When is the best time of year? How do we get to and from the trail? What are the midges like? Am I able to take my dog? What happens if I cant walk a stage?

Hiking the Great Glen Way

Join Kirsty and her dad as they embark on an unforgettable father-daughter adventure along Scotland’s iconic Great Glen Way! Experience the beauty and wonders of the Great Glen Way on this stunning 79-mile trail from Fort William to Inverness. Follow their journey along the shores of Loch Ness, through ancient forests, and past towering mountains in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Featured

Why Macs

Reasons to believe in Macs Adventure:

The Biggest Choice

Self-guided hiking & biking is all we do - we have hundreds of tried & tested trips.

Founded in 2003

We’re still founder led & the world’s number one self-guided operator with mountains of experience.

23,000+ Customer Reviews

Plus, with a Feefo Platinum Service Award & British Travel Awards, you know you're in good hands.

B Corp Certified

We’re proud to be B Corp certified, reflecting our commitment to sustainable travel that supports communities and upholds the highest social and environmental standards.

Great Glen Escape: Loch Ness to Inverness

Gallery

Itinerary

Other Information

Solo Walkers & Single Rooms

Meals

Recommended Reading

Taxi Transfer

Online Documents

Why Macs

The Biggest Choice

Founded in 2003

23,000+ Customer Reviews

B Corp Certified