9 Days & 8 Nights

4.7

Great Glen Way & Loch Ness In Comfort

Stay in award-winning hotels and hike Scotland's iconic Great Glen
Sample delicious Scottish fare and enjoy a Highland welcome from your hosts
Follow the picture perfect Caledonian Canal from Fort William to Inverness
Hike alongside Loch Ness and visit the 13th century ruins of Urquhart Castle
Delight in stunning views of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis

Our Great Glen Way In Comfort trip delivers a unique and truly memorable visit to Scotland for walkers wishing to experience the Great Glen Way with a touch of style. Stay in hand-selected hotels with first class service, traditional Scottish hospitality and culinary excellence. Starting in Fort William, at the base of Ben Nevis, follow the Caledonian Canal, via Neptune’s Staircase, and past Loch Lochy and Loch Oich to reach Scotland’s most northerly city of Inverness. En route you’ll trace the shores of iconic Loch Ness, pass the 13th century ruins of Urquhart Castle, and stay in charming Scottish Highland villages.

From $3,079.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Fort William and overnight

Your journey across the Highlands starts in Fort William, the outdoor capital of the UK and home to Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain.

Settle into Highland Life in one of our carefully selected hotels that combine traditional charm with modern amenities. You will located in the centre of the town and have a great selection of highly recommended restaurants nearby to pick from. Spend your evening sampling the finest Scottish Hospitality ahead of tomorrow's adventure.

Overnight Fort William

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.

The Lime Tree Hotel | Hotel

With it’s attached art gallery the 19th century Lime Tree Hotel (3*) provides a unique overnight near the centre of Fort William. We recommend dining here in their characterful Michelin Guide listed restaurant before retiring to your individually designed bedroom to ponder a week well spent.

Nevis Bank Inn | 4 Star | Country Inn

The Nevis Bank at Fort William is a modern Inn on the banks of the River Nevis and at the entrance to Glen Nevis. All rooms are stylishly decorated to a high standard using walnut wood furniture and luxury fabrics, bathroom suites are modern and designed with you in mind. Start your day in Browns Restaurant with a hearty breakfast or take your pick from the healthy options that their buffet offers. Their kitchen team endeavour to offer an exciting and extensive menu prepared from Scotland’s natural larder, their Head Chef sources the freshest produce to bring you a taste of Scotland. The extensive lunch and evening menu offers a wide range of seafood, pastas, risottos and meat dishes, there’s something for everyone.

Crolinnhe Guest House | 5 Star | Bed and breakfast

You will be met with a sense of peace in this inviting and welcoming Victorian House which has been lovingly restored. Enjoying afternoon tea on arrival in the comfortable sitting room or on the quiet patio. Their 5 luxurious suites are all designed to provide you with a unique experience and a great overnight stay.

Day 2 Fort William to Gairlochy. Optional transfer to Spean Bridge. 10.5 miles / 17 km

Your Great Glen Way adventure starts here! Leave Fort William behind and follow the river Lochy with short detours possible to Old Inverlochy Castle or Ben Nevis Distillery. After briefly following the banks of Loch Linnie, you reach Corpach where the Caledonian Canal meets the Atlantic (make sure you dip your feet!).

Follow the towpath northeast to Banavie and Neptune’s Staircase, a series of canal locks that raise the canal 80 feet in just the length of 400 feet. Continue along the canal towpath as it winds its way through stunning countryside above the River Lochy.

Gairlochy appears all too soon and from here you can organise a transfer to Spean Bridge through your accommodation (details in your accommodation info). Alternatively, you can walk walk the extra 4.5 miles / 7 km to Spean Bridge along the B8004 and take in parts of General Wade’s military road (mid-18th Century).

Ascent: 35m (114ft) / Descent: 9m (30ft)

Overnight Spean Bridge

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.

Smiddy House | Bed and breakfast

All rooms are on the first floor, tastefully decorated with calming colours and are well appointed. Each room has TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities and mineral water. Luxury towels and linen are provided as well as soaps and toiletries from our local “Highland Soap” shop located in the village and throughout the Highlands.

The Old Pines | Hotel

Old Pines is a very special place to stay. Experience the beauty of their picturesque location, cosy yet luxurious rooms and the indulgence of organic, home-cooked food. On arrival, you will be greeted with fresh tea and home-made scones then you can settle into your luxury room to unwind.

Day 3 Gairlochy/Spean Bridge to Laggan. Transfer to Invergarry. 12 miles / 19 km

From Gairlochy you follow the shore of Loch Lochy on forest tracks through land owned by the Cameron clan. Achnacarry was also home to one of the toughest commando training camps, and the nearby museum highlights the remarkable conditions they endured. After Clunes, the road continues on fire tracks above Loch Lochy all the way to South Laggan and the locks.

There is a wonderful pub and seafood restaurant on a moored barge at Laggan Locks called the Eagle Inn; great for afternoon refreshments while you wait for your pre-arranged transfer to your accommodation in Invergarry to arrive.

Invergarry is a community rather than a town where the River Garry flows into Loch Ness, the village has award-winning Scottish Country Hotels with charm you could only find in the Highlands of Scotland. Good restaurants are on site that serve elevated versions of all the Scottish classics.

Ascent: 219m (718ft) / Descent: 206m (675ft)

Overnight Invergarry

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.

Glengarry Castle Hotel | 4 Star | Hotel

Glengarry Castle Hotel is a comfortable country house hotel located on the shores of Loch Oich, between Loch Ness and Loch Lochy. All 26 bedrooms are individually furnished and have private bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi is available in all bedrooms, Library and Lounge.

Rokeby Manor | 4 Star | Guest House

A romantic Victorian country house nestled in a woodland forest. Rokeby Manor is an early Victorian House (1840) situated on the edge of the Highland Village of Invergarry. This late Georgian-early Victorian Manor oozes rustic elegance and has retained its character of a country home that was built with local materials and handmade techniques.

Day 4 Laggan to Fort Augustus 10 miles / 16 km

Your day starts at Laggan Bridge, which is the highpoint of the Caledonian Canal at 106ft above sea level. Initially, you follow the eastern shore of Loch Oich, one of Scotland’s most beautiful and pristine natural woodlands, which is teeming with bird and wildlife. Once you reach the end of Loch Oich, at Oich Bridge, you follow the canal for a few miles along to Fort Augustus. This is a lovely section of canal, and Kytra Lock is one of the highlights of the entire walk.

A treat awaits tonight for your stay in Fort Augustus. The Lovat is a truly fantastic Highland Hotel with the most attentive staff. Their onsite restaurant is one of the best in the area, Chef Sean Kelly creates sensational dishes using only the freshest seasonal produce.

Ascent: 18m (60ft) / Descent: 42m (138ft)

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.

The Lovat | 4 Star | Hotel

The Lovat, Loch Ness is a landmark Victorian hotel overlooking the loch side village of Fort Augustus. This exceptional Highland hotel is surrounded by stunning scenery as it sits at the southern tip of the mysterious deep waters of Loch Ness. It is an eco-conscious Loch Ness hotel, with a character & class of its own. Its grace & charm is complimented by natural décor, modernism & a genuine, warm hospitality offered by a devoted & passionate team.

Day 5 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.

The Glenmoriston Arms | Hotel

The original hotel built on this site dates back from 1740 - 6 years before the battle of Culloden when the building was originally a drover’s inn, a stopover point for farmers taking their cattle to and from market. Surprisingly some of this original structure remains in place today forming the Moriston bar and also the reception area. The hotel has eleven bedrooms, seven of which are in the main building and are traditionally and individually furnished. They also have three contemporary styled tavern rooms with private access – these rooms are external to the main building but just a few feet from the door.

Day 6 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.

Loch Ness Inn | Inn

Originally built in 1847 as a local brewery, the 160-year-old building used to trade as The Lewiston Arms Hotel and has been sympathetically restored. The rooms are all individually designed and styled using inspiration from Lochs and Glens of the Highlands. Dining in the restaurant is a great experience – they source all their produce locally and serve their award-winning Michelin dishes all day. You can also enjoy a great selection of Scottish whiskey and real ales in their Brewery bar.

Day 7 Transfer to Loch Laide and walk to Drumnadrochit 9 miles / 15 km

You will start your morning with a transfer from your overnight stay in Drumnadrochit to Loch Laide. The walk from Loch Laide gives remarkable views almost immediately as you follow a short high route up to Carn Na Lietire, a great vantage point. Descend through woodlands and forestry with the occasional view of Loch Ness and the iconic Urquhart Castle in the foreground. Finish off today's walk by enduring a small section on the busy A82 to your overnight accommodation in Drumnadrochit.

Ascent: 218m (715ft) / Descent: 464m (1522ft)

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.

Loch Ness Inn | Inn

Day 8 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.

Rocpool Reserve Hotel | Hotel

Rocpool Reserve Hotel and Restaurant is located near the heart of Inverness, just a few minute’s walk from the high street and Inverness Castle. The boutique hotel (Inverness' only 5 star establishment), has 11 rooms with 4 different types to choose from: hip, chic, decadent or extra decadent, all equipped with the latest in technology. Dine at the hotel's Chez Roux restaurant, run by Albert Roux, which offers Scottish cuisine with a French twist. The split level 'R Bar' has established itself as one of the city's most sophisticated and chic cocktail bars. From the hotel you are ideally based to explore the magnificence of the Scottish Highlands.

Ness Walk | Hotel

The trees on the grounds of Ness Walk have given name to our luxurious rooms and suites – Laurel, Cedar Oak, Rowan and Wellingtonia.The interiors reflect the seasonal landscape with a flow of soft colours and textiles. Many of our 47 spacious and stylish en-suite rooms offer beautiful views, either to the courtyard and river beyond, or the verdant gardens. All are filled with natural light, featuring bespoke elements, such as carpeting resembling the River Ness as it approaches the riverbank.

Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel | 4 Star | Hotel

The Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel is one of the most respected 4* city centre hotels in Inverness. And rightly so! You are assured the warmest of welcomes at this splendid property, wonderfully located on the tree-lined riverbank terrace close to the city centre. The en suite rooms contain all that one would expect for a most comfortable stay, with crisp Egyptian cotton bed linen and super cosy pillows and duvets.

Day 9 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 6kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 6kg is equivalent to 4.5 ham and cheese sandwiches from the store. 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.

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Is it for me?

If at the end of a great day’s walking you like a touch of style and comfort this is the itinerary for you! Staying in award-winning country hotels and dining on delicious Scottish cuisine is perhaps the best way to discover this iconic Scottish landscape.

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

Accessible by Rail

Activity Level & Terrain

This holiday is graded easy to moderate overall, with the 7 and 8 day 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 from the Great Glen Way. Please note the distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

8 nights hand-picked superior country hotels and inns
8 Breakfasts
Door to door baggage transfer
Transfers on Days 7 and 8 to the start of the walk
Transfers to/from hotels when off route
Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure navigation 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 Fort William/from Inverness
Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
Travel Insurance
Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage
Excursions & entrance fees
Personal equipment

Extras

Additional nights before, during or after your walk

When to go Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

By Air: Inverness and Glasgow Airports are the most convenient. From Inverness Airport catch a Citylink bus (2 hours) to Fort William. From Glasgow Airport take the shuttle bus into Glasgow city centre and then the train (4 hours) or bus (3 hours) to Fort William.

By Train: Between 3 and 4 trains run daily from Glasgow to Fort William and the journey takes around 4 hours. Widely regarded as one of the world’s great rail journeys this is a great way to start your trip. Visit Scotrail's website for timetables and tickets.

By Bus: Scottish Citylink operates up to 8 departures per day from Glasgow to Fortwilliam (3 hours) and up to 8 buses per day from Inverness (2 hours) to Fort William. Visit Scottish Citylink's website for timetables and tickets.

By Car: Fort William is 100 miles (approx. 3 hours) north of Glasgow on the A82. Parking (not secure) is available in Fort William. You can sometimes leave your car at the properties we use in Fort William, but please request this at the time of booking.

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.

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.

Equipment

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.

How fit do I need to be? How far in advance do I need to book? What personal equipment do I need? How do the baggage transfers work? 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.

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Great Glen Way & Loch Ness In Comfort

Great Glen Way & Loch Ness In Comfort

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Itinerary

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Solo Walkers & Single Rooms

Meals

Recommended Reading

Online Documents

Why Macs

The Biggest Choice

Founded in 2003

23,000+ Customer Reviews

B Corp Certified