Great Glen Way & Loch Ness Short Break

Arrive in the charming town of Fort Augustus. Nestled on the southern tip of Loch Ness, Fort Augustus has a number of lock side pubs where you can spend the afternoon watching boats navigate their way through the gates or sit and wait for a sighting of the mythical Loch Ness monster.

Meals included: None
Accommodation: The Bank B&B
As the name suggests, this former bank is located only a couple of minute’s walk from the Caledonian Canal. Some of the en-suites have retained the wooden vaulted walls and the property has beautifully maintained gardens.

As the saying goes in Scotland, you can take the high road or low road today! Both of which have far-reaching views across Loch Ness. Although the higher route is no longer, it does add more ascent but on a fine, clear day, the effort is definitely worth it. On the high route, there are even some excellent shelter spots to pull out your picnic and enjoy views across to the peak of Beinn a’Bhacaidh and Loch Ness. Arriving into Invermoriston, you can see the early 19th-century double-arched bridge, which spans the dark and moody River Moriston falls.

Walk: 13km
Ascent: 450m or 200m
Descent: 420m or 150
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Glenmoriston Arms
This traditional style inn provides contemporary en-suite rooms, a comfortable lounge area to read and relax and a popular restaurant serving classic Scottish dishes. The bar is well stocked with single malts and locally brewed beers and there is always a recommended ‘Malt of the Month’ to try before bed!

Uphill from Invermoriston, the trail works its way through woodland with excellent vantage points of Loch Ness. After a short while, the route splits offering a high and low route for a few km’s. The higher route is a splendid walk through Caledonian pine forest and across open moorland where you can catch glimpses of black grouse and hen harriers. The lower route passes through forest trails, home to a wide range of butterfly populations. The paths converge to follow a steep descent into Drumnadrochit.

Walk: 14km
Ascent: 500m or 740m
Descent: 500m or 500m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Greenlea B&B
Tucked away in the corner of the village green this delightful cottage dates back to 1810. Once a place where farmers traded cattle, the B&B is only a couple of minutes from a delicious Italian deli and the Fiddlers pub, famous for their food and whisky selection. En-suite rooms are very comfortable and your hosts, Gordon and Miranda are always on hand to make your stay pleasant.

The trail leaves Drumnadrochit along a roadside and then swings inland as it climbs into the hills high above Loch Ness and down along the Great Glen. There are some excellent sections through the very scenic forest today and stopping at the Abriachan eco-café for their signature lemon cake is a must! Nearing Inverness the route begins to flatten until you reach the Caledonian for one last time. From here, walk along the banks of the River Ness before one last short climb to the finishing point at Inverness Castle, overlooking Scotland’s cultural capital of the Highlands.

Walk: 30km (Can be reduced by 10km by taking a transfer to Loch Laide and walking to Inverness from there).
Ascent: 530m
Descent: 450m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Drumdale B&B
Just 5 minutes from the city centre, Drumdale is an original Victorian villa, with very well-preserved features. All rooms are en-suite and breakfast is served in a traditional style room with a variety of continental and Sottish dishes such as Scots oats porridge and cooked Scottish breakfast.

Depending on your onward travel plans, the nearby train station is only a 10-minute taxi journey from your accommodation.

Meals included: Breakfast