OVERVIEW

Walk the Great Glen Way following canal towpaths and woodland trails along the shores of Loch Ness to the hilltop castle of Inverness. Beginning in the Highland coastal town of Fort William, the trail heads northeast and follows the impressive Caledonian Canal which links a picture-perfect series of lochs: Loch Oich, Loch Lochy and the atmospheric Loch Ness. The trail ventures into ancient woodlands and up onto heather-clad moors where red deer roam high on the hillsides.

Highlights

  • Walk along the Caledonian Canal to the Highland capital, Inverness
  • Watch boats journey through the lock gates of Neptune's Staircase
  • Explore canal side pubs in the charming town of Fort Augustus
  • Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Loch Ness Monster
  • Spot red deer, grouse, and birds of prey
  • Stay in family-run bed and breakfasts, country hotels, and old coaching inns

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
8 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate

Grade 3 – Moderate

Short, steep hill sections. Walks that are longer than 12km with varied terrain. A moderate active lifestyle and some walking experience is recommended.

PRICE FROM
$ 2095

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 1155

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of a room when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

Book now

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8

DAY 1
Arrive Fort William

On the shores of Loch Linnhe, Fort William’s train station makes for easy arrival. Gateway to Glen Nevis valley and the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis (1345m), the town sits in the privileged position amongst stunning scenery and excellent walking trails. The compact town centre has plenty of cosy cafes and traditional bars to sample Highland whiskies.

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Myrtle Bank Guest House
Overlooking Loch Linnhe and only a short walk from town, Myrtle Bank is run by Dora and her team. In a converted Victorian Villa, en-suite rooms are classically furnished. The property also has extensive gardens and is a personal passion of Dora’s. Known for its friendly atmosphere, this guest house is a great start to some of the finest walking days in Scotland.

DAY 2
Fort William to Spean Bridge

Starting at the old Fort ruins, walk from Fort William around the coast of Loch Linnhe to the Great Caledonian Canal. Follow the canal towpath past the famous eight locks of Neptune’s Staircase. Here you can watch boats making their way through the cascading series of gates which were constructed over 200 years ago. Continue along the towpath for a gentle day of walking ending at Spean Bridge.

Walk: 24km (option to finish after 17km)
Ascent: 50m or 150m
Descent: 50m or 150m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Coireglas Guest House
On the edge of Spean Bridge village, this friendly B&B is run by Morven and Simon. Their 10-bedroomed guesthouse sits in beautiful sheltered gardens and overlooks the spectacular Grey Corries. The guesthouse is only a few minutes’ walk from the village centre and the superb gastronomic restaurant, Smiddy House.

DAY 3
Spean Bridge to Laggan Locks

From Spean Bridge, rejoin the Great Glen Way at Gairlochy to walk along the shores of Loch Lochy. An immensely peaceful walk through woodlands. The route progresses to a gentle climb above the loch onto wide woodland tracks.  The route descends to Laggan Locks where Loch Lochy is funnelled into the Caledonian Canal.

Walk: 19km
Ascent: 200m
Descent: 200m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Forest Lodge B&B

Simple homestyle accommodation run by Lorraine and Laura. Cosy guest lounge and sunroom.

 

DAY 4
Laggan Locks to Fort Augustus

Today walk to the charming town of Fort Augustus. A gentle stroll along the shores of Loch Oich to the Bridge of Oich where you re-join the Caledonian Canal towpath and continue to Fort Augustus. On the southern tip of Loch Ness, Fort Augustus has a number of canalside pubs where you can watch boats navigate their way through the gates or sit and wait for a sighting of the mythical Loch Ness monster.

Walk: 18km
Ascent: 130m
Descent: 150m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Bank B&B
A lovely B&B located only a couple of minutes’ walk from the Caledonian Canal. Some of the en-suites have retained the wooden vaulted walls, and the property has beautifully maintained gardens.

DAY 5
Fort Augustus to Invermoriston

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. On a fine, clear day, the extra effort required for the high route is definitely worth it. Enjoy beautiful spots for a picnic lunch and with views across the loch to Beinn a’Bhacaidh. Arriving in Invermoriston, marvel at Telford’s early 19th-century double-arched bridge, which spans the moody River Moriston.

Walk: 13km
Ascent: 450m or 200m
Descent: 420m 0r 150m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Bracarina House
A Highland welcome invites you to Invermoriston, and is warmly provided by Bracarina House, a cosy and delightful Bed and Breakfast with a s/c studio to the rear of the property.  Rooms are located on the first floor and offer garden or mountain views. Next door to a traditional-style inn, a popular restaurant serving classic Scottish dishes and the bar is well stocked with single malts and locally brewed beers.

DAY 6
Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit

From Invermoriston, the trail works its way up through woodlands with excellent viewpoints over Loch Ness. After a short while, the route splits offering a high and low route for a few km. The recommended high route is a splendid walk through open moorland where you may catch glimpses of black grouse and hen harriers. The low route follows forestry roads which are home to a wide range of butterflies. The paths converge to follow a steep descent into Drumnadrochit.

Walk: 23km
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 the Fiddlers Pub, famous for its 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.

DAY 7
Drumnadrochit to Inverness

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

This longer day can be reduced by around 15km by arranging a transfer to Abriachan Forest at the time of booking and walking to Inverness from there. We recommend that consider our 9-day option which splits this day into two.

Walk: 31km
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 Scottish dishes.

DAY 8
Onward Travel

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

Meals included: Breakfast

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • Walk the entire length of the Great Glen Way in 8 days
  • 7 nights accommodation in 3* or 4* hotels & guest houses
  • All luggage transfers
  • 7 breakfasts
  • Maps, comprehensive walk notes, and gpx tracks
  • 24/7 telephone support

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

During this tour, you will spend each night in 3*or 4* hotels and guest houses. The accommodation on this tour has been chosen for its location. Your hosts are knowledgeable about the region and are happy to help with any questions or assistance you might need. Of course, you can always call us too should you need anything during your walk. As many of the overnight stays are in remote settings, on occasion we may have to book another similar accommodation of equal standard. We will discuss these options with you during the booking process. For this tour, we would always advise booking as soon as you have chosen your travel dates. The hotels on this tour get very busy.

Dining
You will be provided with 7 breakfasts. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know at the time of booking so we can let your hosts know. Should you have severe food allergies, it’s always worth bringing a few of your own snacks with you.

Single Rooms
If you are travelling with friends and family but would like your own room, just let us know when booking. Single rooms can be booked for an additional payment.

  • NIGHT 1

  • NIGHT 2

  • NIGHT 3

  • NIGHT 4

  • NIGHT 5

  • NIGHT 6

  • NIGHT 7

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed.  Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - ABOVE AVERAGE

Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 17-25 km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.

If you do not have access to hills, it is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength.  Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike

TERRAIN

FLAT TERRAIN

Whilst training for walking on flat and hard terrain, you should focus on building endurance and ensuring you can maintain a comfortable pace.

Start with regular walks on sidewalks, roads, or paved paths to get used to the surface. Maintain a proper posture and engage your core muscles to support your back, keeping a steady gait. Ensure that you have comfortable, supportive footwear with adequate cushioning. If endurance is important, consider incorporating low-impact cross-training activities like swimming or cycling into your routine.

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.

Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

GENERAL INFO

AVAILABILITY

This walk is available from April through to October.

So the saying goes in Scotland, always be prepared for a change of weather! Regardless of when you travel, you can experience rainy days with temperatures dipping to 12°C and on the same day, clear skies and sunshine of up to 22°C. In the early and later weeks of the season, it isn’t unusual to see snow on the mountain tops, and you may even experience a frost. May and June are usually the months with the least rainfall, followed by July, August and September. However, what Scotland lacks in warm weather, it truly makes up for it with hospitality.

THE WALKING

Easy to moderate with 2 moderate days of walking. An active lifestyle makes walking more enjoyable, an exercise regime of 2 to 3 times a week is needed along with usual walks. Typically, days are generally easy-going underfoot. Distances on this walk range from 13km to 30km in a day and is very varied. There are some very easy-going days along canal tow paths, whilst several of the days will have between 500-700m of ascent, so you should be physically prepared for a change of terrain mid-way through the walk. The route will have sections of canal tow paths, forest roads, rocky trails and in places, loose terrain underfoot. Trails are very well-defined and are very well waymarked. You will also walk through towns and villages. Although the route is well waymarked, for each of your walks, you will be provided with daily summaries, a map, a guidebook and the GPX tracks if you require to use them for your own device.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

This walk starts in Fort William and finishes in Inverness.

To Fort William
Fort William does not have an airport. The closest airports are Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness.

From Glasgow airport, you can catch the shuttle bus to central Glasgow and take a direct train service from Glasgow Queen Street (3hrs 45min journey).

From Edinburgh airport you can take a bus to Edinburgh Haymarket and change for a train to Fort William, travelling via Glasgow Queen Street (4.5hrs journey).

From Inverness, bus services connect the airport and Fort William, with a journey time of around 3hrs.

Caledonian Sleeper Train – to Fort William
A great way to travel from/to London is by taking the overnight Caledonian Sleeper train. Depending on the day, services depart London Euston around 10 pm, travel through the night and arrive in Fort William around 8.30 am the following day. At the end of your walk you can take this train from Inverness to back to London.

Onward Travel From Inverness
Inverness airport has excellent domestic connections across the UK and a limited service into Europe. Alternatively, the Inverness train has onward connections to Glasgow and Edinburgh (4hrs 30mins).

For all train travel in the UK, please check The Trainline or National Rail for timetables, prices and ticket purchases.

If travelling on the Caledonian Sleeper Service, please check Caledonian Sleeper for information.

Another useful planning tool for travel is Rome2Rio should you be travelling from, or to, other destinations.

NOTE Train travel in the UK can be very expensive. Booking trains in advance is always the most cost effective strategy. Travelling off peak (after 9:30 am and not between the hours of 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm) can also reduce ticket prices significantly. Train strikes have also become more common in recent years. For the latest updates, always check www.scotrail.co.uk

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Apr 2024 - 31 Oct 2024
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $2095

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $1155
  • 1 Apr 2025 - 31 Oct 2025
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $2180

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $1200
  • 1 Apr 2026 - 31 Oct 2026
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $2265

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $1250

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Overview

OVERVIEW

Walk the Great Glen Way following canal towpaths and woodland trails along the shores of Loch Ness to the hilltop castle of Inverness. Beginning in the Highland coastal town of Fort William, the trail heads northeast and follows the impressive Caledonian Canal which links a picture-perfect series of lochs: Loch Oich, Loch Lochy and the atmospheric Loch Ness. The trail ventures into ancient woodlands and up onto heather-clad moors where red deer roam high on the hillsides.

Highlights

  • Walk along the Caledonian Canal to the Highland capital, Inverness
  • Watch boats journey through the lock gates of Neptune's Staircase
  • Explore canal side pubs in the charming town of Fort Augustus
  • Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Loch Ness Monster
  • Spot red deer, grouse, and birds of prey
  • Stay in family-run bed and breakfasts, country hotels, and old coaching inns

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
8 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate

Grade 3 – Moderate

Short, steep hill sections. Walks that are longer than 12km with varied terrain. A moderate active lifestyle and some walking experience is recommended.

PRICE FROM
$ 2095

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 1155

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

Book now
Itinerary

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8

DAY 1
Arrive Fort William

On the shores of Loch Linnhe, Fort William’s train station makes for easy arrival. Gateway to Glen Nevis valley and the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis (1345m), the town sits in the privileged position amongst stunning scenery and excellent walking trails. The compact town centre has plenty of cosy cafes and traditional bars to sample Highland whiskies.

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Myrtle Bank Guest House
Overlooking Loch Linnhe and only a short walk from town, Myrtle Bank is run by Dora and her team. In a converted Victorian Villa, en-suite rooms are classically furnished. The property also has extensive gardens and is a personal passion of Dora’s. Known for its friendly atmosphere, this guest house is a great start to some of the finest walking days in Scotland.

DAY 2
Fort William to Spean Bridge

Starting at the old Fort ruins, walk from Fort William around the coast of Loch Linnhe to the Great Caledonian Canal. Follow the canal towpath past the famous eight locks of Neptune’s Staircase. Here you can watch boats making their way through the cascading series of gates which were constructed over 200 years ago. Continue along the towpath for a gentle day of walking ending at Spean Bridge.

Walk: 24km (option to finish after 17km)
Ascent: 50m or 150m
Descent: 50m or 150m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Coireglas Guest House
On the edge of Spean Bridge village, this friendly B&B is run by Morven and Simon. Their 10-bedroomed guesthouse sits in beautiful sheltered gardens and overlooks the spectacular Grey Corries. The guesthouse is only a few minutes’ walk from the village centre and the superb gastronomic restaurant, Smiddy House.

DAY 3
Spean Bridge to Laggan Locks

From Spean Bridge, rejoin the Great Glen Way at Gairlochy to walk along the shores of Loch Lochy. An immensely peaceful walk through woodlands. The route progresses to a gentle climb above the loch onto wide woodland tracks.  The route descends to Laggan Locks where Loch Lochy is funnelled into the Caledonian Canal.

Walk: 19km
Ascent: 200m
Descent: 200m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Forest Lodge B&B

Simple homestyle accommodation run by Lorraine and Laura. Cosy guest lounge and sunroom.

 

DAY 4
Laggan Locks to Fort Augustus

Today walk to the charming town of Fort Augustus. A gentle stroll along the shores of Loch Oich to the Bridge of Oich where you re-join the Caledonian Canal towpath and continue to Fort Augustus. On the southern tip of Loch Ness, Fort Augustus has a number of canalside pubs where you can watch boats navigate their way through the gates or sit and wait for a sighting of the mythical Loch Ness monster.

Walk: 18km
Ascent: 130m
Descent: 150m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Bank B&B
A lovely B&B located only a couple of minutes’ walk from the Caledonian Canal. Some of the en-suites have retained the wooden vaulted walls, and the property has beautifully maintained gardens.

DAY 5
Fort Augustus to Invermoriston

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. On a fine, clear day, the extra effort required for the high route is definitely worth it. Enjoy beautiful spots for a picnic lunch and with views across the loch to Beinn a’Bhacaidh. Arriving in Invermoriston, marvel at Telford’s early 19th-century double-arched bridge, which spans the moody River Moriston.

Walk: 13km
Ascent: 450m or 200m
Descent: 420m 0r 150m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Bracarina House
A Highland welcome invites you to Invermoriston, and is warmly provided by Bracarina House, a cosy and delightful Bed and Breakfast with a s/c studio to the rear of the property.  Rooms are located on the first floor and offer garden or mountain views. Next door to a traditional-style inn, a popular restaurant serving classic Scottish dishes and the bar is well stocked with single malts and locally brewed beers.

DAY 6
Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit

From Invermoriston, the trail works its way up through woodlands with excellent viewpoints over Loch Ness. After a short while, the route splits offering a high and low route for a few km. The recommended high route is a splendid walk through open moorland where you may catch glimpses of black grouse and hen harriers. The low route follows forestry roads which are home to a wide range of butterflies. The paths converge to follow a steep descent into Drumnadrochit.

Walk: 23km
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 the Fiddlers Pub, famous for its 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.

DAY 7
Drumnadrochit to Inverness

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

This longer day can be reduced by around 15km by arranging a transfer to Abriachan Forest at the time of booking and walking to Inverness from there. We recommend that consider our 9-day option which splits this day into two.

Walk: 31km
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 Scottish dishes.

DAY 8
Onward Travel

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

Meals included: Breakfast

What’s Included

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • Walk the entire length of the Great Glen Way in 8 days
  • 7 nights accommodation in 3* or 4* hotels & guest houses
  • All luggage transfers
  • 7 breakfasts
  • Maps, comprehensive walk notes, and gpx tracks
  • 24/7 telephone support
Accommodation & Dining

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

During this tour, you will spend each night in 3*or 4* hotels and guest houses. The accommodation on this tour has been chosen for its location. Your hosts are knowledgeable about the region and are happy to help with any questions or assistance you might need. Of course, you can always call us too should you need anything during your walk. As many of the overnight stays are in remote settings, on occasion we may have to book another similar accommodation of equal standard. We will discuss these options with you during the booking process. For this tour, we would always advise booking as soon as you have chosen your travel dates. The hotels on this tour get very busy.

Dining
You will be provided with 7 breakfasts. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know at the time of booking so we can let your hosts know. Should you have severe food allergies, it’s always worth bringing a few of your own snacks with you.

Single Rooms
If you are travelling with friends and family but would like your own room, just let us know when booking. Single rooms can be booked for an additional payment.

  • NIGHT 1

  • NIGHT 2

  • NIGHT 3

  • NIGHT 4

  • NIGHT 5

  • NIGHT 6

  • NIGHT 7

Fitness Guide

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed.  Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - ABOVE AVERAGE

Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 17-25 km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.

If you do not have access to hills, it is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength.  Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike

TERRAIN

FLAT TERRAIN

Whilst training for walking on flat and hard terrain, you should focus on building endurance and ensuring you can maintain a comfortable pace.

Start with regular walks on sidewalks, roads, or paved paths to get used to the surface. Maintain a proper posture and engage your core muscles to support your back, keeping a steady gait. Ensure that you have comfortable, supportive footwear with adequate cushioning. If endurance is important, consider incorporating low-impact cross-training activities like swimming or cycling into your routine.

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.

Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

General Info

GENERAL INFO

AVAILABILITY

This walk is available from April through to October.

So the saying goes in Scotland, always be prepared for a change of weather! Regardless of when you travel, you can experience rainy days with temperatures dipping to 12°C and on the same day, clear skies and sunshine of up to 22°C. In the early and later weeks of the season, it isn’t unusual to see snow on the mountain tops, and you may even experience a frost. May and June are usually the months with the least rainfall, followed by July, August and September. However, what Scotland lacks in warm weather, it truly makes up for it with hospitality.

THE WALKING

Easy to moderate with 2 moderate days of walking. An active lifestyle makes walking more enjoyable, an exercise regime of 2 to 3 times a week is needed along with usual walks. Typically, days are generally easy-going underfoot. Distances on this walk range from 13km to 30km in a day and is very varied. There are some very easy-going days along canal tow paths, whilst several of the days will have between 500-700m of ascent, so you should be physically prepared for a change of terrain mid-way through the walk. The route will have sections of canal tow paths, forest roads, rocky trails and in places, loose terrain underfoot. Trails are very well-defined and are very well waymarked. You will also walk through towns and villages. Although the route is well waymarked, for each of your walks, you will be provided with daily summaries, a map, a guidebook and the GPX tracks if you require to use them for your own device.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

This walk starts in Fort William and finishes in Inverness.

To Fort William
Fort William does not have an airport. The closest airports are Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness.

From Glasgow airport, you can catch the shuttle bus to central Glasgow and take a direct train service from Glasgow Queen Street (3hrs 45min journey).

From Edinburgh airport you can take a bus to Edinburgh Haymarket and change for a train to Fort William, travelling via Glasgow Queen Street (4.5hrs journey).

From Inverness, bus services connect the airport and Fort William, with a journey time of around 3hrs.

Caledonian Sleeper Train – to Fort William
A great way to travel from/to London is by taking the overnight Caledonian Sleeper train. Depending on the day, services depart London Euston around 10 pm, travel through the night and arrive in Fort William around 8.30 am the following day. At the end of your walk you can take this train from Inverness to back to London.

Onward Travel From Inverness
Inverness airport has excellent domestic connections across the UK and a limited service into Europe. Alternatively, the Inverness train has onward connections to Glasgow and Edinburgh (4hrs 30mins).

For all train travel in the UK, please check The Trainline or National Rail for timetables, prices and ticket purchases.

If travelling on the Caledonian Sleeper Service, please check Caledonian Sleeper for information.

Another useful planning tool for travel is Rome2Rio should you be travelling from, or to, other destinations.

NOTE Train travel in the UK can be very expensive. Booking trains in advance is always the most cost effective strategy. Travelling off peak (after 9:30 am and not between the hours of 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm) can also reduce ticket prices significantly. Train strikes have also become more common in recent years. For the latest updates, always check www.scotrail.co.uk

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

Departure Dates

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Apr 2024 - 31 Oct 2024
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $2095

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $1155
  • 1 Apr 2025 - 31 Oct 2025
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $2180

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $1200
  • 1 Apr 2026 - 31 Oct 2026
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $2265

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $1250
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