Walking the Great Glen Way in Scotland

Hiking along the Great Glen Way

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Walking the Great Glen Way in Scotland

Discover advice and recommendations on hiking Scotland's Great Glen Way

There are many great walks in the United Kingdom and surely the Great Glen Way in Scotland is one of the finest walks. Ken, an avid UTracks Traveller, hiked the Great Glen Way on a self guided walking tour in July 2019. Read on to discover his best travel advice on walking the Great Glen Way.

How would you describe walking the Great Glen Way?

Lochs and highlands – water and hills with a lot of heathers thrown in. The views over Loch Ness from the high trail is incredible. Scotland at its finest. The trail is easy and follows canals or Lochs and as you get closer to Inverness you follow small quiet roads before descending into Inverness along the river.

Inverness Cathedral St Andrews, across the River Ness

How did you prepare for the Great Glen Way walking trip?

Besides walking the GHT (Great Himalaya Trail with World Expeditions) the year before, preparation was walking 5 days a week (8 to 10 km) to get into the routine of multi-day walking.

On the Great Glen above Drumnadrochit

What was the Scottish landscape you walked through like?

Lochs and highlands – water and hills. Breathtaking views!

What was your overall Great Glen Way trip highlight?

The view over Loch Ness from the high trail after leaving Fort Augustus. After walking the Way, when you come into towns the crowds can be daunting and you want to get back on the trail and this section is why!

Magnificently situated Urquhart Castle, on the banks of the Loch Ness

Magnificently situated Urquhart Castle, on the banks of the Loch Ness

What was your favourite food on the Great Glen Way tour?

Besides smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on a few occasions, the mussels in Thai curry, salmon and then orange sorbet at the Mustard Seed in Inverness was incredible (but book early to get in). But also couldn’t fault the game terrine, pigeon breast and then orange sorbet at the pub in Invermonston (but again book early to get in, even the night before).

A well earned drink at 'Fiddlers' Pub Drumnadrochit

Did you have a favourite accommodation along the Great Glen Way?

The B&Bs in Inverness and Fort William. Exceptional service.

Walking above Invermoriston

What surprised you the most?

Just how busy these walks are. I guess it's because you can do day walks for a lot of the sections. Walking the entire Great Glen Way really is the best way to go about the trail.

Strolling by the Caledonian Canal, Scotland

What aspect of the Great Glen Way trip did you find the most challenging?

Walking into town after having relatively few people around on the Great Glen Way trail to be confronted with bus after bus of tourists. It really makes you appreciate how nice the trail is.

Great Glen information sign

Any advice for other travellers thinking about walking the Great Glen Way?

Take your time – the high trail is a must. Sit and take it all in. To me this is what this walk is about - views to die for.

Enjoy the great food in Scotland, and shout yourself every now and then to a great feed.