The Great Glen Way is one of Scotlands Great trails, stretching 74 miles from Fort William to Inverness. The route passes through some magnificent Scottish Highland scenery while staying lower than many routes. Many miles are taken up walking adjacent to Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, and the famous Loch Ness. The walk should be achievable to most at a leisurely pace since it’s on steady lower ground, and generally avoids bigger climbs like its joined route, the West Highland Way.
Like all hikes listed on Distance Hiker, there is no right or wrong way to hike the Great Glen Way. This article acts as a guide to help you get the most out of your route. Here we look at how long does it take to walk the Great Glen Way?.
The Slow Way
For many walkers, and I dare say the majority, taking the route slow is becoming really popular, regardless of age.
Why?
Well it’s simple. You can sample all there is to sample along the route. By eliminating the huge daily mileage, you instantly free yourself up to enjoy the views, attractions, pubs and tea rooms available on route.
One example of an easy itinerary is this one below. You can even book it here.
Arrive In Fort William For Your First Night’s Stay
Day 1: Walk From Fort William to Gairlochy – 10.5 miles
Day 2: Walk From Gairlochy to South Laggan – 12 miles
Day 3: Walk From South Laggan to Fort Augustus – 10.5 miles
Day 4: Walk from Fort Augustus to Invermoriston – 8 miles
Day 5: Walk from Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit – 14 miles
Day 6: Walk from Drumnadrochit to Blackfold – 12 miles
Day 7: Blackfold to Inverness – 6.5 miles
Depart from Kinlochleven after breakfast
This itinerary, with an average daily milage of 7.2 is an ideal starting point a slow walk.
Doing it in halfs
How long to walk the West Highland Way if you want to walk the Great Glen Way but you don’t have 10 days spare? Well, It’s perfectly acceptable to walk the route in two halves. A good mid-way stopping point is the popular tourist village of Fort Augustus which has public transport links and a variety of places to stay/
Walking the Great Glen Way really quickly 💨
Whether you enjoy a personal challenge, sponsored walk, trail run, or your just too damn hardcore and simply want to tick the trail off your list in a weekend (please write and let us know how you do!), there are itineraries to suit.
Personally, I feel there is no shame in enjoying the comfort of a B&B if you are walking/running/unicycling the route in 4 days.
Either way, Hillwalk Tours offers an excellent option of routes, including a 4-day challenge hike from Fort William to Inverness.
Really, it’s all about your personal ability.
Know your limits, and if you don’t take it easy.
So there you have it. How long to walk the Great Glen Way. Be sure to pick a route based on your ability rather than feeling like you have to overachieve. Slow is great, so is fast. There really is no right or wrong way to walk the route. Know your limits, and if you don’t take it easy.
Walk or run the route happy rather than bent and broken, from biting off more than you can chew.
