A Taste of the Great Glen Way & Loch Ness

Make your own way to the highland town of Fort William, check into your comfortable hotel and get ready for your adventure. Fort William is easily accessible from Inverness, Glasgow and Edinburgh by train or bus. Travel by train across the Scottish landscape is a wonderful way to begin to experience the grandeur of the landscape. Fort William is a bustling Highland town, with a proliferation of outdoor shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. If you are arriving early, we highly recommend taking a boat cruise on Loch Linnhe to “Seal Island” to see the grey seals or the daily “Sunset Cruise” for views of Ben Nevis and the surrounding mountains, should it be peeking out of the clouds. Accommodation: Overnight in a comfortable and stylish hotel in Fort William.

Travel by private transfer (included – 35 mins) along the Great Glen from Fort William to Laggan Locks on the Caledonian Canal to join the Great Glen Way Trail. This section along the wooded banks of Loch Oich is said to be one of the highlights of the entire Great Glen Way. Look out for red squirrels and birds. Largely flat, it also makes for an easy-going first day of hiking. Reaching the end of Loch Oich at Oich Bridge, follow the Caledonian Canal old towpath to Fort Augustus. Fort Augustus sits at the southern tip of Loch Ness, where the Caledonian Canal meets the loch. Once a garrison town built to suppress the Jacobite uprisings in the 18th century, today it is a welcoming village best known for its dramatic flight of canal locks. Here you can watch boats navigating their way between the loch and the canal, stroll along the towpath, or simply relax in one of the cafés that line the water. Accommodation: Overnight at a coaching inn turned boutique hideaway, perched at the edge of Loch Ness. Known for its eco-conscious ethos and inventive dining, it blends Highland warmth with contemporary flair, log fires, elegant rooms, and views over the canal and surrounding hills

There are 2 options for the walk today, a high or low route. For a more gentle experience, we suggest take the low route with follows forest tracks affording fine views of Loch Ness. Today is a shorter walk, meaning you can linger over a coffee in Fort Augustus before you set out, or get to Invermoriston to enjoy afternoon tea and cake, or a wee dram by the fire of your characterful hotel. Accommodation: A traditional stone-built inn in the heart of Invermoriston, a village with deep Jacobite connections. After the 1715 uprising, clansmen gathered here, and the nearby “Old Bridge” is tied to tales of ambush and escape. Today, the hotel offers a warm Highland welcome with open fires, hearty local fare, and an impressive collection of whiskies. Please Note for 2026 Departures: Due to refurbishment works, the Inn at Invermoriston will be closed from 24 July 2026 and will operate on a weekday-only basis (Monday to Friday) between April and June. If your itinerary includes a stay in Invermoriston on a weekend or falls after 24 July, you’ll instead spend a second night in Fort Augustus. Return transfers between Fort Augustus and the walking route on this day and day 4 are included to ensure a smooth experience.

This morning you will transfer (included – 25 mins) to Drumnadrochit, the small village that is the centre of interest in a big monster, Nessie! The legend of the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as “Nessie”, has captured imaginations for centuries. Said to dwell in the deep, dark waters of Loch Ness, the creature is most often described as large and serpent-like, occasionally breaking the surface before vanishing into the depths. Sightings, photos, and tales continue to spark debate and mystery, making Nessie one of Scotland’s most enduring legends. You will be able to do your own bit of Nessie hunting today as you join a scenic cruise on Loch Ness. Your day will also include a visit to some other local characters, a herd of Highland Cows! Visit the traditional croft to learn more about these majestic Scottish creatures. Top off your day on Loch Ness with the short hike to ruined and atmospheric Urqhuart Castle standing guard over the loch. Accommodation: A 19th-century coaching inn, thoughtfully restored to offer stylish, modern rooms while keeping its Highland character. With hearty seasonal menus showcasing local produce and a convivial atmosphere, it makes an ideal base for exploring the loch and its stories.

A transfer (included - 25 mins) this morning will deposit you at the forest hamlet of Abriachan, high above the shores of Loch Ness. Starting here avoids the steepest climb of the walk, and places you straight onto one of the most scenic sections of the Great Glen Way. The trail weaves through a mosaic of forest and open moorland, with far-reaching views back across Loch Ness and towards the mountains of the northern Highlands. As you descend gradually towards Inverness, the landscape softens into farmland and rolling hills. The final approach into the Highland capital feels rewarding, with the River Ness leading you into the heart of the city. Inverness offers a vibrant contrast to the quiet trails: explore its riverside walks, dine in excellent restaurants, or browse Leakey’s Bookshop, Scotland’s largest second-hand bookshop set in a converted church, a fitting finale to your Highland journey! Accommodation: Stay in comfort and style at one of Inverness’s most elegant retreats, a Georgian townhouse transformed into a boutique haven. With only a handful of rooms, it offers a discreet, intimate atmosphere, yet one that feels indulgent. Contemporary design sits alongside period features. Just a short stroll from the River Ness and the city centre, it’s a perfect choice for walkers looking to celebrate the end of a Highland journey.

Tour arrangements end after breakfast. There is much to see and do in Inverness, and we would highly recommend you extend your stay to visit the battlefield at Culloden, site of the clash where the 1645 Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end. You may also wish to visit the Neo Gothic St. Andrew’s Cathedral and the Castle or the museum and art galleries at Scotland’s Northern Capital. Our team would be delighted to arrange additional nights for you - please ask when you book. If you are departing, trains run south from Inverness to Edinburgh and Glasgow and Inverness airport, with connections to London and Europe, is close by.