Great Glen Way

The Great Glen Way follows one of Britain's most dramatic geological features: a major fault line that cuts diagonally across the Scottish Highlands, creating a chain of lochs that form Scotland's most famous route corridor. The path from Fort William to Inverness runs the full length of the glen on a mix of canal towpaths, forest tracks, lochside paths and hillside routes.

For trail runners it is a two to three day route on generally good terrain. The canal towpath sections (Caledonian Canal) are very fast. The hillside alternative routes add more climbing and better views. Loch Ness occupies the northern third — views across its dark water are atmospheric in any weather.

The route is waymarked with a thistle symbol and well maintained throughout.

Fort William to Laggan (~50 km): Along the Caledonian Canal towpath from Corpach sea lock, then lochside paths along Loch Lochy. Neptune's Staircase at Banavie — the UK's longest flight of canal locks — is a spectacle.

Laggan to Drumnadrochit (~45 km): Loch Oich and the Invergarry area. The hillside alternatives give better views than the lochside path.

Drumnadrochit to Inverness (~32 km): Along the south shore of Loch Ness. Urquhart Castle is the main landmark. Finish in Inverness city centre.

Start: Fort William. Rail connections on the West Highland Line from Glasgow and Mallaig.

Finish: Inverness. Rail and coach connections to Edinburgh, Glasgow and the rest of Scotland.

Accommodation at Gairlochy, Fort Augustus (good services), Drumnadrochit and Inverness. The Great Glen is well-set-up for through-hikers and runners.

Best time: May to September. The Great Glen can be very wet year-round — it is one of Scotland's wettest corridors.