Great Glen Way Adventure Journey

Complete The Great Glen Way Adventure

Fort William is where the fantastic Great Glen Way adventure begins, taking in views of mighty Ben Nevis towering 4,400 ft from the sea and then through the Great Glen which is steeped in history. Its geographical landscape leads onto the daunting Loch Ness, which will eventually take us to the end of our trip beneath Inverness castle.

Important Information

This adventure journey will take you across vast Scottish Lochs below the magnificent mountains and paddling past the iconic Urquhart castle.

Grade & Experience

The Great Glen Way Adventure is moderately challenging on mainly open lochs and sections of canal and depending on skill level, two grade 2 rivers – the River Oich and the River Ness. In windy conditions it can become more challenging. In bad weather some activities may get swapped for the safety and well being of the group.

The Great Glen Way adventure is suitable for water confident people with little or no paddling experience. If you wish we can help you prepare and get the most from your adventure holiday – we offer 1 or 2 day canoe / kayak skills courses on the day/s prior to your start day.

Day 1 – Fort William – South Lagan 

Our Great Glen Way Adventure Journey begins in Fort William. We travel by foot from Neptune’s Staircase, the start of the Caledonian Canal – taking some time to view and read about the famous Loch Gates; which was the vision of Thomas Telford. We’ll walk alongside the Caledonian Canal breaking for lunch near to Gairloch. Reaching the end of the Canal our path runs alongside Loch Lochy. At the head of the loch we will pass Achnacarry caster & take in the wonderful views up Loch Arkaig and down past the lovely Chia-aig falls where you may fancy taking a dip in the Witches Cauldron! Headin onwards, we pass along the west side of Loch Lochy to South Lagan where we will camp in a wigwam next to the old Canal Barge Restaurant. If you are feeling up for it, take on the famous chili challenge!

Day 2 – South Lagan – Fort Augustus

The next part of the Great Glen Way Adventure will be undertaken in traditional open Canadian canoes, from South Lagan up the Caledonian Canal and passing the monument of the Well Of The Seven Heads with its dark murderous past. Paddling up Loch Oich with the mountains soaring in every direction, and winding our way up through the little islands passing the ruins of Invergarry castle, the castle occupied by the chiefs of the Clan MacDonnell. Once at the Caledonian canal again we have the choice of paddling the canal or, for the more adventurous, down the River Oich (grade 2) which takes us all the way to Loch Ness and Fort Augustus with its Abbey, canal locks and range of traditional cafes and pubs.

Day 3 – Fort Augustus – Drumnadrochit

Straight on to the daunting site of Loch Ness stretching further than the eye can see. Don’t worry – you’ll soon reach land again as we’ll be traveling in sea kayak. Loch Ness with its length of 37km and depth of 230m is the largest Loch in Scotland in terms of volume; the perfect hiding place for the famous Loch Ness Monster. We paddle up the west side of the loch all the way to Drumnadrochit, past the impressive stronghold – even in a ruined state – of Urquhart Castle. Tonight is spent in the Loch Ness backpackers hostel after dining at the lovely Loch Ness Inn. Once again, there are a few cafes and pubs to grab some food and drink.

Day 4 – Drumnadrochit – Inverness

Our final day of the Great Glen Way Advtenture! And a day of diversity as we leave Drumnadrochit and its castle behind and travel to the small cosmopolitan city of Inverness (Capital of the Highlands). We will switch back to open Canadian canoes and look South along our route as it fades into the distant horizon. As we travel North you will be aware of the immensity of Loch Ness. Soon we reach the peaceful Loch Dochfour where we have the choice of finishing along the canal, or for the more adventurous, down the River Ness (Grade 2) to the journey’s end opposite Inverness Castle.

Additional Trip Info!

Journeying Total Distance – 73 Miles

Depart; Meeting in Fort William 10am on departure day. Or stay with us at Craigower Lodge in Newtonmore.

Finishing Day; After the Great Glen Way Adventure, we will drop you off at the bus,train or near to your accommodation in Inverness around 4/5pm

• – Camping equipment is included
• – Canoes, Kayaks including all equipment
• – Highly experienced & qualified guide/s for the whole trip
• – Cost excluding food.
• – There will be a food kitty* of approx £10 per person per day.

*The food kitty allows for communal food to be purchased; cereal, milk, bread, tea etc for the group for the duration of the trip. This is a great way to ensure you have food provisions as there is not always access to convenience shops for fresh produce. By their very nature journeys in remote or mountainous country can be affected by weather and other environmental factors. Your guide/s may have to alter the itinerary to ensure group safety.