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— The Great Outdoors
Great Glen Way: Fort William to Inverness
by: Jim Manthorpe
UPDATES
Updated information
Thank you to readers who sent in updates in particular: Hannah Orr, Randall Plant, Philip Scriver, Lee Richardson, Jon Floyd, Britt Godchaux.
The information has not yet been checked by Trailblazer but it will be for the next edition.
Updates relating to the 2nd edition
2025
July
Feedback from a walker:
Itineraries:
I wondered from the start why the itineraries were set up as they were. Some explanations would have been helpful for those of us not interested in walking the itinerary distances, but to help us make informed decisions about camping. I walked about ten miles per day for six days with shorter days for the last two (heading from Fort William to Inverness). There were a few notes that would have been helpful to inform where I aimed to stop to camp.
For example: in the first high bit from Fort Augustus—which was worth the climb and gorgeous-- there were nearly no wild camping spots. Everything was covered with significant shrubs or was boggy which precluding camping, until about a 1 mile before the descent (after the electrical wires). This would have been helpful to mention when someone chooses this higher bit.
Water: Drumnadrochit to Inverness
Also, in the Drumnadrochit to Inverness section, I took two days. It was a gorgeous walk, nearly high desert, or the closest that I could imagine that Scotland could offer. You guide mentions that people often walk this in a oner as there are few places to stay. What would be more important for anyone to know is that this section has very little natural water available. Unlike any other part of the trail that has ample fresh, clean water to be filtered, there is nearly nothing on this part, so bringing water with walkers is pretty essential, I’d say, particularly dependent on recent local conditions. During summer months, near drought conditions are common, as when I was there, so what few burns and streamlets there were, were muddy and offered nothing for drinking. However, this is also a gorgeous walk that could take a few really pleasant days.
p95, p99, Map 11, the Loch Lochy. Glas-Dhoire Campsite: has been moved and will be displaced for a number of years down to a sizable hydro-electric project happening along the shores of Loch Lochy. What is really vital is that travellers from Inverness going to Fort William know that a mile or two are added so they can plan for this, something I let walkers coming the opposite direction know, or else they could be like the cyclists who stumbled into the Glen Dhor campsite when I was there, exhausted and bit mystified as to where the camp had gone. There are signs at both entrances to this forestry land, but not everyone reads those, apparently. However this camp has been moved to a lovely spot and walkers walking from Fort William will be pleasantly surprised that it is closer. Interestingly, neither Glas Dhor campsite nor Leitfern Wayfairer campsites aren’t marked with signs.
Re: getting the keys from the Calendar Canals/Wayfairer campsites: it was difficult to get a hold of anyone. Going there in person and ringing the number on the door proved slightly more successful. (I called several times in the preceding weeks and
Next:
p139, Abriachan Eco-Cafe and Campsite is now £20 a night. It's a gated compound (literally a fence around the hosts’ home) and I was the only one camping there (near midsummer).
Blackfold Croft campsite. Recommended by a walker: a young family has set up their home and this campsite in the last few years and take donations to camp. They offer a warm welcome. And there is a lovely lochen up the hill for a much-needed swim!)
Women walking alone:
This might be a section to consider having. I walked the trail on my own (as a visibly obvious woman) with my dog and people were lovely. I never felt creeped out, intimidated or worried. Folks said hello and were helpful and informative about all aspects of the walk.
Leachkin is pronounced /Larkin/, which is a handy tip.
It would be helpful to mention that the thistle wayfinding posts are blue. And they are nearly at every turn, and mark the way really well.
Some of the turns toward Inverness need refining in the guide maps. Street names would be appreciated. At one point, a van was parked in front of the way-marker, and there wasn’t a great deal to go on from there. Also, some extra detail at the start would be helpful too. I ended up missing the official starting point, walking behind the college instead. I found it later and took a photo humorously late!
The bird feeders (along Loch Lochy) don’t seem to be there. Neither is the troll bridge with the children’s decorations during the second high section, both of which were disappointing landmarks to not be there.
Mobile signal (for emergencies): with ee, there was 5G nearly the entire journey, with a small break near the Abriachan Eco campsite. There are rumours that certain 5G towers that currently only support ee customers may expand to include others, but for customers of this particular company (which is used by more people in Highlands for this reason), then an emergency signal is available.
2023
June
Feedback from a walker:
p143, Map 36. 'The map in the top right hand corner indicates the path to go across the golf course / field, but unfortunately this is now blocked due to building work on new houses. We got sightly lost in this area so possibly a new route to bring you on to the A82 at the bottom of the map on page 144, (map 37), and on to Inverness.'
April
The whole east side of Loch Oich is closed until December 2024 due to logging operations, the Invergarry link is well signed rejoin way at north end of Loch Oich.
July 2021
p113, Fort Augustus. Lorien House B&B, Station Road, Fort Augustus. PH32 4AY
Updates relating to the 1st edition
July 2020
p134, Drumnadrochit. Morlea Bed and Breakfast has a new phone number and website address: Tel: +44 (0)1456 450495, Mobile: +44 (0)7956 494358. www.morleabedandbreakfast.co.uk
Also in Drumnadrochit, Drum Takeaway has closed and there is a new Chinese eating place.
January 2019
p101-2 Laggan. Forest Lodge Guesthouse offers evening meals & requires 24 hours notice from walkers via email or phone to book this and packed lunches can also be pre ordered. They will collect guests from Laggan Lock if they arrive there before 4pm (a voluntary contribution towards petrol is greatly appreciated eg £2 per person) and guests will need to call on arrival to Laggan Lock.
The Eagle Barge will still be operational in 2019 if guests wish to eat out (calling the barge is a good idea to check if they will be open on the date required).
There will no longer be a restaurant at the Great Glen Water Park as the Loch Oich Bar & Restaurant has closed.
September 2017
p133 Drumnadrochit. The bank at the northern end of the village is now closed and there is no ATM there. The Scotmid still has one.
May 2017
Dogs on Citylink bus. If you plan to travel to Inverness, park, get the Citylink 19 bus service down the Glen and walk back to your car you cannot do that with a medium or larger sized dog. They don't accept dogs unless secured in a carrier that will fit under your feet on the coach.
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