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2
introductory to moderate
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 5 nights in boutique hotels and inns
Meals
  • 5 Breakfasts

6 Days£1440GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: TGW

Scottish Highlands Short Hiking Trip highlights

  • Hike the most scenic sections of Scotland’s Great Glen Way
  • Relax in boutique hotels and welcoming Highland inns
  • Meander the wooded banks of Loch Ness and Loch Oich
  • Visit a traditional croft to meet iconic Highland Cows
  • Look out for Nessie and ruined castles on a Loch Ness boat cruise
  • Toast your trip with a dram of whisky in the Highland city of Inverness

Enjoy a short walking holiday in the Scottish Highlands, following the most scenic stretches of the Great Glen Way and staying in comfort and style. Beginning in Fort William, a lively Highland town set against the backdrop of Ben Nevis, this route picks out the very best sections of one of Scotland’s most celebrated long-distance trails. The Great Glen is defined by a series of lochs linked by the Caledonian Canal, creating a natural pathway through the heart of the Highlands.

Your walk traces the wooded shores of Loch Oich, often regarded as the prettiest part of the whole trail, before reaching Fort Augustus at the southern tip of Loch Ness. From here, you follow forest tracks with views over the loch to the small village of Invermoriston. The journey continues with a cruise on Loch Ness itself, where you’ll hear tales of the legendary monster, and a visit to meet Scotland’s most iconic residents, the Highland cows, on a traditional croft. A short walk to Urquhart Castle, one of the most atmospheric ruins in Scotland, completes the experience.

This holiday allows you to sample the essence of the Great Glen Way without committing to every mile. Well-graded paths, shorter walking days, and included transfers make the route accessible, while carefully chosen inns and boutique hotels ensure a warm and comfortable Highland welcome each evening. Finishing in the city of Inverness, you’ll have time to explore its riverside streets, fine restaurants, and historic sites before your journey home.

Countries:

Scotland

Starting Point:

Fort William

Finishing Point:

Inverness

Itinerary

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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.

Meals:  Nil

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

Meals:  B

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.

Meals:  B

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.

Meals:  B

Another 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.

Meals:  B

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.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 5 nights boutique hotel or Highland inn accommodation on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • 5 breakfasts
  • One piece of luggage per person transferred from Inn to Inn, not to exceed 20kg
  • Digital information pack including route notes & maps
  • Emergency hotline
  • Taxi transfer on Day 2 from Fort William to Laggan Lochs
  • Shuttle transfer from Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit on day 3
  • Shuttle transfer from Drumnadrochit to Abriachan on day 5
  • Highland Cow Croft Visit
  • Loch Ness Cruise

  • Lunch, Dinner and drinks
  • Entrance fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Excess Luggage
  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday

Accommodation

Fort William Hotel

We have hand-selected our favourite hotel in the heart of Fort William; a stylish, contemporary base with a strong sense of place. Expect a warm Highland welcome, thoughtfully designed en-suite rooms and a hearty Scottish breakfast to set you up for the day. Its central location makes it easy to wander the High Street, reach the lochside and find good places to eat. Quality accommodation in Fort William is limited; if this hotel is unavailable for your dates, we’ll arrange a similar standard nearby, though quality options in this corner of the Highlands can be scarce at peak times.

Fort Augustus

We’ve hand-selected a boutique hotel in the heart of Fort Augustus; a former Victorian coaching inn with real Highland character. Expect warmly styled en-suite rooms, a hearty Scottish breakfast and inventive dining that showcases local produce. Its central spot by the Caledonian Canal locks makes it easy to stroll to the lochside and nearby cafés. Quality accommodation in Fort Augustus is limited; if our preferred property is unavailable for your dates, we’ll arrange a similar standard nearby, though options in this part of the Highlands can be scarce at peak times.

Invermoriston Hotel

We’ve hand-selected a traditional stone-built inn in the heart of Invermoriston, rich in Highland character. Expect cosy en-suite rooms, open fires and a bar well stocked with local whiskies, with hearty seasonal dishes served in the restaurant. Its central setting puts you a short stroll from the River Moriston, the old Telford bridge and the falls which are an inviting end to the day’s walk. Quality accommodation in Invermoriston is limited; if our preferred property is unavailable for your dates, we’ll arrange a similar standard nearby, though options in this small Highland village can be scarce at peak times.

Drumnadrochit Hotel

You will stay in a characterful village inn in Drumnadrochit, a short stroll from Loch Ness and within easy reach of Urquhart Castle. Expect contemporary en-suite rooms, a relaxed bar and dining that champions local produce which is ideal after a day on the trail. Its setting makes it simple to explore the loch, the village green and the visitor centre. Quality accommodation in Drumnadrochit is limited; if our preferred property is unavailable for your dates, we’ll arrange a similar standard nearby, though options around Loch Ness can be scarce at peak times.

Inverness Hotel

We have chosen an elegant Georgian townhouse turned five-star boutique retreat in Inverness to make a fitting finale to your Highland journey. Expect spacious, design-led rooms with indulgent bathrooms, crisp linens and thoughtful touches, discreet service, and refined contemporary Scottish dining. Just a short stroll from the River Ness and the city’s best restaurants and galleries, it offers sophistication and comfort in equal measure. Availability at this standard is limited in Inverness; if our preferred property is full, we’ll secure an equivalent boutique alternative nearb

Trail Surface

Canal towpaths, Forestry Tracks and Quiet Roads

The Great Glen Way follows well-established paths that are suitable for most walkers. Surfaces include canal towpaths, compacted forestry tracks, old military roads, and purpose-built footpaths. Much of the walking is on firm ground with gentle gradients, although short sections can be muddy or uneven after wet weather. Some days involve forest trails with loose stones underfoot, while others are smoother canal-side stretches that are easy going. Good walking boots are recommended, but the route is never technical and is well waymarked throughout.

Suitability

introductory to moderate

2

The walk is graded as introductory to moderate. Daily distances are shorter than on many long-distance trails, with gentle gradients along canal towpaths, forest tracks, and well-maintained paths. There are occasional short climbs and descents, with sections that may be muddy or uneven after rain, and some stony or rooty forest trails. Walking days are generally between 3 and 6 hours, allowing time for leisurely starts and sightseeing. Transfers are included to avoid the longest or steepest sections, making this trip suitable for those with a reasonable level of fitness but who prefer a relaxed pace. Good walking boots are essential, and we recommend carrying water and wet-weather gear each day, as conditions in the Highlands can change quickly.

Departure dates

Daily from 16 Mar to 10 Oct

Priceper person from

£1440GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementGBP£780
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£800
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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This itinerary has been designed to showcase the most scenic sections of the Great Glen Way without the need to cover every mile. Daily walks are between 3–6 hours on well-marked paths, canal towpaths, and forest tracks, with only gentle ascents. Transfers are included to avoid the longer or steeper stretches, making this an excellent choice for those who enjoy walking but prefer a relaxed pace.

You’ll stay in a handpicked selection of high quality boutique hotels, traditional Highland inns, and welcoming guesthouses. Many are historic properties with plenty of character – roaring fires, whisky bars, and lochside views are all part of the experience. Highland Inns were traditionally established for drovers and coaching parties, and have evolved from basic inns to more deluxe establishments At the end of each day, you can look forward to a comfortable room, hearty Highland breakfasts, and the warm hospitality Scotland is famous for. The quality of the accommodation on this trip is the reason it is more expensive per diem than our standard Great Glen Way itineraries.

No – this trip is ideal for people new to multi-day walking holidays as well as those looking for something easier than a full long-distance trail. The route is straightforward, well waymarked, and never technical. As long as you’re comfortable walking up to 10–11 miles in a day on varied terrain, you’ll be well prepared.

Rather than walking the entire 79-mile route, this itinerary focuses on the most beautiful and rewarding sections. With comfortable transfers and carefully chosen highlights, you’ll experience the very best of the trail without the need for long or strenuous days. This means more time to enjoy the scenery, soak up local stories, and relax in welcoming accommodation along the way. The other important difference is the quality of accommodation; if you are looking for the best in Scottish style and hospitality, this is the trip for you!

Yes, you are essentially following the lochs and canals of the Great Highland Fault in Scotland from the sea at Loch Linnhe to the sea at the Moray Firth. We also offer other Coast to Coast options in the UK if that interests you - take a look at our Coast to Coast and Hadrian's Wall tours.

Yes! Scotland is a beautiful country with a rich history and we highly recommend extending your trip if possible. You could extend your stay in Inverness by booking extra nights' accommodation as there is much to see and do in the Highland capital, including a visit to the battlefield at Culloden, scene of the massacre of Bonny Prince Charlie's Jacobites at the hands of the Duke of Cumberland in 1746. This trip also connect well to walks on the West Highland Way which ends in Fort William making it very simple to connect the two iconic long-distance trails together.

Scottish Highlands Short Hiking Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.