Exploring the Great Glen Way from Inverness

Ways to experience the Great Glen Way

For anyone looking to set out to explore the Scottish Highlands in their rawest form, then walking or cycling the Great Glen Way from Inverness is the perfect way. Stretching all the way to Fort William in the west, it offers 79 miles of scenery, ranging from dramatic to tranquil. You can explore hidden lochs, ancient castles and beautiful towns and villages. Not only that, it offers the chance to take in the grandeur of Loch Ness from different viewpoints along the way. The whole route can be walked in 4 – 7 days, but you can enjoy it on foot or by bike in sections. Here’s how to make the most of the Great Glen Way when staying at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness. 

Day-trip walks along the Great Glen Way

Taking on a small slice of the walk in a day is a great idea for those who are based in Inverness. You can take your time and explore smaller areas for longer. 

A manageable walk for those keen to undertake it is from the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness to Drumnadrochit, which is around 15 miles you can travel to the highest point of the walk on the way at 434m. You’ll also travel through Abriachan Wood. This forest is run by a community trust the educate and keep this beautiful slice of the Highlands alive and accessible. 

When you get to Drumnadrochit on the northern shore of Loch Ness, you can relax and enjoy the view. Make sure you visit one of the loch’s highlights – Urquhart Castle. This stunning ruin perched on the edge of the loch has hundreds of years of history, and great views too. Keep an eye out for our monstrous resident in the loch!

There are busses available from Drumnadrochit back to Inverness, so you can make sure you get the most out of your day. 

Cycling to Fort Augustus

Exploring the Great Glen Way to Fort Augustus on bike is a wonderful way to spend a day. If you were to cycle at a good rate and non-stop, it would take around 3 to 3.5 hours to get from Kingsmills to the southern tip of the loch. This is a fantastic adventure of around 33 miles to Fort Augustus, taking you along the northern bank of the loch. On your way you can stop off at sights including the highland village of Invermoriston, Here you’ll find beautiful waterfalls and a bridge designed by Thoma Telford. And of course, Fort Augustus is the perfect place to stop, refresh yourself and get ready for the ride back to the Kingsmills Hotel!

Relax back at the Kingsmills Hotel

However you choose to enjoy the Great Glen Way, you can be sure of a warm welcome and plenty of opportunities to relax back at your hotel. Whether that means a comforting drink at our bar, or some time in our luxurious spa and swimming pool, it’s up to you. Your room will be ready and waiting for you, so if you’d rather put your feet up and watch some TV, we offer room service to make your stay perfect. Have a look at our special offers and book your stay with us today and get ready to walk the Great Glen Way from Inverness.