Great Glen Way Adventure
2021 departure dates: August 7th & September 4th. 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.
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.
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- Photos taken from the Great Glen Way Adventure
Itinerary
The Great Glen Way Adventure!
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Fort William – South Lagan
Our Great Glen Way Adventure Journey begins in Fort William. We travel by canoe from Neptune’s Staircase to Loch Lochy – taking some time to view and read about the famous Loch Gates; which was the vision of Thomas Telford. Weather dependant we will then either walk along the side of Loch Lochy from Gairloch or we will continue on in canoes to Clunes and then swap to walking from there. If you fancy a dip and the weather is good then the loch can be strangely inviting. From here we continue travelling along the west side of Loch Lochy to South Lagan where we will camp up next to the Eagle Barge Inn 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 sea kayak again heading north up to DochGarroch – make sure to 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, walking into Inverness or for the more adventurous, canoeing down the River Ness (Grade 2) to the journey’s end opposite Inverness Castle. |
Is it For You?
Is the Great Glen Way Adventure Right for you?
Moderately Challenging but suitable for all abilities.
Expedition Grade
Canoeing 3/5 – Open flat water, reasonable fitness level, long distance, possibility of moving water & weather elements (wind exposed). Experience desirable but not essential.
Explanation of Active Trip Grading
Additional information
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.
Take a look at our Facebook to see past trips.
Equipment
Great Glen Way Adventure Kit
What We Provide | What To Bring? |
| Luggage Transport & En-Route Shuttle | Drinks Bottle |
| Boats, & All Technical Equipment | Warm Clothes – 2/3 Sets |
| Dry Bags or Containers | Pair of Trainers – to get wet/muddy |
| Stoves & Fuel | Sleeping Bag** |
| Cooking Sets; Pots, Plates & Cutlery | Torch |
| Tents | Sunglasses & Suncream |
| Camping Sleep Mats | Midgey Repellent & Mosquito Head Net |
| Accommodation | Toiletries & Personal Medication |
| Transport from/to Newtonmore | Waterproofs |
*Weather dependent for accommodation.
**Sleeping bags available for purchase/rent direct from ourselves.