The best time to hike the Great Glen Way in 2026 is May and September, with long days, lower rainfall and fewer midges than midsummer. The 117-km trail from Fort William to Inverness is walkable April to October; June to August is warmest but brings the Highland midge.
The Great Glen Way follows Scotland's central fault line for 117 km from Fort William to Inverness, mostly along the Caledonian Canal and the shores of Loch Ness. Its low-level, sheltered character means it has a longer, kinder season than the high Munros — but Scottish weather and the infamous midge still make timing matter. This guide breaks down what to expect month by month. The full route is in our Great Glen Way route guide.
What is the best month to hike the Great Glen Way?
May and September are the standouts. May brings the longest dry-ish spells, lengthening daylight (over 15 hours by late month) and very few midges, with daytime temperatures of 11–17°C. September offers warm-enough days, autumn colour along the lochs and a sharp drop in midge numbers after the first cold nights. Both months are quieter than peak summer, as our best hikes in the Scottish Highlands guide notes.
What is the trail like in each season?
| Period | Conditions | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Apr | Cool, variable, few midges | Early but quiet |
| May | Long days, drier, 11–17°C | Best |
| Jun–Aug | Warmest, midges, busier | Book ahead |
| September | Mild, autumn colour, fewer midges | Best |
| Oct | Cooler, wetter, short days | Late but doable |
How bad are the midges on the Great Glen Way?
The Highland midge peaks from June to August in still, damp conditions, especially near the lochs at dawn and dusk. The Great Glen's wooded, waterside sections are prime habitat. A head net, repellent and walking in May or September largely avoid the worst. Midge forecasts and seasonal advice are published by NatureScot.
How does weather affect what you pack?
Rain is possible in any month, so a fully waterproof shell and warm layers are year-round essentials. Since the trail uses town and village accommodation, a 35–45 L pack is enough — the Fjallraven Abisko Hike 35 handles the load and the weather. Wild campers along the route favour a larger Osprey Atmos AG 65 or a waterproof Hyperlite 2400 Windrider. Full season-specific kit is in our Great Glen Way packing list.
How to plan your dates for 2026
- Target mid-May or the first three weeks of September for the best balance.
- Book accommodation early for any June–August walk.
- Carry midge protection between June and August.
- Check the daily mountain forecast — high-level alternative routes need clear weather.
Daily forecasts for the region come from the Met Office. Hikers comparing British trail seasons also read our Pennine Way season guide, and the season pattern is similar to the nearby Hadrian's Wall Path.
Which direction should you walk the Great Glen Way?
Most hikers walk the Great Glen Way south-west to north-east, from Fort William to Inverness, and there are good reasons for the convention. The prevailing south-westerly wind and rain then sit at your back rather than your face, which on an exposed lochside trail makes a real difference to comfort over 117 km. The route also builds gently, saving the high-level alternatives and the long Loch Ness shoreline for the middle and later stages once your legs are warmed up.
Walking towards Inverness also gives a satisfying finish in a lively city with full transport links, rather than ending in smaller Fort William. Logistically it pairs well with the West Highland Line, which delivers you to Fort William to start. A minority walk the reverse direction to chase afternoon sun on certain stages, but the wind argument keeps the standard direction popular.
Either way, plan 5-7 days at 18-25 km per stage and book accommodation ahead in peak months. The stage breakdown is in our Great Glen Way route guide, seasonal timing in the Great Glen Way season guide, and those wanting a contrasting Roman-history walk can compare the nearby Hadrian's Wall Path.
How do daylight hours change across the Great Glen Way season?
Daylight swings dramatically at Scotland's latitude, and it shapes how far you can comfortably walk each day. In late May and June, the Highlands enjoy over 17 hours of daylight, with lingering twilight that lets you start early and finish late without rushing the 18-25 km stages. This long-day buffer is one reason late spring is such a strong time to walk.
By contrast, an October finish leaves barely 10-11 hours of usable light, so you must start at first light and keep moving to reach accommodation before dark. April sits in between, with around 14 hours and lengthening fast. Planning your daily distance around available daylight, not just fitness, prevents finishing stages in the dark on unfamiliar ground.
This is another argument for the May and September sweet spots, which balance long days against fewer midges, as this season guide and our best hikes in the Scottish Highlands guide set out. The stage distances that determine your daily light budget are in the Great Glen Way route guide.
For 2026 specifically, book your accommodation as soon as your dates are fixed if you plan to walk between June and August, since the trail's popularity and limited rooms in small villages like Invermoriston mean beds sell out early in peak summer. Shoulder-season walkers in May and September have far more flexibility and can often secure a bed a day or two ahead. Whatever month you choose, the golden rule on the Great Glen Way is to plan around the weather and daylight rather than forcing a fixed daily distance, since a flexible schedule turns a wet Highland forecast from a problem into a minor inconvenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to walk the Great Glen Way?
May and September are best. May has the longest dry spells, over 15 hours of daylight and almost no midges, while September brings mild weather, autumn colour and a sharp drop in midge numbers. Both are quieter than peak summer.
Can you hike the Great Glen Way in winter?
It is possible but harder. Short daylight, frequent rain, mud and occasional snow on high-level alternatives make winter walking less pleasant, and some accommodation closes. The main season runs April to October, peaking in May and September.
Are there midges on the Great Glen Way?
Yes, especially June to August near the lochs at dawn and dusk. The wooded, waterside sections are prime midge habitat. A head net and repellent help, and walking in May or September largely avoids the worst of them.
How many days does the Great Glen Way take?
Most hikers complete the 117-km trail in 5 to 7 days, walking 18–25 km per stage. Faster walkers do it in four days, while those adding high-level alternatives or rest days take a week.
Does it rain a lot on the Great Glen Way?
Rain is possible in any month, as the Highlands are among the wettest parts of Britain. May and September tend to be drier than autumn, but a fully waterproof shell and warm layers are essential year-round regardless of the forecast.
