The Great Glen Way is easy-to-moderate: 117 km from Fort William to Inverness over 5–7 days, with only about 1,700 m of total ascent on firm towpaths and forest tracks. The challenge is daily distance and Scottish weather, not steep or technical terrain.
The Great Glen Way is widely recommended as a first long-distance trail, and the numbers back that up. It follows the gentle, low-level Caledonian Canal and lochside tracks rather than climbing mountains, so the difficulty is about endurance and weather rather than danger. Here is the honest breakdown of what it asks of you. The full route data is in our Great Glen Way route guide.
What makes the Great Glen Way easy or hard?
The trail is physically moderate but technically easy. Across 117 km it gains only around 1,700 m total — far less than mountain routes — and stays mostly on firm, well-graded surfaces. The main effort is walking 18–25 km a day for 5–7 consecutive days. Optional high-level alternatives near Loch Ness add climbing and exposure to wind, but the standard low route avoids all of that, as our best hikes in the Scottish Highlands guide notes.
How does it compare to other British trails?
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Great Glen Way | 117 km | Easy–moderate |
| Hadrian's Wall Path | 135 km | Easy–moderate |
| West Highland Way | 154 km | Moderate |
| Pennine Way | 431 km | Hard |
It sits at the gentle end alongside England's Hadrian's Wall Path, both easier than the West Highland Way and far easier than the Pennine Way. We compare the two lochside-and-wall classics directly in our Great Glen Way vs Hadrian's Wall Path guide.
How fit do you need to be?
You need to comfortably walk 18–25 km a day for consecutive days carrying a 7–10 kg pack. Four to six weeks of regular walking, including a couple of back-to-back day hikes, prepares most people well. Because you sleep indoors and resupply in towns, recovery is easy and stages can be split to suit your pace. It is realistic as a first multi-day trail, as the season guide explains.
What gear reduces the effort?
Weather protection and a light, well-fitted pack matter most. A 35–45 L pack like the Fjallraven Abisko Hike 35 keeps the load efficient, while wild campers need a larger Osprey Atmos AG 65 or a waterproof Hyperlite 2400 Windrider. Good footwear and trekking poles ease the firm-surface fatigue, and full waterproofs prevent the cold, wet days from sapping morale. Full picks are in our packing list.
What are the main challenges?
- Weather — wind and rain are the real difficulty; the Highlands are among Britain's wettest regions.
- Daily distance — 18–25 km a day on firm surfaces tests feet and endurance more than the gentle climbs.
- Midges — June to August near the lochs, an annoyance rather than a danger.
Current access advice and conditions for 2026 are published by NatureScot, and daily forecasts by the Met Office. Hikers stepping up afterwards often look at the tougher Pennine Way.
Should you take the high-level alternative routes?
The Great Glen Way offers official high-level alternatives, most notably above Loch Ness between Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit, and they change the trail's character. The standard low route follows canal towpaths and forest tracks at lakeside level, but the high-level options climb several hundred metres onto open hillside for panoramic views down the length of Loch Ness. They add ascent, distance and exposure to wind in exchange for the trail's best vistas.
Take the high routes only in clear, settled weather and if you are comfortable with steeper climbs and a longer day, since they can add 2-3 km and a few hundred metres of ascent per stage. In rain, low cloud or strong wind, the low-level route is safer, more sheltered and still scenic. Check the forecast each morning before committing, since Highland weather can shift within hours.
For most fit hikers the high-level Loch Ness alternative is the scenic highlight of the trail and well worth the extra effort on a clear day. Plan your stages and weather windows with the Great Glen Way season guide, study the elevation profile in the Great Glen Way route guide, and weigh it against the lower-level Hadrian's Wall Path if you prefer gentler terrain.
How should you train for the Great Glen Way?
The Great Glen Way demands endurance for consecutive days rather than mountain fitness, so training should centre on walking. Build over four to six weeks toward a couple of back-to-back days of 18-25 km carrying the 7-10 kg pack you will actually use. Walking on firm surfaces like the trail's towpaths can be surprisingly tiring on the feet, so practise on similar ground and in your chosen footwear.
Add some gentle hill work if you plan to take the high-level Loch Ness alternatives, and a little leg and core strength to protect your knees over the cumulative distance. Cardio from running or cycling helps, but logged walking miles are what truly prepare you, especially for managing feet and pacing over several days.
Because you sleep indoors and resupply in towns, recovery between stages is easy, which keeps the trail realistic as a first long-distance walk. The daily distances to train for are in the Great Glen Way route guide, and those wanting a tougher step up afterward can look at the Pennine Way or the longer-history Hadrian's Wall Path.
To put the difficulty in perspective for 2026 planners: the Great Glen Way is the kind of trail you can realistically attempt with a normal level of fitness and a few weeks of preparation, then finish feeling stronger than when you started. The combination of gentle gradients, firm surfaces, frequent towns and indoor accommodation removes almost every variable except weather and distance. Walk it as a confidence-builder before a tougher route, or simply enjoy it as a relaxed week through some of Scotland's most atmospheric scenery without the strain of a true mountain expedition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Great Glen Way hard?
No, it is easy-to-moderate. Over 117 km it gains only about 1,700 m on firm towpaths and forest tracks, with no steep or technical sections. The main challenge is walking 18–25 km a day for 5–7 days and coping with Scottish weather.
Is the Great Glen Way good for beginners?
Yes. Its low-level route, gentle gradients, good waymarking and regular town accommodation make it one of the most beginner-friendly long-distance trails in Scotland. Four to six weeks of walking practice prepares most people well.
How many miles a day is the Great Glen Way?
Most hikers walk 18–25 km a day, completing the 117-km trail in 5 to 7 days. The terrain is mostly flat to gently undulating, so the daily distance is more tiring than the modest climbing.
What is the hardest part of the Great Glen Way?
Scottish weather is the biggest challenge — wind and frequent rain can make easy terrain feel hard. The optional high-level alternatives near Loch Ness add real climbing and exposure, but the standard low route stays gentle throughout.
Do you need to be very fit for the Great Glen Way?
No, just able to walk 18–25 km a day for consecutive days with a light pack. Regular walkers manage it comfortably, and because you sleep indoors and resupply in towns, recovery between stages is easy and stages can be shortened.
