Great Glen Way
~6 days · 77.5 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Great Glen Way is known for
A coast-to-coast walk along the fault line that splits the Highlands, following the Caledonian Canal and the shores of Loch Lochy and Loch Ness from Fort William to Inverness.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 10 ft to 1,247 ft over 77.5 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 12.9 mi · 17%
- Downhill 15.5 mi · 20%
- Flat 49.1 mi · 63%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Great Glen Way?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Great Glen Way scores 27/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Great Glen Way take?
Most backpackers hike the Great Glen Way in about 6 days (5 nights out) over its 77.5 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Great Glen Way?
The Great Glen Way climbs roughly 6,985 ft total — about 90 ft per mile, topping out near 1,247 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.