Great Glen Way website

 

Forest works and diversions

If The Great Glen Way is affected by any forestry works but will be diversions in place. Details will be updated on the website as we are informed and you should always check the website before starting your trip. Thank you for your understanding and please contact the Rangers on 01320 366633 if you have any questions.
 

Using the Great Glen Way

All users of the Great Glen Way should be aware that the route is used by a variety of people. Please be alert at all times, give way to other users as required and make sure they are aware of your presence regardless of whether you are walking, mountain biking or horse riding.

Access For All

A high percentage of the route is accessible for all. For a list of the sections that can be accessed, please contact the Great Glen Way Rangers and have a look at our Route users document, that describes track width and surface as well as gates and other infrastructure.
 

The Outdoor Access Code

You will be one of many users of the Great Glen Way, please act in a responsible manner and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code at all times. A single careless act can strain the good will of the landowners and tenants whose livelihoods are dependent on the countryside you are walking through. Please be aware that at times you will be walking through a working environment and ensure that you pay attention to any relevant signage.

Please take particular care in the spring at lambing time (April - June) and also be aware that deer stalking and game shooting take place near to the route.

The Great Glen Way by Horse

Much of the Great Glen Way is accessible by horse. For additional information have a look at this detailed document produced by SNH.

Toilets

Public toilets can be found at the following:

    Fort William
    Corpach
    Spean Bridge
    Fort Augustus
    Invermoriston
    Drumnadrochit
    Abriachan
    Inverness

Some canal-side toilets may be used by walkers. Please contact Scottish Canals on 01463 725500 before your visit to purchase a key.

Leave No Trace

Users of the route are expected to follow the Leave No Trace Policy. If a toilet is not available, find a private place well away from the path and at least 50m away from any watercourse. Dig a shallow soil latrine with your boot or stick and replace excavated material after use. Please be aware a watercourse may lead to a private water supply.

The policy also applies to animals using the route. For more information on diseases amongst and threats to wildlife from uncleared dog waste, please click here. Always remember to pack cleaning-up supplies for your dog as well as yourself.

For more information see The Mountaineering Council Of Scotland's leaflet 'Know Where to Go in the Great Outdoors' or ask the Rangers for a copy of the Leave No Trace policy, which provides details on what you should include in a toilet pack.

Camping

There are formal campsites at:

    Fort William
    Gairlochy
    Fort Augustus
    Drumnadrochit
    Wester Laide by Abriachan
    Inverness

Please note that there is no longer a camp site at Invermoriston.

We regularly have visitors travelling and camping along the Great Glen. There are a number of commercial campsites along the Glen, as well as informal pitches alongside the canal operated by British Waterways. Please see here for further details of these locations.

There is also the option of wild camping, provided that you follow the Outdoor Access Code and camp responsibly. Along the Great Glen Way there is a policy of 'Leave No Trace' camping, and we ask that walkers and other route users adhere to this policy by taking away all that they bring in. Due to the nature of the area we encourage campers to use a stove rather than a campfire. Further information about both is available here.

If you are not sure about the definitions of wild, informal and commercial camping, and would like more information, please see our Types of Camping information leaflet.

Parking while on the route

Long term car parking is available in Fort William and Inverness.

Fort William:
West End Car Park (on the sea front as you come into town from the south on the A82.) Please follow the instructions on the ticket machine for multi-day parking.

Inverness:
Rose Street Multi-Storey (behind the bus station). Please contact the Car Parks Supervisor on 01463 239786 for further information.