1
introductory

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 7 day guided walk
Accommodation
  • 6 nights barge
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 5 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

7 Days£1870GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: SCR

Trip highlights

  • Absorb the impressive views of majestic mountains and large expanses of open water
  • Discover smaller atmospheric lochs and pretty canal sections along the Great Glen Way
  • Relish in the accomplishment of walking the breadth of Scotland
  • Relax on board your floating hotel in the company of like minded fellow travellers

Scotland's Great Glen Way walking trail stretches 75 miles from Fort William to the capital of the highlands, Inverness. Based on board a comfortable barge at night, this hike and cruise offers the opportunity to walk sections of the route at a easy pace from one coast of Scotland to the other. During the week long trip, the barge stops are planned to suit the walking stages, breaking them into manageable day walks of between 5 and 11 miles. Guided along the route by an experienced escort, who will point out places of interest along the way, there is no shortage of highlights. From impressive views of the mystical Loch Ness to glimpses of Scotland's highest peak, Ben Nevis, this relaxed pace walk will immerse you in the Scottish Highlands. In the evening, share stories of your day with like minded travellers and relish in the accomplishment of walking the breadth of Scotland.

Countries:

Scotland

Starting Point:

Inverness or Banavie

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Boarding time is 14:00. After meeting the crew and the other guests our first walk is along the towpath, a level walk from Banavie to Gairlochy. Along the way, take in the views of Ben Nevis and pass by Moy Bridge (the last remaining hand wound bridge on the Caledonian Canal). Alternatively, stay aboard and enjoy a short walk around Gairlochy after your first cruise of the holiday.

Meals:  D

Leaving Gairlochy on foot we follow the Great Glen way towards Bunarkaig Bay offering some stunning views of both Ben Nevis and the full length of Loch Lochy towards South Laggan. Our route continues through the Clan Cameron estate, passing Chia-aig falls and on to the Mile Dorcha (Dark Mile). The afternoon can be filled with either a cruise or a cycle along the remaining section of Loch Lochy, before we berth at Laggan locks overnight.

Meals:  B,L,D

A wonderful day of adventure. We leave Laggan locks to start our walk up the old Great Glen cycle way. Most of the walk is in the woodlands and follows the River Garry up to Whitebridge. The riverside paths on the way back to Invergarry provide great opportunities to spot wildlife. The barge will be lying at anchor on Loch Oich awaiting our return.

Meals:  B,L,D

The morning walk (3mi) is along the banks of Loch Oich, on the cycle trail, with a small section on General Wade’s Military Road. The walk ends at the barge, which will be at Cullochy locks for lunch. A 5 mile walk makes up the rest of the journey to Fort Augustus, first along a towpath and then up a small hill Torr a Choiltreich (117m) which offers fantastic views of Loch Ness. The descent takes us into Fort Augustus.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we have a loop walk from Fort Augustus that heads out to Culachy falls. The trail is mainly on woodland paths and slightly narrow in places. It heads through Culachy estate via Kilchuimen burial ground, which is the final resting place of John Anderson, a close friend of the Scottish bard Robert Burns. Alternatively, there are numerous other paths that lead around Fort Augustus that can be self guided. The barge will cruise in the afternoon to Foyers, its overnight berth.

Meals:  B,L,D

The morning we have a 4mi circular walk leading first up to the Lower Falls of Foyers via an ancient woodland with dramatic views of the gorge below, before following a track close to the loch side back to Foyers pier. After cruising the majority of Loch Ness, a drop off maybe possible near Dores for the start of a 4 mile walk. The walk takes in scenic views of the Northern end of Loch Ness and cuts through a pretty section of woodland near Aldourie Castle. The pick up point of the walk is from a small harbour before we spend the night at Dochgarroch.

Meals:  B,L,D

The final morning offers a choice of walks. The first from Dochgarroch to Muirtown basin. The second, after the barge has cruised from Dochgarroch and arrives at Muirtown locks, is a short loop walk to the sea lock and back (2.4km/1.5mi).

Meals:  B

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Boarding time is 14:00. After settling in on board, a short (1.5mi) walk to Muirtown Sea lock and back is on offer. It takes you to the easterly point on the Caledonian Canal and allows you to stretch your legs at the start of your holiday. Afterwards you can relax on the barge as we cruise the 6 miles of canal to Dochgarroch, or you can cycle the towpath to Dochgarroch.

Meals:  D

After a short cruise, an option of a drop off will be available for the start of a 4 mile walk. The walk goes through a pretty section of woodland, crosses the Aldourie Castle estate and finally passes Tor Point, offering scenic views of Loch Ness. You would then be picked up at a beach near the village of Dores. We then cruise to Foyers for an afternoon walk and overnight stay. Once at Foyers there is a lovely afternoon walk of 4 miles, leading first to the Falls of Foyers via an ancient woodland, with dramatic views of the gorge below, before arriving at the picturesque Falls. This is followed by climbing a steep hill for a wonderful view of Loch Ness. The walk then follows a path down through Foyers village and on to the barge.

Meals:  B,L,D

The barge will cruise the remaining part of Loch Ness to Fort Augustus where it will remain for the rest of the day and overnight. The guided walk on offer from Fort Augustus is a loop that heads out to Culachy falls. The trail is mainly on woodland paths and heads through Culachy estate via Kilchuimen burial ground, which is the final resting place of John Anderson, a close friend of the Scottish bard Robert Burns. Alternatively, there are numerous other paths that lead around Fort Augustus that can be self guided.

Meals:  B,L,D

The morning walk (7.5km/4.7mi) heads up a small hill (117m) which gives fantastic views up Loch Ness, before descending and heading along the tow path to Cullochy locks for lunch. The afternoon walk is a very relaxed 5km/3 miles along the bank of Loch Oich, following the new National Cycle route the “Caledonia Way” and will end at the barge, which will be at anchor beside Invergarry Castle.

Meals:  B,L,D

The majority of today's walk is in the woodlands and follows the River Garry to a stunning waterfall near loch Garry. The riverside paths on the return to Invergarry provide great opportunities to spot wildlife. The walk continues either along a quiet back road or along the canal, finishing at Laggan locks.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning you cruise along the majority of Loch Lochy to Bunarkaig Bay. In the afternoon a 7 mile walk will be on offer, which heads along the ‘Mile Dorcha’ (Dark mile) and Chia-aig falls and then through the Cameron of Loch Eil estate. The walk finishes at Gairlochy later in the afternoon.

Meals:  B,L,D

The final morning walk is along a towpath, passing the only hand wound bridge left in the Great Glen at Moy and offers fantastic views of Ben Nevis and Aonach Mor. The walk will finish at Banavie, where the barge will await our return.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 6 breakfasts, 5 packed lunches, 6 dinners
  • Breakfast includes porridge, cereal, yoghurt and fresh fruit, followed by toast and a hot cooked option. At lunchtime we have home-made bread, soup and fresh salads. Packed lunches are individually prepared.
  • Dinner consists of a main course with two options, dessert and cheeseboard. Local produce is sourced wherever possible including: fresh fish; Scottish venison and Scottish beef. Haggis, meat or vegetarian is provided as an option on one of the meals.
  • The chef is happy to cater for most dietary needs as long as you advise us on booking.
  • Daily tea and coffee
  • 6 nights accommodation aboard a category C+ barge with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis. The compact cabins are configured with split level beds. Single cabins are limited and on a request basis (supplement applies).
  • Boat crew consisting of skipper, chef, walking guide (who accompanies the group on the daily walks) and bosun.
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from the start and end point of the trip
  • Drinks - payable locally
  • Travel insurance - mandatory *cruise cover may be required - check with your insurer
  • Entrance fees and excursions not specified
  • Tips - while tipping is not obligatory, it is customary to offer a tip if the guide and crew have done a good job. As a guide we would recommend GBP20-25 per person (to be distributed between the leader, captain and crew).
  • A supplement will apply if you are booking a single cabin (we do not match single travellers)
  • Optional transfers available - from the disembarkation point back to the embarkation point (eg, if you have driven and parked your car), or to/from the bus or train station at the town near to the start/end point. This must be booked at least 2 months in advance, payable locally.
  • Items of a personal nature

Cabins

Fingal of Caledonia

Ros Crana

Suitability

introductory

1

Introductory, walking approx 4 miles/ 6.5 km to 11miles/ 17km. 3-5 hours The route has many flat sections close to the canal and lochs but also includes some short steep hills and longer hills. There is an option to stay on board should you not want to walk some sections.

Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
DN1
High season is from 17 May to 30 Aug. Supplement applies to high season departures.
Note:
(1) Begins in Inverness. (2) Begins in Banavie D- Fingal of Caledonia Barge K- Ros Crana.
Note:
Limited twin cabins for single use are available, ask for supplement costs for 2nd and 3rd cabins and availability.
Note:
Important: The cancellation and payment terms and conditions are different for this trip. Please see the detailed trip notes for information.

Priceper person from

£1870GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single cabin supplement (1 per departure) - low seasonGBP£110
  • Single cabin supplement (1 per departure) - high seasonGBP£230
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

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Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

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We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Videos

Scotland's Great Glen Way by Hike & Barge