What equipment do I need to bring?

The basics include sturdy hiking boots, a comfortable backpack, weather-appropriate clothing, and a water bottle. For some tours, you might also need specialized equipment like hiking poles, which you can find recommended in the What To Bring section on each of our tours.

How do I get to the starting point of the tour?

Most of our tours begin in locations that are easily accessible via public transportation. Whether in Europe, the Americas, or other regions, the starting points are typically near major airports, train stations, or bus stops. We will provide you with detailed instructions on how to reach the start of your tour using public transport options. If you prefer more convenience, we can arrange private transfers directly from the airport or train station to your starting location for an additional charge.

Is accommodation included in the tours?

Yes, accommodation is included in all of our tours. We carefully select hotels, guesthouses, and mountain huts that offer comfort and a welcoming atmosphere after a day of hiking.

What is the accommodation like on a walking tour?

Typically, you'll stay in comfortable 3-star hotels, guesthouses, or mountain huts in more remote areas. Please note that in the mountain huts, accommodations are often shared, with dormitory-style rooms, though some huts offer private rooms if booked well in advance.

Can I upgrade the accommodations?

Yes, accommodation upgrades are generally possible for most hotels or B&Bs. In the case of mountain huts, there are usually no other options nearby. However, you can book a private room instead of a dormitory if you are early enough. Please note that upgrading accommodations will affect the final tour price.

What is the tourist tax?

Tourist tax is a small fee charged by some destinations, ranging from €0.50 to €2.50 per night. It is commonly included in your final accommodation bill. However, in some cases, it may need to be paid in cash on-site.

What is luggage transfer?

Luggage transfer means your baggage is transported from one accommodation to another throughout the tour. It comes convenient on most of our tours except the location-based ones, as it lessens the burden on your back during the hike and allows you to bring additional luggage. Please note that luggage transfer is not possible on all treks.

Will my luggage be transported?

Luggage transfer is not possible in every location, especially on high-altitude treks. Therefore, we don't include it by default. However, you can optionally add it to your booking on the tours where it's doable. Please note that adding the luggage transfer affects the final price of the hiking tour.

What is the luggage allowance?

Each transfer allows only one bag per person, which must be soft. The maximum weight permitted is 15 kg. Additionally, bags must not contain food, beverages, medicines, valuables, money, or official documents.

What does a typical day look like on a walking tour?

Every day on a hiking tour begins in the same way: with breakfast. Then, it differs between the tour types. On hut-to-hut or inn-to-inn hikes, you must leave the accommodation early enough to reach your next lodging within the check-in window. On center-based hikes, you can leave and return anytime (barring any additional instructions from the accommodation). You can even opt out of hiking and stay in. On travel & hike tours , you might initially have to drive or take public transportation to the hike's starting point before moving on to your next accommodation. After hiking, you can spend the rest of the day as you please.

What if the weather changes unexpectedly during my hike?

Weather can be unpredictable, especially in mountainous areas. We closely monitor conditions and will inform you if changes are necessary. As long as you dress accordingly, you can do most of our hikes in light rain. In case of severe weather and storms, we’ll advise you on alternative routes, suggest less strenuous hikes, or offer public transport options.

What happens if I need help on the trail?

Our support is available to solve minor issues. Additionally, your digital guidebook will include a contact for the local emergency services in the case of a severe crisis.

Can you accommodate my food restrictions?

Buffet breakfasts in hotels or guesthouses offer enough variety to accommodate vegetarians and vegans. Mountain hut meals are more limited but usually include at least one vegan option. For strict dietary restrictions, you should consider bringing your own food. If you have particular dietary expectations, you must inform us in advance.

Can I extend my trip?

Absolutely! You can extend your holiday by adding extra lodgings to your booking before, during, or after the tour. We will book the additional nights of accommodation and provide recommendations to make the most of your extended stay.

Are meals included in the price?

Aside from some exceptions in remote places, your booking encompasses half-board accommodation in mountain huts and accommodation with breakfast in hotels, guesthouses, or B&Bs. We provide lunch and dinner recommendations for the latter, allowing you to experience the local cuisine according to your taste instead of eating at the hotel.

Will I have cell reception in the mountains?

It varies, but as a rule of thumb, you should expect poor mobile reception on our high-altitude hikes. Nonetheless, our travel material and GPS-navigation app can be used offline, ensuring you are fully prepared for any situation.

Of course. We even curated a selection of hiking tours most suitable for solo travelers .

Are these tours kid-friendly?

It depends on their age and experience, but we also picked several tours suitable for families with children of all ages and levels of experience.

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Great Glen Way

8 days / 7 nights

Traverse Scotland’s legendary Great Glen Way, a 120-km trail of untamed beauty, rich history, and captivating vistas of Loch Ness and the Highlands.

Starting point

Fort Williiam

Finish point

Inverness

Season

From April to October

Technical level

2/5

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Inn-to-Inn

Traverse Scotland’s legendary Great Glen Way, a 120-km trail of untamed beauty, rich history, and captivating vistas of Loch Ness and the Highlands.

Choose your style

Self-guided from 1.150 €/person

Cancel in the first 48h for free

Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit

Samo Travel Expert

Book a call

Traverse Scotland’s legendary Great Glen Way, a 120-km trail of untamed beauty, rich history, and captivating vistas of Loch Ness and the Highlands.

Starting point

Fort Williiam

Finish point

Inverness

Season

From April to October

Technical level

2/5

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Inn-to-Inn

Highlights

Traverse Scotland’s most celebrated long-distance trail
Hike coast-to-coast from the Atlantic to the North Sea
Follow the route of Scotland's natural geological divide
Visit the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle
Enjoy the famous Scottish hospitality the Capital of the Highlands
Spend time at Loch Ness and keep an eye out for the famous Nessy

Itinerary of the trip

Begin your adventure by arriving in the bustling town of Fort William, nestled at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. This lively town serves as the gateway to the Scottish Highlands and offers plenty of attractions, including the West Highland Museum and the ruins of Inverlochy Castle. Take some time to explore the town, stock up on supplies, and perhaps enjoy a traditional Scottish meal in one of the local pubs.

Accommodation

Alexandra Hotel

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Your journey starts in earnest today as you leave Fort William and head towards Gairlochy. The path takes you along the Caledonian Canal, starting at the famous Neptune’s Staircase – a series of eight locks that provide dramatic views of Ben Nevis. The route is relatively flat, following the towpaths along the canal, making for a gentle introduction to the Great Glen Way. You’ll pass through peaceful countryside and might spot local wildlife such as deer and various birds. The day ends in the small village of Gairlochy, where you’ll find cozy accommodations.

Hiking

17 km and 80 m of elevation gain / 60 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Old Pines Hotel & Restaurant

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

From Gairlochy, the path continues along the western shore of Loch Lochy. This section of the trail features stunning views of the loch and surrounding mountains, with the path weaving through forested areas and along quiet roads. You’ll also pass the Great Glen Water Park, a popular spot for water sports. The trail leads to Laggan Locks, a series of water lock gates on the Caledonian Canal, where you can enjoy the tranquility of this remote area. Overnight in South Laggan, where you can stay in a charming guesthouse surrounded by breathtaking Highland scenery.

Hiking

19.5 km and 235 m of elevation gain / 230 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Forest Lodge

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Today’s walk is a scenic journey along disused railway tracks, old military roads, and the canal towpath. You’ll follow the eastern shore of Loch Oich, through the beautiful Leiterfearn nature reserve with its diverse woodland. Arriving in Fort Augustus, a picturesque village situated at the southwestern end of Loch Ness, you'll find historic sites such as the remains of a 17th-century fortress and the Caledonian Canal locks. If time permits, consider a boat cruise on Loch Ness to try your luck at spotting the elusive Nessie!

Hiking

17 km and 115 m of elevation gain / 125 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Whitehouse B&B

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

This shorter but more challenging day takes you along the western shore of Loch Ness, offering spectacular views as you ascend through birch and pine forests. The route includes several steep climbs, but the effort is rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the loch below. Your day ends in Invermoriston, a small village with a charming bridge built by the famous engineer Thomas Telford and a cozy local pub to relax in. Enjoy some traditional Scottish fare and sample local malt whiskies before resting for the night.

Hiking

12 km and 250 m of elevation gain / 230 m elevation loss

Accommodation

Glenmoriston Arms Hotel

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

The trail from Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit is one of the more challenging parts of the Great Glen Way, with undulating paths along the side of the glen above Loch Ness. The route offers opportunities to explore the high route, providing panoramic views stretching from Ben Nevis to Inverness. Along the way, you can visit the famous Urquhart Castle, perched dramatically on the shores of Loch Ness. Drumnadrochit is known as the ‘Green Village’ and is a hub for Loch Ness Monster enthusiasts, with two visitor centers dedicated to the legend.

Hiking

22 km and 690 m of elevation gain / 700 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Loch Ness Inn

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

The final day is the longest and perhaps the most challenging, but also one of the most rewarding. The trail takes you through forests, open moorland, and along the banks of the River Ness, culminating in a descent into Inverness. Along the way, you’ll pass through the charming Ness Islands, a series of wooded islands connected by footbridges. Arriving in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, you can celebrate your achievement at Inverness Castle, the endpoint of the Great Glen Way. In case you are looking to shorten the day, shuttle transfers can be arranged for part or the entirety of this stage.

Hiking

30.5 km and 515 m of elevation gain / 535 m elevation loss

Accommodation

Chieftain Hotel

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Spend your final morning exploring Inverness, a city rich in history and culture, with attractions like the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, and the nearby Culloden Battlefield. Depending on your departure time, enjoy a leisurely breakfast or explore a bit more before departing from Inverness.

Gallery

FREE ITINERARY

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What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

7 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast

Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Tour design and organization

Service and support during your hike

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Airport transfer

Extra nights

Hotel upgrades

Luggage transfer

Single supplement

What to bring to the tour

Hiking shoes/boots
25 to 35-liter backpack
Base layer
Sports T-shirts
Hiking shorts
Hiking water-repellent pants
Waterproof jacket
Midlayer
Sports socks and underwear
Leisurewear for evenings

Shade hat/cap
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hiking poles
ID card or passport
Snacks
Cash
Water bottles or hydration pack
Toiletries

The Great Glen Way is one of Scotland’s most celebrated long-distance trails, stretching 120 km from Fort William to Inverness.

This iconic route takes you through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, following the Great Glen geological fault line that nearly splits the country in two.

This tour is an ideal choice for both seasoned hikers and those new to long-distance walking, who wish to explore Scottish iconic landscapes, rich history, and are intrigued by the allure of legends like the Loch Ness Monster. Along the way, you'll pass peaceful lochs, dense forests, and charming Highland villages, all while enjoying breathtaking views and the chance to spot local wildlife.

Your adventure begins in Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak. Over the next several days, you'll follow the serene paths along the Caledonian Canal, trek through lush woodlands, and walk beside the mysterious waters of Loch Ness.

Each day brings new highlights, from the engineering marvel of Neptune’s Staircase to the picturesque village of Fort Augustus, and the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle perched on the shores of Loch Ness. The final stretch into Inverness offers sweeping views of the Highlands, culminating in the vibrant city known as the "Capital of the Highlands."

As a self-guided tour, we provide everything you need for a smooth and memorable journey. From booking charming Scottish accommodations that capture the local character to supplying detailed trail descriptions and GPS tracks, we've got you covered. Our comprehensive digital guidebook include tips on the best local eateries, where to sample traditional Scottish dishes, and even the top spots to potentially glimpse Nessie! ;)

So, lace up your boots and experience the wild beauty, history, and legend of Scotland's Highlands on this unforgettable adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Of course. We aim to make your decision as easy as possible. Therefore, we crafted several selections targeted at particular groups of hikers – Best for Beginners, Best for Advanced Hikers, Mountain Hikes, Pilgrimages, Classic Treks, etc.

If you remain unsure and overwhelmed, you can fill out this form or book a call with us, and we can help you directly.

The sooner, the better! Booking in advance ensures you secure a spot, especially on popular routes where accommodations in remote areas can fill up quickly. For tours like the Tour du Mont Blanc and Alta Via, it's best to book several months ahead, as these areas have limited availability in mountain huts.

However, for some of our less-traveled tours, it's possible to book just a few weeks in advance, though availability and comfort may be more limited, particularly in remote areas with fewer options. To ensure you have the best experience, we always recommend booking early, especially during peak hiking seasons.

Our tours offer flexible starting days, allowing you to begin whenever suits you. However, for some of our most popular routes, like the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) and Alta Via, we have selected departure days due to high demand and pre-booked accommodations. Be sure to check the specific requirements for these tours.

We offer a variety of tours suitable for different fitness levels and technical abilities. Some of them require no prior hiking experience.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, we have the perfect route for you. You can find more information in our Hiking Difficulty Guide, and we also have dedicated sections for Best for Beginners and Best for Advanced Hikers to help you choose the suitable tour.

The fitness level is based on a scale determined by our hiking experts. It varies depending on the tour and defines the selected hiking tour's physical requirements in comparison to others. For a detailed overview, please refer to our Hiking Difficulty Guide.

The technical demands of each hike differ. The technical-level scale defines the technical requirements of each tour in comparison to others, ranging from basic walking to scrambling or using specialized equipment. For a more in-depth explanation of the five levels, please refer to our Hiking Difficulty Guide.

Most of our tours are self-guided, meaning you have the freedom to explore at your own pace without being tied to a group schedule. We provide detailed digital guidebooks that include maps, route notes, and GPS files to ensure a smooth experience.

You can learn more about the concept by reading Self-Guided Tours Explained. We include a guide only for the most challenging treks, like the Triglav Summit Climb.

We provide a comprehensive digital guidebook with maps, route notes, accommodation details, and emergency contacts. Our support will be available during the tour. However, you'll have all the information you need to enjoy your hike independently.

Check out how self-guided tours work in more detail and an example of our digital guidebook here.

Choose your style

Self-guided from 1.150 €/person

Cancel in the first 48h for free

Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit

Samo Travel Expert

Book a call

Ratings & Reviews

5.0 average rating

+59

Carly Leonard

Verified customer

My friend and I went with Triglav Tours for a 3 day, 2 night hike this summer and had the most amazing time!! Our guide, Bine, was awesome and had lots of cool facts to share about the area we were hiking. Additionally, my friend and I had not completed such a technical hike before and the guide and other guests were very patient with us and encouraging, ensuring we felt safe the entire time. The overnights were also such a fun way to get to know Bine, the other guests, and other hikers as well. Cannot recommend Triglav tours enough!!!

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Michael White

Verified customer

I arranged a six-day/five-night trip with Hut to Hut Slovenia. It's the first time I've gone with a tour organizer and I can say it went really well. In the past I've arranged huts myself and it is a huge hassle figuring out how to make the bookings, if the bookings actually exist, and what good/viable routes might be. Having this all sort was, at least to me, totally worth it. The routing is via Ride with GPS, which was great. I'd recommend bringing 1:25,000 scale paper maps as a backup, just in case. The huts themselves differ wildly. Some are really rustic with, ahem, interesting toilet facilities. One was accessible by road and thus had showers, a long menu, and even espresso. All will have some sort of food, but you might only have two options for dinner (one with meat, one vegetarian). The cuisine in the Slovenian huts leans strongly to stews and goulashes with minimal fresh vegetables and/or fruit. Certainly good and hearty but pretty much everyone I talked to said the food was better in the Italian and Austrian huts. Some huts are cash only, some take cards (but the card reader might be down). A 1.5 litre bottle of water is about 6 euro, so if you have a beer with dinner and also buy lunch you need to carry about 25-30 euro per day in cash (assuming you have a booking that includes breakfast). Of the six days of hiking, four were ridiculously spectacular, with the highlight being sunrise from Mt Stol. Getting up to the high mountains, though, can be crazy steep, with switchbacks only sparsely used. Descents are similarly tough, and you have to watch every step. For the first time ever I used trekking poles and my knees thank me. Two days were a bit of a slog, but this is probably unavoidable getting up to or down from the high terrain. Would I do something like this again? Yes, absolutely! But next time it will probably be the Dolomites.

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Roman Klymenko

Verified customer

Very beautiful hike. I did not expect that Slovenia is so amazing.

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Birgit Kindler

Verified customer

We had a lovely hike today with our guide Klemen. He personalized the tour on our needs and interests, so that we saw places we wouldn't without his experience. The hike was a little bit slippery after the rain from the last days and it went a lot upwards, but it was totally worth it! Thanks again :)

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Dominik Schrotter

Verified customer

We had a great day with Klemen on this hike, he showed us some lesser known spots/highlights of the southern part of the julian alps with a nice viewpoint at the end. 10/10 would book again

Gisela Irion

Verified customer

Tina and her team gave me perfect support on my hut hike through the Triglav National Park in July. In particular, they had to cater to my specific needs twice, which they did for me with no problem. I once had to cancel at short notice before the start of the trip because my father was not feeling well, but then we found a solution and I was able to start the hike. Tina and team first canceled the huts immediately and then reserved them again for me. Even when my condition caused a little tour change again, I immediately had suggestions and these were immediately available in the Trip plans app. I liked this app very much because it was easy to handle and the huttohut-team gave a short overview how the daily tour will be and which highlights – mostly beautiful views – I will see“

Carly Leonard

Verified customer

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Roman Klymenko

Verified customer

Very beautiful hike. I did not expect that Slovenia is so amazing.

Show all 3 photos

Dominik Schrotter

Verified customer

We had a great day with Klemen on this hike, he showed us some lesser known spots/highlights of the southern part of the julian alps with a nice viewpoint at the end. 10/10 would book again

Michael White

Verified customer

Show all 10 photos

Birgit Kindler

Verified customer

Show all 3 photos

Gisela Irion

Verified customer

All available guidance options

Self-guided

Those who like a good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday...

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With everything on your plate, let us handle the vacation planning, so your valuable time stays exactly where you need it.

SELF-GUIDED TRAVEL

Explore independently and with confidence while we keep everything running from behind the scenes.

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Since 2014, we have taken care of thousands of happy customers, making it our mission to put your satisfaction first.

OUTDOOR SPECIALISTS

We are a team of outdoor specialists equipped with the knowledge and insight to bring you the best hiking experiences.

from 1.150 € /person

Great Glen Way

Choose your style

Highlights

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival in Fort William

Day 2: Fort William – Gairlochy

Day 3: Gairlochy – Laggan

Day 4: Laggan – Fort Augustus

Day 5: Fort Augustus – Invermoriston

Day 6: Invermoriston – Drumnadrochit

Day 7: Drumnadrochit – Inverness

Day 8: Departure from Inverness

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

What to bring to the tour

Frequently Asked Questions

You have too many options. Is there any way I can narrow down the selection?

How far in advance should I book my walking tour?

Do I need to book specific start dates?

Do I need prior hiking experience?

What is the fitness level?

What is the technical level?

Are your tours guided?

I booked a self-guided tour. How does it work?

Choose your style

Ratings & Reviews

Carly Leonard

Michael White

Roman Klymenko

Birgit Kindler

Dominik Schrotter

Gisela Irion

Carly Leonard

Roman Klymenko

Dominik Schrotter

Michael White

Birgit Kindler

Gisela Irion

Similar Products

All available guidance options

Self-guided

HANDPICKED ADVENTURES

VALUE YOUR TIME

SELF-GUIDED TRAVEL

TRUSTED BY MANY

OUTDOOR SPECIALISTS

Have questions? Talk to us.

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival in Fort William

Day 2: Fort William – Gairlochy

Day 3: Gairlochy – Laggan

Day 4: Laggan – Fort Augustus

Day 5: Fort Augustus – Invermoriston

Day 6: Invermoriston – Drumnadrochit

Day 7: Drumnadrochit – Inverness

Day 8: Departure from Inverness

Ratings & Reviews

Carly Leonard

Michael White

Roman Klymenko

Birgit Kindler

Dominik Schrotter

Gisela Irion

Carly Leonard

Roman Klymenko

Dominik Schrotter

Michael White

Birgit Kindler

Gisela Irion

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