Start your story in Scotland

Escape to a land of deep lochs and emerald glens. Feel the thrum of our vibrant cities and adventure into the undiscovered.

Inspiration for your adventure

Watch waves break against golden sands, step back in time amidst medieval ruins, taste food sourced from nearby fields or connect with locals in our friendly towns and cities. Scotland is the perfect place to lose yourself; plan your holiday now.

Find your dream destination

Listen to the cry of seabirds overhead as you catch a ferry to one of our islands or slow down and take in the rolling green fields and weaving rivers of the countryside. Our towns and cities each have a unique character just waiting for you to discover.

Scotland's islands

Peaceful, beautiful and full of adventure, nothing quite matches the magic of a Scottish island holiday.

City breaks in Scotland

Get to know Scotland on a city break, from our biggest city Glasgow to our newest city, Dunfermline.

Countryside breaks in Scotland

Leave the bustle behind, breathe crisp fresh air, watch the changing seasons unfold, and get lost in nature on a Scottish countryside break.

Scottish Towns

From Melrose and Dumfries to Ullapool and Wick, soak up the historical charm and scenery of Scotland’s towns in all four corners of the country.

Scotland through the seasons

Fall in love with Scotland all year long. Picture autumn days spent wandering through misty hills and forests bursting with colour.  

Uncover Scotland's seasons

Experience vibrant events and festivals

Create an unforgettable memory with your friends and family at one of Scotland’s world-class festivals or events. Dance the night away at your first ceilidh, listen to musicians perform life traditional Scottish folk music, or be part of something special with Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. 

Scottish music festivals

Dance to the rhythm of fiddles in grand music halls and feel the bass rippling across festival fields right across Scotland.

Halloween in Scotland

From hair-raising ghost tales to nighttime woodland walks and spooky activities, come and experience the magic of Halloween in Scotland.

Events and festivals in Scotland

Scotland’s events vibrate with energy – live sports, electrifying music and dance, and toasts that honour our legendary national icons.

Find your escape

Write your own story in Scotland. Find the best options for your travel, whether you’re looking to get the most out of a weekend break or find family-friendly options for the whole clan to enjoy. 

Short & weekend breaks in Scotland

Where will a weekend in Scotland take you? Michelin-star dining and city lights to beautiful landscapes and moments to slow down.

Wellness retreats in Scotland

Reconnect with nature and embrace Scotland’s crisp, fresh air, restorative landscapes and the gentle sounds and sights of our tranquil waters.

Family holidays in Scotland

Climb the turret of a medieval castle, dip your toes in the North Sea, or make friends with our furry Highland coos as they graze in green fields.

Farm stays & holidays in Scotland

Experience the best of rural Scotland on a farm holiday at a working farm.

Uncover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect adventure and find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Plan your trip

Do you have questions about how to get here, what the weather is like, or what passport requirements we have? Check out our planning section for everything you need to know. 

Visit our travel planning section

Don’t just take our word for it

Get inspired by those who’ve gone before you and share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive Scotland's stories, unforgettable journeys, trip ideas and bucket list destinations when you sign up to our email. Your next adventure begins the moment our inspiration arrives in your inbox.

Great Glen Way Adventure

© Active Outdoor Pursuits

Great Glen

Great Glen Way Adventure Journey

Fort William is where the fantastic Great Glen Way adventure begins, taking in views of mighty Ben Nevis towering 4,400 ft from the sea and then through the Great Glen which is steeped in history.

Complete The Great Glen Way Adventure

Fort William is where the fantastic Great Glen Way adventure begins, taking in views of mighty Ben Nevis towering 4,400 ft from the sea and then through the Great Glen which is steeped in history. Its geographical landscape leads onto the daunting Loch Ness, which will eventually take us to the end of our trip beneath Inverness castle.

Important Information

This adventure journey will take you across vast Scottish Lochs below the magnificent mountains and paddling past the iconic Urquhart castle.

Grade & Experience

The Great Glen Way Adventure is moderately challenging on mainly open lochs and sections of canal and depending on skill level, two grade 2 rivers – the River Oich and the River Ness. In windy conditions it can become more challenging. In bad weather some activities may get swapped for the safety and well being of the group.

The Great Glen Way adventure is suitable for water confident people with little or no paddling experience. If you wish we can help you prepare and get the most from your adventure holiday – we offer 1 or 2 day canoe / kayak skills courses on the day/s prior to your start day.

Day 1 – Fort William – South Lagan 

Our Great Glen Way Adventure Journey begins in Fort William. We travel by foot from Neptune’s Staircase, the start of the Caledonian Canal – taking some time to view and read about the famous Loch Gates; which was the vision of Thomas Telford. We’ll walk alongside the Caledonian Canal breaking for lunch near to Gairloch. Reaching the end of the Canal our path runs alongside Loch Lochy. At the head of the loch we will pass Achnacarry caster & take in the wonderful views up Loch Arkaig and down past the lovely Chia-aig falls where you may fancy taking a dip in the Witches Cauldron! Headin onwards, we pass along the west side of Loch Lochy to South Lagan where we will camp in a wigwam next to the old Canal Barge Restaurant. If you are feeling up for it, take on the famous chili challenge!

Day 2 – South Lagan – Fort Augustus

The next part of the Great Glen Way Adventure will be undertaken in traditional open Canadian canoes, from South Lagan up the Caledonian Canal and passing the monument of the Well Of The Seven Heads with its dark murderous past. Paddling up Loch Oich with the mountains soaring in every direction, and winding our way up through the little islands passing the ruins of Invergarry castle, the castle occupied by the chiefs of the Clan MacDonnell. Once at the Caledonian canal again we have the choice of paddling the canal or, for the more adventurous, down the River Oich (grade 2) which takes us all the way to Loch Ness and Fort Augustus with its Abbey, canal locks and range of traditional cafes and pubs.

Day 3 – Fort Augustus – Drumnadrochit

Straight on to the daunting site of Loch Ness stretching further than the eye can see. Don’t worry – you’ll soon reach land again as we’ll be traveling in sea kayak. Loch Ness with its length of 37km and depth of 230m is the largest Loch in Scotland in terms of volume; the perfect hiding place for the famous Loch Ness Monster. We paddle up the west side of the loch all the way to Drumnadrochit, past the impressive stronghold – even in a ruined state – of Urquhart Castle. Tonight is spent in the Loch Ness backpackers hostel after dining at the lovely Loch Ness Inn. Once again, there are a few cafes and pubs to grab some food and drink.

Day 4 – Drumnadrochit – Inverness

Our final day of the Great Glen Way Advtenture! And a day of diversity as we leave Drumnadrochit and its castle behind and travel to the small cosmopolitan city of Inverness (Capital of the Highlands). We will switch back to open Canadian canoes and look South along our route as it fades into the distant horizon. As we travel North you will be aware of the immensity of Loch Ness. Soon we reach the peaceful Loch Dochfour where we have the choice of finishing along the canal, or for the more adventurous, down the River Ness (Grade 2) to the journey’s end opposite Inverness Castle.

Additional Trip Info!

Journeying Total Distance – 73 Miles

Depart; Meeting in Fort William 10am on departure day. Or stay with us at Craigower Lodge in Newtonmore.

Finishing Day; After the Great Glen Way Adventure, we will drop you off at the bus,train or near to your accommodation in Inverness around 4/5pm

  • – Camping equipment is included
  • – Canoes, Kayaks including all equipment
  • – Highly experienced & qualified guide/s for the whole trip
  • – Cost excluding food.
  • – There will be a food kitty* of approx £10 per person per day.
*The food kitty allows for communal food to be purchased; cereal, milk, bread, tea etc for the group for the duration of the trip. This is a great way to ensure you have food provisions as there is not always access to convenience shops for fresh produce. By their very nature journeys in remote or mountainous country can be affected by weather and other environmental factors. Your guide/s may have to alter the itinerary to ensure group safety.

Vanaf £595 per persoon


Vertrekdagen

  • Maandag
  • Dinsdag
  • Woensdag
  • Donderdag
  • Vrijdag
  • Zaterdag
  • Zondag

Mei — Oktober

Contact gegevens

Active Outdoor Pursuits

Craigower Lodge
Golf Course Road
Newtonmore
Inverness-shire
Scotland
PH20 1AT

Hoofd faciliteiten

  • Invalidenparkeerplaats

Tour information

Lengte

4 Days

Transport

  • Kayak
  • Minibus

Type

  • Bespoke
  • Large Group (31+)
  • Medium Group (17-30)
  • Private
  • Small Group (1-16)

Talen

  • English

Thema’s

  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Cycling
  • Outdoor Activities

Tour prijzen


Vanaf £595 Per Persoon

Nu boeken

Prijzen zijn afhankelijk van het seizoen

Tourstops

Active Outdoor Pursuits

Informatie over toermaatschappij

Active Outdoor Pursuits

Active Outdoor Pursuits, born in 1999, is one of the most established providers of outdoor activities, education and training in Scotland. We have developed our facilities & services to provide a comprehensive and dynamic approach to supporting people of all ages and experience to realise their outdoor adventure dreams and ambitions. We offer a wide range of outdoor activities and, we can offer packages and holidays to suit all outdoor tastes. Looking for an outdoor adventure or holiday? Then you've come to the right place!

Andere tours van dit bedrijf

Bezoek:Winter Skills Course
Winter Skills Course

Winter Skills Course

Vertrekt: Aviemore, Newtonmore, Aviemore and the Cairngorms

Get Active on our winter skills training days & courses in Scotland – based in t...

Hoofd faciliteiten

  • Invalidenparkeerplaats
Bezoek:2 day Winter Skills Course
2 day Winter Skills Course

2 day Winter Skills Course

Vertrekt: Aviemore, Newtonmore, Aviemore and the Cairngorms

Get Active on our 2 day winter skills training courses in Scotland – based in th...

Hoofd faciliteiten

  • Invalidenparkeerplaats
Bezoek:4 day Winter Skills Course & Snowholing Expedition
4 day Winter Skills Course & Snowholing Expedition

4 day Winter Skills Course & Snowholing Expedition

Vertrekt: Aviemore, Newtonmore, Aviemore and the Cairngorms

Get Active on our 4 day winter skills training courses in Scotland – based in th...

Hoofd faciliteiten

  • Invalidenparkeerplaats
Bezoek:Ski Touring Courses
Ski Touring Courses

Ski Touring Courses

Vertrekt: Aviemore, Newtonmore, Aviemore and the Cairngorms

Ski mountaineering & touring in Scotland has become a hugely popular activity, i...

Hoofd faciliteiten

  • Invalidenparkeerplaats

De inhoud van veel van onze web listings is afkomstig van derden en niet van VisitScotland. VisitScotland is niet verantwoordelijk voor (1) eventuele fouten of verkeerde voorstellingen in de listings van derden, en (2) de inhoud van externe links in de web listings ((1) en (2) samen hierna te noemen de "Inhoud"). VisitScotland sluit alle aansprakelijkheid uit voor verlies of schade veroorzaakt door het vertrouwen op de Inhoud. De Inhoud is alleen ter informatie en wordt niet onderschreven door VisitScotland.

Start your story in Scotland

Escape to a land of deep lochs and emerald glens. Feel the thrum of our vibrant cities and adventure into the undiscovered.

Inspiration for your adventure

Watch waves break against golden sands, step back in time amidst medieval ruins, taste food sourced from nearby fields or connect with locals in our friendly towns and cities. Scotland is the perfect place to lose yourself; plan your holiday now.

Find your dream destination

Listen to the cry of seabirds overhead as you catch a ferry to one of our islands or slow down and take in the rolling green fields and weaving rivers of the countryside. Our towns and cities each have a unique character just waiting for you to discover.

Scotland's islands

Peaceful, beautiful and full of adventure, nothing quite matches the magic of a Scottish island holiday.

City breaks in Scotland

Get to know Scotland on a city break, from our biggest city Glasgow to our newest city, Dunfermline.

Countryside breaks in Scotland

Leave the bustle behind, breathe crisp fresh air, watch the changing seasons unfold, and get lost in nature on a Scottish countryside break.

Scottish Towns

From Melrose and Dumfries to Ullapool and Wick, soak up the historical charm and scenery of Scotland’s towns in all four corners of the country.

Scotland through the seasons

Fall in love with Scotland all year long. Picture autumn days spent wandering through misty hills and forests bursting with colour.  

Uncover Scotland's seasons

Experience vibrant events and festivals

Create an unforgettable memory with your friends and family at one of Scotland’s world-class festivals or events. Dance the night away at your first ceilidh, listen to musicians perform life traditional Scottish folk music, or be part of something special with Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. 

Scottish music festivals

Dance to the rhythm of fiddles in grand music halls and feel the bass rippling across festival fields right across Scotland.

Halloween in Scotland

From hair-raising ghost tales to nighttime woodland walks and spooky activities, come and experience the magic of Halloween in Scotland.

Events and festivals in Scotland

Scotland’s events vibrate with energy – live sports, electrifying music and dance, and toasts that honour our legendary national icons.

Find your escape

Write your own story in Scotland. Find the best options for your travel, whether you’re looking to get the most out of a weekend break or find family-friendly options for the whole clan to enjoy. 

Short & weekend breaks in Scotland

Where will a weekend in Scotland take you? Michelin-star dining and city lights to beautiful landscapes and moments to slow down.

Wellness retreats in Scotland

Reconnect with nature and embrace Scotland’s crisp, fresh air, restorative landscapes and the gentle sounds and sights of our tranquil waters.

Family holidays in Scotland

Climb the turret of a medieval castle, dip your toes in the North Sea, or make friends with our furry Highland coos as they graze in green fields.

Farm stays & holidays in Scotland

Experience the best of rural Scotland on a farm holiday at a working farm.

Uncover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect adventure and find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Plan your trip

Do you have questions about how to get here, what the weather is like, or what passport requirements we have? Check out our planning section for everything you need to know. 

Visit our travel planning section

Don’t just take our word for it

Get inspired by those who’ve gone before you and share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive Scotland's stories, unforgettable journeys, trip ideas and bucket list destinations when you sign up to our email. Your next adventure begins the moment our inspiration arrives in your inbox.