The Great Glen Way starts in Fort William, where the West Highland Way ends. Day 1 was a 14 mile walk to Spean Bridge.
Our first stop was to The Wildcat Cafe for tea and cake. We believe a start deserves as much celebration as a finish.
Most of the first day was a pleasant walk along the Caledonian Canal, which connects the Scottish east coast to the west.
One of the few signs of civilization on our hike from the trail to our hotel for the night in Spean Bridge.
Day 2 took us on a 22 mile walk from Spean Bridge to Invergarry along the length of Loch Lochy and part of Loch Oich.
A shipwreck at the southern tip of Loch Lochy.
Lindsey brought the energy for the second half of the walk, which included several diversions with unexpected additional elevation gain.
A large flock of sheep grazing along the northwest banks of Loch Lochy.
We arrived at the Invergarry Hotel after another diversion and some dodgy roadside hiking.
On day 3, we traversed 11 miles from Invergarry to Fort Augustus.
We enjoyed boats and the flat walk along the Caledonian Canal into Fort Augustus.
We were greeted with a Highland bagpiper performance upon our arrival in Fort Augustus.
On day 4, we walked a stunning 9-mile trail along Loch Ness from Fort Augustus to Invermorriston.
A good walk must have a stately tree, plenty of heather, and mountains for miles.
Samwise somewhere in Middle Earth.
Lindsey led the charge for our descent into Invermoriston, about halfway up Loch Ness’s Northwest coast.
The River Moriston tumbles beneath two stone bridges into Loch Ness.
We were so excited for Day 5 that we walked 14 miles from Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit without taking our daily selfie.
Beware the cows.
Highland heather along Loch Ness.
We made it to day 6, the final (and longest!) day. We walked 23 miles from Drumnadrochit to Inverness.
Sam’s last pre-walk full Scottish breakfast.
The sun emerged for a brief moment as we enjoyed the flat trail and no rain!
The final bridge crossing in Inverness, a mile from the finish.
We made it (!) and immediately walked down the street to find food.