The Great Glen Way crosses the Scottish Highlands between Fort William and Inverness, linking the Caledonian Canal with the landscapes of Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness. Scotland’s Great Trails describes it primarily as a walking route that is also suitable for mountain bikes. Cyclists should plan their line carefully: some very steep sections of the walking trail’s High Route are unsuitable for riding.
From Fort William into the glen
Scotland’s Great Trails describes the Way from the Old Fort in Fort William towards Inverness. Travelling southwest to northeast gives riders a gentler introduction on the lower canal-side sections, with prevailing winds generally behind them. The itinerary follows the Caledonian Canal and passes Loch Lochy and Loch Oich before reaching the Fort Augustus area.
Neptune’s Staircase is a distinctive stop on the canal, with views towards Ben Nevis. The route also passes communities where riders can look for accommodation and shops; Scotland’s Great Trails notes an alternative through Invergarry. Canal towpaths are shared with walkers and other users, so allow space and ride considerately.
Loch Ness and the approach to Inverness
Beyond Fort Augustus, the route becomes more undulating. Nevis Cycles describes steeper forest roads and paths climbing above Loch Ness, with views over the water. Drumnadrochit provides a possible overnight stop before the journey continues towards Inverness and the route’s endpoint at Inverness Castle.
Do not assume every signed walking option is equally suitable for a loaded bicycle. Scotland’s Great Trails warns that the High Route includes a few very steep stretches unsuitable for cyclists. Check the route choices before setting out and be prepared to choose a suitable alternative. A road itinerary on the south side of Loch Ness is a separate deviation from the Great Glen Way, not simply another name for the same trail.
Choosing a bike and planning stops
A mountain bike is the clearest choice for the complete off-road journey: the local operator Nevis Cycles recommends one for the steeper sections above Loch Ness. Scottish Canals also describes the forest routes and towpaths as terrain suited to mountain bikes or hybrids; the easier canal stretches should not be taken as a guide to the difficulty of the whole trip.
Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit are useful places to consider when dividing the ride. Accommodation is more limited around Gairlochy and South Laggan, according to Scotland’s Great Trails, which suggests Spean Bridge and Invergarry as alternatives. Scottish Canals encourages visitors to use established accommodation to reduce pressure on the glen’s environment. Check current route notices and arrange suitable stops before departure.