How many days for the Great Glen Way?

[jonwin]

How would you recommend dividing the route into days?

According to most websites the first part is 16 km long- which does not take a full day.

So what is a good way to divide the route if I want to finish in 5-6 days?

Thank you
Jonathan

[Jacquetta]

Hi Jonathan

You're right, lots of sources show the first day as Fort William to Gairlochy (10mi/16km) and you can easily save a day, perhaps even two, from the common idea of six days for 73 miles/117 km.  Our guidebook which has just reached its fourth edition has a table on page 6 which shows a 5-day option with overnights at Gairlochy, South Laggan, Invermoriston and Drumnadrochit: this gives you two 18-mile days (29 km, on the third and fifth days) but is perfectly feasible if you push on a bit.  The six-day option splits the middle long day into two, with the benefit of an overnight in Fort Augustus.

If you don't need part of the first day for travelling, and can face a 23-mile first day (37 km), you could even squeeze it into four days: skip the Gairlochy overnight and just stop at South Laggan, Invermoriston and Drumnadrochit (with mileages of 23, 18, 14 and 18).  However, this approach is unlikely to give as much enjoyment as the five- or six-day itineraries which allow time to look around.

[sandrahal]

Hi Jonathan
I agree with Jacquetta's comments, especially about not trying to rush the walk.  I've done it a few times (mainly for Rucksack Readers), and it is worth all of 5-6 days.
Your itinerary will also depend on the type of accommodation you're looking for - B&B, bunkhouse or camping, though a combination of these would give you more flexibility.
Best advice is to consult our guidebook for more information!
Enjoy the walk
Sandra

[jonwin]

Thank you very much for your help.  Another question that I have is what to do in terms of carrying gear.

Did you both carry a tent or a sleeping bag with you? How much weight did you carry during the route?

[Jacquetta]

I'm lazy that way, Jonathan, and like a soft bed after a hard day's hiking.  So I use B&Bs and carry very little weight - only 4-6 kg even when the water bladder is full and I'm carrying overnight stuff, which I keep to a bare  minimum.

If I were camping, I'd be seriously interested in using a baggage service, although having to book would destroy most of the flexibility of camping.

I also know people who use baggage services even though they aren't camping, and seem to bring everything bar the kitchen sink, which to my mind spoils the fun of being light-hearted and carrying your world with you for a week.   But walking attracts all kinds of people, I suppose.

[TomAMoore]

I think using a baggage service is great even if you use B&Bs. I use a CPAP machine which is bulky and heavy, so a baggage service is the way to go. I have carried the CPAP when I credit card toured on my bicycle, but it was much easier and more fun to use a baggage service.

My two cents worth

Tom