If there’s one thing which I feel sets UK long distance trails apart from their European, and North American counterparts, it’s the accommodation options available. Our condensed, yet well-populated island probably helps somewhat, as does the foot traffic attracted to the trails from long distance hikers, like you and me. After all, if you want to start a B&B business, a long distance trail is not a bad place to start. Walkers and outdoor tourists are guaranteed if you are friendly, welcoming, comfortable, and cook a good breakfast.
There’s also accommodation to meet every budget. In Scotland this is particularly true as wild camping is legal, and therefore accommodation is free if you want it to be. But for those amongst us who prefer a fluffed-up pillow, comfortable bed, and would rather walk 2 meters to the en-suite, rather than 100m to a backed-up composting toilet in the corner of a field, this guide is for you.
The Great Glen Way is a popular Scottish National Trail, and our handy Great Glen Way Accommodation Guide will help you to choose some great accommodation along this fabulous route.
Accommodation in Fort William
The Distillery Guest House
The Distillery guest house is at the foot of Ben Nevis in Fort William and features comfortable rooms, designed in a country-house style with all the amenities you would expect (Tea/coffee making facilities, showers, TV, Wifi). They don’t serve a cooked breakfast but do offer a breakfast buffet each morning. Rates start around £86.00, and rooms can be booked direct on Booking.com.
Ashburn House
Ashburn House is a pretty, Victorian Villa, build around 1876 located on the shores of Loch Linnhe, featuring views over the Ardgour Hills. The property features garden views, WIFI throughout, and is located in Fort William for easy access to the start of the Great Glen Way. A buffet breakfast is available and prices start from £148.00. Rooms can be booked on Booking.com
Glen Nevis Youth Hostel
If the buzz and social aspects of hostels tickle your fancy then The Glen Nevis Youth Hostel is going to really appeal. It’s a few miles out of town, but bus access to Fort William and back is available. Being at the foot of Ben Nevis it’s a popular place for hikers to congregate and its likely you will find other long distance walkers here. In reality, this hostel offers hotel-like accommodation, with an open plan socializing space, with a log burning stove and mountain views. It also has WIFI throughout, and a self-catered kitchen, or cooked or continental breakfasts on offer. Rooms are available from £72.00, and can be booked on Booking.com
Accommodation in Gairlochy / Spean Bridge
Achnabobane Farmhouse
Achnabobane Farmhouse is a Victorian Farmhouse built around 1865 at Achnabobane With commanding views of the Nevis Mountain Range and just a few miles from Speak Bridge to the North. Achnabobane Farmhouse Provides an ideal base for Great Glen Way walkers, and offers comfortable fully furbished accommodation with all the expected ameneties. Prices start at £98.00 and rooms can be booked on booking.com
The Great Glen Hostel
The Great Glen Hostel is an independent hostel, suitable for hikers based in South Laggan, a small hamlet 10 miles south of Loch Ness. The hostel provides budget self-catering accommodation with all the facilities you need for your Great Glen Way long distance walk. Rooms are available from £16.00 per person, per night and can be booked direct.
Springburn Farmhouse
Springburn Farmhouse is a quality Bed and Breakfast accommodation just outside of Spean Bridge, with all the amenities expected from a 4 star B&B. It has a large spacious dining room, and immaculate bedrooms and is located close to the Great Glen Way. Rooms are available from £115.00 and can be booked online via Booking.com
Accommodation in Fort Augustus
Morag’s Lodge
Morags lodge offers budget and dog-friendly accommodation in Fort Augustus, located on the Great Glen way. This 4* hostel is an ideal location for walkers on a budget with beds from £25.00 if sleeping in a dorm room. Rooms can be booked direct on their website.
Lorien House Bed and Breakfast
Lorien House, mentioned in the Lonely Planet Travel Guide in 2021, as ‘cut above your usual B&B’, offers a perfect place to enjoy this beautiful part of Scotland. The B&B is winner of the 2021 Trip Advisor Traveller’s Choice Awards which makes them in the top 10% of hotels worldwide. You won’t be disappointed. Rooms available from £78.00 and can be booked direct.
Abbey Cottage Bed & Breakfast
Abbey cottage B&B was built in 1760 and has undergone many alterations and renovations over the years. The B&B has a breakfast room with views of the Caledonian Canal, Meall Dub peak and Fort Augustus. They are close to all the local amenities and the Great Glen Way. You can book direct on their website and rooms start from £88.00.
Accommodation In Invermoriston
The Lochside Hostel
Just few miles down the road from Invermoriston, and on the shores of Loch Ness, you will find the Lochside Hostel. The Hostel offers a pretty good view of Scotlands famous lake, and access to the waters edge. Perfect for a post hike swim. Rooms are available from £55.00 and can be booked on booking.com
Glenmoriston Arms Hotel
If charming country pub is your thing you won’t be disappointed with the Glenmoriston Arm Hotel. This traditional highland hotel, complete with wood burning stove and an outside area for the warmer months is an ideal cozy retreat for your Great Glen Way Accommodation needs.
Craik Na Dav B&B
Craik Na Dav B&B is located directly on the Great Glen Way route, and is situated in a pretty natural woodland with views of Sron Na Muic mountain opposite. Cooked breakfast, wifi and an abundance of local wildlife included (even red squirrels). Rooms available from £72.00 and can be booked via booking.com.
Accommodation in Drumnadrochit
The Loch Ness Inn
The Loch Ness inn is located in Lewison, near the Great Glen Way and 0.7 miles f rom Drumnadrochit. This comfortable, charming inn features a variety of ales from the local Loch Ness Brewery. Perfect after a day on the Great Glen way. Rooms are available from £95.00 and can be booked on booking.com.
Morela Bed and Breakfast
Morlea Bed and Breakfast over look the Drumnadrochit village green, offering comfortable accommodation and all the amenities you expect from a B&B. A selection of breakfasts are available in the morning from Continental to a fully cooked. Rooms are priced from £80.00 and can be booked on booking.com.
Loch Ness Backpackers Lodge 🐾
The Loch Ness Backpackers lodge is an ideal overnight stop for your Great Glen Way walk. The owners will provide a warm welcome, a wood burning stove, well packed bar and a hiking-suitable overnight stay. Wifi throughout and a continental buffet is available for fuelling a day of walking.
Accommodation In Inverness
Inverness Youth Hostel
The Inverness Youth Hostel makes an ideal budget stop for your last stop on the Great Glen Way. The hostel is located a short walk from the city centre and offers a four star Visit Scotland rating. It’s a popular choice for outdoorsy types. Rooms are available from £30.00 and can be booked on Hostelling Scotland.
Ellerslie Bed and Breakfast
Ellerslie offers comfortable, stylish accommodation with a shared lounge area and bathroom. Private parking is available free of charge and rooms are equipped with suitable amenities. Rooms are available from £70.00 and can be booked via Booking.com
Ballifeary Guest House
Ballifeary guest house is an impressive Victorian era property full of character. Its located in a quiet residential area with off street parking and a short walk from the River Ness where many restaurants and other amenities are located. Rooms are available from £84.00 and can be booked via booking.com