What is the Great Glen Way like for walkers?

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What is the Great Glen Way like for walkers

An Turas Mor is acclaimed as one of Scotland’s “great” cycle routes and a must-ride if you enjoy off-road cycling. The words “An Turas Mor” translate from Scottish Gaelic to mean “the long journey”.

The 354-mile route starts in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, and travels north to Cape Wrath, which is the most north-westerly point of mainland Britain. The route is off-road on a mix of paths, tracks and cycleways.

Distance

354 Miles

Duration

8 Days

Difficulty

Bike Type

Gravel / MTB

Where Does An Turas Mòr Go?

The route begins in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, and heads north through increasingly remote terrain before finishing at Cape Wrath, the most north-westerly point of mainland Britain. The journey is almost entirely off-road, following a mix of historic tracks, forest roads, and mountain passes.

Eight Days to Ride

Eight days is the suggested number to ride the complete An Turas Mòr route. While elite athletes like
Donnie Campbell have completed it in under 34 hours, most people want to take their time.

DayRoute LegStats
01Glasgow → Balquidder Station56mi / 3,635ft
02Balquidder → Loch Ossian59mi / 5,161ft
03Loch Ossian → Fort Augustus48mi / 3,566ft
04Fort Augustus → Struy33mi / 3,504ft
05Struy → Inchbae Lodge35mi / 2,966ft
06Inchbae Lodge → Rosehall39mi / 2,425ft
07Rosehall → Durness55mi / 3,540ft
08Durness → Cape Wrath28mi / 2,184ft

What to expect on An Turas Mor

You could carry all your own kit and wild camp along the route, or use a luggage transfer service to ease the load. Highland Transfers offers bespoke An Turas Mòr cycling bookings.

  • Daily Luggage Transfer
  • Route Planning
  • Local Support
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How to Ride (With or Without Luggage)

You could carry all your own kit and wild camp along the route, or use a luggage transfer service to ease the load. Highland Transfers offers bespoke An Turas Mòr cycling bookings.

What to expect on An Turas Mor

  • The trail is based on existing tracks, cycleways, drovers’ routes, old military routes, hydro roads and forest tracks. It is suitable for mountain bikes and gravel bikes.
  • The trail often feels wild and remote as it passes through stunning mountainous landscapes and via passes between mountains. It is suggested that you should have “intermediate” off-road cycling skills but the trails should not prove too challenging to many riders. 
  • Where it becomes too step or rough, you can enjoy a spot of hiking with your bike (allowing you more time to enjoy the views!). 
  • However, the journey still requires good levels of fitness because it is a long way, day after day. In addition, there is some 56,000ft of ascent to deal with over the eight days. Plus, you should be be prepared for Scotland’s ever-changeable weather. 
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Scenes from the West Highland Way

Cape Wrath Lighthouse

Highland Passes

Remote Tracks

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West Highland Way

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John Muir

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NC500

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Badger Divide

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Great Glen

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Rob Roy

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