Ancient Scottish beauty married with new app

A new free app has been launched to help travellers through one of Scotland’s most iconic glens.

The Great Glen is a natural geological fault line between Fort William and Inverness that encompasses some of the best known landmarks in Scotland including Ben Nevis, Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle and is a significant tourist attraction.

And now the latest technology is being applied to one of Scotland’s natural wonders, which will enhance the experience for those travelling by boot, boat or bike .

The Great Glen Way route covers 79 miles (126 km) from Fort William to Inverness and covers local roads, towpaths and forestry tracks.

Cllr Allan Henderson (left) and Bruce Kocjan-Briggs, the Highland Council’s Great Glen Way long distance routes officer

It takes five to six days to walk the whole route in one go, but it can also be done in sections over a longer period of time. Equally, parts of the route make lovely short walks, amongst stunning scenery, and will take you to some less frequented parts of the Glen.

For those looking for advice and guidance while planning their trip along the Great Glen Way the app has something for everyone, as well as a wealth of information and top practical tips including local businesses and accommodation details, there are plenty tales from nature and history to accompany travellers as they make their way along the route, making it also an ideal souvenir.

Although mainly aimed at walkers and cyclists, it also includes links and basic information about the canoe trail as well.

Chair of the Highland Council’s environment, development and infrastructure committee, Councillor Allan Henderson joined the council’s Great Glen Way long distance routes officer Bruce Kocjan-Briggs to get a demonstration of the new app in the hills surrounding Invermoriston.

He said: ‘With interactive maps and live links, to extensive business and accommodation listings covering canoe hire to taxi services, as well as advice for all types of Wayfarer, the app has been designed to help you get the best out of your journey along the Great Glen Way.

The Great Glen Way route covers 79 miles

‘I’m sure it will help attract more visitors to the area and also encourage anyone living in the surrounding communities to enjoy sections of the route they may not have yet explored.

‘With 79 miles of path, track, canal and loch to discover, whether you completed the route from coast to coast, or sampled it in bite-sized chunks, the new app will help you have an unforgettable experience.’

Chris Taylor, VisitScotland leadership director, agreed: ‘I think this new app is a fantastic idea and is a real one-stop-shop for helping visitors – and indeed locals – to enjoy even more of what this beautiful area has to offer.

‘The Great Glen packs a lot of attractions into its mighty length. You can walk or cycle the Great Glen Way, paddle the Great Glen Canoe Trail – the first of its kind in Scotland – and marvel at the engineering of the Caledonian Canal as well as enjoying the rugged scenery.

‘Innovative ideas like this really help attract visitors to the area and in turn, boost the visitor economy. Tourism is more than a holiday experience. It is integral to sustaining communities across Scotland by generating income, creating jobs and stimulating social change.’

The free GGW app is now available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.