Great Glen Way High Route: Drumnadrochit to Fort Augustus

Drumnadrochit to Fort Augustus (21 miles, 2,727 feet climbing):
Climbing for a couple of miles up from Drumnadrochit through the woods; then a quiet single lane tarred road.
Mile 3.7: Follow signs off the road to the right, to Loch Ness Clayworks and Cafe for boozy cakes and drinks. After the cafe, don't return to the road, but part-way to the road follow waymarks and a gate on the right for a narrow path winding up and down through the woods, then more gravel forestry tracks. A few gates to open and close, but no stiles.
Mile 6.8: Choose whether to follow the Low Route or High Route. There's a board describing the sights and route for each option, with distance and elevation for each. Both involve a similar distance and amount of climbing, apparently the Low Route is not as steep or narrow, and doesn't have such big views. We chose the High Route, for the panoramic views. The trail quickly narrowed, getting much steeper. If you're carrying luggage you'll need to push in places, especially up and over a short rock garden.
Mile 7.5: Panoramic viewpoint, and stone shelter. Take care, the 1.5-mile descent is gravel, twisty and steep in places, with rain gullies. We rode part of it, but walked the treacherous sections.
Mile 9.4: There's a hand-made wooden Troll Bridge, apparently inhabited by trolls. More relaxed riding as we climb again through woods and onto open moorland.
Mile 10.2: Great Glen Way circular wood and stone sculpture forms a perfect picture frame for the landscape.
Mile 10.8: We followed the High Route option on the right, with steep steps to carry up. Keep straight ahead to avoid the steps, the two trails join at Mile 11.5 before a fast switchback descent to Invermoriston; watch out for loose gravel on the bends! The path to the Invermoriston Waterfalls is behind the toilets, in the large visitor car park. Take a look at a ruined old bridge that used to cross the river. Head along a quiet lane and then paths climbing through the woods, then undulating forestry tracks with great loch views.
Mile 14.2: We chose to stay Low - High Route trail here was seriously steep, about +700 feet more climbing as our High/Low combination, over the same distance!
Mile 18.5 Beautiful forest trails, with a pine needle carpeted descent to Fort Augustus. Head through town to the Loch Ness viewpoint at the entrance to the Caledonian Canal for a selfie. Then choose from various cafes, a chip shop, and pubs for refreshment. We enjoyed perfectly cooked steak and a kebab at The Moorings.

The Great Glen is a natural feature - a geological fault line between Fort William and Inverness. The area encompasses some of the best known landmarks in Scotland including Ben Nevis, Loch Ness, and Urquhart Castle.
This route is comprised of an amazing variety of trails, mind-blowing views, terrific food and drink! It could be ridden in a day at a fast pace and without luggage, but it's better to take time and enjoy the panoramic views of Loch Ness, Loch Oich, Loch Lochy and the Scottish Highlands.
We rode the route over three days, staying in B&B accommodations. Wild camping is allowed in the Highlands, so you can camp or bivy in the woods along the way.
There are options along the trail to follow the Low Route or the High Route. We followed the High Route options to get above the treeline and have 360-degree views; this is more footpath than cycle trail, and involves some pushing on steep or rough sections - but definitely worth it.
We rode east to west, which is into the prevailing wind, because we thought the route looked better that way and it was easier for us to drive to Inverness than Fort Augustus. We did suffer with headwinds in exposed areas, but still preferred that direction. It would probably be quicker, and easier on the legs, to ride from Fort William to Inverness.
It is hilly! A mountain bike is ideal, but a hybrid or rugged road bike would be ok with high volume, grippy tires and low gears. The High Route paths are steep, narrow and loose-surfaced, but well worth the effort.
Weather here can change quickly, so carry good waterproofs and warm clothes (it rains here regularly, and can be windy). In warm, calm weather there are likely to be problems with midges; they are less of a problem in early Spring and late Autumn.
We enjoyed great food and drink at Abriachan Eco Cafe, Loch Ness Clayworks, Cafe Eighty 2, and The Moorings.
For our trip, we left our car in Inverness and used the 'bike-taxi' from an Inverness-based company 'Ticket to Ride' to carry us and our bikes from Fort William back to Inverness after the ride. Very effective, and well priced. They also offer baggage transfer, if you're prepared to pay to ride lighter.

Inverness to Drumnadrochit (24 miles, 1,956 feet climbing)
Climb for a few miles on steep paths up from River Ness in Inverness to Glen View, for the first high-level views of Inverness and the Scottish Highlands. Continue on singletrack through ancient woods and mossy dry-stone walls, then onto a quiet graveled lane over moorland which is exposed and tough if there's a prevailing headwind.
Mile 12: Turn off the road to Abriachan Eco Cafe for big cakes and strong coffee.
Carry on down the path towards Loch Laide, managed by the Abriachan Woodland Trust.
Mile 13: Follow the boardwalks over moss and water to birdwatching hides by the lake. Continue climbing on forestry tracks through the woods.
Mile 16/17: Amazing views of Loch Ness through the trees. This is a place to savour! Continue on gravel forestry roads and then a switchbacking singletrack descent through the woods, crossing several streams.
Mile 21: Cafe Eighty 2 in Drumnadrochit for homemade soup, toasted sandwiches and a fantastic selection of cakes. Continue two miles on cycle path to Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland's largest castles. Open throughout the year, although opening hours vary; entrance fees charged.