Walking the Great Glen Way: A Journey of Endurance, Joy, and Deep Reflection
The Trail
From May 18 to May 27, 2025, I hiked the Great Glen Way, a long-distance trail that stretches 79 miles across the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, starting in Fort William and ending in Inverness. Over seven days, I experienced terrain that varied from flat towpaths and quiet country roads to steep inclines and forested trails. I walked through sunshine and rain, over gravel and stone, past lochs and into towns steeped in history. And I walked all of it—with intention, presence, and joy.
This wasn’t just a vacation. It was a physical and emotional journey I had been preparing for over the past year—training on the Batona Trail in New Jersey, building endurance at Orangetheory, and spending countless hours learning how to move my body with purpose and care. The result? Seven full days of hiking, 79 trail miles completed, and a total of 140 miles walked during the entire trip.
Rest, Reflection, and More Adventure
Before the trail even began, we spent time in Edinburgh, then took the train to Stirling, staying across from the castle. One highlight was visiting Doune Castle, used in filming Outlander, Game of Thrones, and Monty Python. From there, we made our way to Fort William to begin the hike.
Rest Day 1 was an extra day in Fort Augustus. We took a Loch Ness cruise, explored local shops, and ate delicious meals (we also tried to find Nessie, but no luck!).
We had two rest days in Drumnadrochit, where we visited Urquhart Castle, went on another Loch Ness cruise, and explored the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition. We chatted with locals, ate at the only restaurant for four days, and discovered a pop-up market full of handmade crafts and local goods.
After finishing our hike, we headed to Inverness for the night, then took a breathtaking tour to the Isle of Skye. The landscape felt like something out of a dream. We wandered along the Fairy Pools during a rainstorm—normally crystal-clear on a sunny day, but for us, they had turned into rushing rapids, powerful and awe-inspiring in a different way. We watched waterfalls cascade from towering cliffs and stood in awe at the dramatic views of Cuillin Ridge. Along the way, we spotted Highland cows, flocks of sheep grazing freely, and passed historic castles that looked as if they were plucked from the pages of folklore. We stayed overnight in Portree, the island’s colorful harbor town, which offered stunning views and peaceful stillness. From Skye, we returned to Inverness and then made our way to Edinburgh to fly home on May 30.
Final Thoughts
I wrote this blog a week after returning home, and my heart is still rooted in Scotland. I hope that by the time this is read—weeks from the day I returned—this same calm, spacious, and reflective energy will still be with me.
There’s a stillness in my mind I haven’t felt in a long time. I’m not overbooking my life. I’m intentionally letting go of what no longer serves me. I’m setting boundaries rooted in self-care. I’ve started telling myself that it’s okay not to get everything done. And you know what? That feels like a major accomplishment in itself.
This trip reminded me of the beauty of slow travel, the power of nature to regulate the nervous system, and the clarity that comes when we move our bodies intentionally in the outdoors. This is exactly the vision I hold for my work—helping others reconnect with themselves through movement, nature, reflection, and presence.
My Walk & Talk sessions and nature-based therapy offerings are deeply inspired by experiences like this one. They’re for those seeking peace, purpose, or just space to breathe. You don’t need to hike 79 miles to feel a shift—you simply need to be willing to show up for yourself in a different way.
A Gentle Call to Reflect
If you’ve ever felt the need to get away, slow down, or reconnect with your deeper self… what would that look like for you? Could it be a walk in your neighborhood? A solo trip into the woods? Five minutes of mindful breathing in your backyard?
How do you want your next season to feel?
Where do you need to listen to your body more?
What would it mean for you to go at your own pace?
If these questions stir something within you, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s talk about how movement, reflection, and mindful connection to nature might support you on your journey.
You can explore Walk & Talk Therapy or reach out for a free consultation. This work is about finding your pace, creating space, and honoring the parts of you that are ready to grow.
Thank you for being a part of this story. I hope it inspires your own.
Follow me on Instagram to watch videos and behind-the-scenes moments from my Great Glen Way trek and beyond.
DAY 2: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKkLVlRIWKi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 3: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKmwHWhOLUa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 4: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKpU6X-uaPO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 5: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKr5uIru8Jg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 6: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKuejMTuKZ5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
DAY 7: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKxDTgUuiWH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==