



This iconic hiking adventure takes you through Scotland’s most amazing landscapes, combining history, natural beauty, and a sociable environment. With the guidance of expert Mountain Leaders and the convenience of luggage transfers, this trek from Glasgow to Fort William offers an unforgettable way to explore the wilds of the Scottish Highlands.
A detailed version of this itinerary is available in the FAQs below.
Day 1 – Arrival in Glasgow
Meet your guide and fellow participants at the hotel. Enjoy a group meal or casual drinks in the evening.
Day 2 – Milngavie to Drymen (12 miles)
Begin the trail with an easy hike through gorgeous countryside, passing historical and natural landmarks.
Day 3 – Drymen to Rowardennan (15 miles)
Take on the challenging ascent of Conic Hill for beautiful views of Loch Lomond, followed by forest trails to Rowardennan.
Day 4 – Rowardennan to Inverarnan (14 miles)
Explore the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, featuring Rob Roy’s Cave and scenic waterfalls.
Day 5 – Inverarnan to Bridge of Orchy (19 miles)
This demanding day covers varied terrain, including Glen Falloch and the Crianlarich spur, with rewarding views.
Day 6 – Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse (12 miles)
Journey across the remote beauty of Rannoch Moor, descending into Kingshouse.
Day 7 – Kingshouse to Kinlochleven (9 miles)
Climb the Devil’s Staircase for panoramic views, followed by a descent into Kinlochleven.
Day 8 – Kinlochleven to Fort William (15 miles)
Finish your hike through Lairig Mor and Glen Nevis, completing the trail at Fort William.
Day 9 – Departure
After breakfast, return transportation to Glasgow is available.
This adventure begins in Milngavie, a charming town just outside Glasgow, easily accessible by train or car. From here, we journey north into the heart of the Scottish Highlands, traversing iconic landscapes such as Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and the majestic Mamore mountain range.
Each destination along the way, from the serene village of Drymen to the bustling town of Fort William, offers a unique glimpse into Scotland’s rich natural beauty and cultural heritage. With every step, you'll experience amazing views, ancient landmarks, and the raw beauty of one of the UK’s most celebrated long-distance trails.
Your stay includes a mix of carefully selected accommodations, ensuring a comfortable rest each night.
Begin with a hotel in Glasgow, followed by six nights in hostels conveniently located along the trail. The final night is spent in Fort William at a welcoming hotel, B&B, or hostel.
This hike is suitable for those with a moderate level of fitness, as daily distances range from 9 to 19 miles.
While the route can be challenging at times, you’ll only need to carry a day bag as luggage transfers are provided.
We are committed to making outdoor adventures accessible, enjoyable, and safe. With our enthusiasm for the great outdoors, we strive to provide inspiring opportunities to connect with nature and like-minded individuals.
Our fully qualified Mountain Leaders and well-structured itineraries ensure a seamless and memorable trip. Whether you’re seeking personal achievement, friendship, or simply the joy of hiking, we’re here to support your journey every step of the way.
This adventure is rated as moderate difficulty. You should be comfortable walking 9-19 miles a day over varied terrain, including some steep ascents and descents.
We recommend preparing with walks of similar distance or elevation in advance to ensure you can fully enjoy the experience.
While prior hiking experience is not required, it’s helpful to have a good level of fitness and some familiarity with long walks.
The route includes some challenging sections, such as steep climbs and descents, so being physically prepared will enhance your enjoyment of the trek.
Accommodation is a mix of hotels, B&Bs, and hostels along the way. You’ll stay in a hotel in Glasgow on the first night, then in hostels or similar facilities for the next six nights as you progress along the West Highland Way.
The final night is spent in a hotel or B&B in Fort William. All accommodations are comfortable and chosen to provide a restful stop at the end of each day’s hike.
No, you will only need to carry a day bag with essentials such as water, snacks, and personal items.
Your main luggage will be transferred to each accommodation point, so you don’t need to worry about carrying heavy gear during the day.
You'll need to bring appropriate hiking gear, including sturdy walking boots, waterproof clothing, a day pack, and a sleeping bag if required by your accommodation.
A full gear list will be provided upon booking to ensure you're fully prepared.
Day 1 – Arrival in Glasgow (Milngavie)
Check-in begins from 3 pm, with your guide meeting the group at 6 pm. At around 7:30 pm, we will head out for an optional welcome meal at a local restaurant. If you're arriving later, feel free to join us for a drink at the hotel bar. This evening is a chance to meet your fellow hikers, ask any last-minute questions, and get excited for the adventure ahead.
Day 2 – Milngavie to Drymen (12 miles)
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll head to Milngavie, the official start of the West Highland Way. The day begins with a gentle walk through Mugdock Castle and Country Park, followed by open countryside with views of Dumgoyne Hill. As we pass Craigallian Loch, we’ll see a monument commemorating the Craigallian Fire, an important part of Scottish outdoor history. You’ll also have the chance to spot the ancient Dumgoyach Stones, which date back to the pre-Stonehenge period. After passing the Glengoyne Whiskey Distillery, we continue through the village of Gartness, eventually reaching Drymen for the night.
Day 3 – Drymen to Rowardennan (15 miles)
Today’s trek is more challenging, with significant ascents and descents. We begin by climbing gravel paths through open forest, reaching the summit of Conic Hill, where amazing views of Loch Lomond await. The descent takes us through peaceful woodlands, with occasional glimpses of Ben Lomond. From Balmaha, the path follows the shores of Loch Lomond, leading us to Rowardennan for the evening.
Day 4 – Rowardennan to Inverarnan (14 miles)
We continue along the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, passing the lower slopes of Ben Lomond. Around halfway, we stop for lunch by a waterfall near the Inversnaid Hotel. The day includes a mix of ascents, descents, and easy scrambles, all with beautiful scenery. After passing Rob Roy’s Cave, we leave Loch Lomond behind and descend into Glen Falloch, arriving at Inverarnan for the night.
Day 5 – Inverarnan to Bridge of Orchy (19 miles)
Today is the longest and toughest day of the trek. We begin by following the River Falloch through the scenic Glen Falloch, then continue along the old military road, passing Crianlarich. We’ll also pass the famous West Highland Way Railway, featured in Harry Potter as the Hogwarts Express route. The day is a combination of conifer forests, wide pastures, and spectacular views. After covering many miles, we reach the Bridge of Orchy, where a peaceful evening awaits.
Day 6 – Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse (12 miles)
Today’s trek is shorter but still includes a steep climb over the hill to Inverornan, where we can take in the magnificent views we’ve left behind. This section is the most remote and wild of the route, offering stunning landscapes as we traverse Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount, eventually arriving at Kingshouse.
Day 7 – Kingshouse to Kinlochleven (9 miles)
Our shortest day, but with no shortage of challenge. We start with a walk next to the towering Buachaille Etive More, before climbing the Devil’s Staircase. The effort is rewarded with panoramic views stretching to the Mamores mountain range and Ben Nevis. After the climb, we begin our descent into the village of Kinlochleven, where we can visit the beautiful Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall if time allows.
Day 8 – Kinlochleven to Fort William (15 miles)
The final leg of the adventure is here! The day starts with a steep climb through birch woodlands, offering views over Loch Leven. As we continue along the Lairig Mor pass, the dramatic scenery of the Mamore mountains surrounds us. The descent into Glen Nevis brings us to Fort William, where we complete the West Highland Way and can celebrate our accomplishment with a sense of pride and achievement.
Day 9 – Departure
After breakfast, we bid farewell to our fellow hikers. Transportation will be provided to Glasgow for your onward journey to the train station or airport.
About the centre
Milngavie
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