Walk the West Highland 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.