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    | Hiking the West Highland Way.

    Wilderness Walking

    The West Highland Way

    317 reviews


    Deposit From: £694£694
    Region: Multi-Location
    Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
    Confirmed: When 2 Travellers Book

    Next Departure: 9th - 16th Apr 2025
    Accommodation: Classic

    Grading:

    Carbon Footprint: 130kg ? What does this mean?
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    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

      From: £2,695 View Prices & Dates

      Trip Overview

      Created by: Stevie Christie


      The West Highland Way is one of the world’s best walks; it’s a classic long distance trek, covering a distance of 154 km/96 miles from Milngavie on the outskirts of Glasgow to Fort William in the Highlands.

      The magic of walking in Scotland can be distilled into this long distance walking route. The sense of challenge, purpose, and camaraderie envelope this love letter to long distance hiking.

      Joining our West Highland Way guided walking holiday allows one to appreciate the stunning scenery fully, learn about the area’s history and legends, and identify the flora and fauna along the route. The route travels along the ‘bonnie banks’ of Loch Lomond, across the atmospheric Rannoch Moor, past dramatic Glencoe, and over the high pass of the Devil’s Staircase, before finishing in Fort William, at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

      We provide baggage transfer, so each evening, we’ll arrive at our hand-picked accommodation, where our luggage will be waiting for us, allowing us to travel light. All we’ll need to think about on this classic itinerary is putting one foot in front of the other and immersing ourselves in the spectacular scenery of one of the world’s greatest long distance treks. We can do it faster but prefer to slow things down and appreciate this iconic walking trail over seven days. The maximum group size for this hike is 16. If there are more than 10 then there will be two guides.

      In addition to this guided walking holiday, we also offer a self guided package which may provide you with more flexibility.

      Marker Icon

      Day by Day
      Itinerary

      Day 1 – Begin the West Highland Way Route Read Less

      Day 1

      Begin the West Highland Way Route

      This morning we’ll meet at Glasgow Queen Street Station at 8.15am. Take a short train journey north to Milngavie, where we’ll drop off our bags, and then start our West Highland Way adventure. Although starting close to Glasgow, we’re quickly walking through open countryside. This part of the journey follows what was an important route in pre-industrial times and your guide will help you spot some standing stones from the late Stone Age. Arrive at the accommodation tonight in time to settle in before enjoying a welcome dinner—and possibly a dram of the local Glengoyne whisky too.

      Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 19 km / 12 miles | 210 m / 689 ft | Approx: 6 hrs

      Day 2 – Walking to Loch Lomond Read Less

      Day 2

      Walking to Loch Lomond

      After a hearty breakfast, we set off to explore the majestic Loch Lomond, starting in Drymen and winding through the enchanting Garadhban Forest. Leaving the forest, we detour to conquer Conic Hill, where the 361 m/1184 ft peak rewards us with breathtaking views over Loch Lomond. Reaching the eastern banks of Loch Lomond at Balmaha, we follow the shore through forest until reaching the tranquil setting of Rowardennan, which is nestled at the foot of Ben Lomond.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 24 km / 15 miles | 430 m / 1,411 ft | Approx: 6 hrs

      Day 3 – The Wild Shoreline of Loch Lomond Read Less

      Day 3

      The Wild Shoreline of Loch Lomond

      Starting with views of Ben Lomond—which translates as Beacon Hill—is a challenging stage that promises an inspiring adventure. The varied terrain and breathtaking scenery make every step rewarding, even as rougher paths slow our pace, immersing us in the wild beauty of the landscape. The thrill of navigating this rugged country is unmatched, with each turn revealing more of nature’s beauty. The trail improves towards the end of the day, leading us towards our next destination, the quaint and picturesque settlement of Invernarnan, offering a perfect end to an adventurous day.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 23 km / 14 miles | 475 m / 1,558 ft | Approx: 7 hrs

      Day 4 – Glen Falloch and Strath Fillan Read Less

      Day 4

      Glen Falloch and Strath Fillan

      Deep in Highlands now, our day begins with a scenic walk through Glen Falloch before we turn northwards into Strath Fillan. The landscape becomes increasingly wilder, and your guide will highlight some of the hardier plants native to this area, sharing fascinating stories of how clansmen and women used them in the past. As we approach Tyndrum, we are treated to wonderful views of Ben Lui rising up in the west as we reach our accommodation. You’ll have a free night to explore and choose a dining spot that suits your taste.

      Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
      Walk Details: 22 km / 14 miles | 475 m / 1,558 ft | Approx: 7 hrs

      Day 5 – North to Glencoe Read Less

      Day 5

      North to Glencoe

      This fantastic day begins with a climb out of Tyndrum, with the trail running next to the West Highland Railway line. At the top of a pass, the sweeping flanks of Ben Dorain dominate the view. Continuing north, we reach the tiny settlement of Bridge of Orchy and then Inveroran, which makes a good lunch stop. The shapely peaks of the Black Mount now lie to the west while the wilds of Rannoch Moor stretch into the distance in front of you. Following the trail across this wild moor, we eventually reach Glencoe and our accommodation. Reward yourself with a drink from the bar, while enjoying the amazing views of Buachaille Etive Mòr.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 30 km / 19 miles | 644 m / 2,113 ft | Approx: 9 hrs

      Day 6 – The Devil's Staircase Read Less

      Day 6

      The Devil's Staircase

      This is a shorter day but with the biggest ascent of the route. Leaving the Kingshouse, we walk into Glencoe then climb the trail known as the ‘Devil’s Staircase’. It is steep with some switchbacks but very steady going with a constant gradient all the way. At the top of the pass at 547 m/1795 ft, we are rewarded with wonderful views of Glencoe and Loch Leven. Your guide will able to point out the individual peaks in this sea of mountains you are looking at, and perhaps tell the tale of The Massacre of Glencoe. Descending into the next valley, we follow a good trail to our next stop, the small village of Kinlochleven.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 14 km / 9 miles | 430 m / 1,411 ft | Approx: 6 hrs

      Day 7 – Trail's End Read Less

      Day 7

      Trail's End

      The day begins with a steep climb and a brisk wake-up call after breakfast. We ascend to a pass at 274 m/899 ft, where we are treated to sweeping views of Ben Nevis—the highest mountain in Scotland. With the hardest part of the day behind us, we stroll past old sheilings (historic summer dwellings for shepherds) while taking in the serene views over Lochan Lunn Da-Bhra. Your guide may share the story of the mythical bull that makes this area home and terrorises the crofter’s cattle. The trail then descends into the beautiful Glen Nevis, leading us to Fort William, where we finally finish the West Highland Way hiking tour. After checking into our accommodation and freshening up, we’ll celebrate with well-deserved drinks and dinner.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 22 km / 14 miles | 475 m / 1,558 ft | Approx: 7 hrs

      Day 8 – Fort William and depart Read Less

      Day 8

      Fort William and depart

      This morning you are free to depart the guest house whenever you like—most people will take the scenic West Highland Railway back to Glasgow, which has several departures daily. On the way back to Glasgow you can look out for some familiar sights and reflect on a truly fantastic adventure.

      Meals Included: Breakfast

      X
      Wilderness Walking
      The West Highland Way

      To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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      Trip Dates & Prices

      All payments taken in local currency GBP

      Trip Dates for 2025AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
      9th Apr - 16th Apr 202513 place(s) leftGuaranteed £2,695Book Now
      16th Apr - 23rd Apr 202516 place(s) leftAvailable £2,695Book Now
      23rd Apr - 30th Apr 202513 place(s) leftGuaranteed £2,695Book Now
      30th Apr - 7th May 202514 place(s) leftGuaranteed £2,695Book Now
      21st May - 28th May 2025Trip FullFULLY BOOKED £2,695
      4th Jun - 11th Jun 202511 place(s) leftGuaranteed £2,695Book Now
      2nd Jul - 9th Jul 202511 place(s) leftGuaranteed £2,695Book Now
      11th Jul - 18th Jul 202516 place(s) leftAvailable £2,695Book Now
      16th Jul - 23rd Jul 202516 place(s) leftAvailable £2,695Book Now
      23rd Jul - 30th Jul 202516 place(s) leftAvailable £2,695Book Now
      30th Jul - 6th Aug 202515 place(s) leftAvailable £2,695Book Now
      8th Aug - 15th Aug 202516 place(s) leftAvailable £2,695Book Now
      13th Aug - 20th Aug 202512 place(s) leftGuaranteed £2,695Book Now
      27th Aug - 3rd Sep 202514 place(s) leftGuaranteed £2,695Book Now
      5th Sep - 12th Sep 202514 place(s) leftGuaranteed £2,695Book Now
      10th Sep - 17th Sep 202516 place(s) leftAvailable £2,695Book Now
      24th Sep - 1st Oct 202516 place(s) leftAvailable £2,695Book Now

      Make This Trip Private

      Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your preferred departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

      Enquire Now
      X
      Wilderness Walking
      The West Highland Way

      For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

      Trip Details

      Accommodation Read More

      This is a point-to-point itinerary where we walk to a new accommodation each day. The accommodation on this trip is graded as Classic, and we handpick the best available along the route, which ranges from small guesthouses and Highland inns to small hotels and bed and breakfast establishments.

      As accommodation is in short supply on this route, please note that some establishments will be better than others.

      Our accommodation partners are carefully chosen according to several factors—charming locations, very good facilities, and a reputation for providing Highland hospitality.

      Wherever available, we will reserve en-suite rooms for you. Please note, however, that this is not always possible on the West Highland Way due to the limited accommodation options, so on some nights, you will have private facilities instead.

      Single Rooms

      There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of £495 is charged.

      Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

      Meals Read More

      Breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the trip are provided each day. Dinner is provided every night except on Day 4 when you have a free evening and can dine wherever you choose.

      All meals are included in the price of this holiday, with the exception of dinner on Day 4. Local pubs and restaurants offer a wide choice of local dishes. Included dinners are two courses as standard.

      On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group. However, if you would like to make alternative arrangements, you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip when they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and help you make any necessary reservations.

      Inclusions Read More
      • Seven nights accommodation in carefully selected guest houses and small hotels.
      • All meals during the trip as indicated in the itinerary – with the exception of dinner on Day 4.
      • Luggage transfer for 1 bag per person (strict weight limit of 20kg) for the duration of the trip, meaning you will only have to carry a day rucksack while walking.
      • The services of an experienced and knowledgeable guide throughout.
      • Train tickets from Glasgow Queen Street to Milngavie.
      Grading Read More

      Blue Graded 4-6

      Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. We walk at a good pace, and you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will not always be on a path and the terrain underfoot can be rough and boggy, including boulder fields and mountain tops. Some of the daily walks will involve a mountain ascent of over 900 m/3000 ft high. Daily distances will be typically up to 16 km/10 miles but may be longer occasionally. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

      Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

      You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide at Glasgow Queen Street Railway Station underneath the main departure and arrival board at 8.15am on Day 1 of your trip.

      Please note that Glasgow Queen Street is a different railway station from Glasgow Central, and it takes around 15 mins to walk between the two.

      On your final morning, you are free to depart the guest house whenever you like. Most people will take the scenic West Highland Railway back to Glasgow, which has several departures daily.

      Speak to an Expert

      Bridget Brown

      Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Scotland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

      Ask Bridget a Question

      Difficulty Grades Explained

      Blue Graded 4-6

      Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. We walk at a good pace, and you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will not always be on a path and the terrain underfoot can be rough and boggy, including boulder fields and mountain tops. Some of the daily walks will involve a mountain ascent of over 900 m/3000 ft high. Daily distances will be typically up to 16 km/10 miles but may be longer occasionally. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

      Find Out More

      Trip Reviews

      Rated 4.91 out of 5 based on 317 review(s) of The West Highland Way

       

      Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.

      That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.

      FL

      France Lafontaine

      Reviewed on 09/10/2024

      Age: 60 - 70
      Country: Canada
      Trip Date: 02/09/2024
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      NG

      Nancy Gribler

      Reviewed on 03/10/2024

      Age: 60 - 70
      Country: United States
      Trip Date: 02/09/2024
      Trips Taken: 2

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      I'm so glad I came on the Wilderness Scotland trip.

      KZ

      Kenneth Zabel

      Reviewed on 30/09/2024

      Age: 60 - 70
      Country: United States
      Trip Date: 16/09/2024
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

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