- Take on the challenge of Scotland’s most famous and one of the world’s greatest long distance trails – the West Highland Way.
- Immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery as you walk through the beautiful landscapes of Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor and Glencoe.
- With the knowledge and experience of an expert guide, learn about the area’s history and legends, as well as the flora and fauna along the route.
- 7 nights accommodation in carefully selected guest houses and small hotels.
- Most meals during the trip (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- Luggage transfer for 1 bag per person 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.
Blue Graded Walking Holidays
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 3000ft / 900m high. Daily distances will be typically up to 16km but may be longer occasionally. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.
18th Jun - 25th Jun 2018
Tim Willis
Chocolate-mad Tim is also a risk around Weetabix. Read his guide bio here.16th Jul - 23rd Jul 2018
Alan Wright
Meet Alan, avid nature expert and worldwide trekker.13th Aug - 20th Aug 2018
Andrew Bisset
The West Highland Way is a classic long distance trek, covering over 95 miles (150km) from Milngavie on the outskirts of Glasgow to Fort William in the Highlands. Joining a West Highland Way guided walking holiday allows you to fully appreciate the stunning scenery, learn about the area’s history and legends, as well as identifying the flora […]3rd Sep - 10th Sep 2018
Alastair Goodridge
The West Highland Way is a classic long distance trek, covering over 95 miles (150km) from Milngavie on the outskirts of Glasgow to Fort William in the Highlands. Joining a West Highland Way guided walking holiday allows you to fully appreciate the stunning scenery, learn about the area’s history and legends, as well as identifying the flora […]ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
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 accommodation along the route, which ranges from small guesthouses, Highland inns, small hotels and bed and breakfast establishments.
As accommodation is in short supply on this route however, please note that some establishments will be better than others.
Our accommodation partners are carefully chosen according to a number of factors – charming locations, very good facilities and a reputation for providing Highland hospitality. Wherever available, we will reserve en suite rooms for you however on this trip it is not always possible.
Breakfast is provided each morning, as well as lunch and snacks throughout the trip. Dinner is provided on the first and last night.
Most meals are included in the price of this holiday. Local pubs and restaurants offer a wide choice of local dishes, and by not including the cost of all meals in the holiday price, you will have the opportunity to sample the full range of their delicious menus as you wish.
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. It may be possible to book a single room, provided one is available. Please request this at the time of booking and we will let you know if one is available. If a single room is required the supplement is £225 per person.
Wherever available, we will reserve en suite rooms for you. Please note however that on the West Highland Way this is not always possible due to the limited accommodation options, so on some nights you will have private facilities instead.
Customer Kudos
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.
by Maydelis Torres 21/04/2018
Pre-Trip Service
This is a fabulous trip. Accommodations were great. Alister was fricking amazing. His information on history and frankly everything else was stellar. A skilled guide who also knows where he is in history and physical descriptions of what the area was was as much a part of the trip for me as the hike. My buds on the trip were a blast. I was belly laugh8ng for most of the trip. Alister balanced a trip of all strong women who were not shy. God bless him I am coming back for another trip!
Trip Comments
Loved the gals in office as I was coming from states and the guidance for travel was the best I have had from an adventure company thank you Bridget
Trip highlights. I think this trip was perfect because it was a small group. Made it pure joy and I think made it easier as we stopped frequently to take photos and just really enjoy and speak to fellow hikers. Conic hill the fault and the crazy approach and wind was a surprise treat.
Accommodation and Food
Only one place that had no hot water was an issue alll other accommodations were great
Your Guide
Already commented. Loved Alister and would seek out a trip with him again. He does not over guide and true to control group. He gets his job done but let’s everyone enjoy everything. And his stories and experiences were so memorizing. I am so glad he was willing to share
The Bottom Line
Don’t hesitate book this trip. You will have an awesome lift experience
by Zada Ghanayem 19/04/2018
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
Accommodation and Food
Your Guide
My trip was guided by Alastair Goodridge. He's informative and very knowledgeable about the history and legends of the area. He explained a lot about the diverse flora and fauna that I’d miss if I opted to do the way unguided. He is very professional, flexible, conscientious, and calm!
The Bottom Line
by Melia Rabadi 19/04/2018
Pre-Trip Service
The initial brief received and the trip dossier were super clear, all the questions I asked were answered promptly and the recommendations I was looking for were received in a clear way... The special dietary requirements that I had were understood and met perfectly..
Trip Comments
The sceneries, the nature, the people we met on the way, the information our guide provided, the accommodations except for the one in Tyndrum, the food and the overall experience was super...
Accommodation and Food
All the places we stayed at were amazing, starting from Drymen all the way till the Magnificent Kinlochleven and Fort William, except for the Tyndrum Inn which wasn't a good lodge, no hot water was there to shower, no WiFi in the rooms and to get to the rooms was like walking in a maze, the food at the bar was amazing though ... The rest were super super amazing...
Your Guide
Alisster was chilled, patient, didn't rush us and stress us around... He was caring and left us on our own pace as we were a small group... Kept checking on everyone, and provided loads of information about nature, vegetation, animals, history and answered all the questions we had in mind... Also he helped me in managing my meals according to my dietary needs... Super calm and polite...
The Bottom Line
My overall experience is indeed unforgettable and unbelievable, I enjoyed every day with its uniqueness and challanges... Having to cross 155 km/96 miles in 7 days wasn't a piece of cake still it was an amazing accomplishment... The way the trail is constructed and clearly marked was wonderful... Whether u r planning to self guide ur trip or join a guided group both would be an unforgettable experience, the people u meet on the way, the Scottish people and thier kindness is wonderful...
TEAM WILDERNESS RESPONSE:
I am sorry there wasn’t hot water in your room, we’ll follow up with the hotel to make sure that doesn’t happen again. Unfortunately, WIFI can be spotty in the Highlands and sometimes the thick walls in old buildings means that it is only available in public areas. It sounds like you had a great time on the trip and what a wonderful achievement to hike the whole way!
by Patricia Gallagher 07/10/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Documents attached to email describing gear, etc. disappear 30 days after being sent. Had to request in another email. This is inconvenient for your staff and me. I didn't notice being forewarned?
Trip Comments
Nice group of hikers, accommodations, food, hike and guide.
Accommodation and Food
Food and accommodations were both great
Your Guide
Dave did great job of accommodating different hiking speeds. Three different speeds in general. Pleasant, easy personality!
The Bottom Line
Great experience. Beautiful scenery. Would love to do another similar walk. Hiking was challenging but not from altitude changes, climbing or descending. It was length of time on feet that made it challenging.
by Elizabeth Farrow 06/10/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Prompt response to queries. Friendly and helpful.
Trip Comments
Accommodation and Food
Excellent apart from the B and B at Kinlocheven. The host was in the wrong job! He didn't seem to like people at all.
Your Guide
Dave made the trip for me. So friendly, knowledgeable, dependable and a great sense of humour.
The Bottom Line
I was thrilled with it all. Met some great people. Brilliantly organised. All I had to do was walk!
by Andrew McDouall 05/10/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
WHW -Great walk. Excellent Guide.
Accommodation and Food
Packed lunches -boring
Your Guide
Management of diverse group,excellent.
The Bottom Line
Great service!
by Carolyn Hartley 05/10/2017
Pre-Trip Service
I thought I might be contacted a few days before the trip to make sure I had everything I needed and was in fact still going! Just a courtesy call. I realise once I had booked and paid your job was done!
Trip Comments
Accommodation and Food
I think the accommodation was great considering what we were doing!
Your Guide
David was an excellent guide. There were a few from around the world! He was very patient with the slow ones, one of which was myself! I just wanted to enjoy the walk and not rush!
The Bottom Line
I think I would definitely choose to have single occupancy if you are travelling alone. It was a bonus to have bags transported from a 2 b and once on the trip everything is organised so you can relax and enjoy the experience.
by Eliza Valtos 05/10/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Guide was very adept in managing the group. His verbal instructions were clear and concise, aided by visual aids like maps and hand written instructions (which we photographed with our phones).
Trip Comments
Accommodation and Food
Your Guide
The Bottom Line
I was very happy and satisfied with the service of Wilderness Scotland .
by Raymond DeConto 28/09/2017
Pre-Trip Service
This was my first hiking / walking vacation. I enjoyed the whole experience. While there was nothing to improve from the Wilderness Scotland perspective, two of the B&Bs, Bienglass Farm and Edencoille need to improve on interfacing with clients. At Bienglass Farm they poorly documented my daughter's reservation and then blamed her. Later they brought her key for her room to my room. At Endecoille, they would not allow walkers into the B&B without our leader.
Trip Comments
I enjoyed meeting Andy. A native of Worcester England. It was enlightening to here about Great Britain through his perspective. Relative to views, the highlight of the trip of the view of Lock Lomond from the top of the hill where we ate lunch on the second day of the trip.
Accommodation and Food
I enjoyed trying blood pudding and haggis. The packed lunches were good and I liked the little treats packed with the lunches. I didn't realize that the UK has different Kitkat flavors compared with the US. There was no water pressure in the shower at Bienglas Farm.
Your Guide
Dave was patient and knowledgeable. He did an admiral job of herding the 'cats' and always did it with a smile. When asked a question, if he did not know something off the top of his head, then he researched the question and provided an answer. Dave was a delight.
The Bottom Line
Excellent. One of the most enjoyable vacations that I have ever taken.
by Jessica DeConto 28/09/2017
Pre-Trip Service
So, the web experience was poor because when I tried to book my trip online the portal was down. So I contacted your team, and they were amazing, super helpful and booked my trip for me. It was a delight to work with them.
Trip Comments
I loved the trekking. Our guide Dave was fantastic. The inns were nice. Food was good. And my luggage never got lost.
Accommodation and Food
Delish.
Your Guide
Dave was fantastic! He knew a ton about the geography and history of the West Highland Way. I had total confidence in his ability to navigate and keep us safe.
The Bottom Line
I can't wait to travel again with WS!
Prices and Departures
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2018 Trip Dates
Trip Details
The West Highland Way is a classic long distance trek, covering over 95 miles (150km) from Milngavie on the outskirts of Glasgow to Fort William in the Highlands.
Joining a West Highland Way guided walking holiday allows you to fully appreciate the stunning scenery, learn about the area’s history and legends, as well as identifying 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. Each evening you’ll arrive at our hand-picked accommodation where your luggage will be waiting for you, allowing you to travel light. All you’ll need to think about on this classic trek is putting one foot in front of the other and immersing yourself in the spectacular scenery of one of the world’s greatest long distance treks. You can do it faster but we prefer to slow things down and appreciate the West Highland Way over 7 days.
Tour Itinerary – The West Highland Way
Day 1 – The Journey Begins: West Highland Way Start
Today you’ll meet your guide at Glasgow Queen Street Station at 8:30am. You’ll take a short train journey to the West Highland Way start at Milngavie, where we’ll drop off our bags, and then we start walking the West Highland Way! Although starting out close to Glasgow you are quickly walking through wild land. This part of the journey follows what was an important route in prehistoric times and your guide will help you spot some standing stones from the late Stone Age. We’ll arrive at the accommodation tonight in time to settle in before enjoying a welcome dinner – and possibly a dram of the local Glengoyne whisky as a way to toast the start of the trip. (L, D)
Distance 19km
Day 2 – Walking to Loch Lomond
The trail leaves Drymen and passes through Garadhban Forest. Leaving the forest, we’ll take a detour to climb Conic Hill – though just 361m high, it offers fantastic views over Loch Lomond. This area is resplendent with yellow gorse and there is a rich variety of bird life that your guide will be able to help you identify. Reaching the eastern banks of Loch Lomond at Balmaha, we follow the shore through forest until you reach the tranquil setting of Rowardennan, which is nestled at the foot of Ben Lomond. (B, L)
Distance 21km
Day 3 – The Wild Shoreline of Loch Lomond
Starting out with views of Ben Lomond – which translates as Beacon Hill – this is a challenging stage but the combination of differing terrain, scenery and views make it very rewarding. This was an area frequented by Rob Roy McGregor and as you walk in his footsteps, your guide can keep you entertained with stories of his frequent mischief! Rougher terrain means that the going is slower but it’s wonderful to be in such wild country. The trail improves towards the end of the day as we near our next destination, the tiny settlement of Invernarnan. (B, L)
Distance 23km
Day 4 – Into Strathfillan
We’re in the Highlands now and today we pass the halfway point of the West Highland Way, where the mountains seem to stretch all the way to the sky. Indeed, the local mountains are known as the ‘Arrochar Alps’. Our day begins with a walk through Glen Falloch before we turn northwards into Strath Fillan. The landscape gets wilder and your guide will point out the some of the hardier plants that grow in this area and talk about how they were used by the clansmen and women in the past. As we approach Tyndrum, we are rewarded with wonderful views of Ben Lui rising up in the west. (B, L)
Distance 22km
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. A short detour will take us to a carved stone seat said to contain the sword of Robert the Bruce. 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 stretches into the distance in front of you. Following the trail across this wild moor, we eventually reach Glencoe and our accommodation at the historic Kingshouse Hotel. A long but memorable day of trekking! Reward yourself with a drink from the bar, while enjoying the amazing views of Buachaille Etive Mor. (B, L)
Distance 30km
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 no scrambling is involved. At the top of the pass at 547m, 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. (B, L)
Distance 14km
Day 7 – Trail’s End
The day starts with a steep climb to wake us up after breakfast! We cross a pass at 274m, taking in views across to Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in Scotland. After crossing the pass, the hard work of the day is done and we walk past old sheilings (summer dwellings for shepherds) with views over Lochan Lunn Da-Bhr. 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 beautiful Glen Nevis and then into Fort William itself – we’ve done it and completed the iconic 95 mile West Highland Way! After checking into our accommodation and freshening up, we’ll celebrate with drinks and dinner – we deserve it! (B, L, D)
Distance 22km
Day 8 – Fort William and depart
After a leisurely breakfast, your free to make your way home at a suitable time – most people will take the scenic West Highland Railway back to Glasgow, which has several departures daily. (B)
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