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    Wilderness Walking

    The West Highland Way

    258 reviews

    Next Trip: 15th - 22nd Apr 2024 Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

    From: £2,595 View Prices & Dates

    Travel Planning & Advice

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    Trip created by Stevie Christie
    View Stevie's Profile

    Region: Multi-Location
    Trip Type: Wilderness Walking
    Accommodation: Classic
    Max Group Size: 16
    Confirmed: When 2 Travellers Book
    Deposit From: £668

    Grading:

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    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    Download Itinerary

    The West Highland Way is one of the World’s best walks, it’s a classic long-distance trek, covering a distance of 95 miles (152km) 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. It’s the sense of challenge, purpose and camaraderie that envelope this love letter to long-distance hiking. 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. We provide baggage transfer, so 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 itinerary 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 this iconic walking trail over 7 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.

    Trip Highlights

    • Take on the challenge of Scotland's most famous and one of the world's greatest long distance trails.
    • 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.

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Day 1 – Begin the West Highland Way Route

    Today you’ll meet your guide at Glasgow Queen Street Station at 8.15am. We’ll take a short train journey to Milngavie, where we’ll drop off our bags, and then we start our West Highland Way tour! Although starting close to Glasgow, you are 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. 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 too. (L, D)

    Walk details: 19 km/ 12 miles | approx. 6 hours | 210m/690ft ascent

    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.  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, D)

    Walk details: 24km/ 15 miles | approx. 6 hours 430m/1,410ft ascent

    Day 3 – The Wild Shoreline of Loch Lomond

    Starting out with views of Ben Lomond – which translates as Beacon Hill – is a challenging stage, but the combination of varied terrain, scenery and views makes it very rewarding. 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, D)

    Walk details: 23km/ 14 miles | approx. 7 hours 475m/1,560ft ascent

    Day 4 – Into Strathfillan

    We’re in the Highlands now, and 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 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 as we reach our accommodation. Tonight is a free night, so you can choose where you would like to have dinner. (B, L)

    Walk details: 22km/ 13 miles | approx. 7 hours 475m/1,560ft ascent

    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 stretches 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 Mor. (B, L, D)

    Walk details: 30km/ 19 miles | approx. 9 hours | 644m/2,110ft ascent

    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 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, D)

    Walk details: 14km/ 9 miles | approx. 5-6 hours 430m/1,410ft ascent

    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 where we finally reach the finish of the West Highland Way hiking tour – we’ve done it! After checking into our accommodation and freshening up, we’ll celebrate with drinks and dinner. (B, L, D)

    Walk details: 22km/ 13 miles | approx. 7 hours | 475m/1,560ft ascent

    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. (B)

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    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 2024AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
    15th Apr - 22nd Apr 20245 places leftGuaranteed £2,595Book Now
    29th Apr - 6th May 2024Trip FullGuaranteed £2,595
    6th May - 13th May 20242 places leftGuaranteed £2,695Book Now
    13th May - 20th May 20245 places leftGuaranteed £2,695Book Now
    20th May - 27th May 2024Trip FullFULLY BOOKED £2,695
    27th May - 3rd Jun 20241 place leftGuaranteed £2,695Book Now
    3rd Jun - 10th Jun 20242 places leftGuaranteed £2,695Book Now
    10th Jun - 17th Jun 2024 Women only departure7 places leftGuaranteed £2,695Book Now
    24th Jun - 1st Jul 202411 places leftGuaranteed £2,695Book Now
    8th Jul - 15th Jul 202412 places leftGuaranteed £2,695Book Now
    5th Aug - 12th Aug 20246 places leftGuaranteed £2,695Book Now
    26th Aug - 2nd Sep 20246 places leftGuaranteed £2,695Book Now
    2nd Sep - 9th Sep 20247 places leftGuaranteed £2,695Book Now
    9th Sep - 16th Sep 2024 Women only departure4 places leftGuaranteed £2,695Book Now
    16th Sep - 23rd Sep 202410 places leftGuaranteed £2,695Book Now

    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 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.

    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.

    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 is provided each morning, as well as lunch and snacks throughout the trip. Dinner is provided every night except on day 4 when you have a free evening and can dine where 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 where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.

    Inclusions Read More
    • 7 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. (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
    • 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.
    Trip 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 3000ft / 900m high. Daily distances will be typically up to 16km 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.

    Photo Gallery

    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 prefered departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

    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

    Meet Your Guide

    Difficulty Grades Explained

    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.

    Compare walking grades

    Trip Reviews

    Rated 4.91 out of 5 based on 258 reviews 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.

    JN

    Joyce Nicoll

    Reviewed on 29/10/2023

    Age: 60 - 70
    Country: USA
    Trip Date: 12/06/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    Overall, it was an excellent trip! I thoroughly enjoyed it! You have a great staff. I would recommend this company to friends and would book another trip in the future.

    AV

    Ann Voci

    Reviewed on 06/10/2023

    Age: 60 - 70
    Country: US
    Trip Date: 18/09/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    A journey not to be missed. The beauty of Scottland is here for you to see in all its geological glory. We are new to hiking, and this trail offered for us a wonderful physical adventure through mostly untouched mountains and temperate rainforests. This is country not to be missed.

    KA

    Kathryn Allan

    Reviewed on 05/10/2023

    Age: 20 - 30
    Country: Australia
    Trip Date: 18/09/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

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