- 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
Our Blue grade walking trips involve climbing some of Scotland’s best mountains and ridges. The walks are conducted at a good pace and you may be out hiking for 8 or 9 hours a day. The terrain underfoot can be anything from stalker’s paths to rough or boggy ground, boulder fields and mountain tops.
The daily walks will occasionally involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. To help you decide if you are fit enough for this trip, ask yourself:
Can you comfortably hike for 10+ miles (16+km), climbing mountains and covering a variety of challenging underfoot conditions? How often do you do this?
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.
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 due to limited accommodation options.
As accommodation is in short supply on this route however, please note that some establishments will be better than others.
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 Supplement
There is no single person 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 £275 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 Pamela Bugbee 21/09/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Despite the 8 hour time difference, I always had a friendly informed person to speak with. I appreciated your timely and informed help, especially since I was making arrangements to both a foreign continent and country. You were wonderful!!
Trip Comments
John was an excellent guide. He always prepared us the day ahead for what we were to expect. His knowledge and love of Scotland and its beautiful out-doors made the experience extra-special.
Accommodation and Food
Loved the B&Bs, Guest Houses, and Small Hotels - it furthered my Scottish experience. The breakfasts were wonderful. Lunches - for a few locations could be improved. Most hikers are health conscious and therefore it would be preferred if white bread and candy bars could be replaced with whole grain bread, fruit, yogert etc. Most locationsdid provide fruit. The food for the group dinners was very good at most all locations.
Your Guide
As stated earlier, John was excellent. He was always aware of his group and accomodated as needed for individuals during the hike. Appreciated his calm and always cheerful and witty demeanor.
The Bottom Line
Highly recommend your company!!! Just a word of advice for potential hikers for The West Highland Way - if you hike regularly (12 - 15 miles) with some elevation gain 1,500 to 2,000 feet - this hike will be fine....but it is not for someone who does not hike regularly as you are hiking 12-15 miles a day and one day 20 miles over the course of 7 days for 6 plus hours. I enjoyed the hike very much - but there was so much beauty - I wished there had been a bit more time to just linger and take it all in.
by Jane-Allin Cloutte 17/09/2017
Pre-Trip Service
John, the willow tree, was a great guide and always helpful, knowledgeable and thorough in ensuring a wonderful Scottish experience. We were a fast paced group, compatible despite being mostly Americans - ha! I have recommended your trekking company to my hiking friends here in Colorado and thank you again for a wonderful trip!
Trip Comments
The trails were well marked and maintained, the hotels comfortable and well appointed, and the food was excellent.
Accommodation and Food
Lovely hotels and food. The B and B in Fort William at the end of the trail was welcoming with a lovely sea view. Every hotel was just different enough with friendly staff, great breakfasts, packed lunches and hot showers.
Your Guide
John made our trip remarkable with his stories, knowledge of flora and fauna, wearing his family kilt at our last dinner and making sure we had a better understanding of what Scotland us all about.
The Bottom Line
Coming from Colorado and hiking our mountains I was not expecting this trip to be much of a challenge. I was wrong as 96 miles over a weeks time, hiking in all kinds of weather, delighting in seeing the Highlands and the wild life made it one if my top overseas hiking trips. Thank you!
by Victoria Miller 14/09/2017
Pre-Trip Service
informative website, quick response to emails and friendly phone operators
Trip Comments
extremely well organised, fantastic guide who could spin a yarn with the best! and good accomodation
Accommodation and Food
The accommodation was better than I expected and the food excellent. I am vegetarian, but eat some fish, which was fortunate as total veggie dishes were rare. The only accommodation comment would be that thank goodness all had drying rooms as without these the hike would have been very uncomfortable.
Your Guide
Fantastic, best guide I have ever trekked with. Efficient, organised, funny (joined in with the spirit of the group and told a good story). Took great care of us all
The Bottom Line
Highly recommend this trip and Wilderness Scotland. So good that even the 6 out of 7 days of rain didn't spoil it
by Terry Casey 14/09/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Nothing to add here
Trip Comments
Accommodation and Food
The attitude of the host at the Kinlochleven B&B was not up to the normal standards that I have come to expect from Wildness Scotland.
Your Guide
The Bottom Line
Simply excellent, with the noted exception of the Kinlochleven host
by Grayson Drexel 14/09/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Easy to book. Questions answered promptly and courteously.
Trip Comments
It rained every day but one, so the views were limited and conditions at times were tough. Nothing Wilderness Scotland can do about the weather.
Accommodation and Food
All good.
Your Guide
John was great. Gave us great information on geology, history, flora & fauna. Also had a fine sense of pace. He's an excellent guide.
The Bottom Line
I heard the highest compliment you can give about a service, or in this case an experience, is to say it was "not bad". If that's correct then this trip was Not Bad. Thanks.
by David Higgins 14/09/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
What I liked: everything. John did a great job shepherding us through the walk. The accommodations were more than adequate, and all interesting in their own ways. The B&B in Kinlochleven was a bit odd. The gnomes and overabundance of porcelain (some of which seemed to be placed in locations vulnerable to luggage carried by) made for lots of conversation among us the following day. All in all, a wonderful trip. And again, John was tremendous.
A suggestion: There is a lot of historical significance attached to the West Highland Way. But most of us don't prepare ourselves well enough in advance to fully appreciate that history, and we often aren't around to hear it from the guide. It would be helpful if we had a short two or three page summary of history applicable to the WHW before we started the walk. Something maybe WS could provide.
Accommodation and Food
See previous comment about the accommodations in Kinlochleven.
Your Guide
John did a great job. He is a true Scotsman, especially in his kilt which he wore for the final dinner. He was very knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna, and about Scottish history. We had experienced hikers in our group, so the pace was fast. But John was good about letting the faster hikers head on, knowing that they wouldn't do something stupid. I liked his relaxed but watchful approach. He obviously has a lot of experience in this line of work.
The Bottom Line
The West Highland Way is a walker's dream. It's all there, beautiful vistas of every description, challenging but not overwhelming hiking terrain, and lots of history. Wilderness Scotland did a great job of taking care of the details: a knowledgeable and friendly guide, good accommodations, and transportation of our luggage. All we had to do was put one foot in front of the other. A memorable trip.
by Mary Wills 14/09/2017
Pre-Trip Service
All interactions were positive, can't think of anything to improve.
Trip Comments
Great guide, great accommodations, great food. Can you arrange for less rain :-)
Accommodation and Food
Your Guide
John was great. Informative, energetic, helpful. Even made a recommendation on a bagpipe shop in Sterling where I purchased some pipes.
The Bottom Line
Very enjoyable experience. Would recommend Wilderness Scotland without hesitation.
by Paeivi Elisabeth Oikarinen 04/09/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Valuable, detailed information.
Trip Comments
Best guide ever. Crazy weather but tender love and care from all Scots.
Accommodation and Food
Some Days the rain was so hard that it was impossible to eat the lunch. Pretty hungry by the end of the day those Days.
Your Guide
Liam Allan, so sweet and mature beyond his years. Careing and smart. A real gem.
The Bottom Line
So well managed trip. You feel safe and well taken care of.
by Suzanne Rutherford 30/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
Accommodation and Food
I'm a vegetarian and found the Breakfasts for the most part were good, lunches were ok but it would be nice to have something other than cheese sandwich. Veggie wraps perhaps? More egg mayo? Accommodations were good.
Your Guide
Liam Allan (sp?) was our guide and I thought he was outstanding. He was incredibly knowledgeable about Scottish history, geography and folklore. We loved his stories. I can't say enough about how impressed I was. He was also very patient and easy going. i can't imagine how much we would have missed on a self guided tour.
The Bottom Line
One of my favourite trips ever. I would highly recommend it! I can't think of a better way to see the beautiful Scottish highlands.
by Johanna Hrefna Holmsteinsdottir 25/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
Accommodation and Food
Your Guide
The Bottom Line
A company that can be trusted
Prices and Departures
194 people viewed this trip in the last week
1 Booking in the last 72 hours
Book with confidence - we guaranteee our trips to run as soon as 2 people book.
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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