- 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.
13th May - 20th May 2019
Pete Long
There are 2 types of people remaining. Those who have heard Pete's 'orange for a head' joke and those who haven't.20th May - 27th May 2019
Don Pritchard
Outlander star and munro-bagger, meet Don.3rd Jun - 10th Jun 2019
Alastair Goodridge
Meet Wilderness guide Alasdair Goodridge and discover what he loves about the outdoors.17th Jun - 24th Jun 2019
Iain Powell
English born but proud to call himself Scottish, Iain enjoys introducing others to the best the Highlands have to offer.1st Jul - 8th Jul 2019
Alastair Goodridge
Meet Wilderness guide Alasdair Goodridge and discover what he loves about the outdoors.15th Jul - 22nd Jul 2019
Mike Brian
A former School teacher. Learn more about Mike's thrill for the outdoors and read an interesting story about the Firth of Forth!29th Jul - 5th Aug 2019
Pete Long
There are 2 types of people remaining. Those who have heard Pete's 'orange for a head' joke and those who haven't.12th Aug - 19th Aug 2019
John Walker
John can be found in the hills at all times whether it be on foot, climbing, cycling, or motoring. Amongst other things, he was the 4429th person to complete all the Munros!26th Aug - 2nd Sep 2019
Alan Wright
Meet Alan, avid nature expert and worldwide trekker.2nd Sep - 9th Sep 2019
Susie Hill
A former Nurse turned Wilderness Adventurer - discover more about our Edinburgh born Wilderness Scotland guide Susie Hill.16th Sep - 23rd Sep 2019
Tim Willis
Chocolate-mad Tim is also a risk around Weetabix. Read his guide bio here.30th Sep - 7th Oct 2019
Pete Long
There are 2 types of people remaining. Those who have heard Pete's 'orange for a head' joke and those who haven't.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.
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.
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.
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. 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)
Prices and Dates
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2019 Trip Dates
Trip Reviews
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 Michael Mendenhall 19/10/2018
Pre-Trip Service
Prompt responses to email enquiries, with good recommendations for pre/post trip lodging.
by Jennifer Waring 15/10/2018
Pre-Trip Service
The communications were very professional and helpful. I had a few questions that I asked over email and chat and received prompt, thorough answers.
Trip Comments
I was a bit concerned about the day with the long mileage, but that ended up being my favorite day. It's a long day, but the scenery more than makes up for it. It was wonderful to have all afternoon to walk through the rolling hills and moors (we lucked out with good weather and rainbows).
Accommodation and Food
The B&Bs were all excellent. The hotel in Tyndrum wasn't up the same standards as the other places we stayed.
Your Guide
Alastair was an excellent guide. He managed a large group of differently paced walkers very well, and always let us know what to expect each day. He was very knowledgeable about the landscape, history (both human and natural), and the flora and fauna we passed, plus whisky recommendations.
The Bottom Line
Overall this was a really great trip. The WHW is a great option for people looking for a trip with slightly longer mileage and time spent walking. It's fascinating to watch the landscape change as you move from the lowlands to the highlands, and once in the highlands the scenery is simply splendid.
by Lesley Foster 14/10/2018
Pre-Trip Service
Both the documented information provided and your staff support were excellent. Staff are very responsive to enquiries and extremely helpful.
Your Guide
Alistair was an excellent guide who managed the different walking abilities within the group tactfully and successfully. He was very knowledgeable, approachable and pleasant.
The Bottom Line
The WHW is a fabulous walk for people with some experience of rough terrain walking. Wilderness Scotland is a highly professional organisation that provides great support throughout and follows through on their promises. This was my third walk with them and I’m looking forward to many more!
by Bob Flynn 11/10/2018
Pre-Trip Service
Everything was great.
Trip Comments
I loved the B&B’s.
Accommodation and Food
Great
Your Guide
Very personable and knowledgeable
The Bottom Line
Great trip, great people.
