West Highland Way

Day 1 – Arrive in Milngavie

On the first day of the trip you make your own way to Milngavie, on the northern fringes of Glasgow. This is the start point of the trail where you’ll spend the night at your first guesthouse, ready to start hiking tomorrow.

Day 2 – Milngavie to Drymen

Starting from Milngavie you hike north along the West Highland Way, passing Craigallian and Carbeth Lochs. You skirt the western flanks of the Campsie Fells – where many a Glasgow mountaineer enjoyed their first outing – before you reach tonight’s accommodation in the village of Drymen at the south-eastern corner of Loch Lomond. Your bags will have been collected from your accommodation while you hike and will be waiting for you in your room when you arrive.

Distance: 19km/12miles Ascent: 210m/690ft

Day 3 – Drymen to Rowardennan

The trail leaves Drymen and passes through Garadhban Forest. Leaving the forest you can choose to climb Conic Hill, 361m in height with great views over Loch Lomond – or a low level alternative path that skirts below the hill. Reaching the eastern banks of Loch Lomond at Balmaha, you follow the shore through forestry until you reach the tranquil setting of Rowardennan, which is nestled at the foot of Ben Lomond.

Distance: 21km/13miles Ascent: 430m/1,410ft

Day 4 – Rowardennan to Inverarnan

This day is considered by many hikers to be the toughest day on the trail. It follows the remote north-eastern shoreline of Loch Lomond, on a rough undulating trail. The path improves as you near your next destination, the tiny settlement of Invernarnan.

Distance: 23km/14miles Ascent: 475m/1,560ft

Day 5 – Inverarnan to Tyndrum

Well into the Highlands now, you are surrounded by rugged mountain peaks. You make your way along Glen Falloch before turning northwards into Strath Fillan. As you approach Tyndrum you are rewarded with wonderful views of Ben Lui rising up in the west.

Distance: 19km/12miles Ascent: 490m/1,608ft

Day 6 – Tyndrum 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 the pass the sweeping flanks of Ben Dorain dominate the view. Continuing north you reach 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 Rannoch Moor stretches into the distance in front of you. Follow the trail across the wild moor, eventually reaching Glencoe and your accommodation at the Kingshouse. A memorable day of trekking!

Distance: 30km/18.5miles Ascent: 644m/2,110ft

*Day 6 can be split into 2 shorter days with an extra night’s accommodation – see pricing section.

Day 7 – Glencoe to Kinlochleven

This is a shorter day but with the biggest ascent of the route. You hike into Glencoe then climb the trail known as the ‘Devil’s Staircase’. It is steep with some switchbacks the ascent is steady and constant. At the top of the pass at 547m, you get great views of Glencoe and down Loch Leven. Descend on a good trail to the small village of Kinlochleven.

Distance: 14km/8.5miles Ascent: 430m/1,410ft

Day 8 – Kinlochleven to Fort William

The final day sees the trail climb over a final pass – 274m this time. With views across to Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in Scotland – the trail descends into Glen Nevis and down to the end of the route in Fort William. You’ve made it! Reward yourself with a good dinner tonight!

Distance: 24km/15miles Ascent: 475m/1,560ft

Day 9 – Fort William and Depart

After a leisurely breakfast, you can put on some comfortable footwear and explore the town of Fort William before starting your journey home. If you travel back to Glasgow on the train along the West Highland Line you’ll have the chance to look out for familiar sights and reflect on a memorable hike through Scotland’s Highlands.