West Highland Way

Day 1 – Arrive in Glasgow

Arrive in Glasgow today, Scotland’s biggest city and a thriving metropolis full of art, culture, music and history. Enjoy spending some time exploring, perhaps visiting Kelvingrove Art Museum and meandering through the West End, stopping for a coffee in the Botanical Gardens, and appreciating the beautiful architecture of the University. This evening, relax in your accommodation before starting your hiking adventure tomorrow.

Day 2 – Milngavie to Drymen

This morning, take the train from Glasgow to Milngavie (pronounced mil-gai) to the starting point of the West Highland Way. Before beginning your hike, drop your luggage off with the transfer service (located at the start of the trail) and start hiking north. Pass Craigallian and Carbeth Lochs, skirting the western flanks of the Campsie Fells (where many a Glaswegian mountaineer enjoyed their first outing) before reaching tonight’s hotel in the village of Drymen.

Walk details: 19 km/12 miles | 210 m/690 ft of ascent

Day 3 – Drymen to Rowardennan

The trail leaves the pretty village of Drymen this morning and passes through Garadhban Forest. From the quiet woodland, you can climb Conic Hill (361m in height with great views over Loch Lomond) or choose a lower-level, alternative path that skirts below the sharp little peak. Reaching the eastern banks of Loch Lomond at Balmaha, follow the shoreline through the trees until you reach the tranquil setting of Rowardennan, a picturesque village at the foot of Ben Lomond.

Walk details: 22.5 km/14 miles | 430 m/1,410 ft of ascent

Day 4 – Rowardennan to Inverarnan

Today is considered by many to be one of the most challenging. The trail tumbles its way along the shores of Loch Lomond and is reasonably rough underfoot. However, it’s well worth it, as the terrain is wild and remote and provides ample opportunities to spot red deer and golden eagles. The views are also spectacular – sweeping moorland, great corries and shattered mountain peaks. The path improves as you approach the tiny settlement of Invernarnan and your cosy bed for the night.

Walk details: 22.5 km/14 miles | 475 m/1,560 ft of ascent

Day 5 – Inverarnan to Tyndrum

This morning make your way along Glen Falloch before turning northwest to Strath Fillan. The landscape feels expansive and wild here, where the wind meanders through long grasses and meadow pipits skim across the tops of purple heather. As you approach the small village of Tyndrum, enjoy the wonderful views of Ben Lui to the west and, closer to home, spot the hardy plants that push up from rocky soil. Arrive in the village and relax at your accommodation for the night.

Walk details: 19 km/12 miles | 490 m/1,608 ft of ascent

Day 6 – Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy

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 views are fantastic as you traverse the sweeping flanks of Beinn Odhar, Beinn a’ Chaisteil and Beinn Dorain. Approach the Bridge of Orchy along the old military road until you see the railway station. Turn left and arrive in the village, which dates back to 1751.

Walk details: 10 km/6 miles | 134 m/440 ft of ascent

Day 7 - Bridge of Orchy to Glencoe

Leaving Bridge of Orchy behind this morning, head into the brooding melancholy of Glencoe. A steady climb provides stunning views of Loch Tulla and across Rannoch Moor, which rolls out ahead of you towards the horizon. Ribbon your way across the lonely landscape, looking out for red deer and birds of prey. Arrive in Glencoe and check into your warm and breathtakingly-located hotel. Note: There is an option to upgrade your accommodation on this night to a five-star hotel.

Walk details: 20 km/12.5 miles | 470 m/1,540 ft of ascent

Day 8 – Glencoe to Kinlochleven

Today is especially rewarding and, although shorter than those previous, contains the biggest amount of ascent. Zig-zag up a trail known as the ‘Devil’s Staircase’ to the top of the pass at 547m. The views from here are incredible and arresting; the mountain summits often misted in snow even in the height of summer. Descend on a good trail to the small village of Kinlochleven, settling into your accommodation for the night. Note: There is an option to upgrade your accommodation on this night to a five-star hotel.

Walk details: 14 km/8.5 miles | 430 m/1,410 ft of ascent

Day 9 – Kinlochleven to Fort William

The final day of your adventure is suitably enchanting and deservedly satisfying. Begin by walking through the woods above Kinlochleven before strolling along a great glen which provides captivating views of Ben Nevis and the surrounding mountains. Descend steadily towards Fort William, where a bronze sculpture of a walker marks the celebratory end of your adventure. Note: There is an option to upgrade your accommodation on this night to a five-star hotel.

Walk details: 24 km/15 miles | 475 m/1,560 ft of ascent

Day 10 – Fort William and Depart

After a leisurely breakfast this morning, enjoy pulling on some comfy shoes and spending some time exploring Fort William. Grab a coffee and a well-deserved pastry as you amble around, popping into a bookshop, outdoor shop or bakery before beginning your journey home. Catch the train back to Glasgow, enjoying watching the scenic countryside rumble past outside your window, satisfied in the knowledge that you just walked 96 miles of it on foot.