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    Self Guided Walking

    West Highland Way

    310 reviews

    Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

    From £1,195

    Travel Planning & Advice

    Book With Confidence

    Trip created by Stevie Christie
    View Stevie's Profile

    Region: West Highlands including Knoydart
    Trip Type: Self Guided
    Accommodation: Classic
    Deposit From: £298.75 £298.75

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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 a classic long-distance walk, covering 154 kilometres (96 miles) from Milngavie on the outskirts of Glasgow, to Fort William in the Highlands.

    The West Highland Way route travels along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, across the atmospheric Rannoch Moor, past dramatic Glencoe and onwards to finish at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain.

    The West Highland Way is one of the classic treks of the world and is undertaken by many people of all ages from across the world, making it a fun and social trek. On this self-guided walk, we arrange your accommodation each evening and baggage transfer, as well as providing you with detailed route notes and maps so that you get the most out of this wonderful trek.

    Please note: Total daily distances are given for each stage but will vary slightly as you also need to walk to your accommodation each day which will usually add a short distance.

    Extra Nights and Accommodation Upgrades

    You also have the option to choose the following upgrades and extra nights:

    • Upgraded accommodation package – we will reserve the best rooms available along the route – £1,395 per person
    • Split Day 6 and walk the route over 8 days. The additional charge is £120 per person, £165 per person if using upgraded accommodation
    • Other additional nights: the additional charge is £95 per person, £135 per person if using upgraded accommodation
    • Upgraded package plus luxury nights at 5 star Inverlochy Castle and Glencoe House – £1925 per person

    Trip Highlights

    • Trek the 96 miles of the West Highland Way, taking on the challenge of Scotland's most famous long distance trail.
    • You pick the dates that suit you - we make all the arrangements required.
    • We will arrange all accommodation, luggage transfer and provide you with OS maps and comprehensive route notes.

    Day by Day Itinerary

    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.

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    Self Guided Walking
    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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    The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

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    Price from: £1,195
    Duration: 9 Days 8 Nights

    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    At each stage of your trek, we will arrange accommodation for you to stay that night. The accommodations range from small guesthouses, Highland inns, small hotels and bed and breakfast establishments which will be of a 3 or 4-star standard. Our accommodation partners are carefully chosen according to a number of factors – charming locations, very good facilities and a reputation for providing Highland hospitality. We do not use accommodations we have not personally visited.

    If you choose the upgraded accommodation option we will reserve the best available accommodation option in each location for you. However, in some areas, accommodation is very limited so the choice is restricted. Where this is the case we will book the best quality room available for you. If you wish to choose upgraded accommodation please call us to book – this is not available online.

    Meals Read More

    Accommodation will be reserved on a Bed & Breakfast basis – lunches and evening meals are not included. Local shops sell sandwiches and snacks for the day ahead. Many guesthouses will also be able to provide a packed lunch for you if you ask them the night before. In the evenings, meals can be taken in local restaurants, hotels or bars.

    Inclusions Read More
    • 8 nights’ accommodation on a Bed and Breakfast basis in Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfasts, Small Hotels and Inns along the route, based on two people sharing a twin or double room
    • Luggage transfer for 1 bag per person (strict 20kg limit) for the duration of the trip, meaning you will only have to carry a day rucksack
    • Route notes which include a map and full directions to your accommodation
    • The services of the Wilderness Scotland Team prior to & during your trip
    Trip Grading Read More

    Blue Graded 4-6

    Self guided Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. Walking at a good pace you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will be following a trail but should understand how to follow a hiking map with at least basic navigation skills. Daily distances will vary – typically up to 20km but may be longer occasionally, or often on the more challenging trips in the grade. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

    Trail conditions will vary from well laid and maintained sections of gravel track to rough and rocky sections including muddy and wet areas. Short sections may be on tarmac.

    Photo Gallery

    Speak to an Expert

    Jane Gillies

    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 Jane a Question

    Difficulty Grades Explained

    Blue Graded Self Guided Holidays 4-6

    Self guided Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. Walking at a good pace you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will be following a trail but should understand how to follow a hiking map with at least basic navigation skills. Daily distances will vary – typically up to 20km but may be longer occasionally, or often on the more challenging trips in the grade. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

    Trail conditions will vary from well laid and maintained sections of gravel track to rough and rocky sections including muddy and wet areas. Short sections may be on tarmac.

    Trip Reviews

    Rated 4.85 out of 5 based on 310 reviews of Self Guided – 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.

    LT

    Liz Tinkham

    Reviewed on 10/11/2022

    Age: 50 - 60
    Country: US
    Trip Date: 17/09/2022
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    Excellent trip - went exactly as described. Pre-trip communication was very good, particularly considering that we had to reschedule due to the pandemic. I highly recommend Chris Page and the team at Wilderness Scotland.

    SA

    Stephen Arthur

    Reviewed on 27/10/2022

    Age: 60 - 70
    Country: USA
    Trip Date: 06/10/2022
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    Based on conversations with other travelers, Wilderness Scotland provided the best service during our trip.

    PV

    Patricia Del Vecchio

    Reviewed on 26/10/2022

    Age: 60 - 70
    Trip Date: 06/10/2022
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    As we noted in an earlier email, wilderness scotland was the only tour company that checked in with its clients during the trip. Most hikers we talked to said that once their company had their money, communication stopped. There was one day of notably bad weather and wilderness scotland not.only warned us but provided links for checking trail conditions. This saved our day as we made sure to get an early start to beat the weather. Many other hikers were caught in the storm and had to turn back that day because the trail became impassable by high water. Thanks wilderness scotland!!!

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