Ruins of Uquhart Castle on the hiking trail
Panoramic view on the George Square in Glasgow
Hikers at the Buachaille Etive Mòr
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West Highland Way

Scotland's iconic and most popular hiking trail

The West Highland Way is Scotland's premier long-distance walking trail and stretches for 154 kilometres from the outskirts of Glasgow to Fort William near Ben Nevis. You'll see famous lochs, rugged moors and misty mountain landscapes on this popular walking route with time to stop off at Loch Lomond for wonderful views and relaxation. The route can be challenging due to the ever-changing weather conditions, however, it will leave you with a love for Scotland and its wonderful natural landscapes.

Details about walking holidays on Scotland's West Highland Way

From Milngavie, the first attraction of the tour is the Glengoyne whiskey distillery. On a guided tour followed by a tasting, you will learn a lot about this typical local speciality. Stop off in Drymen in one of the rustic pubs - do you dare to try a portion of the Scottish national dish haggis? With the stage to Loch Lomond, the area becomes increasingly lonely and the hikes even more pristine.

On day 4 you walk in the footsteps of the bandit Rob Roy, Scotland's Robin Hood. The natural scenery at Rannoch Moor, Loch Tulla and the "Devil's Staircase" will amaze you. You will hardly be able to miss the attraction of the last stage to Fort Williams: Ben Nevis - the highest mountain in Great Britain.

The highlights of the West Highland Way walking holiday at a glance:

  • Loch Lomond: The largest, most beautiful and most romantic loch in Britain? Quite possible! If the weather is good, you can not only enjoy the view of the loch but even take a plunge into the cool water.

  • Ben Nevis: 1,345 metres high and around 400 million years old - this mountain exudes that certain something. The Ben" is particularly popular with hikers and mountaineers, but due to the unstable weather conditions, among other things, you should pay it the respect it deserves.

  • Fort William: Considered the "Outdoor capital of Scotland". Adventurers get their money's worth here. How about quad biking, white water rafting, caving or animal safaris?

  • Unspoilt nature: This corner of Scotland is particularly beautiful, but also wild, barren and rugged. Although the West Highland Way attracts visitors from all over the world, you are on your own in many places.

Interesting facts about hiking along the West Highland Way

The route is mostly flat and climbs are the exception, but the daily stages are up to 24 kilometres long. The weather here is also unpredictable and can quickly change from sunny to windy and wet. You can relax in cosy accommodation, where you will be served typical local breakfasts.

This tour has been graded as Challenging. Find out more about our walking holiday difficulty levels.

Tour information
Challenging
  • 8 Days / 7 Nights
  • Self-Guided
  • Luggage transfers included
  • Total walking distance: approx. 121 km
More information
+44 1706 618 155 Contact
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Itinerary

"Mull'guy" is the name of this small town about 15 kilometres north of Glasgow. Explore the small pedestrian zone in the centre and stock up on supplies for the walking days ahead.

The tour takes you out of the city through quiet woods and slowly brings you to the Highlands. On the way to Drymen you will pass the Glengoyne distillery.

Stop to taste a glass of whisky and learn more about how this Scottish speciality is made. Drymen is the last major stage stop for some time.

approx. 5 h
approx. 20 km
240 m
240 m

You climb "Conic Hill" and enjoy the views of Loch Lomond - the largest lake in Scotland. The descent takes you to Balmaha and then civilisation ends for a few kilometres. There are only narrow footpaths on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. The hike is a poem.

approx. 6 – 7 h
approx. 24 km
630 m
660 m

One of the most beautiful stages on the West Highland Way. You walk on forest paths to the waterfall at Inversnaid. Afterwards, the path winds idyllically along the shore.

Uphill, downhill, left, right... The trail is unique and varied, offering views of small islands and passing the hideout of the bandit Rob Roy.

approx. 6 h
approx. 19 km
350 m
360 m

Short transfer to the Bridge of Orchy. Along an old military road you walk past countless deep black lochs. Today's destination is Kingshouse - a former trading post in the middle of the Scottish Highlands. You will even pass a small ski resort on the way.

approx. 5 – 6 h
approx. 16 – 20 km
310 – 475 m
240 – 420 m

Passing what is probably Scotland's most spectacular peak, the Buachaille Etive Mòr, you reach the "Devils Staircase". Soldiers who had to cross the numerous serpentines gave this pass its name.

You walk down into a picturesque valley, where there are wonderful views of the surrounding peaks. The small town of Kinlochleven offers some civilisation again after a few days in the unspoilt Highlands.

approx. 4 – 5 h
approx. 14 km
380 m
615 m

A longer stage completes the tour on the West Highland Way. From a plateau, you walk through quiet woods and past the ruins of a small fort until Ben Nevis is in sight. The walk into the town of Fort William completes the West Highland Way walk.

approx. 6 – 7 h
approx. 24 km
575 m
580 m

Route information

Good basic fitness is essential for the West Highland Way. The ascents are usually no problem, but the long stages are strenuous. The route follows well-maintained footpaths and is perfectly signposted.

Prices and dates

All information for 2023 at a glance

For more information about this tour such as hotels and route profiles, please contact us.

Place of arrival: Milngavie
  Season 1
08.04.2023 - 28.04.2023
25.09.2023 - 07.10.2023

Daily
Season 2
29.04.2023 - 24.09.2023

Daily
West Highland Way, UK-SOWMF-08X
Base price
1,029.00
1,079.00
Single room surcharge 659.00 659.00

Category: 3* hotels and B&Bs

Season 1
Apr 8, 2023 - Apr 28, 2023
Sep 25, 2023 - Oct 7, 2023
Daily
Season 2
Apr 29, 2023 - Sep 24, 2023
Daily
West Highland Way, UK-SOWMF-08X
Base price
Single room surcharge
1,029.00
659.00
1,079.00
659.00

Category: 3* hotels and B&Bs

Season 1
Apr 8, 2023 - Apr 28, 2023
Sep 25, 2023 - Oct 7, 2023
Season 2
Apr 29, 2023 - Sep 24, 2023
Milngavie
Double room p.p.
Single room surcharge
Fort William
Double room p.p
Single room surcharge
85.00
29.00
85.00
75.00
85.00
29.00
85.00
75.00
Additional nights
Place of arrival: Milngavie
  Season 1
Apr 8, 2023 - Apr 28, 2023
Sep 25, 2023 - Oct 7, 2023

Daily
Season 2
Apr 29, 2023 - Sep 24, 2023

Daily
Milngavie
Double room p.p. 85.00 85.00
Single room surcharge 29.00 29.00
Fort William
Double room p.p 85.00 85.00
Single room surcharge 75.00 75.00
Prices per person in GBP

Services / Information

Services

Included:

  • 7 overnight stays as stated, breakfast included
  • Daily luggage transfers (1 piece of luggage per person) 
  • Tour through the Glengoyne distillery, incl. tasting  
  • Carefully elaborated route description
  • Extensive travel documents (1 x per room) 
  • GPS data available
  • Service hotline

Note: 

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
Information

Arrival/Departure:

  • Arrive by flight to Edinburgh or Glasgow. Take the bus to the city centre and then travel by train to Milngavie, a journey of 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
  • Travel back by bus to Glasgow or Edinburgh. Approx. 3 – 4 hours. Reservation recommended. www.citylink.co.uk 
  • Transfer Glasgow Airport/City Centre to Milngavie daily, £70.- up to 4 persons approx. 0.5 h, reservation required, payable in advance. 
  • Transfer Edinburgh Airport to Milngavie daily, cost £135.- up to 4 persons approx.. 1 – 1.5 h, reservation required, payable in advance. 
  • Transfer from Fort William (between 09.30 and 17.00 hrs) to Glasgow Airport/ City Centre daily approx. 2.5 – 3 h, £245.- up to 4 persons, reservation required, payable in advance. 
  • Transfer from Fort William (between 09.30 and 16.00 hrs) to Edinburgh Airport daily approx.. 3 – 3.5 h, cost £315.- / Edinburgh City £325.- approx. 3.5 – 4 h, reservation required, payable in advance. 

Other important information: 

  • The distance travelled is approximate and may differ from the actual distance.  
  • Travel cancellation insurance, including travel interruption insurance is recommended.