Hike Scotland's Highlands and Islands on our self-guided walking tours

To get to Arran from mainland Scotland, take a train from Glasgow to Ardrossan Harbour and then a short, direct ferry to Brodick on the Isle of Arran.

Fly into Glasgow International Airport. From there, it’s a short train or bus ride (50 minutes) to Milngavie. The route officially begins at a granite obelisk in the town’s centre.

The Isle of Arran isn’t technically part of the Scottish Highlands. It sits off Scotland’s west coast in the Firth of Clyde. What makes Arran special is that it’s often described as “Scotland in miniature” because it has a mix of both Highland and Lowland landscapes – rugged mountains and glens in the north, rolling farmland and coastal scenery in the south. Walking the Arran Coastal Way let’s you discover all of the island’s highlights.

The West Highland Way, on the other hand, is very much a journey into the true Highlands, with dramatic peaks, moorlands and lochs all the way to Fort William.

On the Arran Coastal Way and West Highland Way, you’ll stay in lovely B&Bs, charming hotels and historic inns, which we have carefully selected for their character and welcoming hosts. We recommend booking the West Highland Way at least 12 months in advance – it is one of the most popular long-distance walks in the UK and many of the villages along the trail are small with only a handful of accommodation options. 

The West Highland Way is 155km from Milngavie (near Glasgow) to Fort William. Most walkers take 10–11 days self-guided, though fitter hikers sometimes complete it more quickly.

The Arran Coastal Way is 105km. It follows a circuit around the island. It’s a fairly gentle walk compared with the West Highland Way, but there are still some steep sections and tidal areas to plan around. We offer the option to add an extra day to your trip for an excursion Holy Island

We can tailor-make both itineraries to suit your needs and pace.

Overall, it’s moderate. There are some steep climbs, including Conic Hill (361m) and the Devil’s Staircase (around 550m). Conic Hill is relatively short but steep, with fantastic views over Loch Lomond. The Devil’s Staircase is the highest point on the trail and a longer, more strenuous climb, offering spectacular Highland views. Some days are longer, but the paths are well marked. Good fitness, sturdy boots and trekking poles for descents will make your walk more comfortable and enjoyable.

Many of our self-guided walking tours in Scotland can be adapted to your needs if you would like more rest days or changes to the overnight stops. One of the great things about self-guided travel is that you can choose your own travel dates – depending on the availability of accommodation, of course. Get in touch with our team of UK hiking experts to learn more.

April to October are the most popular times to walk in Scotland. These months are often the busiest with walkers and visitors so it’s essential to book your trip well ahead of your intended departure date to ensure we can book you the best accommodation at every intended stop. May and June offer the best times to see the wildflowers. Once you are into summer, the days can be gloriously long, with light from 5am to 10pm and plenty of daylight to complete each day’s walk at a leisurely pace. September to early October offers autumn colours, cooler weather and generally fewer midges.

Looking for more walking holidays in the UK? Walk across England on Wainwright’s iconic Coast to Coast Walk, discover magical Cornwall on England’s rugged South West Coast Path, explore Roman history on Hadrian’s Wall Path and discover the gentler and picturesque Cotswold Way and South Downs Way.