West Highland Way - Scotland

We meet in Glasgow city centre mid-afternoon and make the short journey by private transfer to the village of Drymen, located to the north of Glasgow, just inside the boundaries of the Loch Lomond National Park. After a welcome briefing, we head out to a historic local inn for a welcome dinner.

Overnight: Drymen
Meals: D

A short transfer takes us to Milngavie and the official start point of the West Highland Way. After the pre-hike photos, we set off and are quickly walking through open countryside. The scenery is rolling but, later in the day, you can spot bigger mountains looming in the distance further north. A short detour takes us to the Glengoyne Distillery, where you may want a tour or simply to taste some of its fine produce. The route takes us back to Drymen, where we finish back at our hotel.

• 210m elevation gain

Overnight: Drymen
Meals: B, L, D

Hiking directly from our hotel, we leave Drymen and follow a country lane uphill to the edge of the Garadhban Forest. We pass through the forest, then take a worthy detour to climb Conic Hill. Though just 361m high, it offers incredible views over Loch Lomond. Descending to the banks of Loch Lomond at the village of Balmaha, we follow the shoreline through forest. While undoubtedly pretty, this can feel challenging towards the end of the day but keep going! We eventually reach the tranquil setting of Rowardennan, nestled at the foot of Ben Lomond.

• 430m elevation gain

Overnight: Loch Lomond
Meals: B, L, D

Today is the toughest of the whole route. It starts benignly enough, with an easy stroll through the forest. At this stage, you’ll be relishing the remoteness of our location, hiking away from any roads into truly remote terrain. The real challenge begins as the trail becomes rougher. The path goes up and down numerous knolls – the elevation gained really doesn’t tell the whole story! Eventually, the trail improves and, tired but happy, we’ll arrive at our accommodation, a historic inn which dates back to 1705.

Overnight: Loch Lomond
Meals: B, L, D

We’re truly in the Highlands now, and our day begins by trekking through Glen Falloch, which leads up north towards Strath Fillan. Glen and Strath are both Gaelic words for a valley, so we are fairly low level today, and it’s a much easier day than yesterday! The landscape gets wilder as we progress north, and the shapely twin summits of Ben Lui will catch your eye further west. We spend the night in the village of Tyndrum, which has a choice of restaurants and bars, so we have a free night for you to explore the town on your own.

• 475m elevation gain

Overnight: Tyndrum
Meals: B, L

This long but fantastic day follows the trail as it runs parallel to the railway line as we leave Tyndrum behind us. At the top of a pass, the sweeping flanks of Ben Dorain dominate the view. We then pass through a couple of tiny settlements – Bridge of Orchy and Inveroran (which are barely more than a pub!) – as we trek northwards. The scenery just gets better as we pass Rannoch Moor and the peaks of the Black Mount and Glencoe rise up from the moors. Arriving at Glencoe, the amazing views of Buachaille Etive Mor dominate, and can be enjoyed from the hotel with a local ale or whisky in your hand!

• 645m elevation gain

Overnight: Glencoe
Meals: B, L, D

This day features the highest point of the West Highland Way, at the top of the single biggest ascent of the route. So we get it over with quickly! Leaving the hotel, we walk into Glencoe then begin the ascent, which is known as the ‘Devil’s Staircase’. It is steep in places, with some switchbacks, but tracks a constant gradient all the way. At the top of the pass at 547m, you will be rewarded with stunning views of Glencoe and Loch Leven. The rest of the route is a winding descent into the next valley, from where we follow a good trail to our next stop, the small village of Kinlochleven.

• 430m elevation gain

Overnight: Kinlochleven
Meals: B, L, D

The final day of the West Highland Way starts with a snarl, as we climb steeply out of Kinlochleven. With views across the valley to Ben Nevis, we cross a pass at 274m, and the hard work of the day is done. The trail drops down into beautiful Glen Nevis for the final few kilometres into Fort William itself. The official end point of the route is marked by a sign and a statue of a weary walker resting on a bench. You’ll be a bit tired but happy – and there are several pubs within easy walking distance! Remember though, a final big day awaits tomorrow!

Overnight: Fort William
Meals: B, L, D

Although its height may seem modest at 1,344m above sea level, our hike up Ben Nevis starts pretty much at sea level, so every bit of elevation is hard-earned! That said, it’s a popular route and, after what we’ve achieved already, we know we can do it! Following the well-trodden ‘mountain path’, this is a long and tough day to the roof of Britain. The trail is well-maintained until nearer the top, when it weaves across rougher, rockier ground, always ascending until finally, finally, the summit cairn comes into view. On a clear day you can see for miles, as Ben Nevis towers above all of the surrounding peaks. It’s a stunning place to end our trip – well, not quite end as it’s also a long way back down. We’ll enjoy dinner in a lively local inn, knowing that all we need to do tomorrow is relax on a train and enjoy the view!

• 1,352m elevation gain

Overnight: Fort William
Meals: B, L, D

• 9 nights accommodation in small hotels and inns
• 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 evening meals
• Qualified and experienced hiking guide
• 2 guides for the Ben Nevis hike
• All local transfers throughout the trip, as required (Days 1, 2 and 9)
• Luggage transfer each day along the West Highland Way (1 bag per person, weight limit 20kg) – excess luggage can be stored while you hike (additional cost)
• Train travel from Fort William to Glasgow on Day 10
• 24/7 in-country support

• Flights
• Travel insurance
• Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
• Storage of excess luggage
• Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
• Gratuities for lead guide