- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
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The West Highland Way is Scotland’s best‑known long‑distance walk, stretching 96 miles from the edge of Glasgow to Fort William beneath Ben Nevis.
This 8‑day itinerary allows you to complete the full route at a steady, well‑paced rhythm, with eight days of walking and carefully chosen overnight stops along the way.
Designed for walkers who enjoy multi‑day hikes and want time to take in the scenery, this trip balances achievable daily distances with some of the most iconic landscapes in the Scottish Highlands. You’ll pass loch shores, cross open moorland, and follow historic paths through glens and mountain country, with each day offering a different feel and character.
Daily distances typically range from around 10 to 20 miles. While some sections are more demanding, particularly on rough or rocky ground, the route is well‑established and clearly waymarked throughout. With the right level of fitness and preparation, this walk is both challenging and hugely rewarding.
Route Highlights
- Loch Lomond – Walk alongside Scotland’s largest loch, from gentle shoreline paths in the south to the more rugged northern stretches.
- Rannoch Moor – Cross one of the most remote and atmospheric landscapes in the Highlands, with wide open views and a true sense of scale.
- Classic Highland scenery – Experience forest tracks, old military roads, mountain passes, glens, and waterfalls as the route gradually leads north.
Evenings & Accommodation
After each day on the trail, you’ll stay in comfortable accommodation selected for its location, reliability, and walker‑friendly atmosphere. Properties typically include small hotels, guesthouses, and local inns, giving you the chance to enjoy a good meal, rest well, and prepare for the next day’s walk.
Most evenings are free for you to explore the local area, eat at nearby pubs or restaurants, and enjoy a relaxed end to the day before continuing your journey north.
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Itineraries
Day 1
Milngavie to Drymen (12 miles/ 19.5 km)
Your walk begins in Milngavie, just north of Glasgow, where the West Highland Way heads out through parks, woodland, and quiet countryside. This first stage is a gentle introduction to the route, with good paths and only modest ascent. Approaching Drymen, the scenery becomes more rural, offering a clear sense of leaving the city behind and beginning your Highland journey.
Day 2
Drymen to Rowardennan (14.5 miles/ 23.5 km)
Leaving Drymen, the route climbs steadily towards Conic Hill, where expansive views open up across Loch Lomond and the Highland Boundary Fault. After the descent, the path follows lochside tracks into Rowardennan, with Ben Lomond rising prominently across the water. This is a varied day, combining forest trails, open hillside, and shoreline walking.
Day 3
Rowardennan to Inverarnan (14.5 miles / 23 km)
Today’s stage follows the quieter eastern shores of Loch Lomond and is often considered one of the more demanding days of the route. Narrow, rocky paths and undulating terrain require steady footing, particularly in wet weather. While slower going in places, the close‑to‑the‑water views and woodland setting make this a rewarding and characterful section of the walk.
Day 4
Inverarnan to Tyndrum (12 miles/ 19 km)
The terrain eases as the route leaves Loch Lomond behind and heads north through Glen Falloch. Good tracks lead past open glens, rivers, and old military roads, with a gradual sense of entering more open Highland landscapes. The day finishes in Tyndrum, a small settlement that marks a clear transition point on the West Highland Way.
Day 5
Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy/ Inveroran (9 miles / 14-15 km)
A shorter and more relaxed day, this section leaves Tyndrum and follows well‑made tracks through wide‑open scenery. Views across Loch Tulla and the surrounding hills begin to dominate as the landscape becomes increasingly remote. Splitting the route here allows time to enjoy the Highland setting while breaking up one of the longest stages of the walk.
Day 6
Bridge of Orchy/ Inveroran to Glen Coe (10 miles / 16 km)
This classic West Highland Way stage crosses the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor. Walking on solid tracks through an exposed and dramatic landscape, you’ll experience a strong sense of isolation and scale. Despite the relatively modest distance, changing weather can add to the atmosphere, making this a memorable and distinctly Highland day.
Day 7
Glencoe to Kinlochleven (9 miles / 14 km)
From Kingshouse, the route climbs gradually to the Devil’s Staircase, the highest point of the West Highland Way. From the top, clear views stretch across Glencoe before a long descent into Kinlochleven. Although shorter in distance, this day includes sustained ascent and descent and offers some of the most striking scenery of the entire route.
Day 8
Kinlochleven to Fort William (15 miles / 24 km)
The final day begins with a steady climb out of Kinlochleven, followed by a long traverse through forest tracks and glens. As the route winds north, views towards Ben Nevis appear before the path descends into Fort William, marking the end of the West Highland Way. This is a satisfying final stage that brings the journey to a clear and rewarding conclusion.
- Baggage Transfers
- 6 Nights accommodation
- Bespoke Digital Itinerary
Your trip does not include the list below but some are available as additional extras:
- Meals, snacks and drinks (breakfast maybe included in some accommodations)
- Transport to start (Milngavie) and from finish point (Fort William)
- Overnight Accommodation before and after walk
- Additional Nights - If you wish to stay extra nights in one location, we can amend your booking and itinerary.
- Personal Guide
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