What is the West Highland Way?
The West Highland Way is considered one of Scotland’s most iconic long distance trail. It has a distance of 154 kilometers (96 miles) from the town of Milngavie (near Glasgow) to Fort William.
The route crosses the Scottish Highlands, crossing the wild Loch Lomond and the Glen Coe Valley.
Are you going to miss it?
WEST HIGHLAND WAY SELFGUIDED TOUR
Self-guided tour/from £580 *subject to availability
Self-guided Tour
7 days / 7 nights
154 Km/96 Miles
Milngavie to Fort William
March to September
Moderate Difficulty
INCLUDES
Accommodations
Info
Breakfast
Tailor-made guide and Map of the Route
Baggage transport
24/7 emergency contact number
What is the West Highland Way?
If you are into Adventure Travel. Hiking the West Highland Way is possibly one of the best Travel Experiences in Scotland.
The West Highland Way is considered one of Scotland’s most iconic walking routes. It has a distance of 154 kilometers (96 miles) from the town of Milngavie (near Glasgow) to Fort William.
The route crosses the Scottish Highlands, crossing the wild Loch Lomond and Glen Coe Valley.
Are you going to miss it?
Why do the West Highland Way?
1. Meet new people
During the tour you will meet new people, people of different cultures, age and ideology. A unique opportunity to open your mind and share experiences both on the route and at the end of the stage.
That is why many people are encouraged to do the West Highland Way unaccompanied, because naturally, new people will join you on your way and you will continue to meet them in part or all of the route.You will never feel alone.
It is a very nice feeling of companionship, exchange of experiences and sensations with someone unknown that will surely end in a beautiful friendship that will last for years.
If you are traveling the route with family or friends, it is a great opportunity to connect or reconnect with the person next to you. Learn a lot from her and strengthen the relationship.
2. Practice English. Cultural trip in Scotland
During the tour you can practice English, Scottish words and even Gaelic!
There is nothing like practicing a language to learn it. This route is very famous internationally and nationally, you will meet many Scots of all ages doing the route.
And let’s not forget, the West Highland Way really is a historic road, up in the Highlands the road where after the Battle of Culloden in 1746, ending the Jacobite
Tell that to Outlander fans!
Loch Lomond area has always been a place of conflict, where the clans clash with the farmers of the lowlands.
You will walk through Glen Coe Valley, very close to the site of the terrible massacre of Glen Coe in 1692 at the beginning of the Jacobite uprisings.
And you will end the route at Fort William, historically known as one of the forts used by the Redcoats and Jacobite prison.
Now that enjoying the culture is also enjoying the food. Get ready for some good haggis at the end of a stage, or if you’re brave, to have it for breakfast.
3. Landscapes
The West Highland Way runs through the heart of Scotland and is a route full of contrasts, in only 154 km you will experience walking through lowlands, fertile soil, passing by lochs, a tectonic fault and crossing breathtaking valleys, until you reach the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, in Fort William.
This time, however, from outside the bus or car.
Some of th Highlights:
Loch Lomond National Park
Glen Coe Valley
Rannoch Mor
Glen Nevis
Sometimes when we travel we are in a hurry and we don’t have much time to admire the views of the landscape and enjoy it.
One of the reasons why people decide to repeat is to be able to admire again these beautiful landscapes.
And if you are a photography lover… you will be amazed!
4. Get close to nature and wildlife.
Today we live in an urban environment for far too long.
It is confirmed that going for a walk and being in contact with nature makes you feel good. A walk in the middle of nature breathing fresh air will make you feel like new and in a better mood.
One of the most satisfying moments I remember from the route is walking in the middle of the forest on the shores of Loch Lomond, in silence, listening to the sounds of different birds.
If you are a bird or animal watcher, consider taking binoculars with you because the trail is full of deer, eagles, red squirrels, mountain goats, sheep and if you are lucky, Scottish cows, known as highland cows, or hairy cows.
It is not a dangerous route as far as animals are concerned. In Scotland the largest predator is the fox. There are no bears or wolves.
5. Detox from technology
I propose that you join the challenge to disconnect. That the cell phone is only used to take pictures. Take advantage of this experience to really disconnect and connect once a day. Would you dare?
6. Personal challenge to reach a goal
An arch in the village of Milngavie begins the route, from there each step marks a personal growth and when you finish the route in Fort William, gives a feeling of satisfaction and feeling accomplished that many people decide to repeat.
You have been able to start and finish a personal challenge.
The ability to surpass oneself, and that with each step we take from what we think was our limit is what makes us grow and surpass ourselves as people.
This personal growth heals the anxiety and stress we are exposed to on a daily basis.
One of the remedies is to simply go for a walk. Imagine this multiplied by 7 days where your goal is to walk. Which gives way to the next reason.
7. Finding yourself
The West Highalnd Way is a journey for the soul. Sometimes, even if it involves sweat and effort, it can be much more satisfying than many luxury trips.
Spending time with yourself, enjoying solitude, knowing more about yourself, getting to know yourself, meditating and why not, reflecting.
Many travelers find along the way the answers to questions that preoccupy them in their daily lives.
This adventure gives you the opportunity to go on a journey of self-discovery.
8. Get in shape
Although the West Highland Way is not a high mountain route, it requires previous physical preparation before the route.
The best way to prepare for walking the West Highland Way is to simply get out and walk.
The objective is that before starting the route, you are used to walking the daily kilometers of the route, which is an average of 20km per day.
Something that if I’m honest, between the beautiful scenery and the adrenaline of knowing what you’re going to find later, these 20km fly by.
Of course, the more you are used to walking, the more you will enjoy the route.
9. A sustainable way to travel
The West Highland Way is one of the most sustainable trips you can do in Scotland.
The only transportation you will take will be the train to the village of Milngavie, where the route begins, and the return trip from Fort William to Edinburgh or Glasgow.
The rest…. This gives a feeling of absolute freedom.
In addition, along the way you will find unique eating places and supply stores, which will help support local Scottish businesses.
The West Highland way is an economical vacation as you only spend on food and accommodation.
and the last reason…..
10. And why not? For your sense of adventure
This is a fairly simple motif but one of my favorites. A different experience full of adrenaline where you will discover the wildest Scotland.
Lodging and meals
Along the West Highland Way you will find all kinds of accommodations, from small hotels, cabins, hobbit houses or Bed and Breakfasts.
However, we have selected accommodations for all types of budgets giving the option of:
- Hotel and Bed&Breakfast
- Small hotels, cabins and shared rooms.
In all of them we will be given a warm welcome and a hot meal after our stage.
Food
Breakfast is included in all accommodations.
In addition, many of them offer food to take away and eat throughout the day. And in all of them there is the possibility to dine.
However, we will inform you in the detailed guide of the route in which places there are stores and markets to buy food and supplies.
How to get there
Backpack transfer
The price includes
The price does not include
Lodging and meals
Along the West Highland Way you will find all kinds of accommodations, from small hotels, cabins, hobbit houses or Bed and Breakfasts.
However, we have selected accommodations for all types of budgets giving the option of:
- Hotel and Bed&Breakfast
- Small hotels, cabins and shared rooms.
In all of them we will be given a warm welcome and a hot meal after our stage.
Food
Breakfast is included in all accommodations.
In addition, many of them offer food to take away and eat throughout the day. And in all of them there is the possibility to dine.
However, we will inform you in the detailed guide of the route in which places there are stores and markets to buy food and supplies.
Check availability
West Highland Way
West Highland Way Itinerary
Day 1. Milngavie to Drymen. 19km/12 miles
After dropping off our luggage at Milngavie station we are ready to cross the official starting point of the West Highland Way.
During the first day we will drive through the ancient county of Lennox crossing beautiful parks and farms until we reach the small village of Drymen,
where we will spend our first night.
Don’t forget to stop at Glengoyne Distillery on the way to Drymen.
to taste the “water of life” of Scotland!
Day 2. Drymen to Rowardennan 23km/14.5 miles
Our second day and considered one of the most beautiful, we will leave Drymen towards the village of Balmaha but going up the Conic Hill.
This hill also has breathtaking views of Loch Lomond and its more than 20 islands. Also, this hill is considered the gateway to the highlands as it is where the geological fault that divides the lowlands from the Highlands passes through.
We will pass through the village of Balmaha and begin our tour of Loch Lomond on the east side.
In addition to awaiting a wild landscape, it is the longest freshwater lake in Great Britain.
A spectacular stage that will take us to our next stop, Rowardennan.
Day 3. Rowardennan to Inverarnan 23km/14.5 miles
A day of pure adventure on trails along the east side of Loch Lomond to the north.
Rob’s Roy’s secret cave, crossing waterfalls and listening to the flora and fauna of the RSPB reserve will make it one of the favorite (and tough) sites of the entire West Highland Way.
Day 4. Inverarnan to Tyndrum 19km/12 miles
After leaving Loch Lomond at Inverarnan, we will travel along the valley and river Falloch to enter and cross a secluded forest at Crianlarich.
Finally, we will drive through farmland surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery until we reach Tyndrum.
Day 5. Tyndrum to Glen Coe 30km/18 miles
Leaving Tyndrum behind, also known as the entrance to GlenCoe, the longest stage of all (but not the hardest) awaits us.
The change of scenery is something that leaves everyone who participates in this route speechless.
Walking along the train tracks and admiring the magnificent Bein Dorain is not to be missed.
Lunch at the magnificent Bridge of Orchy hotel marks the halfway point of the stage.
After that, a surprise awaits us as far as the landscape is concerned.
Views of Loch Tulla by the military road across Rannoch Moor, a place that seems to be out of this world. Lonely, wide, once covered by a giant ice sheet and now by a large swamp.
We arrive and rest at the Kingshouse Hotel, which offers stunning views of Buachaille Etive Mor, Scotland’s most photographed mountain.
Day 6. Gen Coe to Kinlochleven 16 Km/9 miles
An impressive stage through Glencoe, where we will reach the highest point of the West Highland Way at 548m.
Our path will climb the Devil’s Stairs and if the weather is good we will be able to see the famous “Glen of Tears” and the site of the Glencoe Massacre in 1692.
Descent and end of the day to Kinlochleven
Day 7. Kinlochleven - Fort William 24 Km/15 miles
Last 24 km of our adventure, do not underestimate them, a last day full of ups and downs awaits us.
Starting a steep climb from the village of Kinlochleven we will be taken across a remote valley.
After crossing a forest we will see how Ben Nevis rises to our right. The highest mountain in Great Britain.
The road through the Glen Nevis (valley) will take us to the official end point of the West Highland Way on the main street of Fort William ending our adventure.
Your trip includes
- Lodging for the 7 days of the route
- Breakfast
- Inter-route baggage transfer
- Telephone support 24 h
- Physical and offline map of the route
- Mini guide of the route in English
- Customized local information
Your trip does not include
- Flights, trains to Milngavie and back from Fort William. If you wish, I can help you to buy train tickets.
- Lunches, dinners.
- Transportation between stages if you decide not to complete the stage on foot.
Travel and luggage transfer
How to get to Milngavie:
From Edinburgh or Glasgow:
Bus: CityLink, National express
Train: Scotrail, National Rail
Your luggage
Your luggage (suitcase or backpack up to 20kg per person) will be picked up from your accommodation every day at 09:00 and transferred to the next stage accommodation.
On the first day you will be picked up from Milngavie train station to enjoy a light ride from the beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions West Highland Way FAQ
Is this tour for me?
Previous experience and fitness
Previous hiking experience is not required, but the better prepared you are, the more you will enjoy the trip.
It is recommended to train daily kilometers before the trip in order to be accustomed to it, to carry water and a good diet.
Suitable for:
- Families
- Friends
- Couples
- Only
- Over 14 years old
With interests in:
- Adventure travel
- Nature Trips
- Historical trips
- Wildlife
- National Parks
- Whisky
Is it difficult to walk the West Highland Way?
Don’t be overwhelmed by the number of miles.
Depending on the stage you will find the terrain easy to moderate. This long-distance walking route is perfect for setting yourself a challenge and at the same time enjoying many of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes. A real adventure!
Daily distances range from 11 kilometers to 32 kilometers. It is not a high mountain route, the maximum height difference reached in one stage is 542m (devil’s staircase).
Is the West Highland Way well signposted?
The road is very well signposted, along the route and whenever the road forks you will find this sign that will mark the route:
In any case, you will get a detailed guide and map as well as a 24-hour telephone assistance number for you to contact us whenever you need it.
Do I need to be well prepared to do the West Highland Way?
Previous hiking experience is not required, but the better prepared you are, the more you will enjoy the trip.
It is recommended to train daily kilometers before the trip in order to be accustomed to it, to carry water and a good diet.
What is the best time to do the West Highland Way?
We recommend doing the route from March to the end of October.
Generally, May and September are the months with the lowest probability of rainfall. Although in Scotland you never know!
In the summer months, you have to be especially careful with Midges, the Scottish mosquitoes, I leave you here the following Midges Guide so they don’t ruin your vacation.
What happens if I find it too hard to finish a stage?
How fit do I need to be?
The total route is 154 km, the higher your fitness level, the more you will enjoy the trip.
Each stage lasts between 5 and 9 hours (with breaks). It is something that can be done quietly but we recommend training beforehand and being used to the distances.
What do I need to bring on the West Highland Way?
The key to making the most of this trip is ….. go light
When transporting your luggage, you will only need to take with you the day’s food and water.
Regarding clothing and footwear: very comfortable footwear, the lighter the better, water resistant and with soles.
Dress in layers: Comfortable clothes, waterproof jacket and pants (You will receive all the tips detailed in the guide).
Do you have any doubts?
Write us by Whatsapp or write us your query in the form below.
Check availability
West Highland Way
Do you want to check availability or have any questions about the route? Fill out the form below and I will tell you about the different options.
