Scotland - Hike along the West Highland Way, 8 days
Scotland's oldest hiking trail takes you deep into the highland's raw nature. A long time ago, this area was just a desert landscape, almost exclusively trodden by few merchants and shepherds. Big battles have been fought here, just as the landscape has been used used as a hiding place for thieves and robbers.
Today, the region is still largely untouched and therefore incredibly varied. The paths softly wrap along Loch Lomond to later reveal a magnificent view of the mountain peaks further ahead. The West Highland Way is one of Europe's most spectacular and popular hiking routes and is a "must" for anyone interested in hiking.
More about the route
It is important to be in good shape to cope with the West Highland Way. The ascents are usually not a problem, but the long stages can be strenuous. The route is well maintained and the signage on the route is perfect.
Great things about this tour
See the beautiful landscape
Here you can see a lot of photos of the beautiful landscape along the West Highland Way.
See more pictures »
Itinerary See all daysClose all days
The city is pronounced "Mull'guy" and is located about 60km (37 mi) north of Glasgow. Depending on when you arrive, you can explore the city's pedestrian streets and, if needed, take care of the last provision before the hike.
Hotel Example: Hotel Premier Inn Milngavie
Today's walk takes you outside the city through a quiet forest area towards the highlands. On the way to Drymen you will pass the Glengoyne distillery, where we recommend that you take a break, taste a little whiskey and learn how to make this Scottish specialty. Drymen is the last major city you'll be in for quite some time.
Distance: 20km
+235m / -235m
Hotel Example: Bed & Breakfast Ashbank
You set out to climb "Conic Hill" from where you can enjoy the view of Loch Lomond - Scotland's largest lake. The trip down brings you to Balmaha, after which civilization ceases for a few kilometers. The lake's eastern shore has only small paths and the walk is pure poetry for the soul.
Distance: 24km
+625m / -655m
Hotel Example: Hotel Rowardennan
This is one of the finest stages along the West Highland Way. You walk along forest roads to the waterfall at Inversnaid. Then the path turns idyllically along the lake shore. Up, down, right and left - the walk is both idyllic and varied with views to small islands. Along the way, the path brings you past Rob Roy's last hiding place.
Distance: 19km
+350m / -350m
Hotel Example: Hotel Ardlui
You start the day by being transferred to Bridge of Orchy. An old military road takes you past countless deep black lakes. Today's goal is Kingshouse, a former trading station in the middle of the highlands. On the way you also pass a small ski resort.
Distance: 16-20km
+310m or 475m / -240m or -420m
Hotel Example: Hotel Kingshouse
During this day's hike, you walk past Scotland's most impressive mountain peak - Buachaille Etive Mòr - after which you reach the "Devil's Staircase". It were the soldiers, who were forced to walk along the winding path, who named it back in the day.
The tour takes you down a small valley from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding peaks. The small village of Kinlochleven offers the first sign of civilization after a few days in the pristine highlands.
Distance: 14km
+380m / -615m
Hotel Example: B&B Edencoille
Today's long walk is the final stage of the trip along the West Highland Way. You follow another ancient military road that leads you to a plateau. You walk through quiet forests and past the ruins of an ancient fort until Ben Nevis appears. The walk to the small town of Fort William completes the hike along the West Highland Way.
Distance: 24km
+575m / -580m
Hotel Example: Guest House Myrtle Bank
This is the last day of the trip. You leave the hotel and go home or to your next destintion. It is also possible to get an extra night here if you wish.
Price includes
- 7 nights at 3-star hotels and small Bed & Breakfasts in double rooms
- Breakfast every day
- Thoroughly prepared route material
- Luggage transport between the accommodations
- Guided tour of the Glengoyne distillery incl. tasting
- Possibility of GPX files for use in your own GPS
- 24-hour local and international service hotline for the duration of the tour
- Access to the route in our GPS-app which works offline while you walk
- This is a packaged holiday and is therefore covered by The Travel Guarantee Fund - See which benefits this means for you - click here
- Transportation to/from the destination
- Tourist tax (if due)
- Handling fee (EUR 20)
Practical info
The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. Simply choose "single room" in the booking form and it will automatically add the single room surcharge.
On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.
Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill in anything. Here's how:
- Choose your desired start date
- Click on the green button "See price and reserve your holiday" and go to the booking form
- Select number of people, add any optional extras and see the price at the bottom of the page (you don't have to fill in anything on the form).
Get a quote
For example, if you want a flight included or changes to the trip, you can order a quote for this using the "Get a quote" button. Remember to describe in detail what, if anything, you want changed.
The process of your booking
When you book, we will start booking hotels and arranging all the practical details of the trip. This process typically takes 2-5 working days, but some bookings may take longer. If you are arranging your own transport, we recommend that you wait until we have confirmed your booking before arranging this.
Dates
If you can select the date in the tour calendar at the top of this page, this is a possible start date. We continually update the tours with sold-out dates, after which those dates will turn red and cannot be selected.
The flights to/from Glasgow or Edinburgh are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.
Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.
Book a quote
If you prefer that we handle your flight, then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You simply book a quote below the map on this page and we will return with a quote as soon as possible (usually within 48 working hours). Please note that we add a handling fee of 45 euro to each flight and this means that the flight will be cheaper if you book it yourself.
Luggage transfer is included on this tour. Upon arrival at the first hotel you will be given luggage tags along with the rest of the welcome package. You fill out the luggage tags and put them on your bags where they will remain for the duration of the tour.
Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.
Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 20kg each.
On this trip you spend the night both at 3-star hotels and at small Bed & Breakfast places in the small towns.
Breakfast is included every day. It is possible to buy lunch and dinner in the small towns along the route.
This tour has difficulty grade 3-4 - which means that most days are difficulty 3 and some days are difficulty 4.
Grade 3
Walking in hilly or mountainous terrain, with longer ascents and descents. You will walk 5-7 hours a day. Requires good fitness and good health, but no technical experience. Requires good footwear such as trekking or hiking boots.
Grade 4
Trekking with daily walks of 6-8 hours, often in difficult terrain and higher altitude. There will be longer ascents and descents. Requires endurance and strong knees and ankles. Requires good hiking boots and "outdoor" clothing. There will be major fluctuations in temperatures.
Read more about our Grading System
Here you can get an overview of the entire route and the elevation profile for each day. The data shows the data from the GPX-files related to the tour. Notice that the routes are sometimes updated, which means that there might be small variations.
Colors
Blue routes: The route as normal
Red routes: Variations/options (such as shortened or extended routes)
You will recieve the following documentation
Upon booking
You recieve practical information about the tour in a digital format
One month before arrival
You recieve your hotel list and your voucher (hotel list is often supplied upon booking)
Upon arrival
You recieve the welcome package which contains the printed version of the road book, luggage tags, local specific vouchers and if you have rented bikes then they will also be delivered and fitted at the first hotel.
It can be difficult to plan your journey according to the weather, but here's a general picture of the climate in the area as shown on yr.no:
We are members of the Travel Guarantee Fund (nr. 2529) and have all available insurances. This covers you regardless of your nationality. Read more about that here.
Call our experts on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Phone: +44 20 3936 1208
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You are more than welcome to contact us if you have questions about anything.
Phone: +44 20 3936 1208
Mail: [email protected]