West Highland Way Walking Tour

West Highland Way Walking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Walk to Drymen

Your tour starts early today. Please meet your guide at Glasgow’s Queen Street Station by 8:30 AM. From here, a short train ride takes you to Milngavie. Leave your luggage to be transferred for you, and hike with just the essentials for the day. Though you have not travelled very far from Glasgow, all signs of the city are behind you as your trail sets off through the open countryside. Historically, this trail was part of an important Stone Age route and you’ll see standing stones along the way that remain from this era. Arrive at your hotel in Drymen with time to relax, then enjoy a wonderful welcome dinner and perhaps a dram of whisky from the local Glengoyne distillery.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Drymen
Distance: 6 hours, 19 km, 210 m of elevation gain
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 Hike through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Spend today walking in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Leave Drymen after breakfast and enter the Garadhban Forest. After walking through the forest, detour slightly from the West Highland Way trail to climb to the top of Conic Hill (361 m / 1,184 ft). Pause here to enjoy a wonderful view of Loch Lomond before walking down to Loch Lomond’s eastern shore at the village of Balmaha. Walk along the banks of the loch through the forest until you come to the peaceful and picturesque village of Rowardennan. Spend the night here at the foot of Ben Lomond mountain (974 m / 3,196 ft).
Overnight Location: Hotel in Rowardennan
Distance: 6 hours, 24 km, 430 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Walk to Inverarnan

Enjoy the views of Ben Lomond, also known as Beacon Hill, as you begin this challenging day. The terrain of this segment is rougher and varied, so the pace will be slower but your efforts are rewarded with incredible views and lovely scenery in this wilderness area. End the day with an easier trail as you approach the small hamlet of Inverarnan, where you will stop for the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Inverarnan
Distance: 7 hours, 23 km, 475 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Walk through Strath Fillan to Tyndrum

You’re now in the heart of the Scottish Highlands . Begin the day by walking through Glen Falloch, then turn to the north and enter the valley of Strath Fillan. Notice how wild the landscape is here, full of hardy plants that have historically been used by local people for a variety of purposes. Your guide can point out these plants and tell you more about how they were used. Today’s destination is the village of Tyndrum, and you’ll know you’re getting closer to it when you see the elegant, distinctive ridges of Ben Lui rise up to the west. Enjoy free time this evening to explore Tyndrum and choose your own restaurant for dinner (not included).
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tyndrum
Distance: 7 hours, 22 km, 475 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 Walk to Glencoe

Today’s trail follows the tracks of the West Highland Railway as it climbs out of Tyndrum. When you reach the top of the pass, the skyline is dominated by the landmark Ben Dorain mountain. Detour slightly from the trail to find a seat carved in stone that, according to legend, contains the sword of Robert the Bruce, a 14th Century Scottish king. As you continue north, walk through a small hamlet called the Bridge of Orchy, then stop for lunch in Inveroran. As you look to the horizon, you’ll see the distinctive peaks of Black Mount to the west, while before you the wild Rannoch Moor extends into the distance. Cross this wild expanse of moor to come to Glencoe and your accommodations for the night. If you so choose, end your day sipping a drink while taking in the view of Buachaille Etive Mor mountain.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Glencoe
Distance: 9 hours, 30 km, 644 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Hike over the Devil’s Staircase to Kinlochleven

The route today is shorter than usual but includes the largest elevation gain of this tour. As you leave Glencoe, climb to the top of the Devil’s Staircase pass (547 m / 1,795 ft). The steep and steady climb winds around several switchbacks, but at the top you will be rewarded with exceptional views overlooking Loch Leven and the village of Glencoe. From this scenic location, your guide can help identify specific peaks among the mountains that seem to stretch as far as the eye can see. You may also get to hear the tale of the Massacre of Glencoe. Descend again on a good trail into the next valley, where you’ll stop for the night in a small village called Kinlochleven.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kinlochleven
Distance: 5-6 hours, 14 km, 430 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Complete the West Highland Way in Fort William

Get your blood flowing right away this morning with a steep climb up to the top of a pass (274 m / 899 ft) where you’ll get a clear view of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s tallest mountain. Once you have crossed the pass, the rest of the day is much easier. Meander past summer dwellings used by shepherds called sheilings, and pause to appreciate the view of Lochan Lunn Da-Bhra. Ask your guide to share the legend of a mythical bull that roams this area terrorizing the cattle. Descend from here into the lovely Glen Nevis and continue until you reach the end of the West Highland Way trail in Fort William. Congratulations on completing the whole route! Check in to your hotel and freshen up for a fun celebration dinner and drinks.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Fort William
Distance: 7 hours, 22 km, 475 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Departure Day

Sadly, our West Highland Way walking tour has come to an end. Breakfast is included, then you are free to leave from your hotel at your leisure. Many guests enjoy riding the West Highland Railway to return to Glasgow. This adventurous train ride offers several departure times each day. Have a pleasant onward journey!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast