OVERVIEW

Walk the West Highland Way, Scotland's most popular long-distance trail. Starting just north of Glasgow, the route runs for 150km along the shores of Loch Lomond and deep into the rugged highlands. Experience the friendly Scottish hospitality and the warmth of a wee dram after a day on the trails.

Beginning in the lowlands, forest trails lead to the eastern shores of Loch Lomond and  into spectacular mountain landscapes. Venturing northwards, the route makes use of old drover's roads and ancient military tracks as you cross one of Europe's last great areas of wilderness, Rannoch Moor, to the famous Kingshouse Hotel. Known as a 'sanctuary in the wilderness', enjoy a local craft brew with views across to Buachaille Etive Mor, Scotland's most photographed mountain.  Climb the Devil's staircase and descend to Kinlochleven before ending at the lively, highland town of Fort William.

Highlights

  • Complete Scotland’s most popular long-distance hiking trail
  • Walk along the banks of bonnie Loch Lomond
  • Enjoy the warmth of a Highland whisky and Scottish hospitality
  • Cross from Scotland’s lowlands into the rugged highlands
  • Hike across the beautiful wilderness of Rannoch Moor
  • Walk through Glen Nevis to the foot of the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
9 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate to Challenging

Grade 4 - Moderate to Challenging

Distances are longer up to 20 plus km. Steep hill sections and rough surfaces. Walking experience and active lifestyle necessary.

PRICE FROM
$ 2195

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 1145

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of a room when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

Book now

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8
  • Day 9

DAY 1
Arrive Glasgow / Edinburgh, transfer Milngavie

Just north of Glasgow is the small town of Milngavie, the official start of the West Highland Way. Easily reached by train from Glasgow (20mins) or Edinburgh (90mins), arrive at your leisure ahead of your first day of walking. If you already have plans to be in either city, you can always arrive at Milngavie station in the morning and start walking the same day. We can easily accommodate any pre-walk plans you may have.

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Premier Inn Milngavie
A straightforward and simple hotel that sets you for your first day of walking. The hotel is easy to reach from Milngavie train station and within a short walk to the town centre amenities.

DAY 2
Milngavie to Drymen

Starting at the West Highland Way monument, it’s only a few metres before you are onto the trails of Mugdock Country Park. Half through the day you will pass the Glengoyne Whisky distillery voted Scotland’s number 1 whisky tour.  Walking on to Drymen, in the evening visit the Clachan Inn, Scotland’s oldest pub (licenced since 1734) for a wee dram.

Walk:20km
Ascent: 220m
Descent: 210m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Braeside B&B
A few paces from the Clachan Inn, Braeside is always a firm favourite with walkers. Run by Christopher and Fiona, they are always happy to help with anything you may need. Comfortable en-suite rooms, great hospitality and a filling breakfast have made Braeside popular with walkers for many years.

DAY 3
Drymen to Rowardennan

A challenging but spectacular day. Leaving Drymen, walk up and over Conic Hill with expansive views over Loch Lomond to reach the small village of Balmaha. Then continue north along the shores of Loch Lomond. The route undulates through forests by the water’s edge and along country roads to the picture-postcard setting of your hotel for the night at Rowardennan.

Walk: 24km
Ascent: 860m
Descent: 920m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Rowardennan Hotel
Located on the shores of Loch Lomond, this walkers hotel has incredible views across the water to the western hills and up to Ben Lomond. En-suite rooms are comfortable, with many having a view of the loch. Enjoy a drink from the Clansman bar and on a fine evening, enjoy a drink outside in the garden which rolls down to the water’s edge.

DAY 4
Rowardennan to Ardleish Ferry (for Ardlui)

With spectacular views of Ben Lomond to the east and the Arrochar Alps to the west, follow forest trails as you continue north along the shores of Loch Lomond. The trail steadily climbs above the water, before reaching Inversnaid Hotel, a perfectly timed coffee stop located next to a thundering waterfall. Beyond the hotel, continue towards the head of the loch, passing the Doune Bothy, a typical stone house, which is a place of refuge for walkers. The day ends at the Ardleish Ferry dock for transfer across Loch Lomond to the Ardlui Hotel.

Walk: 20km
Ascent: 600m
Descent: 600m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ardlui Hotel
A short ferry ride across Loch Lomond to your accommodation. Ardlui Hotel offers 3-star accommodation and includes a loch-side restaurant and bar. As a “Whisky Ambassador” hotel, the Ardlui offers a wide range of authentic Scottish whiskys for you to sample.

DAY 5
Ardleish Ferry to Tyndrum

After a short ferry ride back across Loch Lomond, the WHW continues north and soon leaves the loch behind. The trail continues to climb through Glen Falloch to the Crianlarrich crossroads. Marking the halfway point of the West Highland Way, the crossroads are the natural junction of Glen Falloch and grazing pastures of Strathfillan. Walking northwards, venture deep into the rugged highlands as you approach the small settlement of Tyndrum, which translates to ‘house on the ridge’ in Scottish Gaelic.

Walk: 23km
Ascent: 485m
Descent: 270m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tigh-Na-Fraoch B&B
A lovely local B&B with exceptionally friendly hosts. Only a stroll from the nearby shops and cafes.

DAY 6
Tyndrum to Kingshouse

Walk out of Tyndrum, accompanied by excellent views of Ben Dorain and Ben Lui. Continuing north, you will reach the Bridge of Orchy before an ascent to the excellent viewpoint over Loch Tulla. Descend to one of Scotland’s remote hotels at Inveroran and join Telford’s historic drove road across the ever-foreboding Rannoch Moor. A vast wilderness of bogs, rivers and rocky outcrops, the ancient military track makes for a memorable walk across this unique environment.

Walk: 31km
Ascent: 580m
Descent: 570m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Kingshouse Hotel
Beginning as a humble place of refuge for weary travellers during the 1750’s, the Kingshouse Hotel has evolved to become a real highlight of the West Highland Way. A sanctuary in the wilderness, the hotel bar serves locally sourced beers and single malts, whilst the restaurant menu is a fusion of Scottish and modern European dining. Cosy and comfortable rooms ensure a good night’s sleep and there is an excellent drying room to cater for the unpredictable Scottish weather.

DAY 7
Kingshouse to Kinlochleven

Although today is the shortest walk, you will reach the highest point of the West Highland Way. Walking from Kingshouse, warm up with a gentle few kilometres through the Glencoe Valley. Then you will reach the foot of the Devil’s Staircase and despite the constant gradient, the glorious views are a distraction from the climb. At the high point (548m), the long sweeping descent to Kinlochleven unfolds in front of you.

Walk: 15km
Ascent: 420m
Descent: 630m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Allt-na-Leven Guesthouse
Formerly the village stores, husband and wife, Pauline and Wullie have lovingly converted the property into a 4* award-winning guest house. Commended for using local produce, Allt-na-Leven prides itself in giving all walkers a warm welcome, large comfortable rooms and a hearty breakfast for the long walk to Fort William. Being centrally located means you’re only a few minutes from the pubs and shops of Kinlochleven.

DAY 8
Kinlochleven to Fort William

The day begins with a steady climb out of Kinlochleven and into the hidden valley of Lairig Mor. Flanked by the Mamores Mountains, the wide track passes by the ruins of shepherds’ houses, and in such wild surrounds, it’s hard to imagine the hardships of the farming communities which lived here. On reaching Glen Nevis, the route narrows and rolls through pine forests as you see your first views of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain (1345m). Finish the day with a descent into Fort William, the end of the West Highland Way.

Walk: 25km
Ascent: 540m
Descent: 560m
Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Myrtle Bank Guest House
Overlooking Loch Linnhe and only a short walk from town, Myrtle Bank is run by Dora and her team in a converted Victorian Villa, en-suite rooms are classically furnished. The property also has extensive gardens, which are a passion of Dora’s. Known for its friendly atmosphere, this guest house is a great end to some of the finest walking days in Scotland.

DAY 9
Onward Travel

After breakfast, the nearby train makes for easy onward travel. Spend more time in Fort William and perhaps take the Jacobite Steam Train, recognised as one of the greatest train journeys in the world.

Meals included: Breakfast

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • 8 nights accommodation in 3* hotels & guest houses
  • All luggage transfers
  • 8 breakfasts
  • Maps, guidebook and route summary
  • Flexible itinerary to add or remove days
  • A night in famous Kingshouse wilderness hotel
  • 24/7 telephone support
  • Complete Scotland’s most popular long-distance hiking trail
  • Enjoy the warmth of a Highland whisky and Scottish hospitality
  • Walk through Glen Nevis to the foot of UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

During this tour, you will spend each night In 3-star hotels.(occasionally a 4* hotel) and guest houses. The accommodation on this tour has been chosen for its location. A real highlight is the Kingshouse Hotel which has been welcoming walkers for decades. Your hosts are knowledgeable about the region and are happy to help with any questions or assistance you might need. Of course, you can always call us too should you need anything during your walk. As many of the overnight stays are in remote settings, on occasion we may have to book another similar accommodation of equal standard. We will discuss these options with you during the booking process. For this tour, we would always advise booking as soon as you have chosen your travel dates. The hotels on this tour get very busy.

Dining
You will be provided with 8 breakfasts. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know at the time of booking so we can let your hosts know. Should you have severe food allergies, it’s always worth bringing a few of your own snacks with you.

Single Rooms
If you are travelling with friends and family but would like your own then just let us know at the time of booking. Single rooms can be booked for an additional payment.

  • NIGHT 1

  • NIGHT 2

  • NIGHT 3

  • NIGHT 4

  • NIGHT 5

  • NIGHT 6

  • NIGHT 7

  • NIGHT 8

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed.  Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - ABOVE AVERAGE

Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 17-25 km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.

If you do not have access to hills, it is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength.  Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.

Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

GENERAL INFO

AVAILABILITY

This walk is available from April through to October.

So the saying goes in Scotland, always be prepared for a change of weather! Regardless of when you travel, you can experience rainy days with temperatures dipping to 12°C and on the same day, clear skies and sunshine of up to 22°C. In the early and later weeks of the season, it isn’t unusual to see snow on the mountain tops and you may even experience a frost. May and June are usually the months with the least rainfall, followed by July, August and September. However, what Scotland lacks in warm weather, it truly makes up for it with hospitality.

THE WALKING

Graded moderate with several moderate to challenging days. An active lifestyle makes walking more enjoyable. Along with your usual walks, an exercise regime of 2 to 3 times a week is needed. Typically, days are generally easy-going underfoot and you should be used to be covering up to 25km per day with up to 600m of ascent and descent. The route will have sections of ascending, rocky trails and in places, lose terrain underfoot. Trails are very well-defined and very well way-marked. You will walk on forest tracks, hill paths, bridleways and across the moorland. You will also walk through some towns and villages. Although the route is well waymarked, for each of your walks, you will be provided with daily walk summaries, a map, a guidebook and the GPX tracks if you require to use them for your own device. The weather in Scotland can change quickly and as such, you should always be prepared.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

This walk starts in Milngavie, Glasgow and finishes in Fort William.

To Milngavie
Milngavie is a 20-minute train journey north of Glasgow city. Glasgow Airport has extensive connections to most UK and many international airports. The airport connects through to the central station via the Airport Shuttle bus (journey time around 30mins). From the central station, you can take a train service to Milngavie.

If travelling from London, we would suggest taking a domestic flight to either Glasgow or Edinburgh and then catching the train to Milngavie.

Caledonian Sleeper Train
A great way to travel from London is by taking the overnight Caledonian Sleeper train. Depending on the day, services depart London Euston around 11 pm, travel through the night and arrive in Glasgow at around 7.30 am the following day.

Onward Travel From Fort William
Fort William has great train connections through to Glasgow (4hrs), Edinburgh (5hrs) and London. Travelling to London you can either travel during the day (9hrs, with a change of stations in Glasgow) or return by the Caledonian Sleeper service, departing Fort William at 11 pm and arriving the next morning into London Euston at 8 am.

For all train travel in the UK, please check The Trainline or National Rail for timetables, prices and ticket purchases.

If travelling on the Caledonian Sleeper Service, please check Caledonian Sleeper for information.

Another useful planning tool for travel is Rome2Rio should you be travelling from, or to, other destinations.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Apr 2024 - 31 Oct 2024
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $2195

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $1145
Overview

OVERVIEW

Walk the West Highland Way, Scotland's most popular long-distance trail. Starting just north of Glasgow, the route runs for 150km along the shores of Loch Lomond and deep into the rugged highlands. Experience the friendly Scottish hospitality and the warmth of a wee dram after a day on the trails.

Beginning in the lowlands, forest trails lead to the eastern shores of Loch Lomond and  into spectacular mountain landscapes. Venturing northwards, the route makes use of old drover's roads and ancient military tracks as you cross one of Europe's last great areas of wilderness, Rannoch Moor, to the famous Kingshouse Hotel. Known as a 'sanctuary in the wilderness', enjoy a local craft brew with views across to Buachaille Etive Mor, Scotland's most photographed mountain.  Climb the Devil's staircase and descend to Kinlochleven before ending at the lively, highland town of Fort William.

Highlights

  • Complete Scotland’s most popular long-distance hiking trail
  • Walk along the banks of bonnie Loch Lomond
  • Enjoy the warmth of a Highland whisky and Scottish hospitality
  • Cross from Scotland’s lowlands into the rugged highlands
  • Hike across the beautiful wilderness of Rannoch Moor
  • Walk through Glen Nevis to the foot of the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
9 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate to Challenging

Grade 4 - Moderate to Challenging

Distances are longer up to 20 plus km. Steep hill sections and rough surfaces. Walking experience and active lifestyle necessary.

PRICE FROM
$ 2195

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 1145

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

Book now
Itinerary

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8
  • Day 9

DAY 1
Arrive Glasgow / Edinburgh, transfer Milngavie

Just north of Glasgow is the small town of Milngavie, the official start of the West Highland Way. Easily reached by train from Glasgow (20mins) or Edinburgh (90mins), arrive at your leisure ahead of your first day of walking. If you already have plans to be in either city, you can always arrive at Milngavie station in the morning and start walking the same day. We can easily accommodate any pre-walk plans you may have.

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Premier Inn Milngavie
A straightforward and simple hotel that sets you for your first day of walking. The hotel is easy to reach from Milngavie train station and within a short walk to the town centre amenities.

DAY 2
Milngavie to Drymen

Starting at the West Highland Way monument, it’s only a few metres before you are onto the trails of Mugdock Country Park. Half through the day you will pass the Glengoyne Whisky distillery voted Scotland’s number 1 whisky tour.  Walking on to Drymen, in the evening visit the Clachan Inn, Scotland’s oldest pub (licenced since 1734) for a wee dram.

Walk:20km
Ascent: 220m
Descent: 210m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Braeside B&B
A few paces from the Clachan Inn, Braeside is always a firm favourite with walkers. Run by Christopher and Fiona, they are always happy to help with anything you may need. Comfortable en-suite rooms, great hospitality and a filling breakfast have made Braeside popular with walkers for many years.

DAY 3
Drymen to Rowardennan

A challenging but spectacular day. Leaving Drymen, walk up and over Conic Hill with expansive views over Loch Lomond to reach the small village of Balmaha. Then continue north along the shores of Loch Lomond. The route undulates through forests by the water’s edge and along country roads to the picture-postcard setting of your hotel for the night at Rowardennan.

Walk: 24km
Ascent: 860m
Descent: 920m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Rowardennan Hotel
Located on the shores of Loch Lomond, this walkers hotel has incredible views across the water to the western hills and up to Ben Lomond. En-suite rooms are comfortable, with many having a view of the loch. Enjoy a drink from the Clansman bar and on a fine evening, enjoy a drink outside in the garden which rolls down to the water’s edge.

DAY 4
Rowardennan to Ardleish Ferry (for Ardlui)

With spectacular views of Ben Lomond to the east and the Arrochar Alps to the west, follow forest trails as you continue north along the shores of Loch Lomond. The trail steadily climbs above the water, before reaching Inversnaid Hotel, a perfectly timed coffee stop located next to a thundering waterfall. Beyond the hotel, continue towards the head of the loch, passing the Doune Bothy, a typical stone house, which is a place of refuge for walkers. The day ends at the Ardleish Ferry dock for transfer across Loch Lomond to the Ardlui Hotel.

Walk: 20km
Ascent: 600m
Descent: 600m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ardlui Hotel
A short ferry ride across Loch Lomond to your accommodation. Ardlui Hotel offers 3-star accommodation and includes a loch-side restaurant and bar. As a “Whisky Ambassador” hotel, the Ardlui offers a wide range of authentic Scottish whiskys for you to sample.

DAY 5
Ardleish Ferry to Tyndrum

After a short ferry ride back across Loch Lomond, the WHW continues north and soon leaves the loch behind. The trail continues to climb through Glen Falloch to the Crianlarrich crossroads. Marking the halfway point of the West Highland Way, the crossroads are the natural junction of Glen Falloch and grazing pastures of Strathfillan. Walking northwards, venture deep into the rugged highlands as you approach the small settlement of Tyndrum, which translates to ‘house on the ridge’ in Scottish Gaelic.

Walk: 23km
Ascent: 485m
Descent: 270m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tigh-Na-Fraoch B&B
A lovely local B&B with exceptionally friendly hosts. Only a stroll from the nearby shops and cafes.

DAY 6
Tyndrum to Kingshouse

Walk out of Tyndrum, accompanied by excellent views of Ben Dorain and Ben Lui. Continuing north, you will reach the Bridge of Orchy before an ascent to the excellent viewpoint over Loch Tulla. Descend to one of Scotland’s remote hotels at Inveroran and join Telford’s historic drove road across the ever-foreboding Rannoch Moor. A vast wilderness of bogs, rivers and rocky outcrops, the ancient military track makes for a memorable walk across this unique environment.

Walk: 31km
Ascent: 580m
Descent: 570m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Kingshouse Hotel
Beginning as a humble place of refuge for weary travellers during the 1750’s, the Kingshouse Hotel has evolved to become a real highlight of the West Highland Way. A sanctuary in the wilderness, the hotel bar serves locally sourced beers and single malts, whilst the restaurant menu is a fusion of Scottish and modern European dining. Cosy and comfortable rooms ensure a good night’s sleep and there is an excellent drying room to cater for the unpredictable Scottish weather.

DAY 7
Kingshouse to Kinlochleven

Although today is the shortest walk, you will reach the highest point of the West Highland Way. Walking from Kingshouse, warm up with a gentle few kilometres through the Glencoe Valley. Then you will reach the foot of the Devil’s Staircase and despite the constant gradient, the glorious views are a distraction from the climb. At the high point (548m), the long sweeping descent to Kinlochleven unfolds in front of you.

Walk: 15km
Ascent: 420m
Descent: 630m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Allt-na-Leven Guesthouse
Formerly the village stores, husband and wife, Pauline and Wullie have lovingly converted the property into a 4* award-winning guest house. Commended for using local produce, Allt-na-Leven prides itself in giving all walkers a warm welcome, large comfortable rooms and a hearty breakfast for the long walk to Fort William. Being centrally located means you’re only a few minutes from the pubs and shops of Kinlochleven.

DAY 8
Kinlochleven to Fort William

The day begins with a steady climb out of Kinlochleven and into the hidden valley of Lairig Mor. Flanked by the Mamores Mountains, the wide track passes by the ruins of shepherds’ houses, and in such wild surrounds, it’s hard to imagine the hardships of the farming communities which lived here. On reaching Glen Nevis, the route narrows and rolls through pine forests as you see your first views of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain (1345m). Finish the day with a descent into Fort William, the end of the West Highland Way.

Walk: 25km
Ascent: 540m
Descent: 560m
Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Myrtle Bank Guest House
Overlooking Loch Linnhe and only a short walk from town, Myrtle Bank is run by Dora and her team in a converted Victorian Villa, en-suite rooms are classically furnished. The property also has extensive gardens, which are a passion of Dora’s. Known for its friendly atmosphere, this guest house is a great end to some of the finest walking days in Scotland.

DAY 9
Onward Travel

After breakfast, the nearby train makes for easy onward travel. Spend more time in Fort William and perhaps take the Jacobite Steam Train, recognised as one of the greatest train journeys in the world.

Meals included: Breakfast

What’s Included

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • 8 nights accommodation in 3* hotels & guest houses
  • All luggage transfers
  • 8 breakfasts
  • Maps, guidebook and route summary
  • Flexible itinerary to add or remove days
  • A night in famous Kingshouse wilderness hotel
  • 24/7 telephone support
  • Complete Scotland’s most popular long-distance hiking trail
  • Enjoy the warmth of a Highland whisky and Scottish hospitality
  • Walk through Glen Nevis to the foot of UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis
Accommodation & Dining

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

During this tour, you will spend each night In 3-star hotels.(occasionally a 4* hotel) and guest houses. The accommodation on this tour has been chosen for its location. A real highlight is the Kingshouse Hotel which has been welcoming walkers for decades. Your hosts are knowledgeable about the region and are happy to help with any questions or assistance you might need. Of course, you can always call us too should you need anything during your walk. As many of the overnight stays are in remote settings, on occasion we may have to book another similar accommodation of equal standard. We will discuss these options with you during the booking process. For this tour, we would always advise booking as soon as you have chosen your travel dates. The hotels on this tour get very busy.

Dining
You will be provided with 8 breakfasts. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know at the time of booking so we can let your hosts know. Should you have severe food allergies, it’s always worth bringing a few of your own snacks with you.

Single Rooms
If you are travelling with friends and family but would like your own then just let us know at the time of booking. Single rooms can be booked for an additional payment.

  • NIGHT 1

  • NIGHT 2

  • NIGHT 3

  • NIGHT 4

  • NIGHT 5

  • NIGHT 6

  • NIGHT 7

  • NIGHT 8

Fitness Guide

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed.  Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - ABOVE AVERAGE

Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 17-25 km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.

If you do not have access to hills, it is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength.  Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.

Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

General Info

GENERAL INFO

AVAILABILITY

This walk is available from April through to October.

So the saying goes in Scotland, always be prepared for a change of weather! Regardless of when you travel, you can experience rainy days with temperatures dipping to 12°C and on the same day, clear skies and sunshine of up to 22°C. In the early and later weeks of the season, it isn’t unusual to see snow on the mountain tops and you may even experience a frost. May and June are usually the months with the least rainfall, followed by July, August and September. However, what Scotland lacks in warm weather, it truly makes up for it with hospitality.

THE WALKING

Graded moderate with several moderate to challenging days. An active lifestyle makes walking more enjoyable. Along with your usual walks, an exercise regime of 2 to 3 times a week is needed. Typically, days are generally easy-going underfoot and you should be used to be covering up to 25km per day with up to 600m of ascent and descent. The route will have sections of ascending, rocky trails and in places, lose terrain underfoot. Trails are very well-defined and very well way-marked. You will walk on forest tracks, hill paths, bridleways and across the moorland. You will also walk through some towns and villages. Although the route is well waymarked, for each of your walks, you will be provided with daily walk summaries, a map, a guidebook and the GPX tracks if you require to use them for your own device. The weather in Scotland can change quickly and as such, you should always be prepared.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

This walk starts in Milngavie, Glasgow and finishes in Fort William.

To Milngavie
Milngavie is a 20-minute train journey north of Glasgow city. Glasgow Airport has extensive connections to most UK and many international airports. The airport connects through to the central station via the Airport Shuttle bus (journey time around 30mins). From the central station, you can take a train service to Milngavie.

If travelling from London, we would suggest taking a domestic flight to either Glasgow or Edinburgh and then catching the train to Milngavie.

Caledonian Sleeper Train
A great way to travel from London is by taking the overnight Caledonian Sleeper train. Depending on the day, services depart London Euston around 11 pm, travel through the night and arrive in Glasgow at around 7.30 am the following day.

Onward Travel From Fort William
Fort William has great train connections through to Glasgow (4hrs), Edinburgh (5hrs) and London. Travelling to London you can either travel during the day (9hrs, with a change of stations in Glasgow) or return by the Caledonian Sleeper service, departing Fort William at 11 pm and arriving the next morning into London Euston at 8 am.

For all train travel in the UK, please check The Trainline or National Rail for timetables, prices and ticket purchases.

If travelling on the Caledonian Sleeper Service, please check Caledonian Sleeper for information.

Another useful planning tool for travel is Rome2Rio should you be travelling from, or to, other destinations.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

Map

MAP

Departure Dates

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Apr 2024 - 31 Oct 2024
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $2195

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $1145

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If you’re looking for further information on any of our walking holidays please fill out the enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.

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