Walking the West Highland Way

WHW is widely regarded as one of the best long distance footpaths on the planet. The trail passes through the south-western part of the Scottish Highlands. The West Highland Way is well maintained by Countryside Rangers from 5 Counties and benefits from good signposting.

The official starting point is the WHW Obelisk in Milngavie. The first stage passes through picturesque rolling farmland, woods and villages, before arriving at the impressive scenery of Loch Lomond. This stage is one of the most challenging, but also very beautiful with views west into the Argyll Alps.

Some people stay an extra night at Rowardennn in order to climb Ben Lomond which rewards you with fantastic views west and north into the Highlands. The following section of the Loch Lomond path is technically the most challenging, (you'll be glad not to be carrying a large pack), but also incredibly scenic adn historic. Make a mini-detour to find Rob Roy McGregor's Cave. After Loch Lomond the Way follows a valley route on an historic military road, a long steady climb, passing below rugged mountain peaks around Crianlarich and Tyndrum.

Further north, the landscape changes again and open heather moorland brings you up into the spectacular wilderness of Rannoch Moor. This iconic region of the Scottish consciousness brings you in contact with the majestic scenery of Glencoe, famed for its bloody massacre of the MacDonald Clan. Nowaday, this is a popular centre for many outdoor pursuits of the sporting kind. The final stages from Kingshouse, wind up and over the Devil's Staircase down into Kinlochleven before a final push through the dramatic Lairigmor to finish in the centre of Fort William, nestled at  foot of mighty Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak at 4408 ft.

6, 7, 8, 9 & 10 Day Itineraries from £390

We have worked out the logistics. All you have to do is consider carefully how far you want / are able to walk each day.

All our walkers receive a free Log Book, Certificate and Badge with our compliments.

• 6 Day Walk

Drymen - 12 miles, Rowardennan - 13 miles, Inverarnan - 14.5 miles, Inveroran 22.5 miles, Kinlochleven - 18.5 miles, Fort William - 15.5 miles

• 6 Day Walk (with Inversnaid)

Balmaha - 18 miles, Inversnaid - 15 miles, Crianlarich - 13 miles, Bridge of Orchy 13.5 miles, Kinlochleven - 21 miles, Fort William - 15.5 miles

• 7 Day Walk

Drymen - 12 miles, Rowardennan 13 miles, Inverarnan - 14.5 miles, Tyndrum - 12.5 miles, Kingshouse -20 miles, Kinlochleven 8.5 miles, Fort William 15.5 miles

• 7 Day Walk (with Inversnaid)

Balmaha - 18 miles, Inversnaid - 15 miles, Crianlarich - 13 miles, Bridge of Orchy 13.5 miles, Kingshouse - 12.5 miles, Kinlochleven 8.5 miles, Fort William 15.5 miles

• 8 Day Walk - £557 B&B

Drymen -12 miles,  Rowardennan - 13 miles, Inverarnan - 14.5 miles, Tyndrum - 12.5 miles, Inveroran - 10 miles, Kinghouse - 10 miles, Kinlochleven - 8.5 miles,  Fort William (15.5 miles)

• 8 Day Option (with Inversnaid)

Drymen -12 miles,  Rowardennan - 13 miles, Inverarnan - 8 miles, Crianlarich - 13 miles, Bridge of Orchy - 13.5 miles, Kinghouse - 12.5 miles, Kinlochleven - 8 miles,  Fort William (15.5 miles)

• 9 Day Option

Drymen -12 miles,  Balmaha - 6 miles, Rowardennan - 7 miles,   Inverarnan - 14.5 miles, Tyndrum - 12.5 miles, Inveroran - 10 miles, Kinghouse - 10 miles, Kinlochleven - 8.5 miles,  Fort William (15.5 miles)

• 10 Day Option (with Inversnaid)

Drymen -12 miles,  Balmaha - 6 miles, Rowardennan - 7 miles,    Inversnaid - 7 miles,  Inverarnan - 7.5 miles, Tyndrum - 12.5 miles, Inveroran - 10 miles, Kinghouse - 10 miles, Kinlochleven - 8.5 miles, Fort William 15.5 miles

Please note:

Inversnaid requires a minimum 2 person booking, due to the additional mileage incurred by bag transfers.

All itineraries can be tailored to suit the particular needs of each client. Please ask about options.

 

 

We pick the best accommodation available, from a selection of Bed & Breakfast, Guesthouses and Hotels. All provide a traditional full Scottish breakfast. We always endeavour to ensure en suite accommodation, depending on the demand at your time of booking.

A baggage transfer service has your luggage transported daily by vehicle , so all you will need to carry is your day pack. This really does make a significant difference to your enjoyment of the West Highland Way.

We do recommend a night in Milngavie prior to beginning the West Highland Way, to allow for an ease of bag collection by 9am and more relaxed start to your first day.

Sample Accommodation

Here is a taster of the three of the many great hotels, B&Bs and guest houses with whom we regularly work. See photos in the gallery on the lefthand side of this page.

Tigh-Na-Cheo, Kinlochleven

This is a super 4 star Guest House situated at the head of the loch, very well appointed rooms, drying facilities and comfy residents’ lounge.

The Oak Tree Inn, Balmaha

Welcoming family run Lochside Inn in a great location, with Restaurant, Bar, Private Rooms and Bunks - all rooms on a B&B basis with en suite facilities.

Inveroran Hotel

This historical 19th century Inn is comfortable and welcoming. There are drying facilities, as well as bar-restaurant and you can even pre-book a massage.