The West Highland Way is the first official long-distance designated walking and hiking route in Scotland and by far the most famous. The West Highland Way was officially opened in 1980.
As the trail escorts you along the West Highland Way from the village of Tyndrum, through the Scottish Highlands to Fort William, it takes you along old drover roads along which highlanders herded their cattle and sheep to market in the lowlands. Your self-guided journey continues on military roads that were constructed by troops to help control the Jacobite Clans and old coach roads and disused railway roads from more modern times.
The West Highland Way is indeed a journey through some of the best scenery that Scotland has to offer.
Prices / Dates
Price: £809 per person sharing
Single Supplement: +£350
Tour Dates: 1st April to 12th October
Tour Grade: Moderate
Accommodation: Guesthouse, Hotel & B&B
Included / Excluded
- 6 nights bed & breakfast
- All accommodation is pre-booked in approved and carefully selected guesthouses with all rooms en-suite.
- West Highland Way Maps and Rucksack Reader Guide Book.
- GPX Tracks
- Details on restaurants and places of interest to visit along the way.
- Luggage transfers daily while you walk with a small day pack.
- All information on trains or buses needed to get to your first accommodation in Inverarnan and back at the end of the tour from Fort William.
- 24-7 Emergency Telephone support
- Public transport to the beginning of the tour and back at the end
- Packed Lunches
- Evening Meals
- Drinks and Snacks
- Personal Equipment
You have the option to arrive at Glasgow's main airport or Prestwick Airport, which is only a short train ride outside of Glasgow. From here you will take a bus to Inverarnan to your first accommodation on the West Highland Way.
We will supply you with all your travel details to get from your point of entry into Scotland to your fist accommodation in Inverarnan.
The West Highland Way leaves Inverarnan on a relatively easy section that takes you North-West along by the base of Ben Glas Mountain, through Glen Folloch and onto Strath Fillan. As you follow the walking trail today, you will cross and re-crosses the river Folloch which is the main east-west natural divide of the Scottish Highlands.
Before you get to your destination, you will pass what remains of the ruins of St. Fillan’s Priory.
Distance: 20.5 km / 12 miles, Ascent: 200 m / 600 ft, Approximate walking time: 6 / 7 hours
“All travellers who use this wild and beautiful place will do so in peace if they tread their path lightly.” (An inscription from a plaque as you approach the remains on the priory)
Today's walk is along an easy section of the West Highland Way. The trail takes you north out of Tyndrum on an old military road that was constructed around 1750 and along by the West Highland Railway-Line that links Glasgow with Fort William. The views along this section are mainly dominated by two mountains on the right, first Beinn Odhar and then Beinn Dorain. This section of the trail may be easy but is also incredibly beautiful and in summer it offers an array of wildflowers and green pastures.
Distance: 15 km / 9 miles, Ascent: 145 m / 435 ft, Approximate walking time: 4 hours
Today's walk is along one of the most remote sections of the trail which follows an old drover’s road that skirts along the western fringe of Rannoch Moor. I can find no words that can justify my experience on this section of the trail. One has to personally walk it to experience the peace and serenity that it has to offer. Wild red deer, black grouse and sheep roam at will in this wild place.
Distance: 15 km / 9 miles, Ascent: 90 m / 270 ft, Approximate walking time: 4 hours
From Kingshouse, the trail enters the beautiful scenery of Glencoe and at Altnafeadh climbs steadily over the Devils Staircase. This is an old military road that rises to almost 500 metres (1500 ft) at its highest point before making a long descent into Kinlochleven. You will have glorious mountain views throughout the day today.
Distance: 15 km / 9 miles, Ascent: 250 m / 750 ft, Approximate walking time: 4 hours
The final section of the West Highland Way takes you back onto the old military road, with a steady climb out of Kinlochleven and through an area of natural woodlands that, every now and then, offers you some splendid views over Loch Leven and back over part of your previous walk. You will pass an old ruined village called Tigh-Na-Sleubhaich and clear evidence of its once inhabitants can still be seen to the present day.
The final part of the trail takes you down into Glen Nevis where you will have some great views of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain. The walking trail finishes at the visitor's centre in Fort William.
Distance: 24 km / 15 miles, Ascent: 225 m / 675 ft, Approximate walking time: 6 / 7 hours
After a hearty Scottish breakfast, you can take the train back to Glasgow for your onward journey.
We will supply you with all the travel details for your onward journey from Fort William.
