West Highland Way – 7 Days – Self-Guided Walking Tour

7 Day Self-Guided Walking Tour West Highland Way Scotland

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:  £769 per person sharing

Single Supplement: +£375

Tour Dates: 1 April to 31 October
– Sorry, we have no availability for May 2024 .

Tour Grade: Moderate

Accommodation: Guesthouse, Hotel & B&B

Included / Excluded

Day 1 - Glasgow to Inverarnan

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. 

Day 2 - Inverarnan to Tyndrum

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)

Day 3 - Tyndrum to Inveroran

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

Day 4 - Inveroran to Kingshouse

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

Day 5 - Kingshouse to Kinlochleven

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

Day 6 - Kinlochleven to Fort William

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

Day 7 - Depart

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.

A few words from our customers...

I found the Footfalls website last year but didn't feel ready for all that walking so took a bus tour of Scotland & Ireland. This August I decided to be in the scenery and not outside looking at it. In short, I got a lot of exercise, ate like a hog and lost four lbs! I signed up for the 10 day Western Highland trip. Based on my experience I'd recommend Footfalls Walking Hiking Ireland to anyone. Christopher was very helpful and gave excellent advice. Every day was a success. You can go by yourself and have a lot of fun and meet some great people.
Karin
Sweden
Walked the West Highland Way in Scotland this year, organised by Footfalls and they done a super job. Christopher & Teresa were so helpful to us in answering all our questions before the tour. Helped us to book accommodation in Glasgow and Edinburgh and gave us some great advice on public transport. The West Highland Way is a beautiful trail with some stunning scenery. The accommodations were all good to excellent, some even offered washing facilities, and all had drying rooms. We hope to return again next year to do another long distance trail with Footfalls.
Oliver & Mike
USA