Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
15.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
The 151 km long West Highland Way was the first official walking route in Scotland, opening in 1980 and traversing East Dunbartonshire, Stirling, Argyll and Bute and the Highlands. A dramatic and breath-taking route, some of the views you see will be easily recognisable as the locations of dramas and films, including James Bonds' Skyfall and Harry Potter.
The walk is the perfect introduction to the Highlands, with its mix of challenging mountain paths, awe inspiring scenery, picturesque villages and the odd whisky distillery along the way! Beginning just outside Glasgow, the route takes you on a journey through some of Scotland's most stunning natural scenery, and also through its history, passing areas rich with stories of its famous sons, Rob Roy and Robert the Bruce. Starting in Milngavie you walk through Mugdock Country Park, following the shores of Loch Lomond and onto Glen Falloch. Experience one of the last pristine moors in Europe as you cross Rannoch Moor, past the recognisable Munro, Buachaille Etive Mor and onto the head of Glencoe. At the end of the week, you will climb the Devil's Staircase, descending to Loch Leven before finishing in the outdoor adventure capital of the UK, Fort William.
Your evenings will be spent in the company of fellow walkers from all around the world, experiencing quality hotels, offering the very best of Scottish hospitality. All accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis, with evening meals and picnic lunches easily available either at your hotel, or in the nearby village.
Walks on this holiday are on village streets, country lanes, farm tracks and rural paths. Walking boots are essential. Walking poles are recommended.
Spend a relaxing evening at your hotel, in preparation for the start of your journey in the morning. Overnight in Milngavie.
Quickly leaving the town behind, the walk takes you through Mugdock Wood and past Craigallan Loch on your way to Strathblane. Along old railways lines and following the path of the river, stop off for some whisky sampling at Glengoyne Distillery before passing through villages of Gartness and Drumgoyne, arriving at your hotel for the evening.
Following the path through the forest, you will soon see the spectacular Ben Lomond in front of you. With a steady ascent over Conic Hill, the views open out over the whole of Loch Lomond, a breath-taking sight. When you descend you reach the village of Balmaha where you can enjoy a refreshment break and a boat trip to Inchaillocch if you have time. Following the shoreline, there are more stunning views of the Loch before you reach Rowardennan, with Ben Lomond just behind.
A challenging route today; first you follow along the banks of Loch Lomond, and slowly the track becomes a twisting and rocky trail through the forest. The views of Glen Falloch more than make up for this, and there is a welcome rest stop at Inversnaid near a beautiful waterfall. The path then takes you up through native woodland and past Rob Roy's cave where the famous outlaw allegedly took refuge. On the descent you will see the bothy at Doune, and the ruins at Blarstainge before reaching Inverarnan and your hotel for the evening.
In contrast to the challenging walk yesterday around Loch Lomond, todays route is easier but no less interesting as you walk through native woodlands, along a riverside path to see the Falls of Falloch, and then onto an old track through farmland. Stop for lunch at Crianlarich and enjoy the views of Ben More, dominating the skyline behind. This area is steeped in history concerning Robert the Bruce, from Fillan's Priory to Dal Righ, where he was defeated by the English in the early 14th century and further on the small loch where he and his followers made their escape. Continuing through the pine woods you reach Tyndrum and your hotel for the evening.
After leaving Tyndrum, todays walk is mostly on the flat with the stunning Beinn Odhar and Beinn Dorain in sight at your side. Travelling along the railway and river, you reach the Bridge of Orchy, which makes a good stop before carrying on to the forest and Inveroran. One of the most iconic stages of the walk, Rannoch Moor is soon approached, with its 50 miles of gentle moorland stretching all around. Stick to Telfords Road for an easy walk across this otherwise boggy section! The undulating route takes you up to the highest point and then descending you will see the first glimpse of Buachaille Etive Mor, a stunning Munro at the foot of Glencoe.
Probably the most famous and well-loved section of the West Highland Way, todays walk takes you to the Devils Staircase, along the old military road, an easier walk than the name would suggest. Enjoy the incredible views of the Glencoe mountains before descending, with the Blackwater reservoir soon in sight. The 13 km long reservoir was built by a team of navies in 1909. Head towards the village of Kinlochleven, with the Mamores and even Ben Nevis appearing behind on a clear day. Rest and enjoy the scenery, or take a visit to the Ice Factor, the UK National Centre for Ice Climbing for a try on the ice or rock climbing walls.
All too soon you will have reached the last stage of this world-famous walk. Climbing up through the woods above Kinlochleven, take a short detour to see the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall before following the route of the old Military Road onto Fort William. With stunning mountain scenery along the way, including Ben Nevis in the distance, the descent to Glen Nevis begins along a zig-zag road and onto Fort William for your resting place at the end of your holiday.
You stay at Guisachan.
Hotels, West Highland Way
We use a variety of 3 and 4 star hotels and inns throughout with en suite facilities. They may be located either in the towns themselves or in the surrounding countryside. Please note that the accommodation is usually located within walking distance to the centre of the towns (i.e. 15-20 mins walk). All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration. For a solo traveller there is an additional charge to cover transfer costs.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Leave Fort William after breakfast, to begin your journey home, or stay on a few days to enjoy this fabulous location.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from $669.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from $669.
On arrival transfers can be arranged from Glasgow airport or train station to Milngavie, for a supplement. At the end of the trip, transfers can be arranged from your Fort William hotel to the train station for a supplement.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
15.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
