West Highland Way Walking Holiday – Scotland’s Classic Long-Distance Route
Walk the full 96-mile West Highland Way from Milngavie to Fort William on our 7-night guided walking holiday through the Scottish Highlands.
Join a small, sociable group of up to eight walkers, with experienced guides, luggage transfers, accommodation and a support vehicle all organised for you. Most people join Large Outdoors on their own, so there's no need to find somebody to travel with.
From Loch Lomond and Rannoch Moor to the Devil's Staircase and Fort William, you'll complete one of Scotland's best-known long-distance walking routes with the reassurance of a fully supported trip.
Holiday at a Glance
Duration
7 nights · 7 walking days
Walking grade
Active Plus
Distance
Approx. 96 miles
Price
£1,600pp
Group size
Maximum 8
Accommodation
Shared same-sex hostel rooms
Transport
Car-free · Transport included
Meals
Breakfasts & packed lunches included
Check Dates & Book Your Place
Upcoming departure dates:
Saturday 11 – Saturday 18 September 2027
Choose your preferred date and room type in the booking form to check availability and reserve your place.
Deposits – Pay a 20% deposit when booking more than 12 weeks before departure. The remaining balance is due 12 weeks before departure.
Why Walk the West Highland Way with Large Outdoors?
The West Highland Way is one of Scotland’s best-known long-distance walking routes, covering 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William. Over seven walking days, you'll follow the shores of Loch Lomond, cross Rannoch Moor, tackle the Devil’s Staircase and finish beneath Ben Nevis.
Walking with Large Outdoors means enjoying the challenge without having to organise all the logistics yourself. Our experienced guide looks after navigation, your luggage is transferred between overnight stops, and our support vehicle is there throughout the trip.
With a maximum of eight walkers, it's a small, sociable group. Most people join us on their own, so you'll have plenty of company along the way.
“The scenery and camaraderie! Being able to focus on enjoying the walk knowing everything else was taken care of.”
— West Highland Way guest
Highlights
Walk alongside Loch Lomond, with its wooded shores and Highland views.
Cross the wild, open landscapes of Rannoch Moor.
Tackle the Devil's Staircase, one of the best-known climbs on the route.
Enjoy changing scenery, from peaceful lochside paths to remote Highland glens.
Reach Fort William beneath Ben Nevis and celebrate completing the West Highland Way.
Suggested Itinerary
Here’s what we’ve got planned - of course, we may have to offer alternatives or make amendments if the weather misbehaves or other unexpected situations arise!
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Distance walked: approx. 20 miles
Welcome to Milngavie Station - the official starting point of your West Highland Way journey!
We will be offering a collection from Glasgow City Centre (see below) at 8am on the first day or you can meet us in Milngavie.
There will be time before we start for you to purchase some packed lunch goodies.
Today sees us leave the town of Milngave behind and head north through Mugdock Country Park, and then past fields following the remains of an old train line. After passing the Glengoyne Whisky Distillery, with views of the Campsie Fells, we reach the town of Drymen. The final stage of the day sees us head up into a large forest, all the way to the summit of Conic Hill, which lies on the Highland Boundary Fault. From here we descend to the banks of Loch Lomond, where we finish the day at Balmaha.
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Distance walked: approx. 17 miles
Over the course of the day we’ll be walking on or near the shore of Loch Lomond, following the eastern side of the loch north, all the way to Inversnaid. On this quieter side of the Loch there is no road, so we’ll be on forestry tracks and then loch-side paths through stunning native oak woodlands, with a great chance of seeing wildlife, including red squirrels. This day is all lower-level walking with some rocky steps, and a few ups and downs.
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Distance walked: approx. 14 miles
After a few more miles along the shore of Loch Lomond to its most northerly point, we head out into the wide Glen Falloch. The second half of the day is relatively easy walking along tracks, with our first close-up views of the impressive mountains of this part of Scotland.
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Distance walked: approx. 13 miles
Our introduction to the Scottish mountains continues today with a spectacular low-level walk up Strath Fillan, and then north to follow the river all the way to the Bridge of Orchy. We’ll pass underneath the peaks of Beinn Odhar and Beinn Dorain, and have views west to the shapely alpine summit of Ben Lui. The walking alternates between sheltered woodland, and the wide open spaces of the valleys, and there are even a few possible café stops!
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Distance walked: approx. 13 miles
The wildest and most remote day of the journey, we swap the woodlands of Loch Lomond and the hillsides of Strath Fillan for endless open spaces. After a brief hill to get us to Inverornan, we head up over the Black Mount and alongside the great expanse of Rannoch Moor. The contrast could not be more different on either side – to our left are mountains and rocky crags, and to the right vast bog, dotted with pools, the horizon stretching into the far haze.
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Distance walked: approx. 8 miles
Though the shortest day in terms of distance, today sees us walk up the dramatic Devil’s Staircase after a short walk next to the mountain of Buachaille Etive Mor. The path then climbs over 400 metres to reach a high pass, before beginning the descent down into Kinlochleven. This admirable effort is rewarded on a clear day by views of the Mamores mountain range and our first view of Ben Nevis.
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Distance walked: approx. 15 miles
The final day of the journey! We begin with a steep climb through woodland with views down to the sea-loch of Loch Leven. The trail then heads through the upland valley of Lairig Mor, taking us round the side of the Mamore mountains before entering Nevis Forest. Winding down through the forest, we enter Glen Nevis with Ben Nevis dominating the view ahead, before turning up the glen to enter Fort William.
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Today it’s time to say our farewells. After a leisurely breakfast filled with good cheer you’ll head back to Glasgow and the end of your amazing Scottish adventure. Return transport to Glasgow is included.
Please book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return train ticket), to allow for flexibility with the arrival time into Glasgow - we (sadly!) can’t control the traffic. We’ll aim to be back by the early afternoon.
Essential Information
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Meeting Locations & Times
We offer two collection points on the first day of your holiday:
Glasgow City Centre – 08:00
ibis Styles Glasgow Central
116 Waterloo Street
Glasgow
G2 7DNMilngavie Railway Station – 08:30
Please select your preferred collection point when booking. If you need to change it afterwards, just get in touch with us.
Please arrive in good time and be ready to depart at your selected collection time.
Travelling by Train
You can travel by train to Glasgow or directly to Milngavie Railway Station, depending on your preferred collection point.
Station Pickups
Collection from Milngavie Railway Station is available as detailed above. Please select this option when booking.
Travelling by Car & Parking
Dedicated parking is not provided as part of this holiday. If travelling by car, you'll need to arrange suitable parking independently.
Transport During the Trip
Large Outdoors provides the transport required as part of the guided walking holiday, including vehicle support and luggage transfers.
Ferries & Boat Transfers
No ferry or boat transfers are required for this holiday.
Departure & Return Travel
On the final day of your holiday, we aim to arrive back in Glasgow between 13:00 and 14:00, with drop-offs available in Glasgow city centre or at Glasgow Airport.
Please allow some flexibility when booking onward travel.
Important Travel Information
A discount code for ibis Styles Glasgow Central is available if you'd like to stay in Glasgow before or after the holiday. Please contact us for details.
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Accommodation Location
We'll stay at various locations along the West Highland Way, with accommodation arranged to suit each day's walking.
Accommodation Type
We use a selection of hostels along the route, offering practical, comfortable and sociable accommodation throughout the holiday.
Rooms & Sleeping Arrangements
Accommodation is in shared, same-sex hostel rooms.
You'll share with other members of your Large Outdoors group of the same sex. All bedrooms are booked exclusively for Large Outdoors guests, so you won't be sharing with members of the public.
Private single, twin and double rooms are not available on this holiday.
Bathrooms, Bedding & Towels
Bathrooms: Accommodation has a mixture of ensuite and shared bathroom facilities, depending on the hostel.
Bedding: All bedding is provided.
Towels: Towels are provided at all accommodation.
Breakfast
Breakfast is included each morning and provided on a self-service basis. This typically includes cereals, toast, fruit, yoghurt, tea and coffee.
Lunch
Packed lunches are included on the main walking days and typically contain a sandwich, crisps, a snack and a piece of fruit. You're very welcome to bring along any additional food or snacks you'd like.
Drinks are not included with packed lunches, so please bring a reusable water bottle. Drinking water is available at our accommodation along the route, where you can refill your bottle.
Please also bring a reusable lunchbox or food container, as we don't provide disposable plastic bags or food wrapping.
Evening Meals
Evening meals are not included in the holiday price.
Depending on where we're staying, we'll either arrange a group meal at a local pub or restaurant or organise food at the accommodation.
The cost of evening meals is paid separately.
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Accommodation & Meals
Included:
7 nights' hostel accommodation in shared, same-sex rooms
Breakfast each morning, including Day 8
Packed lunches on walking Days 2–7
Not included:
Packed lunch on Day 1
Lunch on Day 8 (return travel day)
Evening meals and drinks
Guiding & Support
Included:
Experienced Large Outdoors walking guide throughout the holiday
Support vehicle during the trip
Baggage transfers between accommodation stops
Transport & Transfers
Included:
Transport to walking start points where required
Return transport to Glasgow on the final day
Not included:
Travel to your chosen meeting point at the start of the holiday
Additional Costs & Exclusions
Not included:
Personal travel or activity insurance
Personal purchases and other expenses during the holiday
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Grade: Active Plus
This is a challenging long-distance walking holiday, covering approximately 96 miles over seven consecutive walking days.
You'll need a good level of walking fitness and be comfortable spending several hours on your feet each day, including longer distances, uneven paths and some steep ascents and descents.
The trip is best suited to regular walkers who enjoy a physical challenge. You don't need to be an experienced mountain walker, but some preparation and experience of longer walks is important.
You'll carry only your daypack, with luggage transfers and vehicle support provided throughout the holiday.
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Walking Clothing & Equipment
You'll need comfortable walking boots or shoes, suitable outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and trousers, and a daypack for your daily essentials.
Scotland's weather can be changeable, so please come prepared for both wet and cooler conditions, even during the summer.
Trip-Specific Items
Please bring a reusable lunchbox or food container for your packed lunches, along with a refillable water bottle.
Your main luggage will be transported between accommodation stops, so you'll only need to carry your daypack while walking.
Bedding and towels are provided at all our accommodation, so there's no need to bring your own.
Full Kit List
We've put together a useful walking kit list to help you prepare for your holiday.
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Booking Confirmation
Once you've booked, you'll receive a confirmation email with your booking details and our full booking terms.
Deposits & Balance Payments
If you've paid a deposit, we'll automatically email you a reminder when your remaining balance is due. Balances are normally due 12 weeks before departure.
Your Trip WhatsApp Group
Ahead of your trip, we'll invite you to join a dedicated WhatsApp group for your holiday.
It's a great way to say hello to your fellow walkers, ask questions and get to know everyone before you arrive. Most of our guests join us on their own, so it's a nice way to break the ice.
Joining is entirely optional.
Final Details
A couple of days before departure, we'll send you a final reminder with your guide or host's name and contact number, along with any important last-minute information.
Keeping Up to Date
Everything you need to plan your trip, including meeting locations, times, accommodation and travel arrangements, is provided on this page.
We recommend checking back here from time to time before departure, as we'll update the page if any arrangements change. You don't need to wait for your final email to organise your travel.
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What happens if I struggle with a day's walking?
We have a support vehicle available throughout the holiday, so there may be opportunities to miss part of a stage or take a break from walking if needed.
Our guide will help you assess your options, although vehicle access and collection points depend on the location and terrain.
Can I join on my own?
Absolutely! Most people join Large Outdoors on their own, and our small groups make it easy to get to know your fellow walkers.
With seven days of walking together, there's plenty of time to make new friends and enjoy the experience as a group.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Scotland's weather can be changeable, so we recommend coming prepared for a variety of conditions.
Our guide may adjust walking plans, timings or sections of the route where necessary for safety. We'll always aim to complete the West Highland Way where conditions allow.
Are midges a problem on the West Highland Way?
Midges are part of walking in Scotland, particularly between late spring and early autumn. They're usually most noticeable in still, warm conditions, especially around sheltered or damp areas.
We recommend bringing a midge head net, insect repellent such as Smidge, and lightweight long sleeves for evenings.
Conditions vary considerably, and on many days they may cause little or no inconvenience.
Check Dates & Book Your Place
Upcoming departure dates:
Saturday 11 – Saturday 18 September 2027
Choose your preferred date and room type in the booking form to check availability and reserve your place.
Deposits – Pay a 20% deposit when booking more than 12 weeks before departure. The remaining balance is due 12 weeks before departure.
Questions Before You Book?
Not sure whether this walking holiday is right for you? We're always happy to help with questions about the walks, accommodation or joining us on your own.
Email hello@largeoutdoors.com or get in touch through WhatsApp.