West Highland Way Walking Holiday – Scotland’s Classic Long-Distance Route

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is one of our tougher walking holidays and involves around 96 miles of walking over 7 consecutive days. Daily distances range from approximately 8–20 miles.

The route itself does not involve technical scrambling or mountain climbing, but you should be comfortable walking for long periods on consecutive days over mixed terrain including rocky paths, forestry tracks, moorland trails and uneven ground.

Good fitness and some training beforehand will make the trip far more enjoyable.

You do not need previous long-distance trail experience, but regular walking experience and a good level of fitness are important.

Many participants use this trip as their first major multi-day walking challenge, but preparation beforehand is strongly recommended.

Very little compared to unsupported long-distance walking trips.

Baggage transfers are included, so your main luggage will be transported between accommodation stops each day. You’ll only need to carry your daily essentials such as waterproofs, lunch, snacks, water and spare layers.

Yes.

A support vehicle is available during the trip, providing reassurance if you need to miss part of a stage or take some time out during the week.

Accommodation is in hostels along the route.

Rooms are shared and facilities will vary between locations, but all accommodation is chosen for practicality, location and suitability for the walking route.

Please bring your own towel and toiletries.

Due to the nature of accommodation along the West Highland Way, private rooms are generally not available on this trip.

Accommodation is based around shared hostel rooms.

DIY breakfasts are provided each morning, including cereals, toast, fruit and yoghurt.

DIY packed lunches are included for Days 2–7.

Evening meals are not included. Depending on the location, we’ll either eat together in local pubs and restaurants or organise food at the accommodation.

Yes.

Your luggage will be transported between accommodation stops throughout the trip, meaning you only need to carry what you need during the day.

Return transport to Glasgow on Day 8 is included.

Transport to walk start points during the trip is also included where required.

Travel to Glasgow or Milngavie at the start of the trip is not included.

Absolutely.

Many people join Large Outdoors trips solo, and long-distance walking trips like this often develop a strong group atmosphere over the course of the week.

Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable, so flexibility is important.

Your guides may adjust plans, timings or route details where necessary for safety or practical reasons, but the aim will always be to complete the West Highland Way where conditions allow.

Midges can be present on parts of the West Highland Way, particularly during warmer, still weather between late spring and early autumn.

They are usually more noticeable during calm evenings and around sheltered or damp areas, although conditions vary throughout the week depending on weather and location.

We recommend bringing:

• A midge head net

• Smidge insect repellent

• Lightweight long sleeves or layers for evenings

Your guides will also advise on practical ways to minimise any annoyance during the trip.