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Route:

Technical Characteristics 

Tour Profile: Hard. Good physical condition is mandatory for the West Highland Way. The uphill climbs are usually not a problem, but the long stages are strenuous. The route is over well-maintained hiking trails and is perfectly sign-posted.

Total distance: 148 - 163 km

Travel Season: Departures daily from April 8 to October 7, 2023
Season 1: April 8 – April 28 and September 25 – October 7
Season 2: April 29 - September 24

Accommodation:

3* Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts

Scotland’s oldest long distance hiking trail leads you into the raw world of the highlands. In olden times this was barren land, inhabited only by a few merchants and shepherds. Battles were fought here and robbers and gangs of thieves used the seclusion as a refuge. Today, this region is still largely untouched and is extremely varied. The paths scroll in seclusion along the shore of Loch Lomond, only to offer views of the surrounding peaks a few kilometres further on. The West Highland Way is one of the most popular hiking routes in Europe today and attracts travellers from all over the world.

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrival in Milngavie

“Mull’guy” is what this small town, about 60 kilometers north of Glasgow is called. Discover the small pedestrian zone in its centre and buy the final provisions for the coming hiking tour.

Day 2

Milngavie –Drymen 20 km +/-235 m

The tour takes you out of the town through quiet forests and takes you slowly to the Highlands. On the way to Drymen you will pass the Glengoyne Distillery. Make a stop here to taste a glass of whiskey and learn more about the production of this Scottish speciality. Drymen is the last major stage town for a long period of time.

Day 3

Drymen –Rowardennan 24 km + 625 m - 655 m

You climb “Conic Hill” first and enjoy the views of Loch Lomond
- Scotland's largest lake. The climb down takes you to Balmaha and then civilization ends for a few kilometers. There are only narrow footpaths on the east bank of Loch Lomond. The walk is like sheer poetry.

Day 4

Rowardennan – Inverarnan surroundings 19 km + 350 m - 360 m

One of the most beautiful stages on the West Highland Way. You hike on forest roads to the waterfall in Inversnaid. Afterwards the path passes idyllically along the shore. Up, down, left, right... the trail is idyllic and varied, offers views of small islands and leads past the hiding place of the bandit Rob Roy.

Day 5

Inverarnan surroundings – Crianlarich surroundings 14 -17 km + 375 m – 460 m – 210 m - 295 m

After climbing uphill and downhill many times in the past few days, the path is much more comfortably today. The West Highland Way rises slowly from Inverarnan until you pass the small village of Crianlarich. From here you can see the peaks of Ben More and Stob Binnean while enjoying the views of Loch Lomond. You continue through solitary forests to Crianlarich, your stage destination for today.

Day 6

Crianlarich surroundings – Bridge of Orchy / Inveroran 17 – 25 km + 270 m – 560 m – 260m – 550 m

Wonderful views await you today too. A slightly longer climb uphill awaits you directly after the small village of Bridge of Orchy. Afterwards you walk on old military roads, and advance rapidly. The roads lead you past small woodlands to the hotel at Inveroran. It is extremely isolated in the middle of the Scottish Highlands.

Day 7

Bridge of Orchy / Inveroran – Kingshouse 16 – 20 km + 310 m - 475 m - 240 m - 420 m

An old military road leads you past countless, deep black lakes. Today’s destination is Kingshouse - a former trading post in the middle of the Scottish Highlands. On the way you will even pass a small ski resort.

Day 8

Kingshouse – Kinlochleven 14 km + 380 m - 615 m

Passing the most spectacular summit of Scotland, the Buachaille Etive Mòr you will reach the "Devils Staircase". Soldiers who had to cross the numerous curves gave this pass its name. The tour takes you down into a small valley and offers wonderful views of the surrounding peaks. The small town of Kinlochleven offers some civilization again after a few days in the untouched Highlands.

Day 9

Kinlochleven – Fort William 24 km + 575 m - 580 m

A long stage concludes the tour on the West Highland Way. You follow an old military road again, which takes you to a plateau. You walk through quiet forests and past the ruins of a small fort until Ben Nevis comes into sight. The hike into the small town of For William concludes the hike along the West Highland Way.

Day 10

Departure or Extension

End of tour or extra night’s stay

Prices

    Included:

    • Accommodation for 7 or 9 nights
    • Breakfast
    • Daily luggage transfers (1 piece of luggage per person)
    • Well worked out route guidance
    • Tour through the Glengoyne distillery, including tasting
    • Extensive travel documents (1 per room)
    • GPS data available
    • Service hotline

    Not Included:

    • Personal expenses
    • Tourist taxes, payable locally

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