8 Days & 7 Nights

4.6

West Highland Line: Rail & Hike

Walk sections of Scotland's iconic West Highland Way
Cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct, pass pristine beaches and dramatic mountain panoramas
Walk the ‘bonnie banks’ of Loch Lomond in the Trossachs National Park
Follow the Way across remote Rannoch Moor, home to regal red deer stags
Discover forest trails and waterfalls in Glen Nevis with an optional hike up Ben Nevis

Explore the Scottish Highlands by train and on foot. Combine a walk along the UK's most famous national trail, the West Highland Way, with one of the 'World's Best Train Journeys' on a journey through Scotland's western Highlands. This rail and hike adventure will take you past mountains, forests, lochs and glens, including a boat trip on Loch Lomond, before reaching Fort William at the foot of Britain's tallest mountain, Ben Nevis. The final leg of your trip will take you over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct and to Mallaig, the gateway to the Isle of Skye.

From £1,070.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Ride the West Highland Line from Glasgow to Ardlui

Your holiday begins at Queen Street Station in the heart of Glasgow. Once aboard the train enjoy the journey north on the West Highland Line train towards Ardlui on the shores of Loch Lomond. From Ardlui why not toast your first evening in the Highlands with a 'wee dram' before a day on the trail tomorrow?

If there is no availability at Ardlui Hotel, a complimentary transfer will collect you at the train station and bring you to alternative accommodation in Inverarnan. On the following day, you can start your walk from here.

Overnight Ardlui

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Ardlui Hotel | 3 Star | Hotel

The hotel was built as a private hunting lodge for the Colquhoun family around 1851. It was first opened as a hotel in 1886 and two years later the east wing was added, while the west wing was added by 1905. This hotel is one of the friendliest and most intimate hotels in Loch Lomond. With 10 en-suite rooms they offer a relaxed accommodation with great views across the northern shores.

Beinglas | Bed and breakfast

Beinglas Campsite is situated directly on the West Highland Way in Inverarnan. Chalet-style accommodation is available and there is a bar and restaurant on site. The Stagger Inn offers a cosy setting to eat, drink, socialise or recharge and there is live music during the summer months.

The Drovers Inn | Country Inn, Lodge

The Drovers Inn dates back to the 1800s. Packed full of history, it has been a welcomed, cosy stop for the weary hunters and travellers passing through the highlands for hundreds of years. The 15 rooms in the original Inn are filled with antique furniture, oil paintings and rich colours, but equipped with today’s modern comforts. There are also 16 additional more modern chalet style rooms in the lodge across the road. Regardless of where you are staying, you are free to relax in the bar & lounge areas, and indulge in hearty Scottish cuisine and perhaps a dram of local whisky.

Day 2 Walk the West Highland Way to Crianlarich 9 miles / 15 km

Hop across to Loch Lomond's eastern shores from the Arduli jetty. Now you can begin your first day of walking on Scotland's most famous long-distance trail. As you walk through Glen Falloch keep a look out for red deer roaming the mountain slopes. Pass through conifer forests you enter the Glen of Strath Fillan to arrive in the village of Crianlarich.

Ascent: 330m (1,083ft) / Descent: 187m (614ft)

Overnight Crianlarich

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Crianlarich Hotel | 3 Star | Hotel

The Crianlarich Hotel is a comfortable and well-appointed 3-star hotel built in Victorian times. Each room has en-suite facilities and luxurious feather-and-down duvets with cotton bed linen and generous fluffy white towels.

Craigbank Guesthouse | Guest House

Craigbank is a friendly family-run guesthouse, nestling near the foot of mighty Ben More, and ideally situated in the centre of Crianlarich village. The house, which dates from the late 1800s, has been recently refurbished by the new owners and has been sympathetically modernised throughout.

Inverardran House | Guest House

John and Janice Christie want you to feel like a friend not a guest, and when you arrive you will receive a very warm welcome. This friendly guest house is situated in an elevated position with stunning views across the glen to the mountains of Ben Challum and Ben More just to the east.

Day 3 Walk the West Highland Way to Bridge of Orchy 12.5 miles / 20 km

Begin with a gentle start through verdant Strath Fillan, where you'll walk the footsteps of St Fillan, a 8th-century Irish evangelist whose subsequent cult attracted Robert the Bruce as one of his followers. Pass through the ruins of his chapel you move through Dalrigh, the King’s Field’, where legend has it Robert the Bruce suffered defeat in 1306.

Follow the ‘Way’ as you trace the lower slopes of the Munroes Beinn Odhar and Beinn Dorain before descending to Bridge of Orchy.

Ascent: 253m (830ft) / Descent: 325m (1,066ft)

Overnight Bridge of Orchy

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Bridge of Orchy Hotel | 4 Star | Country Hotel

The Bridge of Orchy hotel welcomes guests with personalised service, imaginative Scottish cuisine and an intimate atmosphere. The hotel’s personalised service and ‘can do’ approach is seen in their bedrooms and throughout the hotel and a real home-from-home feel is their priority.

Greenstone Lodge | Hotel

Greenstone Lodge is a remote, 100% plant-based bed and breakfast located in Bridge of Orchy on the West Highland Way. This lodge offers a choice between a cosy double or twin ensuite, and offers two car parking spaces onsite.

Inveroran Hotel | Hotel

Inveroran believe that coming to visit the hotel should be a very special experience for everyone and they have done their best to retain the atmosphere of the 19th century inn throughout the modern hotel and offer great food, great hospitality and comfortable rooms.

Day 4 Ride the West Highland Line to Spean Bridge and optional walk 5 miles / 8 km

After breakfast you have the option of a 5 mile loop walk to the shores of beautiful Loch Tulla on the edge of the Rannoch Moor and at the base of the remote Black Mount Munroes.

A relaxing afternoon follows as you board the West Highland Line and cross the Rannoch, a remote expanse of moorland peppered with lochs at 300m above sea level, and home to herds of red deer. The line passes Loch Treig as it descends into the lush Glen Spean and the Great Glen.

Optional Bridge of Orchy and Loch Tulla Loop Walk: 8 km (5 miles); Ascent: 153m (568ft) / Descent: 167m (548ft)

Overnight Spean Bridge

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Distant Hills Guest House | Guest House

Distant Hills has a peaceful setting amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in the Highlands. They have seven individually designed comfortable rooms with en-suite shower rooms. Rooms are furnished in contemporary quality furniture with 24 hour individually controlled heating. There is also a drying room and a hot tub available, along with an honesty bar. Don’t forget to pack your swimwear if you wish to use the hot tub.

The Old Pines | Hotel

Old Pines is a very special place to stay. Experience the beauty of their picturesque location, cosy yet luxurious rooms and the indulgence of organic, home-cooked food. On arrival, you will be greeted with fresh tea and home-made scones then you can settle into your luxury room to unwind.

Coire Glas | Bed and breakfast

Morven and Simon look forward to offering you a warm welcome. Coire Glas is situated in one acre of grounds facing south looking over the spectacular Grey Corries, home to the Nevis Range Ski Resort.

Day 5 Walk Spean Bridge to Fort William along the Great Glen Way 14 miles / 24 km

Hike forest trails from Spean Bridge to Fort William and keep an eye out for the elusive red squirrel rushing across the path or scampering up a pine tree. The UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis (1345m) dominates the horizon today as you near Fort William. Trace its base as you enter the town, the outdoor capital of the west, to complete the walk.

Ascent: 49m (161ft) / Descent: 125m (410ft)

Overnight Fort William

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Myrtle Bank Guest House | Guest House

Dora welcomes you with open arms to her lovely guest house, Myrtle Bank. Overlooking Loch Linnhe and just a short stroll from the town centre and its selection of shops, pubs and restaurants, this is the perfect place to relax after a day of exploration.

Ben Nevis Guest House | Bed and breakfast

A warm welcome awaits you in this family run bed and breakfast in Fort William. A comfortable and well equipped room is waiting after a long day of walking, alongside a great breakfast using quality local produce served in a bright and cheery conservatory, plus friendly service with good knowledge of the local area of Fort William and Glen Nevis.

Guisachan House | Guest House

A warm welcome awaits you at Guisachan House, a family run private guest house. They are situated in an elevated position off the main road with views over Loch Linnhe and surrounding hills only 5 minutes walking distance from Fort William town centre. They have 17 bedrooms and a guest lounge and bar offering wine, beer, spirits and malt whiskey. Wireless Internet is available for the guests. There is some photography dotted around the guest house taken by Phil, one of the owners.

Day 6 Optional walks in Glen Nevis or Ben Nevis hike 10 miles / 16 km

With two nights in Fort William, you may wish to tackle a self-guided hike to the summit of Ben Nevis (1345m), the UK's highest mountain, on the well-trod 'Mountain Track' route. Suitably equipped for the ever-changing and conditions you may be rewarded with far ranging views from the summit plateau.

Alternatively, there are plenty of lower level walks on the forest trails of Glen Nevis. We recommend one of the best short walks in Scotland, the rocky path through the Nevis gorge, leading to the cascading white waters of Steall Falls.

Optional Steall Falls & Nevis Gorge Walk: 4 km (2.5 miles); Ascent: 105m (345ft) / Descent: 105m (345ft)

Optional Ben Nevis Summit Walk: 16 km (10 miles); Ascent: 1326m (4,350ft) / Descent: 1326m (4,3508ft)

Overnight Fort William

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Myrtle Bank Guest House | Guest House

Ben Nevis Guest House | Bed and breakfast

Guisachan House | Guest House

Day 7 Ride the West Highland Line from Fort William to Mallaig

A real treat is in store today as you ride the most beautiful section of the West Highland Line from Fort William to the west coast port of Mallaig. A highlight of the journey is crossing the 21 arches of the curving Glenfinnan Viaduct. The Glenfinnan Monument, seen below, is historically important as the landing point of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745 for the Jacobite uprising.

The dramatic scenery continues with summits towering over 700m above the tracks as you puff and whistle through remote glens. Reaching the rugged west coast with views over to the small isles of Rum and Eigg, and the Silver Sands of Morar the train arrives at the port of Mallaig.

Overnight Mallaig

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The Moorings Guest house | Guest House

Heather looks forward to meeting you at the Moorings which has super views over the working fishing port of Mallaig. Moorings is located approximately a 5 minute walk from Mallaig Train station, with ferries for Skye, the Outer Isles and other local amenities nearby. All bedrooms are comfortably furnished with TV, radio, en suite shower, tea and coffee making facilities and room hairdryer.

Seaview Guest house | Guest House

Seaview Guesthouse is a comfortable guesthouse in the centre of Mallaig. Overlooking the harbour of this pretty fishing village, the guesthouse provides all you need for a relaxing stay.

West Highland Hotel | 4 Star | Hotel

Overlooking the village, this 4-star hotel retains the traditional charm of a bygone age combined with modern touches in the comfortable surroundings. Dining is a delight with views out to the Cuillin mountains in Skye. All rooms are en-suite with Freeview TVs and some boasting views of the harbour and isles beyond.

Day 8 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 5kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 5kg is equivalent to 1 Neapolitan margherita pizza. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me? Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation Information

Our West Highland Line - Rail & Hike holidays include overnight accommodation in a mix of 3-4* B&B's, guesthouses and small hotels. The accommodation we use most often is listed. We carefully select your accommodation to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay and all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. We book en suite rooms as standard. If there are no en suite rooms available in an overnight location, we may book a room with shared facilities, but we would always inform you in advance if this was the case.

We will always try and accommodate you at the locations detailed in your itinerary. Occasionally, because of limited availability, we may have to accommodate you at an alternative location. In the unlikely event that we have to accommodate you elsewhere we will advise you of this before confirming your booking and arrange transfers to and from your overnight accommodation at our expense.

Accommodation Upgrade

If you would prefer a little extra luxury whilst in Fort William, Spean Bridge or Mallaig you can upgrade to our hotel accommodation options. For this option we use a selection of country hotels, boutique B&B's and country inns of character.

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

This holiday is available to solo walkers with a solo traveler supplement and you'll experience great camaraderie along the West Highland Way. If you require single rooms within your party we will be happy to accommodate your request, but please note it's not normally possible to secure more than three single rooms per party and a single supplement is payable.

Meals

Breakfast is included each morning while lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Your accommodation may be able to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked and paid for on arrival. Alternatively, the Macs Adventure App will point out any recommended lunch spots along the way. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or at nearby pubs and restaurants.

Navigation What's Included

Included

7 Nights in hand-picked B&B's, guesthouses and small hotels
7 Breakfasts
Baggage transfers (on walking days)
Train travel as per itinerary (standard class)
Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
All your trip documents provided digitally through your online Macs “My Account”
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office

Excluded

Travel insurance (required)
Travel to / from Glasgow
Lunches, dinners, snacks & drinks
Personal equipment

Extras

Additional nights along the route (we recommend a pre-tour night in Glasgow)
Upgraded accommodations

When to go Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

By Air: Located 8 miles west of Glasgow, Glasgow International Airport is served by routes from Britain and around the world. A regular shuttle bus service runs to the city centre, or you can take a taxi (25 minutes).

By Train: Glasgow has excellent rail links from within the UK. We recommend booking early to get the best fares. For information on all routes contact National Rail Enquires.

By Bus: Services from UK destinations are operated by National Express. Services from Scottish destinations are operated by Scottish Citylink.

Getting from the End

By Train: Following completion of your holiday you may wish to return to Glasgow via the West Highland Line (5hrs 30mins). For information on all routes contact National Rail Enquiries.

By Ferry: For onward travel to Skye you can take the Calmac ferry to Armadale (30 minutes). For information on all routes contact Caledonian MacBrayne.

For detailed public transport information see Traveline Scotland.

Jacobite Steam Train

Unfortunately, we are unable to book the Jacobite Steam train which runs between Fort William and Mallaig. Instead, you will be booked on to a Scotrail service which runs on the identical train line over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. If choosing to travel on the Jacobite Train, you can book directly on West Coast Railways

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be collected from your accommodation on each walking day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 18kg per person. On the rail days we ask that you take all your baggage with you aboard the train.

At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.

Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Online Documents

At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.

On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.