West Highland Way - 7 Days & 6 Nights

7 Days & 6 Nights 4.8 Read 1102 reviews

Complete Scotland's most famous long distance trail from Milngavie to Fort William
Enjoy camaraderie on the trail as you meet fellow walkers from around the world
Walk from the 'bonnie banks' of Loch Lomond to the remote Rannoch Moor
Stay at Kingshouse Hotel or in iconic Glencoe, surrounded by spectacular scenery
Make your proud final steps into Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis

This 7 day option is ideal for those with less time looking for a challenging walk. Discover the spectacular landscape of Scotland’s western highlands on the West Highland Way. Towering mountains, tranquil lochs and rushing rivers combine to reward you with a unique and ever changing landscape as you journey 98 miles from Milngavie (Glasgow) to Fort William. Best described as Scotland’s finest long distance walk the West Highland Way runs 98 miles (158 km) from Milngavie, just outside Glasgow, to Fort William. Opened in 1980 as the first official long distance footpath in Scotland the West Highland Way remains the best and most popular long distance walk in Scotland. After leaving Milngavie, the West Highland Way immediately has that wonderful countryside feeling as you pass through Mugdock Country Park and Dumgoyne Distillery, on route to the small village of Drymen. The route continues to Loch Lomond via Conic Hill, which gives a splendid panorama of Loch Lomond and the Highland Boundary Fault. Next you wander through the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park to Crianlarich and then Tyndrum. Bridge of Orchy, Inveroran and Loch Tulla punctuate the trail on the way to the Kingshouse Hotel which lies on the remote Rannoch Moor. This really is Scottish Highland Scenery at its best. Your walk continues onto Kinlochleven via the “Devil’s Staircase”, before finally reaching Ben Nevis and Fort William, Scotland’s Outdoor Capital situated at the head of Loch Linnhe. Macs Adventure has been operating self guided walking holidays on the West Highland Way since 2003. Based locally, just a few miles from the start of the West Highland Way, our team has walked the West Highland Way more than ten times. So we literally know every step of the way. As the largest operator on the West Highland Way we can secure you the best value and quality accommodation, baggage transfer and services, regardless of whether you are walking solo or as a group of 20.

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What To Expect

Travel Restrictions

This is a stunning long-distance walk, showcasing some of the best scenery that Scotland has to offer. It can be pretty tough going, with some challenging terrain, but there is always the option to do it over 10 days and make it into more of a leisurely hike. A great one for boasting about to friends!

Trip Style:

Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent holiday.

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | A classic point to point walking trip, staying in a different location each night

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families, First Timers

As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveller this holiday would be suitable for is: 17 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Wine, Whisky & More...
Wildlife
Historical Journeys
National Parks & Trails
Special Occasions

Inspiration:

Most Popular
Classic

Grade & Terrain

This holiday is graded moderate overall with individual itineraries varying from easy to moderate through to moderate to strenuous. Daily walking distances vary between 7 - 21 miles. Some days will be more challenging than others and the terrain will be varied with some rough and rugged footpaths. There are ascents and descents involved so a good level of fitness will be required.

Navigation

The West Highland Way is very well waymarked and easy to follow. Navigation is straightforward as you can use the Macs Adventure Smartphone App which has maps, GPS tracks and daily route information. Simply download the GPS tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation on this tour will be made simple and you cannot get lost.

You will find more information on downloading the app in your Macs Adventure Account.

Experience & Fitness

This route is suitable for most regular walkers of average fitness. You should train by walking some daily walks of similar daily distances to your planned itinerary.

Accommodation Information

Our West Highland Way holidays include overnight accommodation in a mixture of country inns, small hotels, guest houses and B&B’s. We have worked with many of our accommodation partners for over 10 years and have great relationships with them ensuring you receive the best attention from the moment you check in.

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 will always inform you in advance if this was the case.

Accommodation Location

We will always try and accommodate you at the locations detailed in your itinerary. Occasionally, due to limited availability, there may be an option to be accommodated 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. In this case you can change your trip dates or we can arrange taxi transfers to and from an alternative overnight accommodation (supplement payable)

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

This holiday is available to solo walkers, although a supplement is payable. If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate your request, although it is not generally possible to secure more than three single rooms in a party. A single room 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 on arrival. Alternatively, your guidebook includes details of local shops and convenient lunch stops on the way. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs and restaurants (your info pack has recommendations).

Additional Nights

You may wish to take some extra nights along the route, either to rest or for those with plenty of energy to explore some of the other walking opportunities nearby. We recommend extra nights at:

Rowardennan - for climbing Ben Lomond, a Munro with commanding views over Loch Lomond.
Crianlarich - a halfway stop with options for visiting the seaside town of Oban, complete with whisky distillery, via the local train service (1hr 15 mins each way).
Fort William - for climbing Ben Nevis (the UK's highest mountain).

Included

6 Nights in hand-picked B&B’s, small hotels & guesthouses
6 Breakfasts
Baggage transfer
We include an overnight in Fort William at the end of your trip as standard
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 UK office

Excluded

Travel to Milngavie / from Fort William
Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage
Lunches, dinners, snacks & drinks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights along the route
Pre-tour accommodation in Glasgow / Milngavie

When To Go

The trip is available from the end of March to mid-October and while it does get very busy, we are always willing to try and get you booked in.

There are a few dates throughout the year when events in the local area will prevent us from being able to book accommodation. The following are particularly difficult to secure:

Kinlochleven – Pre 65 Trails, held every year in early May

Weather and Climate

Scotland's climate is notoriously changeable! Expect some amounts of both sunshine and rain regardless of the time of year, so always pack both waterproofs and sunscreen. July and August are usually warmest with average temperatures around 14 degrees centigrate, and highs of up to mid-twenties. Some snow may remain or even fall on the higher parts of the route in March & April, and even beyond. May has the least rainfall on average, but you would still expect some wetter days, and each year can vary greatly.

Getting to the Start

By Air:

Glasgow Airport: Located 8 miles west of the city, the airport is served by numerous domestic and international airlines. A regular Citylink bus service operates between the airport and the city centre. Alternatively, you can also book taxis at a fixed rate from the airport to your accommodation in Glasgow, or to Glasgow Central train station Glasgow city centre, and there is also a service to/from Fort William.

Prestwick Airport: Located 30 miles south of Glasgow, Prestwick is primarily served by the budget airline Ryanair. A train service operates from Prestwick to Glasgow city centre, taking approx. 50 mins.

Edinburgh Airport: Located 45 miles east of Glasgow, Edinburgh Airport is served by numerous domestic and international airlines. A regular Citylink bus service operates between the airport and Glasgow's Buchanan Street Bus Station in the city centre (approx. 60 mins). Alternatively, you could take the tram towards Edinburgh city centre and connect with the train from Edinburgh Haymarket train station to Glasgow Queen Street station.

By Rail: Glasgow is well-served by rail from across the UK. Booking in advance secures the best fares. For information on all routes visit Scotrail or National Rail.

By Car: Glasgow is served by a motorway network. Long term parking is generally not available in the city centre, but parking (not secured) is available in Milngavie, at the start of the walk. A useful website for directions and parking is the RAC Route Planner.

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

Getting to Milngavie from Glasgow

Milngavie is most easily accessed by train from Glasgow Central train station on a regular Scotrail service taking approx. 25 mins.

Getting from the End

By Rail: Onward travel to Inverness or Mallaig (then onto Skye by ferry) is possible by Scotrail train. Alternatively, return to Glasgow on the West Highland Line railway line (approx. 4 hours) - one of the UK's most scenic rail journeys.

By Bus: Onward travel directly to Skye is possible with the Citylink bus service. From Fort William you can take direct Citylink buses directly to Glasgow (3 hours 15 mins), Edinbugh city centre (5 hours 20 mins) or to Edinburgh airport (5 hours).

Taxi Tranfers: On request we can arrange private taxi transfers from Fort William, please contact your destination specialist for details.

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

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 and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

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What personal equipment do I need?

When is the best time of year?

What are the midges like?

Am I able to take my dog?

What happens if I can’t walk a stage?

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Milngavie, walk to Drymen 12 miles / 19 km

If you are not staying in Milngavie on the previous night, you will meet our luggage carriers at the train station between 8:30-9:00am, ready to collect your bags and whisk them off to your accommodation for the night.

After setting off from Milngavie today’s route runs through the ancient earldom of Lennox between the Campsie Fells and Blane Water. Follow a series of good paths through beautiful rural scenery to Drymen, a small and charming village. A recommended stop is the Glengoyne Distillery, where you can take a tour and enjoy a wee dram to send you on your way. Also en route is the Beech Tree Inn, complete with beer garden and delicious fare.

Overnight Drymen

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.

Ashbank B&B | 3 Star | Bed and breakfast

Ashbank B&B is a family-run accommodation offering superior rooms in the heart of the village. Ashbank was once the home of the famous Olympian Eric Liddel whose story was depicted in the Oscar winning film Chariots of Fire.

Braeside | 3 Star | Bed and breakfast

Situated in the heart of Loch Lomond National Park, Braeside offers all that one would require for most comfortable lodging. With satellite TV, WiFi, tea / coffee making facilities and access to a fridge, these en suite rooms offer all you might need for a good night’s sleep. The hosts Colin and Scott will offer you an extremely warm welcome and are always on hand to assist.

Greenshadows | 3 Star | Bed and breakfast

Green Shadows is an exceptionally situated 4-star country house B&B that sits in the shadows of the ruins of Buchanan Castle just over a mile from the idyllic village of Drymen. All of their rooms feature stylishly designed en-suite or private adjoining facilities and all are equipped with flat screen colour televisions, and tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryers and ironing facilities. You'll also enjoy one of their hearty breakfasts in their very elegant dining area. The B&B also has free Wi-Fi available if you want to access the internet.

Day 2 Drymen to Rowardennan 14.5 miles / 23 km

Leave Drymen and walk through a forest plantation before the ascent of Conic Hill, which sits astride the Great Divide separating the highlands and lowlands of Scotland. The climb is fairly steep but on reaching the summit you can enjoy fantastic views over Loch Lomond, Britain’s largest body of fresh water covering 27 square miles. You will descend a steep path towards Balmaha, a small village nestling in a protected bay on the shores of bonnie Loch Lomond.

From Balmaha the path alternates between the loch shore, natural forest, and headlands. There are numerous short steep climbs along this section of the route. The scenery, forest, and birdlife between Balmaha and Rowardennan are outstanding.

Overnight Rowardennan

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.

Rowardennan Hotel

Ben Lomond Cottage

Ben Lomond Cottage is a friendly family-run guesthouse. All rooms are en-suite and have everything you need for a great overnight stay. You are sure to receive a very warm welcome from Lucy.

Rowardennan Lodges

Situated on the rugged Eastern Shore of Loch Lomond in the magnificent Queen Elizabeth Forest, the Rowardennan Hotel has breath-taking views of Ben Lomond, Loch Lomond Loch Lomond and the mountains to the North. The lodges are situated in the gardens adjoining the Hotel and within each you have all that you require to enjoy a comfortable stay. In the evening you can enjoy a wee dram in the Clansman bar, watching the glorious views from the marvellous beer garden, and enjoy quality hot food, also served in the bar, and made using local ingredients, and designed to give you a filling meal after a long days walk. Wifi available in hotel.

Day 3 Rowardennan to Crianlarich 20.5 miles / 32.5 km

Leaving Rowardennan, the West Highland Way follows forestry roads and gently climbs high up above Loch Lomond, giving fantastic views over the water and towards the peaks of the Arrochar Alps. As you close in on Inversnaid the path narrows and becomes more undulating, passing over a spectacular bridge and waterfall as you arrive at Inversnaid Hotel.

The path from Inversnaid to the head of the loch is undulating with a generally rough surface. After passing Doune Bothy the path improves but it may seem a long two miles from Ardleish to Inverarnan.

The Way climbs out of Inverarnan beside River Falloch towards Crianlarich. Mighty Ben More and Stob Binnean provide a fantastic backdrop to your walk, and the views back down Loch Lomond are first class. The way bypasses Crianlarich, but if you need any supplies or are staying in Crianlarich, then follow the signs down to the town.

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.

Glenardran House | 3 Star | Hotel

Glenardran House is a 3 star Visit Scotland approved guesthouse offering B&B accommodation. Resident owners Rod and Andrea Salt bought the house in 2016 and will ensure you receive a warm welcome and both a comfortable and pleasurable stay.

Craigbank Guesthouse | 3 Star | Hotel

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.

Day 4 Crianlarich to Bridge of Orchy 12.5 miles / 20 km Day 5 Bridge of Orchy to Kinlochleven 21.5 miles / 34 km

There is a steep climb as you leave Bridge of Orchy, but you are rewarded with some of the best views in Scotland (in our humble opinion). A short descent brings you to the isolated Inveroran Hotel.

This is our favourite section of the West Highland Way. Leaving Inveroran skirt Loch Tulla and join the military road across the Rannoch Moor, a wonderful, lonely and exposed place that was once covered by a giant icecap and is today covered in a bog. There is no shelter and in bad weather, it can be exposed, whilst in good weather, Rannoch Moor is simply inspiring. The original 17th century hotel at Kingshouse has now been replaced with a refurbished hotel, which provides unrivalled views of Buachaille Etive Mor, perhaps Scotland’s most photographed mountain.

From Kingshouse follow a track to Altnafeadh, which reveals great views of the famous ‘weeping glen’ and site of the Glencoe Massacre in 1692. Zig-zag up the 'Devil’s Staircase' to the highpoint of the West Highland Way at 548m, from where you'll be treated to views towards Ben Nevis in clear weather. Finally, wind your way down into the small town of Kinlochleven.

Overnight Kinlochleven

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.

Allt Na Leven

Alt-Na-Leven guest house is well situated in the centre of Kinlochleven.

Tigh na Cheo

The guest house is located at the head of Loch Leven, just 3 minutes’ walk from Kinlochleven village centre. All the rooms are en-suite and with mountain views. The whole guesthouse including all rooms is strictly non-smoking. A wonderful accommodation and you are assured a very warm welcome.

Highland Getaway

The Highland Getaway has wonderful accommodation that is clean, comfortable and perfect for relaxing after an adventurous day on the West Highland Way. The Highland Getaway Restaurant is the perfect place to start your day with a hearty breakfast or to unwind in the evening with a tasty meal or nightcap after a day of exploring the highlands.

Day 6 Kinlochleven to Fort William 15 miles / 24 km Day 7 Onward Travel

The Macs Adventure Way

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West Highland Way Video Diary

Dan, our resident wildlife expert, took to the West Highland Way and recorded his whole journey. This video shows you the full route, from the starting point in Milngavie, through all the points of interest, to the finish in Fort William. Dan points out some interesting things along the route that you shouldnt miss, but this is not a video laden with spoilers. Every journey on the West Highland Way is different, dictated by the weather, the people you meet and the chance encounters with wildlife (human and otherwise!) Get a taste of what is in store on the West Highland Way with Dan.
The West Highland Way

For an oversight of the West Highland Way, its history, its logistics and how it feels to walk, this is the video for you. Ewan discusses some of the finer points of walking the route, with the background of Loch Lomond, shows how the baggage transfer works and how easy Macs Adventure make walking the West Highland Way.

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