Experience Overview
Sample some of Scotland’s most iconic walks like the West Highland Way and the Great Glen Way and conquer Ben Nevis - the highest peak in Scotland and the entire United Kingdom – with two expert guides by your side. Fort William, a charming town located on the shores of Loch Linnhe, is famous for being the gateway to Ben Nevis and will be your home away from home on this trip which takes you through an ever changing landscape that is famous for its Scottish culture, dramatic landscapes, and breathtaking natural scenery. Add a charming Scottish town and atmospheric pubs to enjoy at the end of each day and this walking trip has it all.
Highlights
- Located on the shores of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is a charming town that makes for the perfect base for your trip. Unpack once, settle in, and enjoy a warm welcome back at the end of each day.
- Safety always comes first – let your experienced and qualified leader show you the way as you take in spectacular scenery on some of Scotland’s best walks.
- Conquer Ben Nevis - the king of Scotland walks – with qualified mountain guides who will provide plenty of encouragement and help you scale the mountain at your own pace.
- Trek the West Highland Way and experience the best of it – Devil’s Staircase and the final stage leading you to Fort William – and enjoy a leisurely ramble along the Great Glen Way.
- This trip is as green as it gets. We only use public transport and our accommodation can be reached from major cities in the UK by train.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1690
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Walking,public bus,train,taxi
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: BWXF
Starts: Fort William, United Kingdom
Finishes: Cow Hill, United Kingdom
Duration: 6 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Demanding
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (5),Accommodation: Guesthouse (5 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2310 (CAD 385 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to the Highlands! Your adventure begins in Fort William, cradled amidst the captivating landscapes of the Scottish West Highlands. The town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering exceptional hiking, climbing, winter and water sports opportunities. The imposing presence of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, looms large, making this town a mecca for those seeking Highland mountain adventures. With a rich history and friendly community, Fort William will be your home for the next five nights. After you’ve settled into your accommodation, meet your leader and the rest of your group at a welcome meeting, then enjoy an easy hike to stretch the legs, maybe to a ruined castle on a historic battle site.
Included Activities:
- Fort William - Fort William Orientation Walk
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll take the private transfer to nearby Glencoe, where you’ll hike the West Highland Way from Glencoe to Kinlochleven, over the famous Devil’s Staircase. As you ascend, you'll quickly understand why it's called the Devil's Staircase. The path climbs steeply, zigzagging its way up the mountainside. This section can be challenging but immensely rewarding, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the vast expanse of the region. Keep an eye out for deer as you take in the tranquil views on this occasionally challenging but rewarding hike. There’s no need to walk back to where you started on this point-to point walk as a short transfer will take you back to Fort William for a relaxing night.
Included Activities:
- Fort William - West Highland Way Guided Hike (Glencoe to Kinlochleven Section including Devil’s Staircase)
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll take another short transfer to the start of the hike in Kinlochleven, a scenic village located at the eastern end of Loch Leven. From here, hike the final stage of the West Highland Way, which will take you over the mountain pass and through the picturesque valley, on your way back to Fort William. This leg of the West Highland Way marks the official end of the famous trail, and serves as the starting point for the Great Glen Way, which you'll explore tomorrow. In the evening, there is the option to join your fellow travelers for dinner, to reflect on the day’s’ adventure.
Included Activities:
- Fort William - West Highland Way Guided Hike (Final Stage)
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a bit of an easier day today, which could be considered as a rest day for tired legs! The Great Glen Way is a long-distance walking route that spans from Fort William to Inverness, following the picturesque Great Glen, which cuts through the Scottish Highlands. Today, you’ll hike the opening stage. Starting from the accommodation, the hike takes you from Fort William and follows the banks of the Caledonian Canal. Built in the 19th century, the Caledonian Canal is a man-made waterway that links east to west Scotland. Your route continues onto the small highland settlement of Gairloch. Follow a country lane to the nearby Commando Memorial which has amazing views across the Ben Nevis mountain range, before finishing in Spean Bridge.
Included Activities:
- Fort William - Commando Memorial Visit
- Fort William - Great Glen Way Guided Hike via Caledonian Canal to Gairlochy
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Today marks the pinnacle of your Scottish walking adventure with the challenging ascent of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland (and in fact, the entire United Kingdom). The name Ben Nevis means 'mountain with its head in the clouds' in ancient Gaelic. This walk is considered a must do by hikers around the world. Starting at sea level, follow a rough trail to the summit at 1345 m. This is a challenging full day in the mountains, so you’ll need excellent physical preparation and determination to reach the summit. To assist on your ascent, the group will be accompanied by two seasoned guides who will provide expertise, support and motivation for a successful climb and descent. When you’ve accomplished this feat, a private transfer will take you back to the accommodation where you can unwind and relax with a sense of achievement.
Included Activities:
- Fort William - Ben Nevis Guided Hike
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, head out for a final hike with great views across Ben Nevis and the surrounding area, a celebratory victory walk after conquering the mighty peak. Starting directly from your accommodation, hike into Glen Nevis and head uphill to reach the summit of Cow Hill. Your efforts are rewarded with fantastic views of Glen Nevis and the many peaks which surround it, as well as across Fort William to Loch Linnhe and beyond. It’s a memorable place to finish the trip and reflect on an amazing week of hiking in Scotland. A short steep descent completes the circuit and takes you back into Fort William by lunchtime, giving you time to catch a bus to Inverness, or a train south to Glasgow.
If you’d like extending your exploration of Scotland, consider joining one of our other adventures on Orkney or Shetland Islands. Just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Included Activities:
- Fort William - Cow Hill Guided Hike
- Fort William - Glen Nevis Guided Hike
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Fei - Traveled, August 2023
The trip was absolutely incredible. We embarked on a 6-day nature walk non-stop, encountering a mix of sunny, rainy, and windy days – the classic Highland weather. The entire journey was impeccably organized, making it simple to adapt to your body's needs. Andrew and Ramsay were wonderfully kind and professional, ensuring everyone was taken care of throughout the hike.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2023
Michael - Traveled, June 2023
Great trip with a lot of unbelievable scenery. Make sure you are prepared for Ben Nevis, that is a big day!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/15/2023
Vanessa - Traveled, June 2023
Fantastic trip but challenging! Loved the scenery, the guide and the accomodation. Loved the challenge of pushing myself and would do again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/16/2023
Steven - Traveled, April 2023
Excellent hiking trip based out of the lovely town of Fort William. Kate was a wonderful guide as we hiked throughout the area and ultimately ascended Ben Nevis successfully!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/08/2023
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