Walking the West Highland Way

Experience Overview

The 151 km long West Highland Way was the first official walking route in Scotland, opening in 1980 and traversing East Dunbartonshire, Stirling, Argyll and Bute and the Highlands. The perfect introduction to the Highlands, with its mix of challenging mountain paths, awe inspiring scenery, picturesque villages and the odd whisky distillery along the way! Beginning just outside Glasgow, the route takes you on a journey through some of Scotland's most stunning natural scenery, and also through its history, passing areas rich with stories of its famous sons, Rob Roy and Robert the Bruce. Starting in Milngavie you walk through Mugdock Country Park, following the shores of Loch Lomond and onto Glen Falloch. Experience one of the last pristine moors in Europe as you cross Rannoch Moor, past the recognisable munro, Buachaille Etive Mor and onto the head of Glencoe. At the end of the week, you will climb the Devil's Staircase, descending to Loch Leven before finishing in the outdoor adventure capital of the UK, Fort William. Your evenings will be spent in the company of fellow walkers from all around the world, experiencing quality hotels, offering the very best of Scottish hospitality. All accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis, with evening meals and picnic lunches easily available either at your hotel, or in the nearby village.

Highlights

— A challenging itinerary stretching 151km from Milngavie to Fort William — Spectacular scenery through glens, rugged mountains, deep blue lochs and across moors — Experience iconic scenery of Rannoch Moor, Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis and Glen Coe — Enjoy Scottish hospitality, try the world renowned traditional food and beverages, including smoked salmon and whiskey — Optional city break add-on in Glasgow and extra nights in Fort William to climb Ben Nevis

Trip Details

Product Code: 22732

Tour Type: Small Group

Accommodation: Moderate

Transport:

Guide Language: English

Supplier Code: W08WH

Starts: Milngavie, Scotland

Finishes: Milngavie, Scotland

Duration: 9 days

Departures: Not Guaranteed

Physical rating: Unknown

Includes

— All accommodation in a mix of hotels, B & B and guesthouses — All continental breakfasts — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent — Route directions and maps — Luggage transfers between hotels

Accommodation

Your hotels have been carefully chosen for their locations and the warm friendly welcome you will receive. Room Upgrades: Room upgrades may be available on request for a supplement – please enquire at the time of booking for further details and prices. Upgrades available at select hotels only (not for the entire duration of the tour). All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration. For a solo traveller there is an additional charge to cover transfer costs.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2425 (CAD $269 /day)

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Arrival in Milngavie

Spend a relaxing evening at your hotel, in preparation for the start of your journey in the morning. Overnight at the Premier Inn, Milngavie or similar.

2

Day 2: Milngavie to Drymen

Quickly leaving the town behind, the walk takes you through Mugdock Wood and past Craigallan Loch on your way to Strathblane. Along old railways lines and following the path of the river, stop off for some whisky sampling at Glengoyne Distillery before passing through villages of Gartness and Drumgoyne, arriving at your hotel for the evening, the Braeside guest house (or similar).

3

Day 3: Drymen to Rowardennan

Following the path through the forest, you will soon see the spectacular Ben Lomond in front of you. With a steady ascent over Conic Hill, the views open out over the whole of Loch Lomond, a breath-taking sight. When you descend you reach the village of Balmaha where you can enjoy a refreshment break and a boat trip to Inchaillocch if you have time. Following the shoreline, there are more stunning views of the Loch before you reach Rowardennan, with Ben Lomond just behind. Overnight at the Rowardennan Hotel (or similar).

4

Day 4: Rowardennan to Inverarnan

A challenging route today; first you follow along the banks of Loch Lomond, and slowly the track becomes a twisting and rocky trail through the forest. The views of Glen Falloch more than make up for this, and there is a welcome rest stop at Inversnaid near a beautiful waterfall. The path then takes you up through native woodland and past Rob Roy's cave where the famous outlaw allegedly took refuge. On the descent you will see the bothy at Doune, and the ruins at Blarstainge before reaching Inverarnan and your hotel for the evening, the Drovers Inn (or similar).

5

Day 5: Inverarnan to Tyndrum

In contrast to the challenging walk yesterday around Loch Lomond, todays route is easier but no less interesting as you walk through native woodlands, along a riverside path to see the Falls of Falloch, and then onto an old track through farmland. Stop for lunch at Crianlarich and enjoy the views of Ben More, dominating the skyline behind. This area is steeped in history concerning Robert the Bruce, from Fillan's Priory to Dal Righ, where he was defeated by the English in the early 14th century and further on the small loch where he and his followers made their escape. Continuing through the pine woods you reach Tyndrum and your hotel for the evening, the Tyndrum Inn (or similar).

6

Day 6: Tyndrum to Kingshouse

After leaving Tyndrum, todays walk is mostly on the flat with the stunning Beinn Odhar and Beinn Dorain in sight at your side. Travelling along the railway and river, you reach the Bridge of Orchy, which makes a good stop before carrying on to the forest and Inveroran. One of the most iconic stages of the walk, Rannoch Moor is soon approached, with its 50 miles of gentle moorland stretching all around. Stick to Telfords Road for an easy walk across this otherwise boggy section! The undulating route takes you up to the highest point and then descending you will see the first glimpse of Buachaille Etive Mor, a stunning Munro at the foot of Glencoe. Kingshouse Hotel provides your accommodation for this evening, originally a coaching inn used by the Duke of Cumberlands's troops after Culloden, it is now completely renovated and has incredible views over the dramatic peaks infront.

7

Day 7: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven

Probably the most famous and well-loved section of the West Highland Way, todays walk takes you to the Devils Staircase, along the old military road, an easier walk than the name would suggest. Enjoy the incredible views of the Glencoe mountains before descending, with the Blackwater reservoir soon in sight. The 13 km long reservoir was built by a team of navies in 1909. Head towards the village of Kinlochleven, with the Mamores and even Ben Nevis appearing behind on a clear day. Rest and enjoy the scenery, or take a visit to the Ice Factor, the UK National Centre for Ice Climbing for a try on the ice or rock climbing walls. Spend the night at the Allt Na Leven guest house, (or similar).

8

Day 8: Kinlochleven to Fort William

All too soon you will have reached the last stage of this world-famous walk. Climbing up through the woods above Kinlochleven, take a short detour to see the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall before following the route of the old Military Road onto Fort William. With stunning mountain scenery along the way, including Ben Nevis in the distance, the descent to Glen Nevis begins along a zig-zag road and onto Fort William for your resting place at the end of your holiday, the Guisachan Guesthouse (or similar).

9

Day 9: Depart Fort William

Leave Fort William after breakfast, to begin your journey home, or stay on a few days to enjoy this fabulous location.

Similar Experiences

Tour Operator

Exodus Travel

It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.

In Business Since 1974

Reserve Now

Download a personalized trip brochure!