West Highland Way (various tour options)
€1220
per person
Scotland’s West Highland Way is one of the classic world-famous long-distance self-guided hiking tours. It covers 152 kilometers from the outskirts of Glasgow to Fort William in the Highlands. Enjoy walking through an iconic landscape of imposing mountains, playful rivers, and peaceful lakes. The hiking trail is very well-marked and passes by the shores of the famous Loch Lomond, and across the lush Rannoch Moor to finish at the foot of the highest mountain in Britain – Ben Nevis. This trail is rightfully named the finest in Scotland and popular with travelers of all ages from all around the world. Join us on one of the most unforgettable independent walking experiences in Europe!
Level 3/4
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Destination
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Duration8 (5-11) Days I Level: 3/4 (of 5)
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What is includedHand picked B&B, guesthouse and small hotel accommodation incl. breakfast; Luggage transportation; People transfers to/from the trail when changes in overnight places require that; Detailed roadbook, maps and GPS tracks (1 set per reservation); Emergency phone support
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What is not includedTransfers to Milngavie or from Fort William; Any additional transfers required if unable to walk; Other meals and drinks; Travel insurance; Any entrance fees, admissions or services not specified.
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Best periodApril, May, June, July, August, September, mid-October
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Day 1. Arrival in Milngavie
Milngavie is actually a suburb of Glasgow, just 12km away from the city center. It is easily accessible by bus (from Glasgow City Centre), train (from Glasgow Queen Street and Glasgow Central Stations, appr. every 15 minutes) and taxi.
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Day 2. Milngavie - Drymen (19km, 5,30-6hrs, +300m/- 300m; consider booking a longer tour option with shorter walks instead; check details with us)
The West Highland Way begins in Milngavie, with the initial stretch to Drymen providing a gentle introduction to the diverse landscapes ahead. Follow the well-marked trail through Mugdock Country Park, past Carbeth Loch, and into the picturesque village of Drymen - the entry into Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
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Day 3. Drymen - Rowardennan (23km, 6-7hrs, +730m/- 780m; consider booking a longer tour option with shorter walks instead; check details with us)
After a healthy breakfast, you follow the route out of Drymen and up Conic Hill's summit (361m). Contemplate the amazing view over the Loch Lomond, Britain’s largest freshwater lake. Whenever you're ready, descent to the small village of Balmaha on the coat of Loch Lomond. A particularly scenic, yet challenging section of the Way begins here with numerous short steep climbs revealing rewarding views of the landscape. Take your time to do some birdwatching and make sure you reward yourself with a nice traditional meal after the hike.
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Day 4. Rowardennan - Crianlarich (33km, 8,30-9hrs, +1015m/-770m; consider booking a longer tour option with shorter walks instead; check details with us)
Depart Rowardennan, traversing through the enchanting forests of the eastern shores of Loch Lomond. The trail presents a mix of challenging and gentle sections, offering glimpses of the loch along the way. As you approach Inversnaid, the path will surprise you with a wonderful bridge and a waterfall. Continue past Inversnaid and through the RSPB Inversnaid Nature Reserve. Walking through remote wilderness youw ill finally reach the small village of Crianlarich.
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Day 5. Crianlarich - Inveroran (24km, 6,30-7hrs, +180m/-170m; consider booking a longer tour option with shorter walks instead; check details with us)
Leave Crianlarich and journey through picturesque glens, including Strath Fillan. You will encounter the River Fillan and pass through Tyndrum, a popular stop for refreshments. Leaving Tyndrum, enjoy close-up views of the surrounding mountains, including Beinn Odhar and Beinn Dorain. As you continue towards Bridge of Orchy, the glen widens and descends gently, offering views of Glen Orchy. After Bridge of Orchy, the trail joins the Old Military Road, and a short climb reveals a dramatic viewpoint of Loch Tulla and the Black Mount. What is considered the most beautiful section of the West Highland Way starts here. Finally, reach Inveroran, a remote inn nestled amidst stunning Scottish scenery.
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Day 6. Inveroran - Kinlochleven (31km, 8-8,30hrs, +450m/-680m; consider booking a longer tour option with shorter walks instead; check details with us)
Embark on a challenging day as you leave Inveroran. Gradually ascend onto the edges of Rannoch Moor, a remote and untamed section. Passing by Glencoe Ski Centre, you will encounter the iconic Buachaille Etive Mor - a prominent mountain, marking the entrance to Glen Etive. From Kingshouse climb up the "Devil’s Staircase" until you reach the highest point of the West Highland Way at 548m. Enjoy a spectacular view of Ben Nevis and descend to the charming small town of Kinlochleven.
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Day 7. Kinlochleven - Fort William (24km, 6,30-7hrs, +770m/-770m; consider booking a longer tour option with shorter walks instead; check details with us)
We have saved some breathtaking views for desert. A steep ascend to Kinlochleven, offering stunning views of Loch Leven, will bring you to a secluded valley past abandoned stone cottages on your way to Fort William. The trail then leads you through Lairigmor, a picturesque pass between majestic mountains. Follow a forest trail in Glen Nevis with great views of Ben Nevis - Britain's highest mountain. Finally, reach the official end of the West Highland Way at the main street of Fort William.
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Day 8. Departure day
Your tour ends after breakfast. *Easiest departure via Glasgow (3,45hrs train ride) and Edinburgh (4,45hrs train ride, 1 change in Glasgow) airports. Check the Traveline website for timetables.
TOUR LOCATION
Price
1220 Euro per person in twin/dbl room
*This is arguably the most popular long-distance route in the UK. Accommodations are small and get booked well ahead of time. Book early to avoid disappointment. This will also leave us better choice in terms of accommodations, providing en-suite rooms.
Single room & Solo Traveler supplement
Single room supplement: 525 Euro
Solo Traveler supplement (incl. also sgl. room supplement): 645 Euro
Tips
The tour can start on any day of the week between the beginning of April and mid-October. Milngavie is a suburb of Glasgow, 12km away from the city center. There are regular connections, which you may use to get there: taxi (15min ride, 15-25 GBP), train (from Glasgow Queen Street and Glasgow Central Stations, appr. every 15 minutes, 20min ride, ticket is appr. 3 GBP; N.B.: on Sundays trains only run from Glasgow Central every 30 minutes but you can change at Partick), bus (a couple of bus services run from Glasgow City Centre to Milngavie, appr. 40min ride, check www.travelinescotland.com for details). One piece of luggage per person is allowed for the daily luggage transfers (20kg).
Arrival: best airports to lands: Glasgow and Edinburgh. Glasgow is well-served by rail from across the UK. Departure: returning from Fort William: If you are returning to Glasgow we suggest the Citylink Bus (up to 8 departures daily, approx. 3 hours) or Scotrail train (one of the UK's most spectacular journeys, 2-3 departures daily, approx. 4 hours, also available for continued journey to Edinburgh).
Midges: If you are travelling in the middle of high season, the notorious midges may be a problem. Midges favour still conditions in the morning and evening and are generally not a problem while you are on the move in the middle of the day. There are many repellents on the market (with mixed reviews), and also midge/mosquito head nets, but not leaving too much skin exposed seems to be the tried and tested way of dealing with them.
Accommodation
This tour includes overnight accommodation in a mixture of country inns, small hotels, guesthouses and B&B’s. 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. Breakfast is included each morning while lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Your accommodation will be more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Alternatively, your guidebook also includes details of local shops and convenient lunch stops on the way. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs and restaurants and your info pack will of course have recommendations. Samples of the inns we would normally book (subject to availability), or similar category: Day 1: Milngavie - Premier Inn - Milngavie; Day 2: Drymen - Ashbank B&B; Day 3: Rowardennan - Rowardennan Hotel; Day 4: Crianlarich - Craigbank Guest House; Day 5: Inveroran - Inveroran Hotel; Day 6: Kinlochleven - Allt Na Levenl; Day 7: Fort William - Guisachan House;
Send an enquiry about this tour
The reservation confirmation you will get right after placing an order only confirms that your booking is received and an agent has started working on it. It doesn't mean your tour is guaranteed! Wait to hear from us with final confirmation before booking flights or making any other arrangements, related to your holiday. The dates as listed below do not correspond with real-time availability!
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