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Highlights
Experience the wonders of Scotland’s West Highland Way on this guided walking tour
Hike all 95 miles (152 km) of Scotland’s famous West Highland Way long-distance trail.
Surround yourself with scenic landscapes such as Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and Glencoe.
Explore enchanting Scottish villages such as Rowardennan, Tyndrum, Kinlochleven, and Fort William.
Immerse yourself in Scottish nature, history, and folklore, learning from experienced expert guides.
Scotland’s West Highland Way is one of the finest long-distance paths in all of Europe. Combining stunning highland views, charming villages and a warm local welcome, the West Highland Way is a perfect way to discover the very best of the Scottish landscape and culture.
You will conquer Scotland’s premier long-distance trail on this exciting West Highland Way walking tour in the Scottish Highlands. Follow the shores of the exquisite Loch Lomond through spectacular mountain scenery as you make your way from Glasgow to Fort William.
Climb mountain passes such as the Devil’s Staircase and marvel at the incredible Highland views. Learn about the history, culture, and folklore of the region from your experienced local guide as you visit significant locations and hear ancient stories. You’ll also learn to recognize the hardy plant life that grows in this environment and discover how these plants have been used by local people for centuries.
This tour truly offers something for everyone, so book the guided walking tour on the West Highland Way today!
Fort William
Perched on the beautiful shores of Loch Linnhe, in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Fort William is a unique piece of Scottish history. The fort itself was built by the British as a way to control and subdue the Scottish clans in the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution of 1688, and over the subsequent century it was regularly used to suppress Jacobite uprisings in the Highlands. The excellent West Highland Museum tells the story of the fort and its place in Scottish history, providing a wonderful insight into the turbulent story of the Highlands over the centuries.
Today, the town that surrounds the Fort is a popular destination for outdoor activities. In addition to serving as a base from which to climb Ben Nevis, it’s also home to a ski, snowboard and mountain biking center, and is the end point of the iconic West Highland Way and the starting point of the Great Glen Way. Fort William is an essential stopping point on any Highland itinerary, and a great place to immerse yourself into Scotland’s rich and fascinating history.
Scotland’s West Highland Way is one of the finest long-distance paths in all of Europe. Combining stunning highland views, charming villages and a warm local welcome, the West Highland Way is a perfect way to discover the very best of the Scottish landscape and culture.
You will conquer Scotland’s premier long-distance trail on this exciting West Highland Way walking tour in the Scottish Highlands. Follow the shores of the exquisite Loch Lomond through spectacular mountain scenery as you make your way from Glasgow to Fort William.
Climb mountain passes such as the Devil’s Staircase and marvel at the incredible Highland views. Learn about the history, culture, and folklore of the region from your experienced local guide as you visit significant locations and hear ancient stories. You’ll also learn to recognize the hardy plant life that grows in this environment and discover how these plants have been used by local people for centuries.
This tour truly offers something for everyone, so book the guided walking tour on the West Highland Way today!
Fort William
Perched on the beautiful shores of Loch Linnhe, in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Fort William is a unique piece of Scottish history. The fort itself was built by the British as a way to control and subdue the Scottish clans in the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution of 1688, and over the subsequent century it was regularly used to suppress Jacobite uprisings in the Highlands. The excellent West Highland Museum tells the story of the fort and its place in Scottish history, providing a wonderful insight into the turbulent story of the Highlands over the centuries.
Today, the town that surrounds the Fort is a popular destination for outdoor activities. In addition to serving as a base from which to climb Ben Nevis, it’s also home to a ski, snowboard and mountain biking center, and is the end point of the iconic West Highland Way and the starting point of the Great Glen Way. Fort William is an essential stopping point on any Highland itinerary, and a great place to immerse yourself into Scotland’s rich and fascinating history.
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West Highland Way Walking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Walk to Drymen
Your tour starts early today. Please meet your guide at Glasgow’s Queen Street Station by 8:30 AM. From here, a short train ride takes you to Milngavie. Leave your luggage to be transferred for you, and hike with just the essentials for the day. Though you have not travelled very far from Glasgow, all signs of the city are behind you as your trail sets off through the open countryside. Historically, this trail was part of an important Stone Age route and you’ll see standing stones along the way that remain from this era. Arrive at your hotel in Drymen with time to relax, then enjoy a wonderful welcome dinner and perhaps a dram of whisky from the local Glengoyne distillery.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Drymen
Distance: 6 hours, 19 km, 210 m of elevation gain
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 Hike through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
Spend today walking in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Leave Drymen after breakfast and enter the Garadhban Forest. After walking through the forest, detour slightly from the West Highland Way trail to climb to the top of Conic Hill (361 m / 1,184 ft). Pause here to enjoy a wonderful view of Loch Lomond before walking down to Loch Lomond’s eastern shore at the village of Balmaha. Walk along the banks of the loch through the forest until you come to the peaceful and picturesque village of Rowardennan. Spend the night here at the foot of Ben Lomond mountain (974 m / 3,196 ft).
Overnight Location: Hotel in Rowardennan
Distance: 6 hours, 24 km, 430 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Walk to Inverarnan
Enjoy the views of Ben Lomond, also known as Beacon Hill, as you begin this challenging day. The terrain of this segment is rougher and varied, so the pace will be slower but your efforts are rewarded with incredible views and lovely scenery in this wilderness area. End the day with an easier trail as you approach the small hamlet of Inverarnan, where you will stop for the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Inverarnan
Distance: 7 hours, 23 km, 475 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Walk through Strath Fillan to Tyndrum
You’re now in the heart of the Scottish Highlands . Begin the day by walking through Glen Falloch, then turn to the north and enter the valley of Strath Fillan. Notice how wild the landscape is here, full of hardy plants that have historically been used by local people for a variety of purposes. Your guide can point out these plants and tell you more about how they were used. Today’s destination is the village of Tyndrum, and you’ll know you’re getting closer to it when you see the elegant, distinctive ridges of Ben Lui rise up to the west. Enjoy free time this evening to explore Tyndrum and choose your own restaurant for dinner (not included).
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tyndrum
Distance: 7 hours, 22 km, 475 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 Walk to Glencoe
Today’s trail follows the tracks of the West Highland Railway as it climbs out of Tyndrum. When you reach the top of the pass, the skyline is dominated by the landmark Ben Dorain mountain. Detour slightly from the trail to find a seat carved in stone that, according to legend, contains the sword of Robert the Bruce, a 14th Century Scottish king. As you continue north, walk through a small hamlet called the Bridge of Orchy, then stop for lunch in Inveroran. As you look to the horizon, you’ll see the distinctive peaks of Black Mount to the west, while before you the wild Rannoch Moor extends into the distance. Cross this wild expanse of moor to come to Glencoe and your accommodations for the night. If you so choose, end your day sipping a drink while taking in the view of Buachaille Etive Mor mountain.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Glencoe
Distance: 9 hours, 30 km, 644 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Hike over the Devil’s Staircase to Kinlochleven
The route today is shorter than usual but includes the largest elevation gain of this tour. As you leave Glencoe, climb to the top of the Devil’s Staircase pass (547 m / 1,795 ft). The steep and steady climb winds around several switchbacks, but at the top you will be rewarded with exceptional views overlooking Loch Leven and the village of Glencoe. From this scenic location, your guide can help identify specific peaks among the mountains that seem to stretch as far as the eye can see. You may also get to hear the tale of the Massacre of Glencoe. Descend again on a good trail into the next valley, where you’ll stop for the night in a small village called Kinlochleven.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kinlochleven
Distance: 5-6 hours, 14 km, 430 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Complete the West Highland Way in Fort William
Get your blood flowing right away this morning with a steep climb up to the top of a pass (274 m / 899 ft) where you’ll get a clear view of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s tallest mountain. Once you have crossed the pass, the rest of the day is much easier. Meander past summer dwellings used by shepherds called sheilings, and pause to appreciate the view of Lochan Lunn Da-Bhra. Ask your guide to share the legend of a mythical bull that roams this area terrorizing the cattle. Descend from here into the lovely Glen Nevis and continue until you reach the end of the West Highland Way trail in Fort William. Congratulations on completing the whole route! Check in to your hotel and freshen up for a fun celebration dinner and drinks.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Fort William
Distance: 7 hours, 22 km, 475 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Departure Day
Sadly, our West Highland Way walking tour has come to an end. Breakfast is included, then you are free to leave from your hotel at your leisure. Many guests enjoy riding the West Highland Railway to return to Glasgow. This adventurous train ride offers several departure times each day. Have a pleasant onward journey!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
West Highland Way Walking Tour Price and Dates
This guided walking tour in Scotland is run as a fixed-departure tour where you’d be joining a group.The prices below are per person:
Start
Finish
Duration
Spaces Left
Price
Wed, Apr 9
From Glasgow
Wed, Apr 16
to Fort William
8 Days
5+
Spaces left
GBP£2776
Wed, Apr 16
From Glasgow
Wed, Apr 23
to Fort William
8 Days
5+
Spaces left
GBP£2776
Wed, Apr 23
From Glasgow
Wed, Apr 30
to Fort William
8 Days
5+
Spaces left
GBP£2803
Wed, Apr 30
From Glasgow
Wed, May 7
to Fort William
8 Days
5+
Spaces left
GBP£2884
Wed, May 21
From Glasgow
Wed, May 28
to Fort William
8 Days
1
Spaces left
GBP£2911
Wed, Jun 4
From Glasgow
Wed, Jun 11
to Fort William
8 Days
5
Spaces left
GBP£2911
Wed, Jul 2
From Glasgow
Wed, Jul 9
to Fort William
8 Days
5+
Spaces left
GBP£2911
Fri, Jul 11
From Glasgow
Fri, Jul 18
to Fort William
8 Days
5+
Spaces left
GBP£2911
Wed, Jul 23
From Glasgow
Wed, Jul 30
to Fort William
8 Days
5+
Spaces left
GBP£2911
Wed, Jul 30
From Glasgow
Wed, Aug 6
to Fort William
8 Days
5+
Spaces left
GBP£2911
Fri, Aug 8
From Glasgow
Fri, Aug 15
to Fort William
8 Days
5+
Spaces left
GBP£2911
Wed, Aug 27
From Glasgow
Wed, Sep 3
to Fort William
8 Days
5+
Spaces left
GBP£2911
Fri, Sep 5
From Glasgow
Fri, Sep 12
to Fort William
8 Days
5+
Spaces left
GBP£2911
Wed, Sep 10
From Glasgow
Wed, Sep 17
to Fort William
8 Days
5+
Spaces left
GBP£2911
Wed, Sep 24
From Glasgow
Wed, Oct 1
to Fort William
8 Days
5+
Spaces left
GBP£2911
Accommodation on West Highland Way Walking Tour
This tour is based in guesthouses, small hotels, highland inns, and bed and breakfasts. Accommodation options along the West Highlands Way are very limited, so standards will vary throughout the tour.
Whenever possible, you will stay in rooms with en suite facilities, but in some locations this is not available. In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of GBP320 to have private rooms in hotels. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.
What’s included in the West Highland Way Walking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners, snacks along the route each day.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights along the tour. Accommodations before the tour in Glasgow and after the tour in Fort Williams are not included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport for you and your luggage is included from the beginning of the tour to the end.
Also Included
- Experienced and knowledgeable guide throughout the tour
- Train tickets from Glasgow Queen Station to Milngavie
Not included
- Transportation to Glasgow Queen Station to start the tour
- Return transportation from Fort William after the tour
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Anything not stated as ‘included’
Optional Extras
- Extra night in Glasgow before the tour
- Extra night in Fort William after the tour
- How hard is the West Highland Way Walking Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Scotland?
- Is this tour to Scottish Highlands guaranteed?
- How big is the group?
- Are meals included on the West Highland Way Walking Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Glasgow to start this tour?
- Is the West Highland Way Walking Tour in English?
- Where does the West Highland Way Walking Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Scotland?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Scotland?
- When is the best time to travel to Scotland for this tour?
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. Most days of this tour require walking 20-30 km on good trails. You should have experience in walking these distances in hilly or mountainous terrain.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
The tour is guaranteed to run if there are at least 2 people booked.
The groups for this tour are capped at 16 people to ensure everything runs smoothly and everyone gets individual attention from the guide. If the group size exceeds 10 people, a second guide will be added.
7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
You can get to Glasgow by flying to Glasgow International Airport (GLA). This airport has connections with New York City, Toronto, Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, Milan, London and many other major cities. Glasgow is also connected to other cities in United Kingdom by rail. Please meet your guide at Glasgow Queen Street Station by 8:30 AM on the first day of your tour.
Yes, the tour guide is English speaking.
The tour ends in Fort William.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Scotland for this walking tour is from May to October.
Customer Ratings
Wilderness Scotland is an Aviemore based company with a huge experience and big group of returning happy customers. This company, being one of the leading adventure travel organisers in the area, guarantees great service and unforgettable experiences!
