West Highland Way: 8-Day Challenging Hike

DAY 1: Arrival in Milngavie

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Milngavie.

DAY 2: Milngavie to Drymen

Distance 21km • Approximate Walking Time 4 - 6 hours • Ascent (↑) 300m

Within minutes of leaving the town of Milngavie in the Glasgow suburbs you find yourself, as if by magic, in the fabulous Scottish countryside. Today’s hike is the perfect “muscle loosener” with peaceful woodland hikes and gentle farmland trails. You even have the chance to visit the famous Glengoyne whisky distillery – a wee dram will give you plenty of fuel for the hikes ahead!

DAY 3: Drymen to Rowardennan

24km • 6 - 8 hours • (↑) 650m

The climb to the shoulder of Conic Hill (300m) is the first real challenge of this hiking tour but the amazing views over Loch Lomond make every step worthwhile. From here, the trail descends to the lakeshore at Balmaha. Continue along through woodland next to the lake all the way to the small settlement of Rowardennan.

DAY 4: Rowardennan to Crianlarich

32km • 8 - 11 hours • (↑) 950m

A challenging hike along the eastern shore of Loch Lomond takes you all the way up to the northern end of the lake. The path is mainly along quiet woodland paths. Look out for Rob Roy’s Cave along the way – one of the many hiding spots used by Scotland’s most renowned outlaw. A gently ascending track leads you up the River Falloch Valley with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. A junction on the trail allows you to descend along a spur into the village of Crianlarich – the halfway point of the hike.

DAY 5: Crianlarich to Inveroran

26km • 5 - 8 hours • (↑) 550m

From Crianlarich, climb uphill to re-join the

trail. Continue along a quiet forest track before the trail eventually descends to a farm where you pass the ruins of St Fillan’s Priory founded by Scottish hero Robert the Bruce in the 14th Century. The trail from Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy follows the railway line through a beautiful glen. From Bridge of Orchy, you leave civilisation behind as you enter one of the more remote sections of the route. The views from Mam Carraig over Tulla Loch are terrific – just make sure to have the battery charged for your camera!

DAY 6: Inveroran to Kinlochleven

30km • 7 - 10 hours • (↑) 800m

Hiking across the exposed Rannoch Moor may be the most enjoyable day of your trip or, if the weather misbehaves, the most challenging. When the sun shines, the views of the surrounding mountains are stunning. When it rains, there’s nowhere to hide. Either way, the trip will be memorable! Leaving the outpost of Kingshouse behind, you soon reach a climb known locally as The Devil’s Staircase. With a name like that, it’s safe to assume that your legs are going to get a good work-out! But, here’s a little secret – it’s not that bad. And the views from the top over the Ben Nevis Mountain range more than make up for it.

DAY 7: Kinlochleven to Fort William

25km • 6 - 8 hrs • (↑) 500m

A steep climb out of Kinlochleven gets the adrenaline flowing pretty quickly but as always, the spectacular scenery is adequate compensation. After the initial climb, an old military road rambles gently through the magnificent Glen Nevis valley. Eventually, you turn a corner and the formidable peak of Ben Nevis lies ahead of you. But that’s for another day – you descend instead along forest paths towards the town of Fort William.

DAY 8: Departure from Fort William

There are regular bus and train services from Fort William to Glasgow and onwards to Edinburgh. Full details provided upon booking.