West Highland Way: 8-Day Moderate Hike

DAY 1: Arrival in Tarbet

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

DAY 2: Rowardennan to Inverarnan

Distance 23 km • Approximate Walking Time 6-9 hours • Ascent (↑) 600m

Boat transfer to Rowardennan in the morning. 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.

DAY 3: Inverarnan to Tyndrum

20km • 5 - 7 hours • (↑) 550m

A gently ascending track leads you up the River Falloch Valley with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. After passing the halfway-point of the hike near the village of Crianlarich, the trail takes you past the ruins of St Fillan’s Priory and into the village of Tyndrum.

DAY 4: Tyndrum to Inveroran

15km • 4 - 5 hours • (↑) 350m

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 5: Inveroran to Kingshouse

14km • 4 - 6 hours • (↑) 330m

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!

DAY 6: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven

16km • 4 - 6 hours • (↑) 550m

Today’s hike features 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.