Included: An experienced International Mountain Leader with extensive knowledge of the area 9-day West Highland Way tour Accommodation for 7 nights in a B&B (double occupancy) Accommodation for 1 night in a bunkhouse (small shared rooms of 2-4 people) All breakfasts during the trip Daily luggage transfers between accommodations (one bag per person) Booking of restaurants for group evening meals (dinner is at your own expense) Add-ons: Indoor ice/rock climbing session in Kinlochleven on Day 7 — let us know prior to booking if interested Not included: Flights Drinks and snacks Lunches and dinners Transportation to the starting point of the adventure Guide gratuities — optional Activity, injury, and mountain rescue insurance (mandatory) and travel insurance (highly recommended) — available to add at checkout

How fit do I need to be?

This West Highland Way tour requires good fitness levels, previous experience walking in the mountains, and experience hiking in bad weather. You’ll spend an average of 5-7 hours per day on the trail, with longer days involving up to 10 hours of hiking. The longest distance you’ll cross on this adventure is 30.5 km (19 miles) . You can expect up to 720 m (2,354 ft) of elevation gain. For more walking adventures in Scotland, click here !

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Essential equipment Warm and waterproof walking boots Walking poles — recommended Backpack with chest and waist straps (30-35L capacity) Bags to waterproof items such as documentation Gaiters — useful on moorland Water bottle Clothing Waterproof — must keep you dry in heavy rain Waterproof rain pants Windproof and warm pants Thermal top (long-sleeved) Thin fleece (long-sleeved) Hiking T-shirts Hiking shorts Warm hat Sun hat Earband or headband Gloves — one thick pair, one thin pair Duvet jacket or second warm layer Socks (2-3 pairs) Scarf/buff for neck Comfort & extras Sunscreen — essential Lip balm Sunglasses Tissues Biodegradable bags to dispose of waste Snack bars/chocolate Anti-bacterial hand wash Insect repellent Midge (fly) net Documentation Passport Travel insurance Credit card Cash — Pound sterling Personal First Aid Personal medication if required Antiseptic cream/spray Glucose tablets/energy gel Painkillers/anti-inflammatories Rehydration sachets — 2 packs, e.g., Dioralyte Throat lozenges Blister plasters Blister tape — e.g., Strappal Additional items Camera Clothing for accommodation Slippers for accommodation Hair dryer if required Boot dryers — lightweight electric boot dryers are useful Ear plugs and head torch — recommended when sharing a room Toiletries — soap/shower gel (not always provided) Padlock (for luggage being transferred) Small thermos for hot drinks You’ll hike with a light backpack containing essential items for the day. Your luggage will be transferred daily between your accommodations. Please bring no more than one luggage bag on the trip—there will be an additional fee for extra bags. If you follow a gluten-free or celiac diet, please bring supplementary snacks.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this West Highland Way tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 10:1. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants. We strongly advise you not to make travel arrangements until your departure has been confirmed to run! A West Highland Way tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your West Highland Way tour is Milngavie, Scotland . To get there, most people fly into Glasgow International Airport (GLA) . From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Milngavie. Once you’re there, you will meet your guide on Day 1 at around 6:30pm at your accommodation in Milngavie.

Safety measures and insurance

Activity, injury, and mountain rescue insurance is mandatory , while travel insurance is highly recommended. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

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MILNGAVIE | SCOTLAND

West Highland Way Tour: Hike the Heart of Scotland

9 days | Moderate | 5.00

From $2,663 ()

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The West Highland Way is less a trail and more a walk through time. Stretching 157 km (98 miles) from Milngavie to Fort William, this iconic route threads through jagged peaks, deep lochs, and centuries-old history of Jacobite rebellion, clan feuds, and outlaw legends. Over nine days, we’ll hike through landscapes that don’t ask for attention but demand it anyway—walking along Loch Lomond’s peaceful shores, passing through the dramatic Rannoch Moor, and standing at the foot of towering peaks like Ben Nevis. At the end of each day, we’ll settle into lodgings where the fire’s always warm, the meal’s always hearty, and the whisky’s always just right.

Adventure Highlights

Scotland’s signature hike: Trek 157 km (98 miles) of iconic landscapes with lochs, mountains, and picturesque villages at every turn
History in every step: Walk the same path as medieval clans, the Jacobites, and James Bond in ”Skyfall”
Inns, ales & whisky tales: End your days the Scottish way with a cozy bed and a well-earned ”wee dram” of whisky to top it off

Duration

9 days

Season

May through October

Group size

Up to 10 people

The adventure, day by day

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Discover Scotland’s most iconic hiking trail on this West Highland Way adventure! Over 9 days, we’ll cover 157 km (98 miles) of Scotland’s wild heart as we walk from Milngavie to Fort William. We’ll step into landscapes that are as much about the stories they hold as the views they offer—lochs, mountains, and the kind of history that feels much closer than it is. Each day’s hike is its own adventure, with plenty of stops to take it all in. And at the end of the day? Warm meals, a place to rest, and, if you’re keen, a whisky to toast the trail. The logistics are sorted—just bring some sturdy boots and your sense of adventure!

Day 1: Arrival in Milngavie

Hiking path near Milngavie on the West Highland Way tour

This evening, we’ll meet at our accommodation in Milngavie at approximately 6:30pm. Our guide, a fully qualified Mountain Leader, will answer questions about the trip and provide an overview of the adventure ahead. Milngavie, pronounced “Miln-gie,” is the gateway to the West Highlands and is easily accessible by bus, rail, and air. If you arrive early, you may wish to take the short 24-minute train ride into Glasgow to explore this historic and vibrant city.

Accommodation: Premier Inn, Milngavie

Day 2: Milngavie to Drymen

This morning, we set off from Milngavie, beginning our journey at the granite obelisk marking the official start of the West Highland Way. Our route leads us through Mugdock Country Park and the scenic landscapes of the ancient Earldom of Lennox. We hike between the Campsie Fells and Blane Water, following a well-maintained path through the peaceful countryside to Drymen. A ”wee dram” is the Scottish term for a small whisky, but sometimes it’s not so little!

Along the way, we may stop at Glengoyne Distillery, where you can purchase whisky miniatures for the evening. Drymen, our overnight stop, is located in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, often described as the “Highlands in miniature” for its stunning lochs, forests, and rolling hills.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 19 km (12 miles), 7-8 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +140 m (459 ft), -119 m (390 ft)
Accommodation: Buchanan Arms, Drymen

Day 3: Drymen to Rowardennan

Descending from Conic Hill by Loch Lomond on the West Highland Way tour

After a hearty Scottish breakfast, we leave Drymen and rejoin the trail toward Conic Hill. The steep ascent is rewarded with breathtaking views of Loch Lomond, one of Scotland’s most famous and picturesque lochs. Conic Hill marks the Great Divide, separating the highlands from the lowlands of Scotland. We descend to the charming village of Balmaha, where white-washed cottages and a visitor center await. From here, the trail follows the lochside, winding through ancient woodlands and along headlands. This beautiful and serene route leads us to Rowardennan, where we spend the night on the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 23 km (14.3 miles), 8-9 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +558 m (1,831 ft), -554 m (1,817 ft)
Accommodation: Rowardennan Lodge Youth Hostel

Day 4: Rowardennan to Inverarnan

The bonnie banks of Lochlomond on the West Highland Way tour

Today’s route takes us along the more remote northern section of Loch Lomond, where the waters plunge to a depth of 190 m (620 ft). The trail becomes challenging, particularly north of Inversnaid, offering a sense of wild beauty with towering mountains surrounding us. A highlight of the day is the stunning Inversnaid waterfall, where a footbridge allows us to get up close. The path climbs gently, providing spectacular views of the Arrochar Alps before becoming rougher near Doune Bothy.

Our destination, Inverarnan, is home to the historic and atmospheric Drovers Inn, dating back to 1705. This legendary inn, said to be haunted, retains its centuries-old charm and was once frequented by Rob Roy MacGregor, the infamous Highland outlaw.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 22.5 km (14 miles), 8-9 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +265 m (869 ft), -278 m (2,040 ft)
Accommodation: The Drovers Inn, Inverannan

Day 5: Inverarnan to Tyndrum

View through foliage of the Falls of Falloch in Scotland

Today, we enter a dramatic landscape of soaring peaks and wide glens. We follow the River Falloch, passing the impressive Falls of Falloch before reaching Crianlarich village. The scenery opens up as we continue toward Tyndrum, following the River Fillan across the valley floor. Near Kirkton Farm, we pass the ruins of St. Fillan’s Priory, founded by Robert the Bruce in 1318. A short detour leads to St. Fillan’s Holy Pool, once believed to cure the insane. The route then follows the River Cononish into Tyndrum, a small village nestled among the mountains where we stop for the night.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 19.5 km (12.1 miles), 6-7 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +397 m (1,302 ft), -173 m (567 ft)
Accommodation: Tyndrum Lodges, Tyndrum

Day 6: Tyndrum to Kingshouse

Hikers near Buachaille Etive Mor mountain on the West Highland Way tour

Our longest day offers spectacular scenery as we hike past Beinn Odhar and the distinctive peak of Beinn Dorain. The trail leads to Bridge of Orchy, where we may stop for a refreshment. From here, we follow the Old Military Road, constructed in the 18th century after the Jacobite rebellion. Some would say the section after Bridge of Orchy is the most scenic section of the Way, but if you feel like it, you can finish early. Take the local bus to the Kingshouse and enjoy an early ”refreshment” in Glencoe.

A steep ascent above Loch Tulla brings us to the exposed wilderness of Rannoch Moor, one of Europe’s last great wild landscapes. The vast peat bog was once covered by a massive icecap. As we arrive at the 17th-century Kingshouse Hotel, at the entrance to Glencoe we are greeted by the iconic peak of Buachaille Etive Mòr, one of Scotland’s most photographed mountains!

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 30.5 km (19 miles), 9-10 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +551 m (1,807 ft), -541 m (1,775 ft)
Accommodation: The Kingshouse Bunkhouse, Glencoe

Day 7: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven

Glen Etive, an idyllic small valley in the Scottish Highlands

We begin the day near Glen Etive, a filming location for the James Bond movie ”Skyfall”, and enjoy views of the historic and hauntingly beautiful Glencoe. This valley was the site of the infamous 1692 massacre of Clan MacDonald by the Campbells. We follow the glen toward Altnafeadh, which is near the starting point of the trail for climbers heading to the cliffs on Buachaille Etive Mor.

From here, we tackle the zig-zagging Devil’s Staircase, the highest point of the West Highland Way at 550 m (1,804 ft). The trail then descends through moorland into Kinlochleven, home to the National Centre for Ice Climbing, featuring the world’s largest indoor ice wall. We’ll aim to arrive in Kinlochleven in time to sign up for a session (let us know in advance if interested*), so we can try out climbing or brush up our skills!

*Indoor ice/rock climbing session at Kinlochleven is optional and not included in the trip price. However, if you decide to give it a go, keep in mind that a Mountain Leader will be by your side.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 14.3 km (8.9 miles), 5-6 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +349 m (1,145 ft), -592 m (1,865 ft)
Accommodation: Tigh na Cheo, Kinlochleven

Day 8: Kinlochleven to Fort William

Empty road through the Glen Nevis valley in the Highlands of Scotland

Our final hiking day begins with a steep climb out of Kinlochleven, leading into a remote glen dotted with ancient summer farms known as “sheilings.” We cross the Lairigmor, or “great pass,” a peaceful stretch of the trail flanked by towering mountains. The path winds through woodland before descending into Glen Nevis, where we are greeted by the imposing sight of Ben Nevis, the British Isles’ highest peak at 1,345 m (4,411 ft). A couple of miles further bring us to the official end of the West Highland Way in the town of Fort William, where we celebrate our achievement with a well-earned “wee dram.”

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 24 km (15 miles), 7-8 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +534 m (1,751 ft), -533 m (1,748 ft)
Accommodation: The Alexandra Hotel, Fort William

Day 9: Departure from Fort William

Valley with farmhouse ruins near Fort William in Scotland

Today marks the end of our West Highland Way tour. We say our farewells and depart from Fort William.

Meals: Breakfast

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Photo gallery

Hikers crossing a stream on the West Highland Way tour in Scotland

Accommodation

Cozy B&Bs, inns, and lodges

Throughout our journey, we stay in a mix of welcoming B&Bs, hotels, inns, lodges, and guesthouses, all offering a hearty breakfast and warm Scottish hospitality. Most of our stays will be in ensuite bedrooms, with some lodgings offering small dormitories. On two nights of this trip, we may stay in dorm-style hostels. We aim to book private dorms just for our group, and where possible, by gender. In rare cases, shared rooms may be mixed.

We begin in Milngavie at the Premier Inn, a convenient base with a touch of comfort before we head on the rugged trail. From there, we head to the Buchanan Arms in Drymen, a welcoming hotel nestled in the heart of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. As we follow the loch, Rowardennan Lodge Youth Hostel will give us shelter with its cozy rooms and views that make us feel part of the landscape. Next, the legendary Drovers Inn, dating back 1705, lets us step back in time with stories of Rob Roy and a hauntingly unique atmosphere. We rest at the warm Tyndrum Lodges before moving to Kingshouse Bunkhouse for a mountain experience surrounded by the wild beauty of Glencoe. In Kinlochleven, we’ll be treated to the hospitality of Tigh na Cheo guesthouse. Finally, we wrap up at the Alexandra Hotel in Fort William, a traditional Scottish gem with cozy firesides and the perfect spot to reflect on our adventure. Every place we stay feels like a true taste of Scotland—welcoming and packed full of character!

Single occupancy room is available (apart from the possible 2 dormitory nights) and can be added at checkout. We do our best to use these exact accommodations, but availability can vary. The final hotel list is usually confirmed about 8 months before the tour, when the guide will reach out with the details.

Adventure, packed to go

West Highland Way Tour: Hike the Heart of Scotland

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Kathy

International Mountain Leader

Kathy is a seasoned mountaineer with decades of experience guiding from the Scottish Highlands to the Himalayas, where she’s climbed the iconic Ama Dablam. Raised in a remote valley in England’s Lake District, her childhood was filled with adventurous holidays—camping, sailing, and hiking through wild places. Now based in Aviemore during winter, Kathy is a senior forecaster for the Scottish Avalanche Information Service. She became an International Mountain Leader in 2007 and has guided ever since. With a background in mountain rescue and a sharp eye for outdoor gear (even doing the occasional bit of modeling!), Kathy brings both expertise and passion to every trek.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (3 reviews)

Anne

Really enjoyed the walking and the changing scenery as we went further north into the Highlands. Brilliant organisation and a great group of people!

Niamh

This was a really nice trip with lovely views and a wonderfully varied range of accommodation. Our B&B in Kinlochleven was a particular highlight as was the superb Scottish hospitality we encountered everywhere we went.

Rose

A very enjoyable and extremely organised trip ! No worries or hassle just arrive in the morning eat and walk! Spectacular scenery and lots of laughs and camaraderie along the way ?

Show all reviews

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced International Mountain Leader with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 9-day West Highland Way tour
  - Accommodation for 7 nights in a B&B (double occupancy)
  - Accommodation for 1 night in a bunkhouse (small shared rooms of 2-4 people)
  - All breakfasts during the trip
  - Daily luggage transfers between accommodations (one bag per person)
  - Booking of restaurants for group evening meals (dinner is at your own expense)
Add-ons:
- - Indoor ice/rock climbing session in Kinlochleven on Day 7 — let us know prior to booking if interested
Not included:
- - Flights
  - Drinks and snacks
  - Lunches and dinners
  - Transportation to the starting point of the adventure
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Activity, injury, and mountain rescue insurance (mandatory) and travel insurance (highly recommended) — available to add at checkout
This West Highland Way tour requires good fitness levels, previous experience walking in the mountains, and experience hiking in bad weather. You’ll spend an average of 5-7 hours per day on the trail, with longer days involving up to 10 hours of hiking. The longest distance you’ll cross on this adventure is 30.5 km (19 miles). You can expect up to 720 m (2,354 ft) of elevation gain.

For more walking adventures in Scotland, click here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

Essential equipment
- - Warm and waterproof walking boots
  - Walking poles — recommended
  - Backpack with chest and waist straps (30-35L capacity)
  - Bags to waterproof items such as documentation
  - Gaiters — useful on moorland
  - Water bottle
Clothing
- - Waterproof — must keep you dry in heavy rain
  - Waterproof rain pants
  - Windproof and warm pants
  - Thermal top (long-sleeved)
  - Thin fleece (long-sleeved)
  - Hiking T-shirts
  - Hiking shorts
  - Warm hat
  - Sun hat
  - Earband or headband
  - Gloves — one thick pair, one thin pair
  - Duvet jacket or second warm layer
  - Socks (2-3 pairs)
  - Scarf/buff for neck
Comfort & extras
- - Sunscreen — essential
  - Lip balm
  - Sunglasses
  - Tissues
  - Biodegradable bags to dispose of waste
  - Snack bars/chocolate
  - Anti-bacterial hand wash
  - Insect repellent
  - Midge (fly) net
Documentation
- - Passport
  - Travel insurance
  - Credit card
  - Cash — Pound sterling
Personal First Aid
- - Personal medication if required
  - Antiseptic cream/spray
  - Glucose tablets/energy gel
  - Painkillers/anti-inflammatories
  - Rehydration sachets — 2 packs, e.g., Dioralyte
  - Throat lozenges
  - Blister plasters
  - Blister tape — e.g., Strappal
Additional items
- - Camera
  - Clothing for accommodation
  - Slippers for accommodation
  - Hair dryer if required
  - Boot dryers — lightweight electric boot dryers are useful
  - Ear plugs and head torch — recommended when sharing a room
  - Toiletries — soap/shower gel (not always provided)
  - Padlock (for luggage being transferred)
  - Small thermos for hot drinks
You’ll hike with a light backpack containing essential items for the day. Your luggage will be transferred daily between your accommodations. Please bring no more than one luggage bag on the trip—there will be an additional fee for extra bags.

If you follow a gluten-free or celiac diet, please bring supplementary snacks.

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Group sizes and pricing
- - For this West Highland Way tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 10:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants.
  - We strongly advise you not to make travel arrangements until your departure has been confirmed to run!
A West Highland Way tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your West Highland Way tour is Milngavie, Scotland. To get there, most people fly into Glasgow International Airport (GLA). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Milngavie.

Once you’re there, you will meet your guide on Day 1 at around 6:30pm at your accommodation in Milngavie.
Activity, injury, and mountain rescue insurance is mandatory, while travel insurance is highly recommended. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

Basic
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.

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