Preview – Hike Scotland’s West Highland Way with Heather Anderson

Arrive in the vibrant city of Glasgow and make your way to the joining hotel for check-in. This first afternoon is a gentle introduction to the trip, giving you the chance to settle in, relax, or wander the nearby streets to get a feel for Scotland’s largest city. Glasgow’s lively personality, arts scene, and friendly locals create the perfect backdrop to begin your West Highland Way adventure.

In the evening, regroup with your fellow walkers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. It’s a great chance to connect, share your excitement, and look ahead to the many unforgettable miles that await as you journey north into some of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes.

🏨 Accommodation

• Hampton by Hilton Glasgow Central or similar 3 star

🍽️ Included Meals

• Dinner

Your walk begins at the official West Highland Way obelisk in Milngavie, immediately immersing you into classic Scottish countryside. The route today is smooth and comfortable, weaving through woodland, farmland, and along quiet streams. It’s a steady warm-up that allows you to ease into the rhythm of multi-day trekking without any major climbs or technical sections.

As the scenery opens up later in the day, distant highland mountains begin to emerge on the horizon, signalling the dramatic shifts in landscape that lie ahead. Lochs, rivers, and peaceful meadows all make their appearance before your arrival into the charming village of Drymen.

🥾 Distance

• 12 miles / 19 km

🏨 Accommodation

• The Winnock Hotel or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast
• Packed Lunch

Leaving Drymen, the West Highland Way veers away from the road and onto forested tracks that lead toward one of the trail’s highlights: Conic Hill. The ascent is steady and rewarding, unfolding into expansive views that stretch across Loch Lomond and its chain of islands. This viewpoint marks your first major encounter with the dramatic landscapes the Way is known for, and the geological divide between the lowlands and the highlands becomes strikingly visible below you.

After soaking up the breathtaking panorama, descend along rocky paths into the tiny lochside village of Balmaha. Nestled right on the edge of Loch Lomond, it’s a peaceful and scenic stop perfectly placed after a morning of climbing, views, and dramatic transitions in terrain.

🥾 Distance

• 6.5 miles / 10.5 km

🏨 Accommodation

• Oak Tree Inn or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast
• Packed Lunch

This beautiful stretch continues along the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, tracing forest paths shaded by ancient oak woodlands. The constant presence of the water beside you gives the day a calming, rhythmic feel, punctuated by open viewpoints and charming lochside beaches. You’ll also pass several campsites that highlight just how popular this part of the trail is with both hikers and nature lovers.

As you approach Rowardennan, the landscape becomes grander, with the slopes of Ben Lomond rising steeply ahead. The area is a popular starting point for climbers tackling the mountain, and the nearby Ardess Hidden History Trail offers a short but fascinating optional wander into the stories of the region.

🥾 Distance

• 7.5 miles / 12 km

🏨 Accommodation

• Rowardennan Youth Hostel or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast
• Packed Lunch

Today’s section is rugged, dramatic, and often considered one of the most challenging stretches of the West Highland Way. The northern reaches of Loch Lomond feel wild and untamed, with steep slopes, rocky trails, and narrow sections that demand careful footing. Yet this is also one of the most rewarding days of the entire journey, offering raw beauty and intense atmosphere.

One unforgettable highlight is the mighty waterfall at Inversnaid, where a footbridge takes you directly over its thundering waters. From here, the trail becomes tougher but even more rewarding, weaving through boulder-strewn terrain before emerging into the open valley leading to Inverarnan.

🥾 Distance

• 14 miles / 22 km

🏨 Accommodation

• Drovers Inn or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast
• Packed Lunch

Leaving Loch Lomond behind, the scenery shifts into a broad highland glen framed by towering mountains. The walking becomes smoother and more open as you follow the River Falloch northward, with regular glimpses of waterfalls and cascades. This contrast from the previous day’s rocky terrain feels refreshing and energising.

Crianlarich marks the halfway point of the West Highland Way, and although the main trail skirts the village, a spur path offers access for those wanting a detour. From here the route climbs gently through forest and open hillside before easing down into the cosy highland village of Tyndrum.

🥾 Distance

• 13 miles / 21 km

🏨 Accommodation

• Tyndrum Inn or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast
• Packed Lunch

Today delivers some of the most impressive mountain views of the entire journey. Leaving Tyndrum, the trail soon passes beneath the steep slopes of Beinn Odhar, with the striking pyramid shape of Beinn Dorain dominating your view ahead. The wide-open valley and sweeping glen offer a feeling of space and scale that defines the highlands.

As you continue, the West Highland Railway Line runs parallel to the trail, with stone viaducts and engineering marvels adding historic character. After reaching Bridge of Orchy, a short climb onto the Old Military Road rewards you with dramatic views across Loch Tulla and the Black Mount before you descend toward your accommodation.

🥾 Distance

• 10 miles / 16 km

🏨 Accommodation

• Bridge of Orchy Hotel or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast
• Packed Lunch

This section carries you directly onto the edge of Rannoch Moor, one of the last great untouched wildernesses in Europe. The vastness of this landscape is striking, with heather moorland stretching to distant peaks and an ever-changing sky creating an atmosphere that veers between peaceful and dramatic depending on the weather.

Ba Bridge marks the halfway point and offers a wonderful spot to pause and admire the scenery before the old military road continues toward the mountains of Glencoe. As you near Kingshouse, Buachaille Etive Mor rises sharply into view, marking one of Scotland’s most iconic and photographed landscapes.

🥾 Distance

• 10 miles / 16 km

🏨 Accommodation

• Kingshouse Hotel or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast
• Packed Lunch

This morning begins with awe-inspiring views of Buachaille Etive Mor, a towering guardian at the entrance to Glen Etive. As you approach Altnafeadh, the path turns sharply upward to tackle the famous Devil’s Staircase. The zig-zag ascent is challenging but immensely rewarding, with every turn expanding your views across Glencoe and the surrounding peaks.

Reaching the highest point on the West Highland Way feels exhilarating, and from the cairn the trail sweeps gently downhill across open moorland toward Kinlochleven. The descent is long and scenic, with the distant village nestled at the head of its sea loch and surrounded by mountains.

🥾 Distance

• 9 miles / 14.5 km

🏨 Accommodation

• Tigh na Cheo or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast
• Packed Lunch

The final day begins with a sharp climb out of Kinlochleven, quickly rewarding you with sweeping panoramic views over the village and Loch Leven behind you. From here, the trail enters the wide, ancient glen of Lairigmor, a quiet and majestic valley flanked by towering mountain ridges on either side. The sense of remoteness and highland grandeur makes this one of the most atmospheric stretches of the entire route.

As you descend toward Glen Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, emerges into view like a final dramatic triumph. The last miles into Fort William are emotional and exhilarating, culminating at the statue of the weary walker in Gordon Square. Completing the full 96 miles of the West Highland Way is a moment to savour – one earned step by step through some of Scotland’s most breathtaking terrain.

🥾 Distance

• 14 miles / 22 km

🏨 Accommodation

• The Garrison Hotel or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast
• Packed Lunch

After an unforgettable journey across Scotland’s most iconic long-distance trail, enjoy a relaxed final morning in Fort William. Whether you choose to celebrate your achievement over breakfast, explore the town, or pay a visit to nearby Glen Nevis, the sense of accomplishment stays with you long after the final step.

This is your moment to reflect on the landscapes you crossed, the kilometres you conquered, and the memories you’ve created. When you’re ready, continue your onward travel – knowing you’ve completed one of the great trekking routes of the world.

🍽️ Included Meals

• Breakfast