Scotland West Highland Way with Rebecca – Hike Like a Woman

Welcome to Glasgow! Scotland’s largest city is a vibrant and friendly metropolis known for its rich Victorian and art nouveau architecture, world-class museums, and thriving food and music scenes. It’s a perfect place to gather before the adventure ahead. You’ll check into your centrally located hotel and have the evening free to explore local sights such as the Riverside Museum or Merchant City, or enjoy dinner at one of the city’s gastropubs or stylish restaurants.

🏨 Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton Glasgow Central

🍽️ Meals: None

After breakfast, you’ll take a short train ride from Glasgow Queen Street to the town of Milngavie (pronounced “Mill-guy”) – the official starting point of the West Highland Way. Today’s walk serves as a gentle warm-up through the rolling countryside of Mugdock Country Park, following riverbanks and forest paths toward Drymen. The route is peaceful and picturesque, passing lochs and farms, with glimpses of the hills you’ll be exploring in the coming days.

🏨 Accommodation: Clachan Inn, Drymen

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch

✅ Inclusions: Train ticket

🥾 Terrain: Flat and easy paths, minor roads and trails

⛰️ Distance: 12 miles (19km) | Elevation: 19–140 m

Today you’ll enter the Highlands proper as you climb Conic Hill, a stunning viewpoint overlooking Loch Lomond and its scattering of islands. This natural boundary line marks the transition from the Lowlands to the Highlands. After enjoying panoramic views, you’ll descend through fragrant pine forest into the charming lakeside village of Balmaha. You might have time to explore the visitor centre or enjoy a relaxed lochside drink at the local inn.

🏨 Accommodation: Oak Tree Inn, Balmaha

🍽️ Meals: Packed lunch (note breakfast not included today)

🥾 Terrain: Undulating with steep section at Conic Hill, then descending to lochside paths

⛰️ Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km) | Elevation: 9–325 m

Follow the southeastern edge of Loch Lomond through one of Scotland’s most beautiful ancient oak forests. You’ll pass peaceful beaches and idyllic campsites like Milarrochy Bay and Sallochy, perfect for scenic breaks. The final stretch brings you into Rowardennan – a tranquil hamlet at the foot of Ben Lomond. If you’re feeling energetic, there are short side trails here to explore more of the area’s natural beauty.

🏨 Accommodation: Rowardennan Hostel (Private Ensuite Room)

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch

🥾 Terrain: Mainly good lochside paths, occasional roadside sections

⛰️ Distance: 7.5 miles (12km) | Elevation: 9–105 m

A challenging yet rewarding day along the remote northern shore of Loch Lomond. The path narrows and becomes rougher beyond Inversnaid, where you’ll cross a footbridge over the spectacular Inversnaid Falls. This stretch is rugged and wild – with twisting forest paths, boulders and mossy crags offering an exhilarating Highland experience. You’ll end at the historic Drovers Inn, known for its quirky interior and tales of ghostly guests.

🏨 Accommodation: Drovers Inn, Inverarnan

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch

🥾 Terrain: Rough and rocky, especially after Inversnaid

⛰️ Distance: 14 miles (22km) | Elevation: 7–105 m

Leaving the loch behind, the trail opens into Highland glens with wide skies and flowing rivers. You’ll follow the River Falloch past waterfalls and beneath towering peaks. Around the halfway point of the West Highland Way, you’ll pass near Crianlarich before rejoining the trail and continuing to the welcoming hamlet of Tyndrum. This stage features classic Highland views and a feeling of space and remoteness.

🏨 Accommodation: Tyndrum Inn

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch

🥾 Terrain: Mostly well-maintained tracks with moderate hills

⛰️ Distance: 13 miles (21km) | Elevation: 17–336 m

Today’s shorter walk offers some of the most iconic mountain scenery on the route. You’ll walk alongside the West Highland Railway line, passing under the shadow of Beinn Odhar and Beinn Dorain. The path gently ascends and descends through wide-open moorland before arriving at the small village of Bridge of Orchy – a peaceful spot overlooking Glen Orchy.

🏨 Accommodation: Bridge of Orchy Hotel

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch

🥾 Terrain: Firm, open paths with a few ascents

⛰️ Distance: 10 miles (16km) | Elevation: 157–329 m

📝 Notes: You may wish to stock up on necessities before departing today, as there are no more shops until Kinlochleven!

You’ll begin the day with a short ascent offering views over Loch Tulla and the distant Black Mount range. The trail then carries you across the desolate and hauntingly beautiful Rannoch Moor – one of Europe’s last true wildernesses. Weather permitting, the views here are immense and otherworldly. You’ll finish the day at Kingshouse – a historic inn with views of the towering Buachaille Etive Mòr.

🏨 Accommodation: Kingshouse Hotel

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch

🥾 Terrain: Open moorland on exposed old roads

⛰️ Distance: 10 miles (16km) | Elevation: 168–446 m

Prepare for one of the most exhilarating days of the entire trail. You’ll pass beneath the imposing form of Buachaille Etive Mòr before tackling the famous Devil’s Staircase – the highest point on the West Highland Way at 550 m. From the summit, soak in sweeping views before descending into Kinlochleven – a former industrial village nestled between towering peaks.

🏨 Accommodation: Tigh na Cheo, Kinlochleven

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch

🥾 Terrain: Steep ascent, moorland crossing, then long descent

⛰️ Distance: 9 miles (14.5km) | Elevation: 5–551 m

Your final day begins with a steep climb out of Kinlochleven, leading to the Lairigmor – a wide glen flanked by steep mountains. The trail continues through forested slopes, eventually bringing you to Glen Nevis with views of Ben Nevis – the UK’s highest mountain. A triumphant descent leads to Fort William, where you’ll celebrate your completion of the 96-mile West Highland Way at the official finish marker in Gordon Square.

🏨 Accommodation: The Garrison, Fort William

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch

🥾 Terrain: Steep climb, rolling glens, forest paths, tarmac finish

⛰️ Distance: 14 miles (22km) | Elevation: 5–336 m

After breakfast today, it’s sadly time to say “tìoraidh an-dràsta”, which is “goodbye for now” in Scots Gaelic. We have no doubt you will have created some incredible memories and forged strong bonds with your fellow hikers over the last 10 days. And it’s only goodbye “for now” because we are sure you will be back!

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch

🥾 Terrain & Distance: None – have a rest, you’ve earned it!