Hiking in Scotland - West Highland Way

Arrival to the town of Milngavie, a short train journey of about 20 minutes from Glasgow.

Accommodation in Milngavie

The official start of the hike is at the obelisk in Milngavie. You follow some fine trails through beautiful landscapes. Glengoyne Distillery is worth a visit.

Accommodation in Drymen

During today's hike you pass highland cattle grazing in the fields, the route then winds up through the forest and over the moors to Conic Hill, from the top you have a fantastic view over the loch and the islands. The trail then takes you down to Balmaha by the water, and then winds towards Rowardennan along Loch Lomond. In Rowardennan you can book an extra night if you wish to climb Ben Lomond.

Accommodation in Rowardennan

Today you walk in the shadow of Ben Lomond for much of the time. Perhaps you want to have a drink at the hotel in Inversnaid before you go into Ardleish, where you can raise a buoy on a pole to catch the attention of the ferryman who will then come to pick you up and take you to the hotel located on the western side of the loch (about £3 not included). If you fancy the longer alternative and want to continue to Beinglas farm or Inverarnan Drover's Inn, then call for a taxi to take you to the hotel (not included).

Accommodation in Ardlui

The day begins with an optional transfer (included) that takes you to Crianlarich (you save about 12 km), if you instead want to hike this stretch then you return across Loch Lomond by ferry to continue the hike through Glen Falloch and its waterfalls with views towards Benn Mor.
A short climb takes you over a hill into the beautiful Glen Fillan valley. When you then cross the River Fillan you can visit the remains of a monastery known for Robert The Bruce. He was defeated locally in a skirmish with the English in the glacial terrain around Dalrigh, which you then pass on the way to Tyndrum, a lively little town.
Here you'll find the famous "Green Wellie" shop, where you can find everything Scottish.

Accommodation in Tyndrum

A fairly short but picturesque day. The hike continues up past Auch farm, often with cotton grass swaying in the wind. You might stay in Bridge of Orchy, otherwise you continue to Loch Tulla (Inveroran), a beautifully situated loch surrounded by pine trees. Here are remains of the old Caledonian forest that once covered large parts of Scotland. In good weather you can walk over Mam Carraigh for beautiful views, otherwise take the quiet side road along the Loch. It's not uncommon to see deer and rich birdlife here. There are a limited number of hotels here and that's the reason you stay in either Bridge of Orchy or Inveroran.

Accommodation in Bridge of Orchy/Inveroran

If you stayed overnight in Bridge of Orchy you continue the hike to Loch Tulla. We then head up on the old military road to Rannoch Moor, past Ba-bridge, which is the most remote part of the route. The landscape becomes increasingly vast and you can often see deer. It's a great interplay between land, loch, mountains and sky. The hike then takes you down to the old Drovers Inn near the gateway to Glencoe. This lies in the shadow of perhaps the most impressive mountain on the trip - Buachaille Etive Mor.

Accommodation in Kingshouse

From Kings House Hotel the path goes beside one of the most impressive mountains in Scotland - Buachaille Etive Mor and then continues up the Devil's Staircase to about 560 meters, here you have a spectacular view! Then awaits a long descent down to sea level at the head of Loch Leven with views over Blackwater dam, Loch Leven and The Pap of Glencoe.

Accommodation in Kinlochleven

The day begins with a steep climb up the steep slopes of the Mamore hills and follows old Victorian hunting trails. Then you hike back to the old military road and over Lairigmor Pass, through dense coniferous forest to Glen Nevis, past the foot of Ben Nevis - Britain's highest peak (1344m).

Accommodation in Fort William