West Highland Way walking tour

🎒 The West Highland Way Scotland self-guided tour includes luggage transfer for all 6 hiking days. Each morning, your luggage will be picked up directly from your accommodation and delivered to your next overnight stop. All you need to do is leave it at the reception before you start walking.

📲 Once your reservation is confirmed, you'll get access to a mobile app with everything you need to complete the route—downloadable maps, GPS tracks, and essential info, all available offline right from your phone.

📘 Want to dive deeper into the history and hidden stories of the trail? We recommend the guidebook West Highland Way: Milngavie to Fort William (British Walking Guide) for a more immersive experience.

The adventure begins

Today, you won’t be hiking just yet. You’ll arrive in Milngavie, a small town just outside of Glasgow, where you’ll check into your hotel and drop off your luggage. This peaceful town marks the official starting point of your West Highland Way adventure.

We recommend taking a relaxed walk through the town center, browsing local shops, and enjoying one of its cozy cafés or traditional pubs.

If you have extra time, you might also consider visiting Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, known for its vibrant cultural scene, museums, art galleries, and impressive Victorian architecture.

🛏️ Tonight, you’ll stay in a modern and comfortable hotel—perfect for resting up before hitting the trail.

Stage 1 - West Highland Way

The first stage of the West Highland Way begins in Milngavie and leads you to the village of Drymen. The trail takes you through the Lennox region, known for its gently rolling hills and peaceful valleys.

Along the way, you can make a stop at the historic Glengoyne Distillery, founded in the early 1800s, where you’ll have the chance to sample an authentic Scotch whisky right at its source.

After your visit, the route continues toward Drymen, where your first day on the trail comes to an end.

💙 HOWLANDERS TIP

📍 Recommended stop: Glengoyne Distillery – a great place to take a break and enjoy a true taste of Scotland with a whisky tasting experience.

🛏️ Your accommodation will be a charming B&B featuring cozy rooms with private bathrooms, a TV, coffee and tea facilities, and—often—beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Each morning, you’ll enjoy a full homemade breakfast to start your day off right.

Stage 2 - West Highland Way

Your day begins with the climb up Conic Hill, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Loch Lomond and its scattered islands. After the descent, you’ll reach the picturesque village of Balmaha, a great spot to take a break and soak in the scenery.

From there, the trail follows the shoreline of Loch Lomond, winding through forests and rolling terrain. Keep an eye out for local birds and wildlife, as this section is known for its rich biodiversity.

End of the stage and arrival at the hotel

You'll finish the day in Rowardennan, nestled at the foot of Ben Lomond, one of Scotland’s most iconic peaks.

🛏️ Tonight’s accommodation is in a charming hotel right on the lakefront, combining modern Scottish style with a warm, cozy atmosphere—perfect for relaxing with a local dish or a whisky at the bar.

Please note that accommodation in Rowardennan is limited, especially during peak season (April–May and July–August). If rooms are unavailable for your travel dates, we’ll provide a quality alternative nearby.

Stage 3 - West Highland Way

This is one of the most intense—and most breathtaking—stages of the West Highland Way. You’ll leave Rowardennan behind, following the shoreline of Loch Lomond through thick forests. The terrain becomes increasingly challenging, with rocky stretches and narrow paths leading you to Inversnaid, known for its dramatic waterfall and historic hotel.

End of the stage and night in a Victorian style hotel

From Inversnaid, the trail follows the Falloch River, winding through a landscape of towering mountains and raw Highland beauty. By day’s end, you’ll arrive in Crianlarich, often considered the gateway to the wildest and most remote parts of the Highlands.

🛏️ Tonight’s stay is in a Victorian-style hotel, featuring comfortable, well-equipped rooms and a restaurant celebrated for its local Scottish cuisine.

Stage 4 - West Highland Way

Today’s route takes you through scenic hills, deep valleys, and remote forest paths, following an old military road once used by British troops. Along the way, you’ll pass through the peaceful village of Tyndrum, a great spot for a break before continuing toward your destination.

You’ll follow the valley from Tyndrum to the village of Bridge of Orchy, with the majestic Beinn Dorain rising ahead of you and the railroad line running to your right.

End of the stage and night in Bridge of Orchy

You’ll spend the night in the picturesque village of Bridge of Orchy, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.

🛏️ Tonight’s accommodation offers rustic charm, a warm and friendly atmosphere, and an unbeatable location right on the village’s main road. Enjoy beautifully refurbished rooms and wonderful views of the surrounding Highlands.

Important: If no rooms are available in Bridge of Orchy for your selected dates, you’ll stay in Tyndrum instead, with round-trip transfers included. This alternative accommodation also combines rustic charm, a welcoming family feel, and renovated rooms with stunning mountain views.

Stage 5 - West Highland Way

The day begins with a challenging climb as you leave Bridge of Orchy behind. Your effort is rewarded with sweeping views over Loch Tulla—a perfect start to one of the most epic sections of the trail.

From there, the path leads you into the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor, a remote and hauntingly beautiful landscape that evokes a deep sense of solitude. Walking through this untouched terrain is a powerful experience—surrounded by nothing but raw nature and the timeless silence of the Highlands.

End of the stage and accommodation in Kinlochleven.

After descending to Kingshouse, the trail takes you up the legendary Devil’s Staircase, a steep and demanding climb offering spectacular panoramic views of the Glencoe mountains. By the end of the day, you’ll arrive in Kinlochleven, where you’ll rest for the night.

🛏️ Tonight’s accommodation offers comfortable rooms and a warm, welcoming restaurant serving breakfast made with fresh local products.

Note: If accommodation in Kinlochleven is unavailable, you’ll stay in Glencoe or Ballachulish, with transfers to and from the trail included.

Stage 6- West Highland Way

This is the final day of your West Highland Way Scotland adventure. The stage begins with a steep climb, marking the start of this seventh and last section. From the top, the trail descends gradually, guiding you through a scenic valley toward Fort William.

You’ll follow a narrow, winding path through cultivated woodland until you reach the Glen Nevis Visitor Center—with the imposing Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, towering in the distance once again.

End of the stage and last night in Fort William

The final 1.8 miles (3 km) of the route take you along Glen Nevis Road, leading to the official end of the West Highland Way, right on Fort William’s High Street. Congratulations—you did it!

🛏️ Tonight’s stay is in a charming guest house surrounded by gardens, offering cozy and comfortable rooms—the perfect place to relax after completing your unforgettable journey through the Scottish Highlands.

Last breakfast in Fort William

After breakfast at your hotel in Fort William, your 6-stage journey along the West Highland Way comes to an end.

💙 HOWLANDERS ADVICE

If your adventure continues to Glasgow, we recommend traveling by train from Fort William along the scenic West Highland Line. This 3 hour and 45 minute journey connects the two cities through some of the most iconic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands—an unforgettable way to end your trip.