The West Highland Way! What an evocative name for a trail in a country that captures the imagination with the first syllable. You must. You simply must sign up for this walk. It has the most votes from AW Members of any trip on our 2025 calendar. To say that it's popular would be an understatement. Now, for some proper tour description writing...
Embark on an eight-day adventure along the West Highland Way, where Scotland's dramatic highlands await with mountains, serene lochs, and vibrant rivers. This iconic 96-mile trail stretches from Milngavie, near Glasgow, to Fort William, offering a variety of landscapes that have captivated walkers since its opening in 1980.
Starting in Milngavie, you'll traverse Mugdock Country Park and pass the Dumgoyne Distillery on your way to Drymen, before ascending Conic Hill for breathtaking views of Loch Lomond. Journey through the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park towards the quaint villages of Crianlarich and Tyndrum, with stops at the remote Kingshouse Hotel on Rannoch Moor, and the challenging "Devil’s Staircase" leading to Kinlochleven.
The journey culminates at Ben Nevis and Fort William, the Outdoor Capital of Scotland. At Macs Adventure, we've been guiding adventurers like you since 2003, ensuring a seamless experience with top-notch accommodations and services. Over a thousand travellers each year trust us to create memorable journeys, with 99% recommending our services. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of Scottish wilderness and camaraderie.
To be clear. You will be hosted/escorted by a talented, charming, bold and confident, Adventurous Women leader. There will not however, be a Scottish guide on board. We are running the tour in this way to maximise the value for money.
Location
Please note map locations and route are approximate only Highlights
● Complete Scotland's most famous long distance trail from Milngavie to Fort William
● Enjoy camaraderie on the trail as you meet fellow walkers from around the world
● Walk from the 'bonnie banks' of Loch Lomond to the remote Rannoch Moor
● Stay at Kingshouse Hotel or in iconic Glencoe, surrounded by spectacular scenery
● Make your proud final steps into Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis
Itinerary
We meet in Glasgow, city of the arts. Check in time at our start point hotel is 14:00hrs. We convene at 17:30 for a briefing and then our first dinner as a group.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
Start your morning in Milngavie, where our team warmly greets you at the station, ready to handle your luggage with care. Today's journey through the historic earldom of Lennox offers a picturesque trail between the Campsie Fells and Blane Water. The path leads to Drymen, a quaint village brimming with charm. Don't miss the chance to visit Glengoyne Distillery for a delightful whisky tasting, and perhaps enjoy a relaxing break at the Beech Tree Inn, known for its welcoming beer garden and tasty offerings.
Ascent/Descent: +130m/-120m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Inn / B&B
Set off from Drymen into a lush forest, ascending Conic Hill, where you cross the Great Divide between Scotland’s highlands and lowlands. The climb rewards you with spectacular views over Loch Lomond. Descend to Balmaha, a cozy village nestled by the lake. Continue along the loch, with the trail weaving through natural forests and rugged headlands, offering an invigorating mix of beauty and challenge, enhanced by extraordinary forest vistas and lively birdwatching.
Ascent/Descent: +460/-489m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Inn / B&B
Your path from Rowardennan offers elevated views over Loch Lomond and towards the Arrochar Alps' peaks. As you approach Inversnaid, the trail becomes a thrilling mix of narrow paths and undulating terrains, highlighted by a dramatic waterfall and bridge near Inversnaid Hotel. Beyond, encounter the enchanting RSPB Inversnaid Nature Reserve and historic sites like Rob Roy’s Cave. The route to Inverarnan is rugged, ending your day at the idyllic Beinglas Farm, with the Drovers Inn nearby for a well-earned rest.
Ascent/Descent: +216m/-229m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Inn / B&B
Today, ascend from Inverarnan with the majestic Ben More and Stob Binnean looming as a backdrop. The trail offers serene woodland stretches before opening to the striking highland valleys. This leg combines awe-inspiring scenery with a sense of peace as you traverse secluded areas, offering moments of reflection and connection with nature.
Ascent/Descent: +384m/-178m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Inn / B&B
Leaving Tyndrum, the landscape unfolds with stunning clarity. The route to Bridge of Orchy features spectacular vistas, and the climb out offers some of the finest views in Scotland. From Inveroran, traverse the atmospheric Rannoch Moor, a vast expanse with a hauntingly beautiful minimalistic landscape. Your day ends at Kingshouse, where the silhouette of Buachaille Etive Mor adds a dramatic endnote.
Ascent/Descent: +548m/-529m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Inn / B&B
From Kingshouse, follow an ancient military road to Altnafeadh, enjoying views of the haunting Glencoe, site of the historic massacre. The ascent of the Devil’s Staircase peaks at 548m, offering panoramic views of Ben Nevis. Descend to Kinlochleven, concluding your day in this charming town.
Ascent/Descent: +339m/-581m
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Inn / B&B
Your final day begins with a brisk climb from Kinlochleven, rewarding you with expansive views. The trail passes serene valleys and cultivated forests, leading you towards Fort William. As Ben Nevis looms ahead, the sense of accomplishment grows. Your adventure culminates on the bustling main street of Fort William, a fitting end to a remarkable journey.
These revised descriptions aim to foster a sense of adventure and camaraderie, while highlighting the scenic beauty and cultural richness of the West Highland Way.
Ascent/Descent: +504m/-509m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Inn / B&B
REGISTER NOW Includes
Adventurous Women Tour Escort
Hand picked accommodation in B&B, guesthouses & small hotels on a twin share basis
Daily, rather hearty breakfast (said with a Scottish emphasis on the H)
Luggage transfer each day from inn to inn (1 x 20kg bag per person)
Access to maps, GPX tracks & daily route information provided by our local UK Partner
24/7 Emergency telephone support provided by our local UK Partners
Adventurous Women Memento
Completion Certificate
Celebration Dinner on the last evening of the trip
Photos of your experience
7 Breakfasts
1 Dinner
2 Dinners
7 Breakfasts
Excludes
Flights & Train Transport
Travel arrangements, including pre or post tour accommodation
Lunches, Dinners (except for day 1 welcome), Snacks and Drinks
Taxi transfers or public transport should you wish to skip a stage
Comprehensive Travel Insurance - Compulsory
Personal Equipment
Accommodation
We have chosen accommodation in a mixture of country inns, small hotels, guest houses and B&B’s. Our UK parter has worked with many of these accommodation providers for over 10 years and has great relationships with them ensuring you receive the best attention from the moment you check in. We book en suite rooms as standard. If there are no en suite rooms available in an overnight location, we may book a room with shared facilities, but we will always inform you in advance if this was the case.
What To Bring/Wear
- - Pre-departure trip notes will be provided well in advance of your departure to assist in your training & preparation. The Glasgow Airport is the nearest airport to fly into, but there are other options throughout the UK with train connectivity through to Glasgow if you have pre or post hike travel plans.
No refund is available after departure of a tour has commenced.
