The West Highland Way

Arrive in Drymen and stay overnight. 

A: Drymen to Rowardennan (14.5 miles / 23.5km)

On leaving Drymen, join the West Highland Way as heads towards Conic Hill. The view from Conic Hill is world class, and your first taste of the epic landscapes you will experience on the West Highland Way.

Below you, stretching across the world-famous Loch Lomond, are a chain of islands that mark the highland boundary fault, the literal threshold between the lowlands and the highlands of Scotland.

After tearing yourself away from the views of Loch Lomond you descend into the tiny village of Balmaha where you can enjoy a hearty meal and refreshments or learn about the area in the National Park Visitor Centre. Continue along the shores of Loch Lomond before reaching Rowardennan.

Stay overnight in Rowardennan. Luggage will be transferred.

B: Rowardennan to Inverarnan (14.5 miles / 23.5km)

This section takes in the northern, more remote section of Loch Lomond where the waters plunge to a depth of 620 feet. The terrain is challenging particularly north of Inversnaid but the sense of wildness and soaring mountains are worth the extra care and attention needed.

A highlight of this section is the spectacular waterfall at Inversnaid. West Highland Way walkers can get up close as the route takes a footbridge over the waterfall as it cascades down into Loch Lomond.

Stay overnight in Inveranan. Luggage will be transferred.

C: Inverarnan to Tyndrum (12 miles / 19.5km)

Today’s walk is a wild and remote section of the West Highland Way and one of the last great wildernesses of Europe. On a good day this area offers relatively straightforward walking but if the weather isn’t favourable, ensure you are wrapped up from the elements as it may be tough going across exposed ground.

Stay overnight in Tyndrum. Luggage will be transferred.

D: Tyndrum to Kingshouse (19 miles / 30.5km)

Today’s walk takes you past the Ba Bridge. This is halfway across the moor and an obvious rest point to take in the views. It can be bleak and beautiful at the same time depending on the conditions! A short distance after this on your left, the ruins of Ba cottage may offer some slight shelter or a lovely spot for lunch.

The undulating old military road eventually brings your march past the Glencoe Ski Centre, Black Rock Cottage and within view of one of Scotland’s most photographed mountains, Buachaille Etive Mor.

Stay overnight in Kingshouse. Luggage will be transferred.

E: Kingshouse to Kinglochleven (9 miles / 14.5km)

Leaving from Kingshouse brings you face to face with the imposing sight of Buachaille Etive Mor, one of Scotland’s most famous Munros.

The mountains name aptly translates to The Great Herdsman of Etive, sitting at the entrance to Glen Etive on the left and the scene of the James Bond film Skyfall, with the historic Glen Coe on the right; the scene of the massacre of Clan MacDonald in 1692.

You’ll make your way towards Altnafeadh close to the foot (and starting point!) of Buachaille Etive Mor, before turning sharply right for the Devil’s Staircase. This zig-zag climb will take you up to the highest point of the West Highland Way at 550m and marked by a cairn, with breathtaking views back to ‘The Buachaille’ and northwards towards the Mamores mountain range.

After your climb up the Devil’s Staircase, the Way thankfully meanders across the moorland before heading down to Kinlochleven.

Stay overnight in Kinlochleven. Luggage will be transferred.

F: Kinglochleven to Fort William (15 miles / 24km)

This last section section begins with a steep climb out of Kinlochleven, eventually relenting and giving you superb views down Loch Leven and back to Kinlochleven.

Ahead of you is Lairigmor (the great pass) which provides easy walking between steep and grand mountains. The path follows the glen as it bends to the north, reaching woodland before heading towards Glen Nevis.

The Way continues through forestry plantations while Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis comes into view. There is plenty opportunity to climb this from the valley floor should you wish! Before the last section and descent to Fort William, you could also make a small detour and visit the remains of Dun Deardail, an Iron Age fort located in Glen Nevis.

You are now on the home stretch of the West Highland Way where Fort William and celebrations await. Make your way into the centre of town to the finish for a photo opportunity with the bronze statue of a fellow walker at Gordon Square.

Stay overnight in Fort William. Luggage will be transferred.

Depart.