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Beinn Dorain, West Highland Way

West Highland Way

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On this page:
Overview
Route
What's Included?
Itineraries & Prices
Accommodation
Travel Info
Additional Days

Overview

Walking Holidays
6 - 10 Nights
96 miles / 154 km
  • Prices from: £795 per person
  • Start: Milngavie, near Glasgow
  • Finish: Fort William, Highlands
  • Availability: Any start date from March to October
  • Grading: Moderate to Strenuous
  • Way-marked: Yes

West Highland Way Highlights

The challenge
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Take on the challenge of walking one of the world’s most famous long-distance walks and enjoy a feeling of great achievement as you reach the finishing line.

Breathtaking scenery
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Experience breathtaking scenery as you hike from the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond into the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Fort William & Ben Nevis
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Celebrate your achievement in the Highland town of Fort William, nestling at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. 

Whisky distilleries
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Enjoy a well-deserved dram of single malt whisky at Glengoyne Distillery, located a stone’s throw from the path, and visit Ben Nevis Distillery at the end of your walk.

Rannoch Moor & Glencoe
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Walk across the bleak and spectacular Rannoch Moor as you approach Glencoe – Scotland’s most famous glen.

Fellow walkers
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Relish the wonderful international camaraderie of your fellow walkers as you put one foot in front of the other, come rain or shine!

A Classic Long-Distance Walking Route

The West Highland Way is one of the world’s classic long-distance walks. It stretches 96 miles north from Milngavie to Fort William in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. The route is spectacular, following the banks of Loch Lomond, across the wilderness of Rannoch Moor and into the breathtaking beauty of Glencoe.

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The West Highland Way offers tremendous variety and awe-inspiring landscapes, as it winds its way through the majestic Highlands. From Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to the dramatic mountains of the Nevis Range, it captures the best of Scotland. With incredible views and ever-changing scenery, it’s an unforgettable experience to take on this challenge.

Start at the outskirts of Glasgow and travel along the ‘bonnie banks’ of Loch Lomond through wonderful woodlands. As you approach Glencoe, the great expanse of Rannoch Moor awaits with its desolate otherworldly beauty. Continue over the summit of the Devil’s Staircase to Loch Leven and finally Fort William, nestled in the shadow of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

The West Highland Way is extensively signposted with well-maintained paths and drovers’ roads. You will pass through quaint villages and remote countryside, stopping in traditional pubs and inns for refreshments along the way. Enjoy the spirit of camaraderie that form between walkers on this iconic long-distance route as you immerse yourself in the magnificent landscapes.

West Highland Way Route Map

Recommended Itinerary

Our most popular itinerary is WHW3 which covers the route in 7 days / 8 nights.

Travel to Milngavie for your first night’s accommodation
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Arrive in Milngavie, 7 miles north of Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow, and spend the evening at your first night’s accommodation.

Day 1: Milngavie to Drymen (12 miles / 19 km)
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Leave Milngavie and head for the countryside and the picturesque village of Drymen. Enjoy easy walking through rolling farmland and visit Glengoyne Whisky Distillery along the way for a dram of single malt.

Day 2: Drymen to Rowardennan (15 miles / 24 km)
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The West Highland Way heads through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, and a climb over Conic Hill to the loch-side village of Balmaha provides wonderful views over Loch. Then it’s a walk up the eastern shores of Loch Lomond to Rowardennan.

Day 3: Rowardennan to Inverarnan (14 miles / 22 km)
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Continuing along the banks of Loch Lomond. The track rises and falls giving tremendous views of the surrounding water and hills. Enter Glen Falloch and continue on to the small settlement of Inverarnan where you will find the legendary Drovers Inn.

Day 4: Inverarnan to Tyndrum (12 miles / 19 km)
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The route continues up Glen Falloch along old military roads as the great peaks around Crianlarich come into view. You will enjoy some superb views of Ben More, before descending into the Highland village of Tyndrum.

Day 5: Tyndrum to Kingshouse (19 miles / 31 km)
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On this fantastic day of hiking, the West Highland Way passes through some of the finest scenery in the Highlands as it climbs up past Loch Tulla then across the wilderness of Rannoch Moor to Glencoe. Stay in the remote and historic Kingshouse Hotel.

Day 6: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven (9 miles / 14 km)
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From Kingshouse the route follows old military roads to the Devil’s Staircase. A climb to the top of this high mountain pass will provide stunning views of the mountains of Glencoe. Then descend into the small village of Kinlochleven, sitting at the head of Loch Leven.

Day 7: Kinlochleven to Fort William (16 miles / 24 km)
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On the final leg of your West Highland Way walk, you will continue along an old military road through the hills, before descending into Glen Nevis for your first sight of impressive Ben Nevis – Britain’s highest mountain. Your walk will follow the River Ness for the final couple of miles, before ending in the centre of the bustling Highland town of Fort William.

Onward travel
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After breakfast, you will start your journey home after a wonderful walking holiday on the West Highland Way.

What's Included?

Your West Highland Way walking holiday includes:

  • Carefully selected accommodation along the route and trail transfers when applicable
  • En-suite or private bathroom facilities whenever possible
  • Daily door-to-door baggage transfers
  • Comprehensive information pack, kit list, guidebook and map (one set per room)
  • Personalised itinerary with details of your accommodation, route and recommendations for lunch and dinner
  • Traditional Scottish breakfast
  • 24-hour emergency contact number
  • Full financial protection

Your walking holiday doesn't include:

  • Travel insurance
  • Transport to and from the start and end of the walk
  • Lunches and evening meals

Itineraries & Prices

We offer 6 suggested itineraries for walking the West Highland Way.

Our most popular itinerary is WHW3 which covers the route in 7 days. We also offer a shorter, highlights section from Tyndrum to Fort William (WHW6).

Tour code
Itinerary
Average miles infoAverage miles per day
Difficulty infoLevel of difficulty
Price per person
WHW1
5 Days / 6 Nights
19 miles per day
Strenuous
From £795
Average miles infoAverage miles per day:  19 miles per day
Tour code: WHW1
Difficulty infoLevel of difficulty:  Strenuous

5 Days / 6 Nights (WHW1)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

Arrive Travel to Milngavie for your first night's accommodation
1
Day 1 Milngavie to Balmaha 18.5 miles / 30 km
2
Day 2 Balmaha to Inverarnan 21.5 miles / 35 km
3
Day 3 Inverarnan to Bridge of Orchy 20 miles / 32 km
4
Day 4 Bridge of Orchy to Kinlochleven 21 miles / 34 km
5
Day 5 Kinlochleven to Fort William 16 miles / 24 km
Depart Onward travel from Fort William

Prices

Premium
Best available Guest Houses, Inns & Hotels
From £985 per person

Carefully selected guest houses, inns and hotels throughout your walk, which will be the best available in each location. As premium accommodation is in short supply on this trail, please note that some establishments will be of a higher standard than others. En-suite facilities or private bathroom guaranteed.

Enquire Now
Standard
Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels
From £795 per person

Good quality and comfortable B&Bs, guest houses and some hotels located as close to the trail as possible. We will prioritise en-suite facilities or a private bathroom, although in remote areas with limited accommodation this may not always be possible.

Enquire Now

Or call us quoting the tour code on +44 (0) 131 610 1210

WHW2
6 Days / 7 nights
16 miles per day
Challenging
From £890
Average miles infoAverage miles per day:  16 miles per day
Tour code: WHW2
Difficulty infoLevel of difficulty:  Challenging

6 Days / 7 Nights (WHW2)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

Arrive Travel to Milngavie for your first night's accommodation
1
Day 1 Milngavie to Balmaha 18.5 miles / 30 km
2
Day 2 Balmaha to Inverarnan 21.5 miles / 35 km
3
Day 3 Inverarnan to Tyndrum 12 miles / 19 km
4
Day 4 Tyndrum to Kingshouse 19 miles / 31 km
5
Day 5 Kingshouse to Kinlochleven 9 miles / 14 km
6
Day 6 Kinlochleven to Fort William 16 miles / 24 km
Depart Onward travel from Fort William

Prices

Premium
Best available Guest Houses, Inns & Hotels
From £1065 per person

Carefully selected guest houses, inns and hotels throughout your walk, which will be the best available in each location. As premium accommodation is in short supply on this trail, please note that some establishments will be of a higher standard than others. En-suite facilities or private bathroom guaranteed.

Enquire Now
Standard
Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels
From £890 per person

Good quality and comfortable B&Bs, guest houses and some hotels located as close to the trail as possible. We will prioritise en-suite facilities or a private bathroom, although in remote areas with limited accommodation this may not always be possible.

Enquire Now

Or call us quoting the tour code on +44 (0) 131 610 1210

WHW3
7 Days / 8 Nights
13.5 miles per day
Challenging
From £985
Average miles infoAverage miles per day:  13.5 miles per day
Tour code: WHW3
Difficulty infoLevel of difficulty:  Challenging

7 Days / 8 Nights (WHW3)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

Arrive Travel to Milngavie for your first night's accommodation
1
Day 1 Milngavie to Drymen 12 miles / 19 km
2
Day 2 Drymen to Rowardennan 15 miles / 24 km
3
Day 3 Rowardennan to Inverarnan 14 miles / 22 km
4
Day 4 Inverarnan to Tyndrum 12 miles / 19 km
5
Day 5 Tyndrum to Kingshouse 19 miles / 31 km
6
Day 6 Kingshouse to Kinlochleven 9 miles / 14 km
7
Day 7 Kinlochleven to Fort William 16 miles / 24 km
Depart Onward travel from Fort William

Prices

Premium
Best available Guest Houses, Inns & Hotels
From £1150 per person

Carefully selected guest houses, inns and hotels throughout your walk, which will be the best available in each location. As premium accommodation is in short supply on this trail, please note that some establishments will be of a higher standard than others. En-suite facilities or private bathroom guaranteed.

Enquire Now
Standard
Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels
From £985 per person

Good quality and comfortable B&Bs, guest houses and some hotels located as close to the trail as possible. We will prioritise en-suite facilities or a private bathroom, although in remote areas with limited accommodation this may not always be possible.

Enquire Now

Or call us quoting the tour code on +44 (0) 131 610 1210

WHW4
8 Days / 9 Nights
12 miles per day
Moderate
From £1065
Average miles infoAverage miles per day:  12 miles per day
Tour code: WHW4
Difficulty infoLevel of difficulty:  Moderate

8 Days / 9 Nights (WHW4)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

Arrive Travel to Milngavie for your first night's accommodation
1
Day 1 Milngavie to Drymen 12 miles / 19 km
2
Day 2 Drymen to Rowardennan 15 miles / 24 km
3
Day 3 Rowardennan to Inverarnan 14 miles / 22 km
4
Day 4 Inverarnan to Tyndrum 12 miles / 19 km
5
Day 5 Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy 7 miles / 11 km
6
Day 6 Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse 12 miles / 19 km
7
Day 7 Kingshouse to Kinlochleven 9 miles / 14 km
8
Day 8 Kinlochleven to Fort William 16 miles / 24 km
Depart Onward travel from Fort William

Prices

Premium
Best available Guest Houses, Inns & Hotels
From £1300 per person

Carefully selected guest houses, inns and hotels throughout your walk, which will be the best available in each location. As premium accommodation is in short supply on this trail, please note that some establishments will be of a higher standard than others. En-suite facilities or private bathroom guaranteed.

Enquire Now
Standard
Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels
From £1065 per person

Good quality and comfortable B&Bs, guest houses and some hotels located as close to the trail as possible. We will prioritise en-suite facilities or a private bathroom, although in remote areas with limited accommodation this may not always be possible.

Enquire Now

Or call us quoting the tour code on +44 (0) 131 610 1210

WHW5
9 Days / 10 Nights
10.5 miles per day
Moderate
From £1215
Average miles infoAverage miles per day:  10.5 miles per day
Tour code: WHW5
Difficulty infoLevel of difficulty:  Moderate

9 Days / 10 Nights (WHW5)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

Arrive Travel to Milngavie for your first night's accommodation
1
Day 1 Milngavie to Drymen 12 miles / 19 km
2
Day 2 Drymen to Balmaha 8 miles / 13 km
3
Day 3 Balmaha to Rowardennan 7 miles / 11 km
4
Day 4 Rowardennan to Inverarnan 14 miles / 22 km
5
Day 5 Inverarnan to Tyndrum 12 miles / 19 km
6
Day 6 Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy 7 miles / 11 km
7
Day 7 Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse 12 miles / 19 km
8
Day 8 Kingshouse to Kinlochleven 9 miles / 14 km
9
Day 9 Kinlochleven to Fort William 16 miles / 24 km
Depart Onward travel from Fort William

Prices

Premium
Best available Guest Houses, Inns & Hotels
From £1465 per person

Carefully selected guest houses, inns and hotels throughout your walk, which will be the best available in each location. As premium accommodation is in short supply on this trail, please note that some establishments will be of a higher standard than others. En-suite facilities or private bathroom guaranteed.

Enquire Now
Standard
Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels
From £1215 per person

Good quality and comfortable B&Bs, guest houses and some hotels located as close to the trail as possible. We will prioritise en-suite facilities or a private bathroom, although in remote areas with limited accommodation this may not always be possible.

Enquire Now

Or call us quoting the tour code on +44 (0) 131 610 1210

WHW6
4 Days / 5 Nights (Highlights section)
11 miles per day
Moderate
From £650
Average miles infoAverage miles per day:  11 miles per day
Tour code: WHW6
Difficulty infoLevel of difficulty:  Moderate

4 Days / 5 Nights (WHW6) - Highlights section from Tyndrum to Fort William

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

Arrive Travel to Tyndrum for your first night's accommodation
1
Day 1 Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy 7 miles / 11 km
2
Day 2 Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse 12 miles / 19 km
3
Day 3 Kingshouse to Kinlochleven 9 miles / 14 km
4
Day 4 Kinlochleven to Fort William 16 miles / 24 km
Depart Onward travel from Fort William

Prices

Premium
Best available Guest Houses, Inns & Hotels
From £795 per person

Carefully selected guest houses, inns and hotels throughout your walk, which will be the best available in each location. As premium accommodation is in short supply on this trail, please note that some establishments will be of a higher standard than others. En-suite facilities or private bathroom guaranteed.

Enquire Now
Standard
Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels
From £650 per person

Good quality and comfortable B&Bs, guest houses and some hotels located as close to the trail as possible. We will prioritise en-suite facilities or a private bathroom, although in remote areas with limited accommodation this may not always be possible.

Enquire Now

Or call us quoting the tour code on +44 (0) 131 610 1210

West Highland Way Accommodation

All of the accommodation that we reserve for you has been personally selected by our expert team to ensure it meets our exacting standards. We regularly review our extensive database.

We prioritise accommodation as close to the walking trail as possible. Occasionally, your accommodation may be located a short distance from the trail, or you may need to spend more than one night in the same place, in which case we will provide return transfers.

Travel Information

As an environmentally conscious tour operator we actively encourage the use of public transport by providing clients with a detailed breakdown of travel options in their information packs. The following information may help with your pre-trip planning.

Getting to Milngavie
By Air

Nearest International Airports: Glasgow International Airport and Edinburgh Airport.

An airport shuttle bus operates between Glasgow International Airport and Glasgow city centre (journey time 25 min). There is also a regular airport bus shuttle service between Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow (journey time 55 min). From here you can travel to Milngavie by train or taxi, which is located 7 miles north of Glasgow.

The taxi fare from Glasgow International airport to Milngavie is approximately £25 (journey time 25 min).

By Public Transport

Nearest Railway Station: Milngavie.

A train service operates from Glasgow Queen Street Station and Glasgow Central Station to Milngavie (journey time 25 min). Frequent services operate on the West Coast Mainline to Glasgow.

The journey from London Euston to Glasgow Central Station takes approximately 5 hours.

By Car

If you plan to travel by car, it may be possible to park at your accommodation in Milngavie for the duration of your holiday. We can advise you about parking options when you make your enquiry.

Departing from Fort William
By Air

Nearest International Airports: Glasgow International Airport and Edinburgh Airport.

There are regular train services from Fort William to Glasgow (journey time 3 hours 50 min) and Edinburgh (via Glasgow – journey time 4 hours 40 min). Citylink also operates a regular bus service. 

Airport shuttle bus services operate between Glasgow city centre and Glasgow International Airport (journey time 25 min) and Edinburgh Airport (journey time 50 min).

By Public Transport

Nearest Railway Station: Fort William.

There are regular train services from Fort William to Glasgow (journey time 3 hours 50 min) and Edinburgh (via Glasgow – journey time 4 hours 40 min). On an average weekday, there are 3 trains travelling from Fort William to Glasgow.

The Caledonian Sleeper travels from Fort William to London Euston overnight (journey time 12 hours).

There is also a regular Citylink bus service from Fort William to Inverness (journey time 2 hours), Glasgow (journey time 3 hours) or Edinburgh (journey time 4 hours 30 min).

As the train and bus services can be very busy, we recommend booking your tickets in advance.

By Car

If you plan to travel by car, it may be possible to park in Fort William for the duration of your holiday. We can advise you about parking options when you make your enquiry.

Additional Days

We would be delighted to arrange additional accommodation for you along the West Highland Way.

You may wish to plan a rest day or have an additional night at any of the locations along the route which offer activities or sightseeing opportunities – we’ve made some suggestions below. Please request this when you make an enquiry.

Milngavie (for Glasgow)
Read more
  • Explore Scotland’s largest city, overflowing with music, food, style and culture
  • Discover the works of world-famous architect and beloved Glaswegian, Charles Rennie Mackintosh
  • Tour the many renowned art galleries and attractions, such as Kelvingrove Gallery and People’s Palace
  • Visit Glasgow’s Gothic Cathedral and Victorian graveyard, Necropolis
Rowardennan
Read more
  • Climb Ben Lomond, one of the most popular Munros in Scotland, and enjoy superb views of Loch Lomond and the Southern Highlands
  • Relax by the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond
Tyndrum
Read more
  • Take a wonderfully scenic train journey to Oban – ‘The Gateway to the Isles’, and spend a day exploring the picturesque resort town by foot. Also known as ‘The Seafood Capital of Scotland’, Oban boasts numerous award-winning restaurants
Kingshouse
Read more
  • Climb the spectacular mountains of Glencoe, including iconic Buachaille Etive Mor
  • Visit Glencoe village and learn of the infamous massacre of the Clan MacDonald
  • Discover the haunting story of Coire Gabhail, ‘The Lost Valley’, on a dramatic and scenic walk through history
Kinlochleven
Read more
  • Visit The Ice Factor and take on the challenge of climbing the world’s largest indoor ice wall
  • Enjoy walking in the great mountain range of the Mamores
Fort William
Read more
  • Climb Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain
  • Enjoy a spectacular scenic journey on the Jacobite Steam Train, famous as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films
  • Visit the historic 13th century ruins of Old Inverlochy Castle
  • Visit Ben Nevis Distillery, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland

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West Highland Way
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