Basic West Highland Way – Medium

Duration: 9 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: More than 20 km per day
Ascent per day: 250 - 500 m ascent per day

> Hike the full West Highland Way at your own pace
> Sleep in simple, friendly accommodations
> Luggage transfer included, walk light and enjoy the trail

Early morning mist rising off Loch Lomond. The crunch of gravel under your boots as you leave the woods and walk into the wild emptiness of Rannoch Moor. And that first sip of whisky in Fort William when you’ve made it all the way. The West Highland Way is a journey through Scotland’s greatest hits, and this version keeps things real and affordable.

This is our basic package for the classic 9-day trek. You walk the full route from Milngavie to Fort William with overnight stays in simple B&Bs, guesthouses, and hostels. Luggage transfer is included, so you can enjoy the walk with just your daypack. Accommodation before and after the trek is included, so you’re all set from day one. A solid option for trekkers who want the full experience without the frills.

Please note: This trek includes simple, budget-friendly accommodation. One night is at Glencoe Mountain, where you need to bring or rent a sleeping bag. If you want to make your trek more budget-friendly, contact our experts to exclude the luggage transfer and receive a 10% discount.

Itinerary

Day
1

Arrival in Milngavie

Today you travel to Milngavie, the official starting point of the West Highland Way. You'll spend the night here, giving yourself a head start and a good night's rest, before the journey begins.

West Highland Way Rooms (Milngavie)
West Highland Way Rooms (Milngavie)
Day
2

Milngavie to Drymen

Duration: 05:20 h
Distance: 20.3 km
Ascent: 180 m
Descent: 190 m

You start at the iconic obelisk in Milngavie, and just like that—you’re off. The West Highland Way has officially begun. But don’t worry, today’s trail eases you in gently. It’s less about climbing peaks and more about finding your rhythm.

You follow old railway lines and forest paths, passing lochs and lazy rivers that reflect the changing Scottish skies. It’s peaceful, green, and deceptively calm, just what you need before the Highland drama kicks in.

As Drymen comes into view, many hikers call it a day. Some push on toward Balmaha, but this charming little village is a perfect first stop. There’s a shop, there’s a pub, and there’s that first pint with a view. A warm-up done right.

Buchanan Arms Hotel (Drymen)
Buchanan Arms Hotel (Drymen)
Day
3

Drymen to Rowardennan

Duration: 07:00 h
Distance: 24.3 km
Ascent: 540 m
Descent: 560 m

After leaving Drymen, the trail quickly swaps farmland for forest as you rejoin the West Highland Way and head toward Conic Hill. The climb is steady, and the reward? A jaw-dropping panorama. Below you, Loch Lomond stretches wide, dotted with islands that trace the invisible line between Scotland’s Lowlands and Highlands.

The descent into Balmaha is easy on the legs and rich in scenery. Once there, grab a warm meal, rest your feet, and maybe pop into the National Park Visitor Centre for a dose of local knowledge. If you have time and energy to spare, hop on a boat to Inchcailloch Island for an off-route adventure.

The trail then hugs the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, weaving through ancient oak forests. You’ll pass the peaceful campsites of Cashel, Milarrochy, and Sallochy. Eventually, the path leads you to Rowardennan, nestled at the foot of Ben Lomond, where this stage comes to a close.

Rowardennan Lodge Youth Hostel (Rowardennan)
Rowardennan Lodge Youth Hostel (Rowardennan)
Day
4

Rowardennan to Inverarnan

Duration: 06:20 h
Distance: 22.1 km
Ascent: 300 m
Descent: 310 m

This stretch of the West Highland Way leads you into the wilder, northern shores of Loch Lomond. The terrain gets tougher here, with rocky paths and steep climbs, but the raw beauty of the landscape makes every step worthwhile.

A true highlight awaits at Inversnaid, where a roaring waterfall tumbles into the loch. You’ll cross a footbridge just above the falls, with spray in the air and a soundtrack of rushing water below. Keep your eyes peeled along the way—you might spot wild goats scrambling over rocks or even glimpse a golden eagle circling overhead.

As the day winds down and Inverarnan comes into view, one thing’s for sure: you’ve earned your pint. The legendary Drovers Inn awaits with cold beers, warm stories, and fellow hikers who’ve just shared the same epic trail.

The Drovers Inn (Inverarnan)
The Drovers Inn (Inverarnan)
Day
5

Inverarnan to Tyndrum

Duration: 05:30 h
Distance: 19.8 km
Ascent: 410 m
Descent: 200 m

Leaving Inverarnan behind, the trail shifts into a new gear. Gone are the lochside scrambles. This is the beginning of mountain country. You’ll follow the River Falloch as it winds through a deep valley, catching a glimpse of the tumbling Falls of Falloch along the way.

At roughly the halfway mark, you’ll pass Crianlarich. The trail skirts the village, but a short detour brings you to food, drink, and maybe a proper coffee. Whether you stop or press on, you’ll feel the Highlands rising around you.

The route continues along the River Fillan, past the ruins of St Fillan’s Priory and its old graveyard at Kirkton Farm. From there, the path follows the River Cononish until you reach Tyndrum. Small, scenic, and a welcome end to today’s walk.

Tyndrum Lodges (Tyndrum)
Tyndrum Lodges (Tyndrum)
Day
6

Tyndrum to Kingshouse

Duration: 08:05 h
Distance: 28.8 km
Ascent: 590 m
Descent: 470 m

This stage of the West Highland Way rewards you with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Shortly after Tyndrum, you skirt along the steep slopes of Beinn Odhar and continue through the wide glen toward Bridge of Orchy. On your right, you’ll see the West Highland Railway, including one of its impressive stone viaducts, a reminder of Scottish engineering brilliance. From here the valley opens up and the trail leads you on a gentle descent toward the station at Bridge of Orchy.

After crossing the bridge, the trail joins the Old Military Road. A short climb brings you to a panoramic viewpoint with sweeping views across Loch Tulla and the Black Mount. Beyond Inveroran, the remote wilderness of Rannoch Moor begins to unfold in front of you.

At Forest Lodge, the trail begins to climb toward the edge of Rannoch Moor. Be ready for changeable weather, as this section is wide open and exposed. Crossing it can be tough in poor conditions. Halfway across the moor you’ll reach Ba Bridge, a great place for a break with open views all around. Just a short walk to the left of the bridge lies the ruin of Ba Cottage, an ideal lunch stop. The undulating trail continues across the moor, past the Glencoe Ski Centre, the picturesque Black Rock Cottage, and finally, Buachaille Etive Mor, one of Scotland’s most iconic mountains.

Glencoe Mountain Resort (Kingshouse)
Glencoe Mountain Resort (Kingshouse)
Day
7

Kingshouse to Kinlochleven

Duration: 05:35 h
Distance: 16.4 km
Ascent: 330 m
Descent: 680 m

Today the path leads you toward Altnafeadh, near the foot of the mighty Buachaille Etive Mor. Just when you think the trail has settled, it turns sharply right. Welcome to the Devil’s Staircase. This steep zigzagging path climbs steadily to the highest point of the West Highland Way at 550 meters.

At the top, a simple mound of stones marks the summit, but the views are anything but ordinary. Look back and admire the towering silhouette of "The Buachaille." Ahead, the Mamores mountain range stretches into the distance, rugged and wild.

From here, the trail leads you through vast moorlands, with the descent into Kinlochleven offering dramatic views and well-earned rest at the end of this highland rollercoaster.

Blackwater Hostel, Campsite & Pods (Kinlochleven)
Blackwater Hostel, Campsite & Pods (Kinlochleven)
Day
8

Kinlochleven to Fort William

Duration: 07:05 h
Distance: 24.6 km
Ascent: 550 m
Descent: 550 m

The day begins with a sharp climb out of Kinlochleven, waking up your legs for one last adventure. At the top, the path opens into Lairigmor, also known as The Great Pass. This wide valley curves north and guides you through forests and open landscapes toward Glen Nevis.

The trail continues through forest plantations and offers glimpses of Ben Nevis in the distance. Before the final descent into Fort William, you can take a short detour to explore Dun Deardail, the remains of an Iron Age fort perched above the glen.

From here, follow the trail down to the town below. Walk the last stretch through Fort William and head to Gordon Square. There you’ll find a bronze statue of a fellow hiker, marking the official end of the West Highland Way. You made it.

Braemar House (Fort William)
Braemar House (Fort William)
Day
9

Departure

After breakfast, the journey comes to an end. Our package finishes here. Wishing you a safe and smooth trip home.

Included

  • Accommodation

    We will arrange your accommodation on the West Highland Way in hotels, inns, and guesthouses. Accommodation will be private in single, double or twin rooms and with en-suite bathroom where possible.

  • Full travel guide

    You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the West Highland Way. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your journey.

  • Baggage Transfer

    This trek includes the transfer of your luggage throughout the entire West Highland Way trek. Your bags will be picked up every morning from the hotel lobby and will be driven to your next next accommodation. Baggage transfers allow you to travel lighter during the day and enjoy the walk in a more relaxed manner.

  • Navigation support

    Our trekking app also includes built-in navigation support. With GPS-based maps and offline access, you can follow the trail confidently and stay on route even without mobile signal.

  • Breakfast (when possible)

    We will arrange breakfast for you whenever possible. Some accommodations on the West Highland Way, however, do not allow us to pre-book it. In those cases, you can usually request breakfast for the next morning directly at the accommodation (at your own expense), or simply enjoy one of the cafés in the area.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport. This also applies to any transport from the end point of your trail.

  • Transfers

    If you require any form of public or local transport during the trek, it is not included in the package unless stated otherwise. This applies to taxis, buses, cable cars, gondolas, and similar services.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Lunch and Dinner

    Breakfast is, if possible, included in the price of the trek. You can get lunch and dinner at the shops, hotels, and restaurants along the way.

FAQ

  • Is The West Highland Way For Me?

  • Tips for Hiking the West Highland Way

  • Traveling to and From

  • How to get back after your trek from Fort William

  • What if the dates I want are not available?

  • If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?

  • How do I know if this trek is right for me?

How to Book

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  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy

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