Basic West Highland Way - Northern Half

Duration: 6 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: More than 20 km per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day

> Hike the northern half of the West Highland Way
> Sleep in simple, budget-friendly accommodations
> Luggage transfer included, walk light and enjoy the trail

From the peaceful glens around Tyndrum to the rugged landscapes of Glencoe and the final approach to Ben Nevis, the northern half of the West Highland Way shows Scotland at its wildest and most beautiful. This section of the trail packs moorland, mountain passes, and deep valleys into a shorter adventure.

This is our basic package for the 6-day (4 stages) northern part of the West Highland Way. You’ll stay in simple B&Bs, guesthouses, and hostels, with luggage transfer included so you can enjoy each stage with just your daypack. Accommodation in Tyndrum and Fort William before and after the trek is included, so everything is sorted from start to finish.

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 Tyndrum

Today you will travel to Tyndrum. You will have an overnight stay here so you can start the trip well rested.
Tyndrum Lodges (Tyndrum)
Tyndrum Lodges (Tyndrum)
Day
2

Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy

Duration: 03:00 h
Distance: 11.2 km
Ascent: 130 m
Descent: 170 m
This section of the West Highland Way offers unique views of the surrounding mountains. Soon after leaving Tyndrum, you will bypass the steep slopes of Beinn Odhar and walk through the valley until you reach Bridge of Orchy.
West Highland Way Sleeper (Bridge of Orchy)
West Highland Way Sleeper (Bridge of Orchy)
Day
3

Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse

Duration: 04:05 h
Distance: 17.9 km
Ascent: 470 m
Descent: 310 m
After leaving Bridge of Orchy, the WHW joins the Old Military Road. After a short uphill climb, enjoy the dramatic views from the vantage point over Loch Tulla and Black Mount. Beyond Inveroran, the remote Rannoch Moor beckons. From Forest Lodge follows a climb to the edges of Rannoch Moor. Be prepared for inclement weather, as the terrain on this section is exposed and it can be difficult to cross in bad weather. Ba Bridge is halfway across the moor and is surrounded by beautiful views. A short walk on the left side of the bridge brings you to the ruins of Ba cottage, a lovely place to have lunch. As you follow the rolling Old Military Road, you'll walk past the Glencoe Ski Centre, Black Rock Cottage and one of Scotland's most famous mountains, Buachaille Etive Mor.
Glencoe Mountain Resort (Kingshouse)
Glencoe Mountain Resort (Kingshouse)
Day
4

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
5

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
6

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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  • Cancellation policy

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