West Highland Way - Easy
Duration: 12 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: More than 20 km per day
Ascent per day: 250 - 500 m ascent per day
> Easy West Highland Way trek
> Accommodation before and after the trek included
> Average walking time of 4 hours per day
The West Highland Way is Scotland's most popular long-distance walking trail, possibly because it runs through some of the most iconic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. The route is 96 miles long and runs from Milngavie to Fort William. On the way, you will walk through moorland, mountain passes, glens, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Scotland.
The route is traditionally divided into 7 stages but you can arrange it depending on your fitness level and experience. This 12-day (10 stages) hike is an easy hike designed for any fitness level. We have rearranged the West Highland Way in 10 stages with an average walking time of 4 hours per day except on the last day, where the stretch from Kinlochleven to Fort William takes approximately 8 hours. This trek is designed for those novel trekkers who are not used to walking for that long but want to get to know the Scottish highlands through a trekking adventure. This tour also includes accommodation in Milngavie before the trek and in Fort William after you complete the WHW. We will take care of all the accommodation arrangements so you only have to worry about enjoying the trek!
> Accommodation before and after the trek included
> Average walking time of 4 hours per day
The West Highland Way is Scotland's most popular long-distance walking trail, possibly because it runs through some of the most iconic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. The route is 96 miles long and runs from Milngavie to Fort William. On the way, you will walk through moorland, mountain passes, glens, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Scotland.
The route is traditionally divided into 7 stages but you can arrange it depending on your fitness level and experience. This 12-day (10 stages) hike is an easy hike designed for any fitness level. We have rearranged the West Highland Way in 10 stages with an average walking time of 4 hours per day except on the last day, where the stretch from Kinlochleven to Fort William takes approximately 8 hours. This trek is designed for those novel trekkers who are not used to walking for that long but want to get to know the Scottish highlands through a trekking adventure. This tour also includes accommodation in Milngavie before the trek and in Fort William after you complete the WHW. We will take care of all the accommodation arrangements so you only have to worry about enjoying the trek!
Itinerary
Day
1
Arrival in Milngavie
Today you will travel to Milngavie. You will have an overnight stay here so that you can start the trip well rested.
West Highland Way Rooms (Milngavie)
Day
2
Milngavie - Drymen
Duration: 05:10 h
Distance: 19.7 km
Ascent: 170 m
Descent: 170 m
The trip from Milngavie to Drymen is a good warm-up for the rest of the West Highland Way route. The route is relatively flat and is a nice introduction to the diverse landscapes you will encounter over the next 96 miles. Along the way you will encounter some smaller lochs and rivers, revealing the Highland landscape beyond Drymen. The official route takes you around the village of Drymen and then to Balmaha. Many hikers prefer to end this first day in Drymen or at least stop there for shopping and a drink.
The Drymen Inn (Drymen)
Day
3
Drymen - Balmaha
Duration: 04:02 h
Distance: 13.6 km
Ascent: 360 m
Descent: 390 m
After Drymen, the route begins to climb towards Conic Hill, which sits astride the Great Divide, which separates the highlands and lowlands of Scotland. The climb is fairly steep but from the top, you can enjoy great views over Loch Lomond. You will then descend through a steep path towards Balmaha, a small village on the shores of bonnie Loch Lomond.
Oak Tree Inn (Balmaha)
Day
4
Balmaha - Rowardennan
Duration: 03:37 h
Distance: 13.3 km
Ascent: 190 m
Descent: 180 m
Today's trail takes you through the Loch Lomond shore, natural forest, and headlands. On the way, you will face numerous short steep climbs surrounded by the outstanding scenery between Balmaha and Rowardennan. If you want to explore a wider area along the route, you can also visit the island of Inchcailloch. This stage then continues along the shores of Loch Lomond. The trail takes you through ancient oak woodland and, on the way, you will pass three campsites: Cashel, Milarrochy, and Sallochy. You will finally reach Rowardennan, the ending point of this stage.
Rowardennan Hotel (Rowardennan)
Day
5
Rowardennan - Inversnaid
Duration: 04:00 h
Distance: 14.5 km
Ascent: 240 m
Descent: 140 m
This section takes you through the northern, more remote part of Loch Lomond. The terrain is challenging, but the wilderness and high mountains are worth the effort. One of the highlights of today's stage is the breathtaking waterfall at Inversnaid.
Inversnaid Bunkhouse (Inversnaid)
Day
6
Inversnaid - Inverarnan
Duration: 04:55 h
Distance: 15.6 km
Ascent: 210 m
Descent: 310 m
Today the West Highland Way route leads you across a footbridge over the waterfall at Invernsaid as it descends to Loch Lomond. Along this leg you may encounter a few wild goats and catch a glimpse of magnificent birds of prey, such as the Golden Eagle and Osprey. Once in Inverarnan, you can visit the famous Drovers Inn and have a beer with other West Highland Way hikers.
The Drovers Inn (Inverarnan)
Day
7
Inverarnan - Tyndrum
Duration: 05:35 h
Distance: 20 km
Ascent: 420 m
Descent: 210 m
This stage takes you into a new and different landscape, a landscape of high mountains. You'll first follow the Falloch River, where you'll catch a glimpse of the Falloch Falls, to the halfway point of the stage, Crianlarich. You can walk past the town, or walk into Crianlarich for refreshments. You then continue your journey to Tyndrum, following the Fillan River. When you reach Kirkton Farm, you will find the ruins of St Fillan's Priory and its cemetery. You then follow the River Cononish until you reach Tyndrum.
The Tyndrum Inn (Tyndrum)
Day
8
Tyndrum - Bridge of Orchy
Duration: 03:05 h
Distance: 11.5 km
Ascent: 130 m
Descent: 190 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)
Day
9
Bridge of Orchy - Kingshouse
Duration: 05:30 h
Distance: 19.4 km
Ascent: 450 m
Descent: 360 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)
Day
10
Kingshouse - Kinlochleven
Duration: 05:35 h
Distance: 16.4 km
Ascent: 330 m
Descent: 680 m
Today you head toward Altnafeadh, near the foot of Buachaille Etive Mor, before turning sharply right to the Devil's Staircase. A zigzag path takes you to the highest point of the West Highland Way, located at 550 meters. The summit is marked with a stone mound and offers breathtaking views back to "The Buachaille" and north toward the Mamores Mountains. After overcoming the Devil's Staircase, the WHW takes you through moorlands to Kinlochleven.
Blackwater Hostel, Campsite & Pods (Kinlochleven)
Day
11
Kinlochleven - Fort William
Duration: 06:50 h
Distance: 23.7 km
Ascent: 550 m
Descent: 550 m
This section begins with a steep climb from Kinlochleven. Ahead of you is Lairigmor, also known as The Great Pass. The trail follows the valley as it curves north, leads you through forests and then takes you to Glen Nevis. The HRA then continues through forest plantations. Before finally descending to Fort William, you can visit the remains of Dun Deardail, an Iron Age fort in Glen Nevis. Then follow the trail to Fort William and make your way to the center of town. The end point of the WHW is the bronze statue of a fellow hiker in Gordon Square.
Distillery Guest House (Fort William)
Day
12
Departure
After breakfast, our package and your Ben Nevis adventure is over. Have a good trip back!
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