West Highland Way - Intensive
Duration: 7 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: More than 20 km per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day
> Complete the West Highland Way in 5 days
> Trek suitable for experienced hikers
> Accommodation before and after the trek included
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. We have prepared this 5-day trek for those trekkers who are experienced and are used to walking several hours a day. The average walking time on this 5-day tour is 9 hours per day, so make sure that you are prepared for such a challenge. This trek also includes accommodation in Glasgow and Fort William before and after your WHW adventure. We will take care of all the accommodation arrangements so you only have to worry about enjoying the trek!
> Trek suitable for experienced hikers
> Accommodation before and after the trek included
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. We have prepared this 5-day trek for those trekkers who are experienced and are used to walking several hours a day. The average walking time on this 5-day tour is 9 hours per day, so make sure that you are prepared for such a challenge. This trek also includes accommodation in Glasgow and Fort William before and after your WHW adventure. 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 - Balmaha
Duration: 08:40 h
Distance: 31.1 km
Ascent: 500 m
Descent: 540 m
On this first day, the trail passes through the ancient earldom of Lennox, located between the Campsie Fells and Blane Water. Today you will follow a series of paths through beautiful rural scenery that will lead you to the outskirts of the small village of Drymen. 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
3
Balmaha - Inverarnan
Duration: 10:00 h
Distance: 35.4 km
Ascent: 450 m
Descent: 450 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. After Rowardennan, the WHW follows a series of forestry roads and climbs high up above Loch Lomond, from where you can enjoy fantastic views over the lake and towards the peaks of the Arrochar Alps. The path towards Inversnaid turns narrower and more undulating. After Doune Bothy the path from Ardleish to Inverarnan improves. Beinglas Farm marks the end of your day. Leave the way and follow the signs for Inverarnan.
The Drovers Inn (Inverarnan)
Day
4
Inverarnan - Bridge of Orchy
Duration: 08:20 h
Distance: 30.4 km
Ascent: 560 m
Descent: 390 m
Today you will climb out of Inverarnan following the River Falloch towards Crianlarich. After Crianlarich, you will walk through secluded woodland. You will then join the valley and you will walk through farmland surrounded by the towering highland scenery. You will follow the valley to Bridge of Orchy with the magnificent Beinn Dorain standing right in front of you and the railway on your right.
West Highland Way Sleeper (Bridge of Orchy)
Day
5
Bridge of Orchy - Kinlochleven
Duration: 08:30 h
Distance: 33.7 km
Ascent: 820 m
Descent: 990 m
There is a steep climb as you leave Bridge of Orchy after which you will be rewarded with some of the best views in Scotland. A short descent then takes you to the isolated Inveroran Hotel. From here, leave Inveroran and skirt Loch Tulla before joining the track across Rannoch Moor. After reaching Kingshouse, follow a track to Altnafeadh and then climb up the Devil’s Staircase to the highest point of the West Highland Way. From here follow the trail down to the small town of Kinlochleven.
Blackwater Hostel, Campsite & Pods (Kinlochleven)
Day
6
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
7
Departure
After breakfast, our package and your Ben Nevis adventure is over. Have a good trip back!
Included
Excluded
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