Best of the West Highland Way from Glasgow
Best of the West Highland Way from Glasgow
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Discover the Scottish Highlands on this tour of the West Highland Way, Scotland's first and most famous long-distance route. Start your route in Glasgow, and immerse yourself in the most beautiful natural landscapes as you stroll along livestock and military trails.
- Follow in the footsteps of the ancient English and Scottish troops.
- Cross the extensive valleys and follow the magnificent lochs and incredible mountains to Fort William, a municipality on Scotland's west coast.
- Get to know Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK.
- Enjoy the highest quality authentic whisky.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Glasgow
The first day of this tour is ideal for discovering the charming Glasgow, a port city located on the banks of the River Clyde. Explore its streets, enjoy its cultural richness and contemplate its fascinating modernist architecture that contrasts with the buildings that date back to the prosperous Victorian era.
Overnight in Glasgow
Kelvingrove Hotel
This cozy accommodation is located in the heart of Glasgow, very close to restaurants, shops, and points of interest.
It is characterized by its beautiful architecture and its elegant, comfortable rooms, very well-equipped.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It is characterized by its beautiful architecture and its elegant, comfortable rooms, very well-equipped.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Glasgow to Rowardennan 7,5 miles | 12 km
The day will begin with a transfer to Glengoyne Distillery, founded in the early 19th century, and located in a beautiful tree-filled valley, and very close to a small river.
After enjoying a dram of whisky, you will be transferred to Balmaha, where you will begin a pleasant walk along the shores of the fascinating glacier-based Loch Lomond that is part of the Argyll and Bute, West Dunbartonshire and Stirling regions.
At the end of the day, you will arrive at Rowardennan, a small rural settlement located on the east coast of Loch Lomond.
Ascent: 422m (1,384ft) / Descent: 432m (1,417ft)
After enjoying a dram of whisky, you will be transferred to Balmaha, where you will begin a pleasant walk along the shores of the fascinating glacier-based Loch Lomond that is part of the Argyll and Bute, West Dunbartonshire and Stirling regions.
At the end of the day, you will arrive at Rowardennan, a small rural settlement located on the east coast of Loch Lomond.
Ascent: 422m (1,384ft) / Descent: 432m (1,417ft)
Overnight in Rowardennan
Rowardennan Hotel
Located at the foot of Ben Lomond and on the shores of beautiful Loch Lomond, this hotel offers splendid views.
It is a modern Scottish-style property with a bar serving dishes with good servings.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It is a modern Scottish-style property with a bar serving dishes with good servings.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Rowardennan to Bridge of Orchy 15,3 miles | 24,6 km
If you are a bird lover, this will be an ideal day to observe several species that inhabit the forest that is on your way to Conic Hill, a prominent hill in Stirling that offers unique views over Loch Lomond.
Later, continue to the charming little village of Inverarnan. From there, we'll transfer you to the Bridge of Orchy Hotel.
Tyndrum: in case of unavailability at Bridge of Orchy you have your accommodation at Tyndrum. We will make the necessary arrangements for you to have the appropriate transfers between the locations.
Ascent: 801m (2,627ft) / Descent: 668m (2,191ft)
Later, continue to the charming little village of Inverarnan. From there, we'll transfer you to the Bridge of Orchy Hotel.
Tyndrum: in case of unavailability at Bridge of Orchy you have your accommodation at Tyndrum. We will make the necessary arrangements for you to have the appropriate transfers between the locations.
Ascent: 801m (2,627ft) / Descent: 668m (2,191ft)
Overnight in Bridge of Orchy
Bridge of Orchy Hotel
This family-friendly lodging boasts an excellent location on the main street of the town, just minutes away from the train station. Enjoy its luxurious rooms with incredible views of the Scottish mountains.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse (Ballachulish) 12,5 miles | 20 km
On your way to Kingshouse, you can enjoy an amazing walk, surrounded by the most stunning and beautiful landscapes. Stop to see Loch Tulla, a small but charming lake near Bridge of Orchy and Glencoe, and in the background, The Munros, traditional Scottish mountains at a height of approximately 910 metres.
Then you can continue along Rannoch Moor, an extensive marshy wasteland, until you spot Buachaille Etive Mor, a fascinating mountain at the head of Glen Etive, commonly known as The Buachaille.
If there is no availability at Ballachulish, we will accommodate you at Glencoe or Kingshouse (supplement).
Just before you arrive in Kingshouse, you can take a bus from the Chairlift Road End stop (which is just over the river on the A82 road).
The buses that run this route are: 914, 915 and 916.
It is highly recommended to buy tickets in advance on the following website: www.citylink.co.uk
(Here you will be able to choose the best timetable for you).
Ascent: 441m (1,446ft) / Descent: 407m (1,335ft)
Then you can continue along Rannoch Moor, an extensive marshy wasteland, until you spot Buachaille Etive Mor, a fascinating mountain at the head of Glen Etive, commonly known as The Buachaille.
If there is no availability at Ballachulish, we will accommodate you at Glencoe or Kingshouse (supplement).
Just before you arrive in Kingshouse, you can take a bus from the Chairlift Road End stop (which is just over the river on the A82 road).
The buses that run this route are: 914, 915 and 916.
It is highly recommended to buy tickets in advance on the following website: www.citylink.co.uk
(Here you will be able to choose the best timetable for you).
Ascent: 441m (1,446ft) / Descent: 407m (1,335ft)
Overnight in Ballachulish
Park View Bed & Breakfast
Today you will discover a family friendly accommodation, Park View Bead & Breakfast, where you will receive a warm welcome from its owner. In addition to the kindness of the staff, it stands out for its beautiful views of the surrounding countryside that will make you feel like you are in a movie.
Its rooms are very comfortable and they have an excellent breakfast service.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Kingshouse to Kinlochleven 8,5 miles | 13,5 km
Today you will find yourself again in the middle of the swampy wasteland in Rannoch, until you reach the "Devil's Staircase", an ancient military route that will take you to the highest point on the trail. From there, you'll have fascinating views of Blackwater and the Marmore Mountains.
Then you will descend until you cross the River Leven, and continue your way to Kinlochleven.
If there is no availability at Kinlochleven, you will be hosted at Glencoe or Ballachulish.
When you arrive in Kinlochleven, you can take the bus from the ‘Post Office’ stop (located on Leven Street).
The bus serving this route is the N44.
We recommend checking the timetables on the following website so that you can choose the one that best suits you: www.shielbuses.co.uk
Ascent: 305m (1,000ft) / Descent: 539m (1,768ft)
Then you will descend until you cross the River Leven, and continue your way to Kinlochleven.
If there is no availability at Kinlochleven, you will be hosted at Glencoe or Ballachulish.
When you arrive in Kinlochleven, you can take the bus from the ‘Post Office’ stop (located on Leven Street).
The bus serving this route is the N44.
We recommend checking the timetables on the following website so that you can choose the one that best suits you: www.shielbuses.co.uk
Ascent: 305m (1,000ft) / Descent: 539m (1,768ft)
Overnight in Kinlochleven
Allt Na Leven
This accommodation features rooms with private bathrooms, satellite TV, and free WiFi throughout the premises. It houses a restaurant where you can savor local cuisine.
Additionally, don't miss out on the privileged mountain views, thanks to its excellent location.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Additionally, don't miss out on the privileged mountain views, thanks to its excellent location.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Kinlochleven to Fort William 15 miles | 24 km
You will start the day with a pleasant walk through the forests and pass close to Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK, at 1,345 metres.
Later you will arrive at Fort William, a municipality on the western coast of the Highlands, on the shores of Loch Linnhe, whose name originates from the fort that was established for English troops to defend themselves against the Jacobites.
Enjoy this last day of tour, walking through its beautiful streets and, why not, having a drink in one of its pleasant cafes or restaurants.
Ascent: 586m (1,922ft) / Descent: 580m (1,902ft)
Later you will arrive at Fort William, a municipality on the western coast of the Highlands, on the shores of Loch Linnhe, whose name originates from the fort that was established for English troops to defend themselves against the Jacobites.
Enjoy this last day of tour, walking through its beautiful streets and, why not, having a drink in one of its pleasant cafes or restaurants.
Ascent: 586m (1,922ft) / Descent: 580m (1,902ft)
Overnight in Fort William
Myrtle Bank Guest House
Myrtle Bank Guest House offers a garden and terrace, perfect for unwinding after your hikes. Enjoy its cozy rooms with WiFi, traditional decor, and private bathrooms.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Fort William
After saying goodbye to these charming lands, you can head by train to Glasgow to catch your flight and return home.
End of our services.
End of our services.
Itinerary Map
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Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Entrance to a distellery and a testing
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & Transfers
To get to the start of your route, my recommendation is to fly into Glasgow Airport, as it is the closest airport.
From there you can take the "500 Airport Express" bus to the "Dundas Street" stop. This bus runs every 10 minutes and is operated by "First Bus".
If you can't find suitable flights to Glasgow, another option would be to fly to Edinburgh, although from Edinburgh, you will need to take a bus to Glasgow (Megabus AIR).
At the end of your journey in Fort William, you can always catch the 914, 915 and 916 buses, operated by "Citylink" or take the train to Glasgow Queen Street, operated by "Scotrail".
From there you can take the "500 Airport Express" bus to the "Dundas Street" stop. This bus runs every 10 minutes and is operated by "First Bus".
If you can't find suitable flights to Glasgow, another option would be to fly to Edinburgh, although from Edinburgh, you will need to take a bus to Glasgow (Megabus AIR).
At the end of your journey in Fort William, you can always catch the 914, 915 and 916 buses, operated by "Citylink" or take the train to Glasgow Queen Street, operated by "Scotrail".
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What is the best time of year to do this trip?
We recommend you take this walking holiday between the end of March and October.
In particular, May can be a good time to travel, as there are not many midges (mosquitoes) just yet.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What should my physical preparation be?
Although this route has a low difficulty level, every day you will walk between 5 and 10 hours on undulating terrain, so it is advisable that you are in good physical condition to make the most of this walking route.
Do I need to take out travel insurance?
Yes, this is a requirement to book with us. It's important that this insurance covers your activities, emergency evacuation, and hospital care.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
We suggest you bring insect repellent; in case you need it.
What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you.
If you prefer, you can also use public transport or local taxis to get to your next accommodation.
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