West Highland Way - Self Guided Tour (United Kingdom)
The West Highland Way is Scotland's first and most popular long distance route.
The 153 km path passes through some of Scotland's most beautiful and dramatic scenery. Starting from the edge of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, the Way soon reaches Loch Lomond's remote and wooden eastern shore before the landscape opens out to the broad glen of Strath Filllan. Stunning mountain scenery surrounds the Way.
Tour highlights:
♦ Glasgow, Scotland's largest city;
♦ Stunning mountain scenery - some of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes;
♦ Fort William the capital of the West Highlands;
Itinerary:
Day 1. Glasgow - Bearsden
Travel to Glasgow on your own – Accommodation in Bearsden (at the start of the walk).
Day 2. Milngavie to Drymen
The day provides a relatively simple start of the Way on footpaths, tracks, lanes and an old railway with no major climbs. An easy day’s walk. Distance: 19km; Height Range: 80-140 m.
Day 3. Drymen to Rowardennan
This section follows good paths or tracks most of the way. The first major climb is over Conic Hill (358 m) near Balmaha. The lochside route to Rowardennan is twisty and surprisingly undulating, with intermittent good views as you wind through the woods. Distance: 22.5 km; Height Range: 20-358 m.
Day 4. Rowardennan to Inverarnan
This is by far the roughest section of the Way, particularly north of Inversnaid where the path makes a tortuous route along the side of Loch Lomond with many ups and downs. A full, hard day’s walk, but the scenery is superb. Distance: 22.5 km; Height Range: 20-100 m.
Day 5. Inverarnan to Tyndrum
Pleasant section through Glen Falloch on good paths. The Way passes Crianlarich to the west and then progresses up Strath Fillan with some moderate ascent and descent, but nothing unduly difficult. Outstanding mountain scenery. Distance: 21 km; Height Range: 40-300 m.
Day 6. Tyndrum to Kingshouse
Straightforward section to Bridge of Orchy of glen and low pass walking on good paths and tracks. From Bridge of Orchy to Victoria Bridge is also straightforward with one moderate climb. After Victoria Bridge the route follows the old road (good walking surface) across the western edge of Rannoch Moor, rising to 350m and very exposed in bad weather with no shelter of any kind until White Corries ski area is reached. Magnificent scenery but in poor conditions a tough stage. Distance: 30 km; Height Range: 120-350 m.
Day 7. Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
From Kingshouse the Way enters the sublime scenery of Glen Coe and at Altnafeadh climbs over the Devil’s Staircase, and old military road, to its highest point at nearly 550m before a long descent into Kinlochleven. The route follows paths and good tracks but, although short, this is still a hard stage in bad weather. The compensation comes in glorious mountain views throughout. Distance: 14.5 km; Height Range: 250-500-50 m.
Day 8. Kinlochleven to Fort William
The last stage of the Way involves a steady climb from Kinlochleven on a good track over the Lairigmor and another climb through forestry into Glen Nevis, both reaching a hight of nearly 300m and the latter giving fine views of Ben Nevis and the surrounding hills. A final short road stretch leads into Fort William, the northern terminus of the route. Distance: 22.5 km; Height Range: 50-280 m.
Day 9. Fort William to Glasgow
Transport from Fort William to Glasgow – and from there to the airport (Glasgow International / Prestwick).
Luggage transportation: Luggage transportation on each of the walking days. You need only a small rucksack with the necessary luggage for the daily hike. The rest of the luggage is transported by vehicle.
Included in the price: ►Accommodation is a combination of small hotels 2**-3*** and guest houses on Bed and Breakfast basis (8 nights) ► luggage transfer on walking days ► Transport from Fort William to Glasgow ► Detailed Route Map ► Information Pack ► Emergency Support ► NOTE! The price is per person sharing a double room accommodation. Single traveler who has ordered a bed in a shared double room must be prepared to pay for a single room if a room-mate cannot be arranged.
Not included: ► Flights ► Lunches ► Dinners► transfers not mentioned in the program ► travel insurance► other personal expenses.
Other expenses: Single supplement: 190 euro; Airport transfers available upon request; If you break the trip plan you pay on your own the extra expenses for transport and accommodation.
How to get there: Please, contact us if you would like us to help you find suitable flights at the best price. When helping you to find flights we always try to find the best price for you according to the departure and arrival times. Prices vary depending on the airline and current availability. However, remember that the cheap airfares are often difficult or impossible to reschedule or cancel. Payment of the ticket is with your own credit card directly to the airline or travel agent airline, which also sends out confirmation of booking. A service charge (non-refundable) will be added if you want us to help you find the appropriate plane ticket.
We recommend trip in the period: May to mid September.
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