8-Day West Highland Way Adventure with Glamping Accommodation - 1/1/1

Your adventure begins at the official starting point of the West Highland Way in Milngavie. Here, you’ll meet our team and load your bags onto our logistics vehicle, which will transport your luggage throughout the journey. 

You will be provided with your self guided information pack for the day and have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the route. 

Then let the walking begin! 

The Route

Distance: 12 miles / 19 km

The West Highland Way begins in the leafy suburb of Milngavie, just north of Glasgow, and quickly guides you out of the town and into the scenic tranquillity of the Scottish countryside. This gentle introduction to the trail meanders through woodlands, rolling farmland, and open moorland, with the Campsie Fells providing a picturesque backdrop.

As you follow the well-maintained path, you’ll pass peaceful streams, quiet country lanes, and a scattering of charming villages. The terrain is mostly flat with a few gradual inclines—perfect for settling into your stride.

This section ends in Drymen, a welcoming village with traditional pubs and stunning views towards Conic Hill and Loch Lomond, hinting at the Highland landscapes to come.

Ideal for warming up both body and mind, the Milngavie to Drymen stretch is a relaxed but rewarding start to your West Highland Way journey.

The Route

Distance:  14 miles / 22.5 km

Leaving the village of Drymen, the West Highland Way begins to take on a more rugged and remote character as you enter the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. The trail climbs gradually through peaceful woodlands before emerging onto open moorland with expansive views of the surrounding hills.

A key highlight of this section is the ascent of Conic Hill—a moderately challenging climb that rewards you with breathtaking panoramas over Loch Lomond and its scattered islands. This hill marks the geological boundary between the Lowlands and Highlands, and reaching the summit feels like a true gateway to the north.

After descending Conic Hill, you reach the picturesque village of Balmaha, a perfect spot for a rest, snack, or coffee by the loch. From here, the trail follows the eastern shoreline of Loch Lomond, weaving through ancient woodlands and offering stunning views across the water. The terrain becomes more undulating and rugged as you approach Rowardennan, nestled at the foot of Ben Lomond, Scotland’s southernmost Munro.

This is a rewarding and scenic day’s walk, full of variety—from hilltop views to lochside tranquility—offering a real sense of entering the wild heart of the Highlands.

The Route

Distance:  14 miles / 22.5 km

This section of the West Highland Way is one of the most challenging—but also one of the most scenic. Leaving Rowardennan, the trail hugs the remote eastern shoreline of Loch Lomond, offering ever-changing views across the water and into the rugged Highlands beyond.

The route begins gently, following a forest track through peaceful woodland. As you continue north, the terrain becomes increasingly rugged and technical, particularly between Inversnaid and Inverarnan. Expect narrow paths, exposed tree roots, and rocky scrambles—this stretch demands care and attention but rewards you with a true sense of wilderness.

Along the way, you'll pass cascading waterfalls, moss-covered boulders, and hidden bays. The area is steeped in legend too—keep an eye out for Rob Roy’s Cave, a supposed hideout of the famous Scottish outlaw.

There are few facilities along this stretch, so be sure to carry snacks and water. A stop at Inversnaid offers a chance to rest and refuel before tackling the tougher final miles.

As you reach Inverarnan, the landscape begins to shift again—Loch Lomond fades behind you, and the Highlands open ahead. It’s a physically demanding day, but one that many hikers count among the most memorable of the entire West Highland Way.

The Route

Distance:  12 miles / 19 km

Leaving Inverarnan, the West Highland Way turns away from the lochside terrain and begins its journey into the true heart of the Highlands. This section offers a welcome shift in pace, with gentler gradients and more open, expansive landscapes compared to the rugged path north of Rowardennan.

The trail follows the course of the River Falloch, passing through grassy glens, ancient farmland, and wide, sweeping valleys framed by dramatic peaks. This is classic Highland scenery—quiet, remote, and breath taking in its simplicity.

Along the way, you’ll pass the Falls of Falloch, a popular waterfall nestled among trees, and have views toward the surrounding Munros, including Ben Lui on clear days. The path follows a mix of old military roads and farm tracks, making for steadier walking underfoot.

You’ll pass through the small hamlet of Crianlarich, which offers a chance for rest and refreshment, before continuing on the final few miles to Tyndrum. The scenery here opens up beautifully, with vast moorland and high peaks hinting at the wilderness still to come.

Tyndrum, a small village with a few well-loved pubs and shops, marks the halfway point of the West Highland Way—both a physical milestone and a great place to rest and recharge.

The Route

Distance:  19 miles / 30.5 km

This dramatic and awe-inspiring section takes you deeper into the Highlands, with a powerful sense of remoteness and scale. Leaving Tyndrum, the trail climbs steadily along an old military road, offering broad views of Beinn Dorain and Beinn Odhar, two iconic peaks that dominate the skyline.

The path passes through Bridge of Orchy, a small hamlet and a great spot to pause before continuing into increasingly wild terrain. From here, a short but rewarding climb leads to Mam Carraigh, a viewpoint offering stunning vistas back toward the southern Highlands.

Descending into Inveroran, the scenery becomes increasingly remote. You'll soon find yourself on the legendary Rannoch Moor, one of the most atmospheric and isolated parts of the entire West Highland Way. This ancient, glacially-carved landscape stretches for miles, with no roads or buildings in sight—just open moorland, shimmering lochans, and distant mountain peaks.

The trail follows the old Drove Road across the moor, often accompanied by the haunting calls of curlews and the rustling of wind through the grasses. The weather here can change quickly, adding to the wild beauty of the experience.

Eventually, you’ll descend toward Kingshouse, a remote spot nestled beneath the towering bulk of Buachaille Etive Mòr, one of Scotland’s most photographed mountains. Kingshouse marks the beginning of Glencoe and offers a well-earned rest after one of the most memorable and spectacular sections of the trail.

The Route

Distance:   9 miles / 14.5 km

Setting out from Kingshouse, you enter the dramatic and iconic landscape of Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most famous and awe-inspiring glens. Towering mountains rise steeply on either side, creating a spectacular corridor of ancient volcanic rock, steep cliffs, and cascading waterfalls.

The trail follows the path of the old military road, winding alongside the River Coe, through lush glens and beneath imposing peaks like Buachaille Etive Mòr and Stob Dearg. The scenery here is raw, rugged, and deeply atmospheric — a place steeped in history and legend.

As you near Kinlochleven, the route becomes more forested, passing through ancient woodland and alongside lochs. This stretch offers a gentler descent and a sense of transition from wild mountain terrain to the more settled village of Kinlochleven, nestled at the head of Loch Leven.

Kinlochleven is a vibrant village with a rich industrial past and serves as an excellent place to rest and explore before continuing your journey north.

The Route

Distance: 17 miles / 27 km

The final day of the West Highland Way begins with a climb out of Kinlochleven, rising steeply through quiet birch woodland and onto a high pass with sweeping views back over the village and Loch Leven. It’s a fitting start to your last stage—challenging but beautiful, offering a real sense of transition into the final chapter of your journey.

Once on the ridge, the trail opens out onto the wide, desolate expanse of the Lairigmor (The Great Pass), an ancient route once used by drovers and military patrols. Here, you're surrounded by mountains on all sides—including the rugged peaks of the Mamores—and often accompanied only by the sound of wind, water, and distant wildlife.

This section feels truly remote, with long stretches of solitude and spectacular mountain scenery. You’ll pass ruined crofts and stone walls—echoes of a once-inhabited landscape—before gradually descending into Glen Nevis.

As the path begins to lower, you’ll catch your first glimpses of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, standing tall as a dramatic finale to the trail. The final few miles wind gently down into Fort William, where you’ll reach the official end of the West Highland Way on the town’s high street. The Team will meet you at the finish line and treat you to a well earned drink to toast your achievement. 

a 5 minuet mini bus trip to the campsite for your last night of glamping. Tonight meal will be a celebration BBQ with local produce. 

Each participant will receive a certificate of completion and a cloth bagged to proudly display your achievement. 

After a relaxing final morning, we’ll ensure you’re comfortably transported to your preferred onward travel destination. As part of your booking, we offer transfers to any of the following locations at no additional cost:

• Fort William Train Station
• Glasgow Airport or Train Station
• Edinburgh Airport or Train Station
• Newcastle Airport or Train Station

If you’d prefer to be dropped off somewhere else, just let us know—we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

Fancy one last challenge?

For those looking to finish their trip on a high, literally, why not add a guided ascent of Ben Nevis on Day Eight? It’s the perfect way to cap off your walking adventure.

After a rewarding day on the trail, you’ll arrive at a fully prepared glamping site, set up in advance by our dedicated logistics team. Each spacious tent is thoughtfully furnished with either a single or double bed, complete with luxury bedding tailored to the season and weather conditions, ensuring maximum comfort.

Inside, enjoy soft carpeting underfoot, a table and chairs for relaxing, ambient lighting, and charging points for your phone or other devices. It’s the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cosy retreat, allowing you to rest well and wake up refreshed for the next day’s journey.

Due to the popularity of the West Highland Way and the limited availability of accommodation along the route, it may occasionally be necessary to shuttle you between the trail and your campsite. While this isn’t our preferred option, it is sometimes unavoidable.

Rest assured, all campsites are carefully selected to showcase the very best of Scotland’s natural beauty. When transfers are required, shuttle times are typically no more than 30 minutes each way, ensuring minimal disruption to your experience.

Further details on accommodation will be included in your tailor itinerary provided as part of your booking pack. 

Dinner will be freshly cooked and served once you’ve had time to shower and recharge. Our seasonal menus are designed to suit the weather and provide hearty nourishment after a day on the trail. You can view a sample menu [HERE]. We’ll ask for any dietary requirements ahead of your trip to ensure everyone is well looked after.

We can provide lunch on each day of your trip. We don't include lunch as standards as we relies that some people would like to take advantage of the local offerings on the route. Lunch options are included in your welcome pack. If you decide you would like to book lunch with us please do so at lest one week in advance using the link below. 

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Walking the West Highland Way in 8 days is achievable for most people with a moderate to good level of fitness, but it’s not a stroll in the park. You'll be covering 12–20 miles (19–32 km) per day, often on uneven, rocky, and occasionally steep terrain. Here's what to expect:

Recommended Fitness Level:

• You should be comfortable walking 5–7 hours a day for multiple days in a row.
• Ideally, you’ve done some hill walking or long-distance day hikes before.
• Regular aerobic activity (like walking, running, cycling, or gym sessions) a few times a week will help you prepare.
• Being used to walking with a daypack over hilly ground is a big advantage.

Why 8 Days Can Be Demanding:

• Some days involve long stretches (up to 20 miles).
• Certain sections, like the north end of Loch Lomond and Rannoch Moor, are rugged and remote.
• The Devil’s Staircase and descent into Kinlochleven can be steep and taxing on tired legs.

Prefer a Slower Pace?

If you're unsure about your endurance, or you’d rather enjoy shorter walking days with more time to relax, you might want to consider the 9 or 10 day itinerary options. These break the mileage into more manageable chunks.

We recommend you book as far ahead as possible to avoid disappointment. The west Highland Way is very popular in April/May and July/August so accommodation books up fast. We keep our group sizes small so we can offer a more personal service and have less of an impact on the environment this challenge relies on. 

Generally you only need what you would normally take on a day walk. We will send a full clothing and equipment check list as part of your welcome pack. We can also offer the hire of some equipment if required. 

We understand that some people look forward to escaping mobile devices while exploring the Highlands. At the same time, we also recognize that for others, sharing their experiences on social media and staying connected with loved ones is an important part of the journey.

Our logistics team also depends on reliable Wi-Fi and phone signal to coordinate services and monitor teams on the trail.

To meet these needs, we’ve invested in satellite communications technology, allowing us to provide fast, reliable Wi-Fi at campsites and lunch stops. This service is included in your package at no extra cost.

While on the trail, we encourage you to use your device to capture photos, but otherwise, we recommend keeping it tucked away so you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings

Yes, if your dog is fit enough to take on the challenge then there is no reason why this cant be accommodated. There may be some extra changes for this and dog owners much adhere to the Scottish Access Code at all times. This includes dogs being kept on leads at all times. Please get in touch with us if you would like to discuss this further. 

Ah yes, midges. Tiny but infamous!

Most active between late May and early September, it's wise to be prepared for midges. While they’re mostly harmless, they can be annoying, especially in still, damp conditions.

• Midges are most active at dawn and dusk, especially in wooded or sheltered areas.
• Wind, sun, or cooler temperatures usually keep them away.
• They're mostly found in the Loch Lomond area, Rannoch Moor, and Glen Coe—anywhere moist and still.

We recommend you bring a head net and some good insect repellent, we use smidge and carry extra in case you run out

On the upside

• Midges don't bite everyone with the same intensity, some people hardly notice them.
• They're seasonal and weather-dependent, on dry, breezy days, you might not see any at all.