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Scottish Highlands

West Highland Way – 9 Nights

April, May, June, July, August, September, October$1395 pp

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SUMMARY

West Highland Way – 9 Nights

No. of People: 1

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TOTAL $999

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Walking the West Highland Way in 9-days, you will experience the outstanding scenery of this beautiful region. There is a good reason this has become a classic trail. Walking at a leisurely pace you will have time to savour the magic of Scotland’s magnificent Highlands with views of vast lochs, majestic mountains, tumbling rivers, wild moors and great glens

Quick Facts

  • 9 nights’ accommodation
  • 9 days’ walking
  • guide book and map provided
  • daily door to door luggage transfers
  • 24hr on call assistance during your walk if necessary
  • 96 miles (153km) and 4,312m (14,143ft) of ascent
  • Walk the full length of the West Highland Way from South to North
  • Admire views of Scotland’s greatest mountains including Ben Nevis
  • Stand on the ‘bonnie banks’ of Loch Lomond gazing over the beautiful lake
  • Experience the wild beauty of Rannoch Moor

About & Details

The mountainous beauty of this classic trail through the Scottish Highlands rivals anywhere in the world. The views are breathtaking and incredibly varied. It’s a wonderful walk which can be completed in six to nine days or in two four day sections. The record for running the trail is an incredible 14 hours, 20 minutes, but we take it at a much more leisurely pace, taking time to savour the beautiful scenery.

The West Highland Way was Scotland’s first designated long distance trail, but it took nearly 20 years for it to be officially opened from its original conception in the 1960s. It is usually walked from the South to the North, starting in the outskirts of Glasgow and heading past Loch Lomond, the desolate but beautiful Rannoch Moor and the Devils Steps to the finish point in Fort William, in the heart of the Highlands. As you walk, you find the scenery becoming more and more dramatic, culminating in views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain.

The whole route is well signposted on well-maintained paths, with much of the trail on ancient roads. There’s even a section which follows an old Drover’s road. For the majority of the walk, you’re never very far from a settlement, but some of the wilder sections, particularly over Rannoch Moor and the Devil’s Staircase can feel quite remote.

We take the stress out of your trip with expert local knowledge, hand-picked accommodation, luggage transfers and detailed support to help you find your way. You will need full walking kit including a waterproof jacket and trousers, a comfortable day sack and comfortable walking boots. You will receive a more detailed kit list upon booking.

The price for this trip is based on 2 people sharing.

Evening meals and lunches

You can purchase evening meals either at the accommodation or nearby. When our event planners send you the schedule with itinerary you could prearrange directly with the accommodation or during the walk.

For lunches we would suggest bringing some of your own favourite snack bars and then asking the accommodation for a packed lunch for the following day and also supplementing that at stops en-route.

Accommodation

Accommodation is generally at B&B, guest houses and small hotels. Once booked in, your event planner will send you a list of your booked accommodation. It is possible to adjust according to preference at this stage so please mention it if you wish to change.

Dog-friendly

If you would like to bring your four legged friend, then we will do our best to source dog friendly accommodation. It is usually possible but if it were not, then we would suggest a change of date to enable it or offer a refund. There may be a small surcharge for the overnight stays. Therefore, once booked in, please alert your event planner that you would like to bring your dog and we can proceed from there.

Getting there and back

By road: Milngavie is located 25 minutes to the North of Glasgow. There is free parking available for the duration of the trip outside the station in Milngavie or in front of the Police Station.

By public transport:
 Glasgow is well served by train services from all parts of the UK. From the centre of Glasgow [GLC] there is a regular train service to Milngavie Station [MLN] at the start of the West Highland Way, which takes around 25 minutes. Check traveline.info for the latest public transport information.

By air:
 The nearest airport is Glasgow International [GLA], from where you can take one of the regular airport shuttles into the centre of Glasgow (20 minutes). From here, take a train from either Glasgow Central Station or Glasgow Queen Street Station to Milngavie Station (25 minutes). Check www.traveline.info for the latest public travel information. There are also excellent public transport links from Edinburgh Airport (EDI]. Take the AIR coach direct from the airport to Buchannan Street Bus Station in the centre of Glasgow (1 hour) and then there is a short walk from the bus station to Queen Street Station, where you catch the train to Milngavie (25 minutes).

Getting Away

To get back to your car: To return to your car in Milngavie, take the train or bus from Fort William to Glasgow Queen Street and change for a train to Milngavie Station. The journey takes approximately 4 hours.

By road:
 Fort William is located on the A82 on the banks of Loch Linnhe 2½ hours north of Glasgow.

By public transport:
 There is a public bus or train service from Fort William Station to Glasgow which takes around 3½ hours.

By air:
 Return to Glasgow via bus or train and take either the airport shuttle to Glasgow Airport or the AIR bus to Edinburgh Airport.

Ben Nevis

Sitting majestically at the end of the West Highland Way is Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. If you are of the tireless variety, then you may consider climbing this at the end of your trek. We provide regular guided ascents of Ben Nevis and you could either join an open event or book yourself your own personal guide for the day. Please speak to your event planner should this be of interest.

Need a guide?

If you would prefer to have a guide for your walk, even just for one day, then we are happy to help. We can provide a qualified leader (also first aid qualified) to lead your trek or on just one of the sections. Just ask us.
A guide can not only take the stress out of navigation, but you will also find them a great asset in terms of providing an insight into all things environment and nature.

At the end of your trip

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end at some point and when you arrive in Fort William, you have one of several options. If you have not booked an additional night’s stay in Fort William then we will deliver your luggage to the Nevis Centre in Fort William. From there you may have onward travel arranged as per the ‘Getting There and Back’ tab above.

Some people like to treat themselves to a night’s stay in Fort William at the end. And why not? You’ve earned it. You can arrange this as an optional add on with your event planner.

After you book

After placing your booking with us, you will in the first instance receive an automated email from our system confirming receipt of your reservation. If you don’t receive it, it is worth checking your spam/clutter folder.

In the process of placing your booking, you will generally set up an access password to our online gateway where you can review the details of the booking.

Your personal event planner will then be in touch with you to start to confirm the details. This contact will usually be taken up in the working day after receipt of your booking, but may, in busy times, take a little longer. The event planner will then liaise with you regarding the details of the course. If you have any specific requirements, please do mention it at this stage.

Dates and prices

For available dates please see the ‘build your trip’ option on the left hand side on desktops or at the bottom on mobiles. You can reserve your space via this route.

Inclusions

  • 9 nights’ accommodation in good quality B&Bs or hotels with ensuite or private bathroom and breakfast
  • Luggage transfers each walking day (1 x bag per person, max. weight limit 20kg)
  • Map and guide book plus detailed directions to your accommodation from the trail
  • Expert local knowledge and 24 hour emergency assistance during your trip
  • Professional event organisation
Exclusions
  • Travel to and from the start and finish points of the trip
  • Lunches and evening meals
  • Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects)
  • Guiding (please contact us if you would like this trip to be guided)

Optional extras

  • Single room supplement $90 per person per night (subject to availability)
  • Solo traveller supplement $90 per person per night
  • Odd number group supplement $90 per group per night may apply if a single room is required
  • Extra night prior to the start (single room) $150 per person
  • Extra night prior to the start (twin room, needs 2 people) $110 per person
  • Extra night at the end of the event (single room) $150 per person
  • Extra night at the end of the event (twin room, needs 2 people) $110 per person
  • Extra bag $20 per person per day

Please select from Optional Extras at checkout.

Trip Extension - Edinburgh

Take the opportunity to explore more of Scotland by visiting the brooding and beautiful Edinburgh, a city that inspires thanks to its world class culture, fascinating history, and stunning architecture.  The best way to see the Scottish capital is on foot, climbing the steep steps through the Old Town or strolling down the wide boulevards of the stunning Georgian New Town.

Don’t miss Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress which dominates the skyline of Edinburgh from its position on the Castle Rock. Take a guided tour or explore the vast grounds at your own pace.  If ghosts are more your thing why not book the Dark Side walking tour and uncover the darker side of Edinburgh.

For those who like to indulge in a little retail therapy, shopping opportunities are endless along the famous Princes Street and the Royal Mile.  If you need a rest and like a tipple, why not visit one of the city’s cosy pubs, lively bars or the ever popular whisky bars.

No trip to Scotland is complete without a visit to the Scotch Whisky Experience for a “wee dram” of fine Scottish whisky. The attraction offers a range of tour experiences that will suit first timers and whisky lovers alike.

This historic and vibrant city is on most travellers’ bucket lists and it’s not hard to see why!

Should you want us to arrange this trip or provide a guided service please call us to discuss further.

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Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Milngavie

    Check into your accommodation in Milngavie.

  • Day 2 - Milngavie to Drymen

    Arrive in Milngavie (pronounced ‘Mullguy’) Head to the official starting point of the West Highland Way, a grey granite obelisk which stands proudly in Douglas Street and then follow the signposted route along gentle paths through the Mugdock Country Park Estate to Craigallian Loch, where there are surprising views over the Campsie Fells to the North-East. Glencoyne Distillery makes a good stopping place, where you can pop in for a tour and a ‘wee dram’ of the famous whisky. The route then winds past Gartness and down into the attractive village of Drymen, where you’ll find your luggage waiting for you at your accommodation.
    12 miles (20km), 308m (1,010ft) of ascent

  • Day 3 - Drymen to Balmaha

    After a pleasant walk through the Garadhba Forest, you have a choice as to whether to take the easier route beside the B837 or to walk to the top of Comic Hill, where your efforts are rewarded by truly spectacular views of Loch Lomond and the Highland Fells. Your bed for the night is in Balmaha, a touristy village on the shores of Loch Lomond, where there are regular boat trips and plenty of places to grab a bite to eat.
    7 miles (11km), 302m (991ft) of ascent

  • Day 4 - Balmaha to Rowardennan

    From Balmaha, it is a lovely gentle walk on the ‘bonnie banks’ of Loch Lomond. The path meanders on the shoreline dipping down to secluded bays and rising up through the native woodland which hugs the shore finishing in the hamlet of Rowardennan.
    8 miles (13km), 463m (1,519ft) of ascent

  • Day 5 - Rowardennan to Inverarnan

    Standing on the shore at Rowardennan take a moment to savour the quiet beauty and tranquillity of the loch. The vast lake extends over 23 miles and is dotted with 38 islands, many of which used to be inhabited. To your back towers the majestic Ben Lomond, some 974m above sea level which makes an excellent side trip if you wish to add a free day to your itinerary. The route to Inverarnan takes you along a forest track passing many waterfalls gushing down from the mountain and yields glorious glimpses of the loch through the trees. For the more adventurous, a challenging alternative route hugs the shore, but beware, it is very slow going. At Inversnaid, you enter the RSPB’s nature reserve. This ancient oak woodland is home to a wide array of wildlife including redstarts, red deer and black grouse. You might even encounter a wild goat. The route then climbs away from the loch to Dubh Lochan and down into Glen Falloch, where the scenery changes abruptly to the craggy hillsides and mountain streams of the uplands.
    14 miles (22km), 751m (2,463ft) of ascent

  • Day 6 - Inverarnan to Tyndrum

    Heading up Glen Falloch, the trail overlooks the wide river passing tumbling rapids and sheep pastures to the Falls of Falloch (quite difficult to see from the trail) and onwards to the busy village of Crianlarich – the half way point of the trail. From the village, you walk up through woodland, where you get good views of two great mountains, Ben More and Stob Binnein, before heading down to the River Filla and the interesting remains of St Fillian’s Priory. It’s then a pleasant walk along the valley past evidence of the area’s lead mining heritage and through glades of native trees to the tiny village of Tyndrum, a traditional stopping place for travellers heading to Oban and Fort William.
    12 miles (20km), 606m (1,988ft) of ascent

  • Day 7 - Tyndrum to Inveroran

    The valley narrows considerably northwards as you walk beneath great majestic mountains with views straight ahead of one particularly impressively shaped mountain, Beinn Dorain. The railway is a companion to Bridge of Orchy, where you leave the valley and enjoy a lovely walk up to the top of a small ridge, where you get to see an incredible view over Loch Tulla, Black Mount and Rannoch Moor (tomorrow’s walk). Then, there is a short descent down to Inveroran and your accommodation for the night.
    9 miles (14km), 371m (1,217ft) of ascent

  • Day 8 - Inveroran to Kingshouse

    A superb day’s walking awaits you today, as you head up and over the beautiful and remote Rannoch Moor. This wild expanse is designated a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and has inspired many authors and poets. Dotted with innumerable lochans (small boggy pools), the plateau rises to around 500m (1,650ft) and is surrounded by mountains. Leaving Inveroran, the trail ascends Black Mount, an expanse of high moorland and crosses over Rannoch Moor, climbing to 445m (1,460ft). Be prepared on this section of the route. It is a good clear route across the moor, but the weather can change rapidly and it’s not the place to get caught out. The route then descends gently past the Glencoe ski station and down to the Kingshouse Hotel, perched beneath the stunning Buachaille Etive Mor.
    10 miles (16km), 334m (1,096ft) of ascent

    *This itinerary features an overnight stay in Kingshouse. The only accommodation available in this area is The Kingshouse Hotel. If you wish to stay here, a surcharge will be added. Please note that a minimum 2 night stay is required if this location falls on a Friday or Saturday evening. Alternatively, we can arrange a return taxi transfer to the nearby villages of Glencoe or Tyndrum where you will stay the night. This is included in our standard price.

  • Day 9 - Kingshouse to Kinlochleven

    Today’s walk includes the highest point on the walk – the top of the Devil’s Staircase. It is a daunting name, but the reality is actually a fairly straight forward walk up to 548m (1,800ft). Your efforts are rewarded with glorious views over the Mamores and Ben Nevis peeping behind. It’s then a gentle descent down to Kinlochleven at sea level across the rugged mountainside amidst stunning Highland scenery.
    9 miles (14km), 458m (1,502km) of ascent

  • Day 10 - Kinlochleven to Fort William

    Leaving the hustle of Kinlochleven, our final day’s walk has a mix of regret that the walk is nearly over and anticipation to reach the end. It’s a tough, but rewarding day to finish with some of the best scenery the Scottish Highlands have to offer. Starting with a steep ascent out of Kinlochleven, the trail levels off ascending gently with wonderful views over Loch Leven as you climb up to the top of the Lairigmor Pass. To your right are the Mamores, a ridge of mountains approximately 15km in length and rising steeply on the far side of the loch is the Aonach Eagach, one of the most challenging ridges in Great Britain. After the pass, it’s a gentle walk down beside a cascading mountain stream to a conifer plantation. The final leg takes you through Nevis Forest and into Glen Nevis, where you get glimpses of Ben Nevis standing 1344m (4,406ft) above sea level, with a final push into the centre of Fort William, ready for a celebratory drink. The trip ends at the end of the walk unless you have booked extra nights or other optional services with us.
    15 miles (24km), 719m (2,358ft) of ascent

    We will always endeavour to accommodate you in the locations detailed in the above itinerary. Due to very high demand, some accommodation providers may occasionally have limited availability and so we may need to accommodate you in an alternative location, nearby. In this case, we will arrange a taxi transfer for you to take you from the trail to your accommodation and back again the following morning. We will notify you of this when confirming your booking.

    Please note: This itinerary is a guide only. Timings are approximate.

The Route
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Why book with us

We know you have a choice of companies providing trips for your next adventures. Here are some of the reasons you should choose to travel with Maximum Adventure:

  • We are an established adventure travel business
  • We have been trading since 2002
  • We are financially protected in accordance with the 1992 travel regulation
  • Knowledgeable and available office staff
  • Qualified leaders and guides with ascents ranging from Ben Nevis to Mount Everest
  • All activities are risk assessed
  • We will provide you with the best service available
  • We are aware this is your holiday/your challenge and will do our best to make it an enjoyable and rewarding experience
  • We have many repeat clients stretching back over a number of years
20+ years adventure organisation experience
Full liability & financial protection
Leading provider of high quality adventure challenges
Great team of staff to support you

Payment Terms

  • Deposit $299 - at point of booking

  • Balance due 10-weeks before departure