West Highland Way

If arriving internationally, the easiest port of entry is Glasgow. We can optionally include a private transfer to Milngavie (pronounced "Mull-guy"), or you can easily arrange a taxi or even an Uber quite cheaply. Settle in and get ready for your grand adventure through the Scottish Highlands.

Your first day remains on relatively flat terrain. It is an introduction to the Scottish Lowlands and will frame your journey with respect for the highlands. You'll traverse a mainly pastoral setting, interspersed with woods and lakes. If you're up for a short detour, make your way for a wee dram at the Glengoyne Distillery.

Today is a short, however that allows the views from Conic Hill to be savored. There is elevation gain, obviously, as you will be heading to the top of a hill. Still, it is not much, only around 1280 feet (390 m). There is a slight diversion to a higher viewpoint from the trail. Make sure to travel to the top and have a grand sweeping view of Loch Lomond and the surrounding hills and cities. Afterwards, head down to Balmaha, which has lovely accommodation and a decent pub.

Another short day sees you swiftly along the shores of Loch Lomond. You will alternate between views of the loch and the forest that encapsulates it. The route is undulating, even if you do not gain much height overall. Prepare accordingly.

Your day starts out with a walk through a forrest. You should have little trouble reaching Inversaid, however there, the route takes on a more difficult pitch. Many believe that this is one of the more difficult sections of the tour. It flows up and down and can make the knees sore. The views here are worth the effort, with dreamy views onto the loch. Once at Inverarnan, hop across the ricer and double back to the ever popular "Drovers Inn" for a well deserved pint.

You'll start the day off much easier than you finished yesterday. The route is now better maintained, following the course of an old military road. In 2.5 hours, you will reach Crainlarich, where refreshments and civilization can be found. Here, you can pat yourself on the back for reaching the half way point of the West Higland Way. Afterwards, march onwards and upwards, eventually reaching a pretty balcony path before reaching Tyndrum.

Today, you will head away from civilization. It's important to remember that Tyndrum is the last major town until Kinlochleven. There will not be any general stores until then. Your day starts hiking through a glen, skirting the Beinn Odhar. In the distance, you will see the pyramid of Beinn Dorain, which will keep you company until the Bridge of Orchy. From there, you will start an ascent using an old military road. Once you reach the cairns, signifying the top of the ascent, you will have a view of Loch Tulla and the Black Mount. It's then a steady descent to Hotel Inveroran for one of the best meals on the tour.

This stage offers some of the best views of the tour. You will stray farther from civilization and the feeling of wilderness intensifies. As you head out of Inveroran, you will find imposing peaks on your left hand side, and sweeping views of lakes and stretching moors to your right. You'll reach the half way point at BA Bridge. Not far away are the ruins of Ba cottage, one of the only places for shelter along this route. From there you'll continue to the Glencoe ski resort and Kingshouse, which serves as an oasis on this stage. Cozy up at the bar or restaurant and enjoy the simple luxury of the hotel.

You will begin the trek with Buachaille Etive Mor looming large on your left hand side. Probably the most iconic mountain on the West Highland Way outside of Ben Nevis, the mountains name roughly translates to "The Great Herdsman of Etive". After hiking parallel to the highway with fantastic views of the surrounding hills and moors, you will reach the Devil's Staircase, which will lead you to the highest point of the trek at 550 meters. Splendid views abound and you will shortly forget the hard slog up to the viewpoint. It's then a steady but not to be underestimated descent to Kinlochleven.

The final stage is long and your rest well deserved when you reach Fort William some 16 miles away. The day starts with an ascent of Kinlochleven to reach a viewpoint that looks down upon the "electric village", so named as it was one of the first villages in the world to have every house connected to electricity thanks to the aluminum plant that was built at the turn of the century. You'll then continue through the Lairigmor (the great pass), which slices through the surrounding mountains giving walkers an easier, but meandering route, to Fort William. Congratulations! You've conquered the West Highland Way.