8 Nights - West Highland Way (May)

Adventure Details

• Difficulty:

  Moderate

• Age

  : Over 18's only

• Duration

  : 8 nights

• Distance:

  161km (100 miles)

Overview - Find Yourself In Nature!

Considered one of the most classic and therefore beautifully stunning long distance hikes in the world! The West Highland Way follows historic routes from the lowlands of Glasgow to the wilds of the Scottish Highlands. This classic walk passes through some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery, following ancient drove roads, used by Highlanders to get their cattle and sheep to market, old military roads built in the 1700’s during the Jacobite uprising, old coach roads and abandoned rights of way railway lines.

• Conic Hill – site of special scientific interest, lying on the Highland Border fault

• Loch Lomond – Scotland’s largest lake

• Trossachs National Park – home to Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most southerly Munro

• Rob Roy’s Cave – hideaway of the famous outlaw and folk hero

• Glen Coe – site of the infamous massacre of the same name and considered one of the most spectacular and beautiful places in Scotland

• The Devil’s Staircase – great views of Glen Coe and the National Scenic Area, before descending to Kinlochleven

• Mamore mountains – which we skirt on the old military road which takes us down into Glen Nevis before finishing in Fort William

Hiking this near 100 mile route takes you past the wild shores of Loch Lomond, Britain’s largest freshwater lake, through the wilds of Rannoch Moor, Scotland’s largest, and finishes at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain’s largest mountain! Although sheep and cattle aplenty, you might spot wild goats, red deer or even a golden eagle!

Meet new people and achieve your goals… Walking over 7 days, with your own fully qualified and experienced Mountain Leader, means this famous route can be done in a more relaxed, sociable and therefore enjoyable environment, amongst other like minded adventurers. The fitter you are, the more enjoyable you’ll find it, but it is not a race! Each day ranges from a nice steady 15km (9 miles), to our stand out longest day of 30km (19 miles). Luckily you’ll only need carry a day bag as your main luggage will be waiting for you at the end of each day.

• Day 1 - Meet in Glasgow (Milngavie)

Check in is from 3pm and your guide will meet you there from 6pm. Around 7:30pm we’ll all head out for a welcome meal in a local restaurant (optional), but if you’re planning on arriving a little later, then you can always meet us for a drink at the hotel bar afterwards. Take this time to get to know one another and ask any last minute questions you might have and get into the spirit of adventure!

• Day 2 - Milngavie to Drymen (12 miles)

After breakfast, we make our way to the official start of the West Highland Way in the centre of Milngavie. Quite an easy day, heading north, we leave Milngavie behind as we pass through the beautiful Mugdock Castle and Country Park, before emerging into open countryside, with great views of the hill of Dumgoyne, following the remains of an old train line with views over Campsie Fells. By the west side of Craigallian Loch the path passes a small monument to commemorate The Craigallian Fire, an important historical symbol for outdoor activities in Scotland. Also just off the trail, you might spot a set of standing stones, known as the Dumgoyach Stones, dating to pre Stonehenge (3400BC-3600BC). After passing the Glengoyne Whiskey Distillery, which produces one of the most popular whiskeys to come out of Scotland we continue through the hamlet of Gartness to finally reach Drymen.

• Day 3 - Drymen to Rowardennan (15 miles)

After easing into our adventure yesterday, today is reasonably tough with much ascent and descent.The first part takes us up on gravel paths into open forest all the way up to the summit of Conic Hill. It’s worth it, as you’ll now be spoilt with spectacular views over the majestic Loch Lomond. Following beautiful and tranquil woodland paths, you’ll catch glimpses of Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most southerly Munro, as you descend steeply down to Balmaha on the shores of Loch Lomond. From now on, over the next two days, Britain’s most impressive loch will be your constant companion, as you skirt along it’s banks and shores and occasionally up and down the adjacent native oak woodlands. After a great days hiking, taking in some absolutely spectacular views, we arrive at the small village of Rowardennan.

• Day 4 - Rowardennan to Inverarnan (14 miles)

We continue north along the eastern side of Loch lomond, following the lower slopes of Ben Lomond at times and returning to the waterside around halfway, where we reach a beautiful waterfall adjacent to the Inversnaid hotel, which is a great place to stop and have lunch. Another reasonably challenging day. With a few ups and downs, easy scrambles and breathtaking scenery, it’s all for keeping everything diverse and interesting. We soon pass a cavern known as Rob Roy’s cave, before leaving loch Lomond at the end of the day to descend into the valley of Glen Fallochtowards Inverarnan.

• Day 5 - Inverarnan to Bridge of Orchy (19 miles)

Following the River Falloch on the good paths of Glen Falloch, the old military road eventually skirts the hills of Crianlarich, the halfway point of the West Highland Way, on what is the stand out longest and hardest day of our adventure. We’ll pass under the famous West Highland Way Railway featured in Harry Potter as the setting for the Hogwarts Express. The viewpoint after we reach the spur path to Crianlarich is astounding! The walk alternates through conifer forest and wide sheep pastures with a spectacular low level walk, offering beautiful views over the mountains, to Strathfillan. Although we’re clocking up the miles, thankfully the last half of the day is quite an easy stretch, if not a short one. Finally we follow the river north all the way to the Bridge of Orchy and are spoilt to a quiet surreal evening with our host Helen!

• Day 6 - Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse (12 miles)

Thankfully a short day, compared to yesterday, although it starts with a steep climb over the hill to Inverornan, taking in the views we’ve left behind. This is the most remote and wild section of our adventure, but also very beautiful. Thomas Telford’s military road now shepards us over the Black Mount and the great expanse of Rannoch Moor and down into Kingshouse.

• Day 7 - Kingshouse to Kinlochleven (9 miles)

Our shortest day, but not to be underestimated … we are in the Scottish Highlands now after all! After a short walk next to the imposing mountain of Buachaille Etive More, we start our climb up The Devil’s Staircase. It’s worth it as you are rewarded with views that stretch all the way to the Mamores mountain range and as far as Ben Nevis … quite stunning! Now starts the long and winding descent into the lovely village of Kinlochleven. If we get there early enough, make sure you visit the Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall!

• Day 8 - Kinlochleven to Fort William (15 miles)

It’s finally arrived … our last day on tour! Although yesterday was the shortest day, our adventure is probably starting to take it’s toll by now, but the excitement and exhilaration of knowing we’re so close to the finish of what no doubt is an achievement that will live long in the memory, will spear us on! We begin with a steep climb through birch woodland with views over Loch Leven. Then through the upland valley on the great Lairig Mor pass between the steep and grand Mamore mountains. Finally the Nevis forest path winds us down into Glen Nevis with views of Britain’s largest mountain, Ben Nevis, for company, before achieving our goal of making it to Fort William and completing the epic West Highland Way!

• Day 9 - Depart

We say our goodbyes to one another and our fantastic Scottish adventure. After breakfast transportation to Glasgow train station or airport is provided for you, if needed.

What’s Included:

• 7 Days of guided walks

• Breakfasts and pack lunches

• Bag transfers, so you only need carry a day bag

• Hotel in Glasgow, 6 nights hostel accommodation along the West Highland Way and hotel/BB/hostel in Fort William

• Training plan including itinerary

Terrain and Difficulty:

The hikes involves challenging terrain, with rocky paths and steep gradients. Hikers should have a good level of fitness and be prepared for variable weather conditions. 

Fitness Levels

The Welsh 3000's (even over 3 days) is a challengind adventure. You should be comfortable walking for at least 10km with a backpack and have a head for heaights as it includes a number of grade 1 scrambles.

Sweet Adventures Community

Signing up to a Sweet Adventure also gives you access to our Adventure Community where you can meet like-minded individuals, get support from others, ask for advice and share photos/videos of your adventures. We hope this will help you build relationships with a tribe of adventure enthuisiasts like you! 

Kit List

We recommend bringing the following essentials:

• Sturdy hiking boots for comfort and stability.

• Layered clothing to adapt to changing weather conditions.

• Thermals, Hats, Gloves and Waterproofs

• A backpack to carry your essentials. Recommend 30-35L.

• Water or a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

• Food and Snacks to keep your energy levels up.

• Swimsuit, Swim Shoes and Towel (for those opting for the cold water dip).

• Headtorch

Cancellation Policy

Life can be unpredictable, and we understand that. If you need to cancel your booking, please notify us as soon as possible. We value your commitment to this journey and want to accommodate your needs. See Terms & Conditions for full details.

Contact Details

Got questions or concerns? Don't hesitate to reach out to our friendly team:

• sweetadventures@mail.co.uk

   

• +44 (0) 161 399 1018

Additional Information

• Safety First:

  Your safety is our priority. Our experienced guides are trained in first aid and will provide guidance throughout the hike.

• Group Size:

  We keep our groups small to ensure a more personalized experience.

• Positive Atmosphere:

  We foster a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, perfect for those who may be nervous about mountain climbing.

• Community:

  Join like-minded adventurers who share your passion for the outdoors.

Join Sweet Adventures on this incredible journey, and let us help you turn your mountain climbing dreams into reality. Reserve your spot today and embark on the path to mountain success!