Walking the West Highland Way

Spend a relaxing evening at your hotel, in preparation for the start of your journey in the morning. Overnight in Milngavie.

Quickly leaving the town behind, the walk takes you through Mugdock Wood and past Craigallan Loch on your way to Strathblane. Along old railways lines and following the path of the river, stop off for some whisky sampling at Glengoyne Distillery before passing through villages of Gartness and Drumgoyne, arriving at your hotel for the evening.

Following the path through the forest, you will soon see the spectacular Ben Lomond in front of you. With a steady ascent over Conic Hill, the views open out over the whole of Loch Lomond, a breath-taking sight. When you descend you reach the village of Balmaha where you can enjoy a refreshment break and a boat trip to Inchaillocch if you have time. Following the shoreline, there are more stunning views of the Loch before you reach Rowardennan, with Ben Lomond just behind.

A challenging route today; first you follow along the banks of Loch Lomond, and slowly the track becomes a twisting and rocky trail through the forest. The views of Glen Falloch more than make up for this, and there is a welcome rest stop at Inversnaid near a beautiful waterfall. The path then takes you up through native woodland and past Rob Roy’s cave where the famous outlaw allegedly took refuge. On the descent you will see the bothy at Doune, and the ruins at Blarstainge before reaching Inverarnan and your hotel for the evening.

In contrast to the challenging walk yesterday around Loch Lomond, todays route is easier but no less interesting as you walk through native woodlands, along a riverside path to see the Falls of Falloch, and then onto an old track through farmland. Stop for lunch at Crianlarich and enjoy the views of Ben More, dominating the skyline behind. This area is steeped in history concerning Robert the Bruce, from Fillan’s Priory to Dal Righ, where he was defeated by the English in the early 14th century and further on the small loch where he and his followers made their escape. Continuing through the pine woods you reach Tyndrum and your hotel for the evening.

After leaving Tyndrum, todays walk is mostly on the flat with the stunning Beinn Odhar and Beinn Dorain in sight at your side. Travelling along the railway and river, you reach the Bridge of Orchy, which makes a good stop before carrying on to the forest and Inveroran. One of the most iconic stages of the walk, Rannoch Moor is soon approached, with its 50 miles of gentle moorland stretching all around. Stick to Telfords Road for an easy walk across this otherwise boggy section! The undulating route takes you up to the highest point and then descending you will see the first glimpse of Buachaille Etive Mor, a stunning Munro at the foot of Glencoe.

Probably the most famous and well-loved section of the West Highland Way, todays walk takes you to the Devils Staircase, along the old military road, an easier walk than the name would suggest. Enjoy the incredible views of the Glencoe mountains before descending, with the Blackwater reservoir soon in sight. The 13 km long reservoir was built by a team of navies in 1909. Head towards the village of Kinlochleven, with the Mamores and even Ben Nevis appearing behind on a clear day. Rest and enjoy the scenery, or take a visit to the Ice Factor, the UK National Centre for Ice Climbing for a try on the ice or rock climbing walls.

All too soon you will have reached the last stage of this world-famous walk. Climbing up through the woods above Kinlochleven, take a short detour to see the Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall before following the route of the old Military Road onto Fort William. With stunning mountain scenery along the way, including Ben Nevis in the distance, the descent to Glen Nevis begins along a zig-zag road and onto Fort William for your resting place at the end of your holiday.

Leave Fort William after breakfast, to begin your journey home, or stay on a few days to enjoy this fabulous location.