Scotland Hiking | Trekking the West Highland Way
Hill Walking through the Highlands • May 14 – 28, 2010
Our Itinerary
Day 1
Departure from the USA with overnight flight to Glasgow. Most flights will be arriving around 7:30am the following day, and this is a 7 – 7.5 hour flight.
Day 2
From the terminal we’ll take the bus to Central Station, then train to Milngavie. From the station we’ll walk a short distance to our B & B where we’ll check in. The remainder of the day can be spent exploring this quaint suburb or relaxing after our flight. Overnight in Milngavie.
Day 3
Milngavie to Drymen – 12 miles. After breakfast we begin our trek, a pleasant 12 mile walk through farmland and woods to Drymen. After checking in to our B & B we can head over to The Clachan Inn, a popular spot for walkers on the Way. The Clachan Inn is reported to be Scotland’s oldest continually registered pub, dating back to 1734. Overnight in Drymen.
Day 4
Drymen to Rowardennan – 14 miles. The first 7 miles is a wonderful section which takes us to the edge of the Highlands. We gently ascend through Garadhban Forest and then climb through open moorland as we skirt below the summit of Conic Hill. Loch Lomond, Britain’s largest freshwater loch will be visible below us, and we’ll make our way to the tiny settlement of Rowardennan, where we’ll stay in a beautiful Victorian hunting lodge converted to a hikers hostel.
Day 5
Rowardennan to Inveraran – 14 miles. A beautiful section as we hike through the lush forests along Loch Lomond. Our path takes us along the edge of the loch with numerous waterfalls, and the walking is more like a trail in the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. Another long day, but get ready for some live Scottish music and entertainment at the end of the day! Overnight in our B & B.
Day 6
Inverarnan to Tyndrum – 13 miles. A nice hike along the River Falloch and conifer plantations before we come to the ruins of St. Fillan’s Priory, which date back to 1318. We’ll bewalking on the old military road, built by the English beginning in 1725 to rapidly move troops into the area to combat the Scots. Overnight at our guesthouse/hostel.
Day 7
Tyndrum to Inveroran – 8 miles. The sweeping views of the moors and Highlands surround us as we hike along this spectacular section of the Way. We pass below two imposing munros, or Scottish mountains, Beinn Odhar and Beinn Dorain. Our lodging at a beautifully secluded B & B as we prepare for tomorrow’s walk through the most remote section of the Way.
Day 8
Inveroran to Kingshouse – 11 miles. Today we cross the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor, Britain’s largest wilderness and home to herds of majestic Red Stags. This can be a challenging walk in poor weather, but nonetheless an experience you won’t forget. We’ll overnight in the historic Kingshouse Hotel, built in the 17th century and used to house the King’s troops.
Day 9
Kingshouse to Kinochleven – 8.5 miles. Another spectacular day as we begin by ascending the Devil’s Staircase to the highest point on the Way. We’re in mountainous terrain before descending into Kinochleven, which considers itself the outdoor capital of the UK. Overnight in a charming B & B.
Day 10
Kinochleven to Fort William – 14.5 miles. Our last day on the Way as we hike the final miles to Fort William. We start with a hike over a beautiful mountain pass before beginning a long descent into Glen Nevis. We’ll have nice views of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, and finally we’ll arrive in the historic town of Fort William and the northern terminous of the West Highland Way.As a fitting end to the trek we’ll be staying in a very upscale hotel for the next three nights, and we’ll have our celebratory dinner in the evening. Aprox. Hiking time 8 hours.
Day 11
Rest day to explore Fort William. This adventurer’s paradise is loaded with outdoor shops as well as numerous memorabilia stores. Plenty of things to see and do, or just relax after your 95 mile hike. Overnight in hotel.
Day 12
Summit attempt of Ben Nevis. Optional activity but reaching the summit will make a superb ending to your Highland adventure. Although only 4,460’ in elevation, it has a notorious reputation for difficult weather. Allow roughly 4 – 6 hours for the climb, and again it’s all dependant on the weather. Overnight in hotel.
Day 13
Ft. William to Glasgow. We’ll take the mid-morning train back to Glasgow where we’ll check into our hotel in town center. Free afternoon to explore Glasgow.
Day 14
After breakfast we’ll take the morning train to beautiful Edinburgh and explore the old city and castle. Evening train back to Glasgow, and overnight in our hotel.
Day 15
Taxi to the airport and depart for home.
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