West Highland Way
Grade: 
(Grade explanation)
West Highland Way photo gallery
About the West Highland Way
Conceived in the 1960's but finally opened in 1980, the West Highland Way is Scotland’s first official long distance route. Starting in Milngavie on the outskirts of Glasgow the it follows the edge of Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest freshwater Loch, and winds through the very heart of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Scotland's first National Park.
The West Highland Way then proceeds by Glen Falloch and Strath Fillan then heads across the expanse of Rannoch Moor and over the Devil's staircase to the finish in Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis.
A walk along the West Highland Way is a week of delights, the landscapes and views change daily. Truly a grand walk, the West Highland Way is a great way to discover the vast diversity and appeal of Scotland's landscapes.
About your walking holiday
The West Highland Way is a 95 mile walk of superb variety with the landscape becoming grander by the day. Walk the West Highland Way as part of a guided C~N~Do group and pass through some of the best scenery in the lowlands and highlands of Scotland.
"I've wanted to do the West highland Way route for the last 3 years and I wasn't disappointed!. The hostels were warm and friendly and the food was to a very professional standard!"
G. Bowen on the CNDo Scotland West Highland Way
The walk follows paths, tracks and country roads. Average daily distance about 13 miles with longest being the 5th with about 16 miles and the 3rd being the roughest.
Since 1984, of the many, many hundreds of C~N~Do walkers have successfully walked the West Highland Way the age range has been 12 to 83, so it's well within the scope of most reasonably fit and healthy folk!
The West Highland Way is also available as part of our independent self guided programme.
Guided West Highland Way - Brief Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive to Milngavie to start the West Highland Way in the heart of town. The first day's destination is the old Drymen Road, about 13mls (21km) away.
Day 2: Now the Way heads through Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, we head from old Drymen Road by the Garadhban forest, Conic Hill and the shores of Loch Lomond, to Rowardennan, approx. 13mls (22km). Today's highlight, crossing into the Highlands and the views of Loch Lomond from Conic Hill
Day 3: Walk by the “Bonnie bonnie banks” of the eastern shores of Loch Lomond to Inverarnan, about 14mls (24km). Woodlands and water are never far away.
Day 4: Head up through Glen Falloch from Inverarnan to Tyndrum, about 13mls (21km). WE pass the half way point of the West Highland Way at St Fillan's Kirk. Our first true Highland Glen.
Day 5: Now for the wonderful wide vistas of Rannoch Moor. Continue from Tyndrum to Black Rock Cottage, app. 16mls (27km) of mainly easy track walking, with some ascents of 100 - 150m.
Day 6: Walk from Black Rock Cottage and the edge of Glencoe, up and over the Devil's Staircase to Kinlochleven, about 12mls (20km). The mountain landscapes just get bigger, wilder and grander.
Day 7: The West Highland Way finally heads from Kinlochleven by Glen Nevis to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, about 14mls (24km) away. Finishing the route by the military road and forest paths with time to stand and absorb the air and scnery, reflect on memories over the walk and ..time to celebrate!!
Day 8: Return to Stirling by mini-bus to arrive about noon.
Guided West Highland Way - What's included?
Your walking holiday includes:
- 7 guided walking days along the West Highland Way
- 7 nights hostel accommodation (alt accommodation available)
- Full board
- Transport from and back to Stirling
- Daily transport as required and for baggage
- Qualified Leader
- Support Manager
- Personalised Certificate
Group Size:
The minimum group size is 6. The maximum number of participants per leader is 15.
Group Bookings & Private Guiding
Additional dates or spaces are available for group booking and private guiding by arrangement. Please phone us on 01786 445 703 or complete the Special Enquiry form.
Early Bird Bonus
Book your holiday more than 12 weeks in advance to claim 5% off.
You must quote “Early Bird 08” promotional code on your booking form as the discount will not be automatically applied.
Book Your West Highland Way Walking Holiday
How would you like to pay for your CNDo Scotland activity?
If you would prefer to pay by:
- Cheque - download our postal booking form.
- Credit/Debit card securely online - use the form below
| Dates | SRS | Price | Spaces (?) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 - 27 July | n/a | £549 |  |
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| 24 - 31 August | n/a | £549 | |
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| 14 - 21 September | n/a | £549 | |
|
| 11 - 18 October | n/a | £549 |  |
Recommended Reading for the West Highland Way
To get the most from your West Highland Way walking holiday you may wish to do some background reading prior to departure.
Books which you may find informative are:
- Rob Roy - WH Murray
