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Scotland’s West Highland Way is deservedly one of the world’s great walks. Linking the city of Glasgow with the Highland town of Fort William, the full trail covers 100 miles. For those short on time or would like to experience the highlights, this special hiking trip offers the most scenic section, the 45 miles from Bridge of Orchy north. A day to explore the wild landscape and heritage of Glencoe is included, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of Scotland as well as its fascinating history of warring clans.
Your journey begins with the scenic train ride (not included) from Glasgow on the West Highland Line, acclaimed as one of the “Best Rail Journeys” in the world. Arriving at Bridge of Orchy, find yourself in the highland glens and mountains of the film locations for Skyfall and Outlander. The trail traverses Rannoch Moor to Glencoe, famed for its haunting past and wild beauty. Stay two nights here and explore the valley and its historic sights on foot or relax for the day and enjoy the views. Leaving Glencoe, challenge yourself to climb the (achievable!) Devil’s Staircase and then descend to Loch Leven below before hiking over the Mamore Mountains to end your trip in Fort William basking in the views of Ben Nevis and Loch Linnhe. Fort William is dubbed the adventure capital of the UK and if you wanted to extend your stay, ask our team for suggestions.
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13kg of CO2-e PP per day
(67kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Train to Bridge of Orchy - Overnight
Take the late morning train from Glasgow Queen Street Station to Bridge of Orchy (payable locally at reasonable cost). The train follows the famous West Highland Line, named Best Rail Journey in the World by readers of Wanderlust Magazine and is a favourite of the Man in Seat 61. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours as the train travels north via Arrochar and Loch Lomond through superb scenery. Disembarking at Bridge of Orchy, check in to the hotel, a resting place for travellers since the early 18th century. The present building was constructed in the 1930s and sits close by the bridge across the River Orchy built by General Wade as part of the network of military roads across Scotland to quell the Jacobite rebellion. Enjoy a wee dram in the bar before dinner and relax in the quiet surroundings of the Highlands. Accommodation: Overnight at the hotel at Bridge of Orchy.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Walk from Bridge of Orchy to Glencoe - 19.6km/12.3 miles – 6 hours
Enjoy a hearty Scottish breakfast and head out onto the West Highland Way. Cross the old bridge over the river and join the West Highland Way as it climbs the hill on the opposite side of the glen. The trail meanders through forest and opens up to reveal stunning views of the surrounding mountains. A short descent on a good trail brings you to Inveroran, an old drovers inn on the Black Mount Estate, owned by the family of James Bond author, Ian Fleming who spent time here. The route follows the old military road constructed by General Wade to transport English troops after the Jacobite rebellion in 1745. This was also an old cattle drover’s trail. Droving cattle from the Highlands on foot to the markets of southern Scotland continued until 1900. Rannoch Moor is wild, remote and eerily beautiful. Shortly after leaving Inveroran you’ll pass close by Black Rock House on the shores of Loch Tulla. Just beyond the loch, a cairn sits on a heather-covered hillock commemorating the life of Peter Fleming, Ian’s brother. Keep a look out for wildlife here as you may see red deer, golden eagles and black grouse. As the trail approaches the entrance to the long and deep valley of Glencoe, Buchaille Etive Mor (1021m/3350ft) comes into view. The “Great Herdsman of Etive” is a beautiful mountain and one of the most recognisable of Scottish Munros (mountains over 3000ft). Glen Etive, which forks to the west of Glencoe, is where some of the Bond movie Skyfall was filmed. Make your way to the Kingshouse Hotel and enjoy a well-deserved snack in the bar whilst you await your transfer to Glencoe village. Accommodation: 2 nights in a modern hotel at the shore of Loch Leven in Glencoe. There is a leisure centre with pool, sauna and an exercise room, the restaurant overlooks the lake.
Meals: B
Day 3
Glencoe: Glencoe Valley & Signal Rock circular hike – 9km/5.6 miles – 2.5 hrs
Explore the lower reaches of the Glencoe valley on foot today. Our suggestion is that you enjoy a leisurely walk around the valley to visit the site of Hagrid’s Hut, one of the film locations for the Harry Potter movies, and Signal Rock from where, according to legend, the signal was given for the famous Glencoe massacre of MacDonalds by Clan Campbell. This walk includes a lovely section along woodland beside the River Coe and the option to visit the bar at the Clachaig Inn, celebrated by mountaineers worldwide. If you would like a more challenging route, you could make the ascent of the Pap of Glencoe to enjoy 360 degree views. This is a moderate to difficult rated hike and takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can enjoy a rest day, explore the village and have a leisurely lunch at one of the local hostelries. You can also take some time to learn more about the Scottish Highlands at the Glencoe Folk Museum in the village. Set in a 19th century thatched cottage, the museum holds an eclectic array of objects celebrating local heritage (the museum has been closed for refurbishment and will reopen in 2025).
Day 4
Walk from Glencoe to Kinlochleven via the Devil’s Staircase - 14.2km/8 miles – 4.25 hours
After breakfast, transfer (included) back to the Kingshouse Hotel to return to the West Highland Way. The trail is well marked as it skirts the lower slopes of Beinn a’Chrulaiste with great views of Buchaille Etive Mor to your left. Ascend the Devil’s Staircase, a long series of zigzags running up a heather-clad slope to a high point marked with cairns. The views from here extend across Glencoe to Rannoch Moor and across to the Mamore Mountains in the north. From the summit, descend to Kinlochleven. The small town is visible below at the head of Loch Leven. The track is rough to begin before joining a wider track at the top of the impressive pipeline that feeds the aluminium works. Once known as the Electric Village, Kinlochleven was built in the early 20th century to house workers at the aluminium smelter. The process required electricity generated by the turbines fed by the Blackwater Reservoir. Accommodation: Overnight in a comfortable, welcoming guesthouse in Kinlochleven.
Day 5
Traverse the Mamore Mountains to Fort William – 24.6km/15 miles – 7.5 hours
Be sure to enjoy a full Scottish breakfast as today is a longer walk, although the scenery along the way more than makes up for the effort required. The West Highland Way resumes with a steep climb out of Kinlochleven towards Lairigmor (the great pass). The path follows the glen as it bends northwards, before heading down to Glen Nevis. Pass through open moorland and forest plantations and if the weather is good, you will see Ben Nevis (1345m/4413ft) looming in the distance. Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK and its summit is covered in cloud 50% of the time even in summer! Once you have Ben Nevis in sight, you are on the home stretch. The path descends to the river Nevis and then curls west to Fort William. Make your way into the town centre to finish your journey with a photo beside the bronze statue of a West Highland Way hiker. If you have energy to spare, you may wish to visit the Ben Nevis distillery or the West Highland Museum. You will certainly enjoy dinner tonight! Accommodation: Overnight in a comfortable hotel or guesthouse in Fort William.
Day 6
Arrangements end after breakfast
Tour arrangements end after breakfast. You can spend further time exploring the area (ask our team about adding an extra night), or travel on in the Highlands. Fort William has a train station with regular departures to Mallaig, Inverness, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
What's included
What's not included
During your trip, we've hand selected the best local places to stay to enjoy your time in Fort William. The character, food and flavours of the local area are embedded in comfortable hotels, from the full Scottish breakfast to start your day to the tastefully decorated ensuite rooms. Note that for the dates of your tour we may not be able to get you into the accommodation described. We will try to get you into a similar standard of accommodation nearby, but please appreciate that there is limited accommodation in remote areas of the Scottish Highlands.
During your trip, we've hand selected the best local places to stay to enjoy your journey along the West Highland Way. The character, food and flavours of the local area are embedded in these comfortable hotels, from the full Scottish breakfast to start your day to the tastefully decorated ensuite rooms, many with views of the surrounding lochs and mountains. Note that for the dates of your tour we may not be able to get you into the accommodation described. We will try to get you into a similar standard of accommodation nearby, but please appreciate that there is limited accommodation in remote areas of the Scottish Highlands.
During your trip, we've hand selected the best local places to stay to enjoy your time in Glencoe, where you spend two nights. The character, food and flavours of the local area are embedded in comfortable hotels, from the full Scottish breakfast to start your day to the tastefully decorated ensuite rooms, many with views of the surrounding lochs and mountains. Relax by the pool after a day on the trail. Note that for the dates of your tour we may not be able to get you into the accommodation described. We will try to get you into a similar standard of accommodation nearby, but please appreciate that there is limited accommodation in remote areas of the Scottish Highlands.
The West Highland Way is a well-defined trail that includes sections of old drovers roads, military trails created in the 18th century and mountain footpaths. The trails are frequently rocky underfoot and good boots with ankle support are essential. Walking poles are highly recommended. In the event of rain, underfoot conditions can become muddy and slippery and care should be taken.
The walk is graded as moderate. The terrain is hilly with some steep slopes, boggy areas and narrow trails in places with tree roots and stone steps. There are also forest tracks, gravel type roads and there is some tarmac walking. Should you wish to take a day’s rest from hiking, you could miss the walks on day 3 in Glencoe to relax or sightsee if you prefer. A reasonable level of fitness and ability on rocky paths is required. You need good boots throughout the tour: The trails are generally good, but on occasion there are steep, winding sections. Carry plenty of drinking water and adequate protection against the sun and the rain.
Per Person, Twin Share
No, this is a short walking trip that includes the best section of the West Highland Way from Bridge of Orchy to Fort William. It is the best section because it is the most scenic and most interesting historically. We have also included 2 nights in Glencoe so you can explore the dramatic scenery and history of this iconic valley. If you would like to walk the full West Highland Way, please see the Walkers' Britain & Europe 8 day and 10 day variants.
This hiking trip highlights the most scenic section of the West Highland Way, covering 45 miles from Bridge of Orchy north, with an extra day to explore Glencoe. Many hikers love the West Highland Way but wish they had more time to experience Glencoe's dramatic scenery, historic sites, and views of the Three Sisters and Aonach Eagach ridge. This trip gives you the chance to enjoy these iconic sights as part of your journey. You’ll also have a day to explore Glencoe’s wild landscape and heritage, staying in a comfortable hotel with a pool. Choose from two walk options or take a rest day.
It depends if there has been a lot of recent rain. Generally, the trails that you follow on the West Highland Way are on very good established paths and old military roads, sometimes with a gravel surface. It can get wet underfoot if there has been a lot of rain but the trails are generally well defined if rocky.
The Devil's Staircase is not at all difficult. It is a switchbacking part of the old military road and was designed with dragging cannons over the pass in mind and is not so hard. Spare a thought for the job that the red coats had dragging the guns over the pass in the 1700s!
You will be pleased know that it is only the female midges which bite, but not so pleased to realize just how many of them there are. Actually, midges are not usually a problem if you keep moving and they don't really appear in great numbers until late May to September. They will not be very noticeable in windy conditions. Numbers vary from year to year and few people complain about them on this walk. They appear to be attracted more to dark colours, and some people claim that 'Skin so Soft' spray by Avon repels them.
We have chosen to use upgraded accommodation where possible for this short variant of the West Highland Way. Many other options utilise bunkhouse accommodation, or simple B&Bs with shared bathrooms. For this special trip, we have chosen the best hotels available along the trail so you will always have an ensuite room with tea and coffee-making facitilites. We have also included 2 nights in a very comfortable hotel in Glencoe so you can relax and enjoy your extra time in this most beautiful of Highland glens on the banks of Loch Leven.
We would advise an extra night in Fort William at the end of the West Highland Way. It will give you the opportunity to attempt to climb Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, or take the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig as seen in the Harry Potter films. We have already included 2 nights and a day in Glencoe in this special itinerary to break up the walking and to enable you to explore this dramatic highland valley as part of the experience.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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