New for 2021!
Challenge yourself to complete one of the UK’s most popular long-distance treks, the West Highland Way. Trek 154km, and camp en-route, over seven days through the breath-taking and atmospheric scenery of the Scottish Highlands, experiencing incredible loch’s, stunning glen’s and dramatic highland mountains.
9 days | UK | Tough
Are you an Individual, Corporate or Charity interested in having your own private group departure?
If yes, please email info@charitychallenge.com and one of our team will be in touch to help with your enquiry.
What to expect
What you will do
Ways to pay
All you need to know
This page provides you with a variety of information about the challenge that you might find useful.
During the days of trekking toilet facilities are limited to the great outdoors. Your leaders will be able to give you advice on the appropriate toilet etiquette for each day. Campsites have toilet blocks and washing facilities. Some campsites have showers that can be paid for. We always try to ensure that all of our campsites have toilet facilities, but on occasions this is not possible. In this scenario toilet tents and “long drops” are used.
During the days of trekking toilet facilities are limited to the great outdoors. Your leaders will be able to give you advice on the appropriate toilet etiquette for each day. Campsites have toilet blocks and washing facilities. Some campsites have showers that can be paid for. We always try to ensure that all of our campsites have toilet facilities, but on occasions this is not possible. In this scenario toilet tents and “long drops” are used.
This challenge is planned to start running in 2021 when we hope that we will live in a ‘post-Covid’ world. Please rest assured that Charity Challenge will continue to monitor all of the latest advice from both the government and local authorities and will ensure that all of our safety systems are up to date. Our safety advice for our UK challenge’s running in the autumn of 2020 can be viewed here. This document will be amended as and when the advice changes
This challenge is planned to start running in 2021 when we hope that we will live in a ‘post-Covid’ world. Please rest assured that Charity Challenge will continue to monitor all of the latest advice from both the government and local authorities and will ensure that all of our safety systems are up to date. Our safety advice for our UK challenge’s running in the autumn of 2020 can be viewed here. This document will be amended as and when the advice changes
We understand that there may be a little uncertainty around booking in the current climate so we have created a 'Booking With Confidence' policy to help you book your next Charity Challenge with absolute confidence.
Book with the knowledge that:
We will offer you a number of options if we cannot operate your challenge due to Covid-19 :
Full info and T&C's on our Booking With Confidence policy
We understand that there may be a little uncertainty around booking in the current climate so we have created a 'Booking With Confidence' policy to help you book your next Charity Challenge with absolute confidence.
Book with the knowledge that:
We will offer you a number of options if we cannot operate your challenge due to Covid-19 :
Full info and T&C's on our Booking With Confidence policy
Your leading team are trained to deal with emergency situations in remote areas and will be carrying a mobile phone and radios in case the emergency services need to be contacted. The event is not run as a race and you will never be encouraged to walk at a pace ‘beyond your ability’. There will always be a wide variety in people’s walking abilities which will be carefully managed by the leaders team. If we find that you are unable to complete any day of the trek, then we will arrange for you to be collected by the support vehicle and taken to the night’s campsite.
Your leading team are trained to deal with emergency situations in remote areas and will be carrying a mobile phone and radios in case the emergency services need to be contacted. The event is not run as a race and you will never be encouraged to walk at a pace ‘beyond your ability’. There will always be a wide variety in people’s walking abilities which will be carefully managed by the leaders team. If we find that you are unable to complete any day of the trek, then we will arrange for you to be collected by the support vehicle and taken to the night’s campsite.
Accommodation on the first and last night of the challenge is in a 3* hotel and is on a twin share basis. During the challenge accommodation is camping. You will be provided with a 3 man tent for 2 people to share, so there is plenty of space in each tent.
If you would like to enquire about a single supplement then please email challenges@charitychallenge.com. We will always do our best to provide a single supplement where requested, however on occasions this is not always possible.
Accommodation on the first and last night of the challenge is in a 3* hotel and is on a twin share basis. During the challenge accommodation is camping. You will be provided with a 3 man tent for 2 people to share, so there is plenty of space in each tent.
If you would like to enquire about a single supplement then please email challenges@charitychallenge.com. We will always do our best to provide a single supplement where requested, however on occasions this is not always possible.
On the day of arrival you should plan to arrive at your accommodation for 5pm. Dinner is generally at around 6pm, with the welcome and safety briefing taking place immediately after dinner. On the day of departure you are free to depart at any time. Breakfast is included, and check-out is generally at 10am.
On each day of the trek you can expect to start each day with breakfast at 7am, with the aim being to start trekking by 8am. We aim to finish each day by 3-4pm. However, these timings will be adjusted according to weather forecasts, the group’s ability etc.
Please note: Precise details and timings will be made available in your Final Details that are sent out one month prior to the challenge.
On the day of arrival you should plan to arrive at your accommodation for 5pm. Dinner is generally at around 6pm, with the welcome and safety briefing taking place immediately after dinner. On the day of departure you are free to depart at any time. Breakfast is included, and check-out is generally at 10am.
On each day of the trek you can expect to start each day with breakfast at 7am, with the aim being to start trekking by 8am. We aim to finish each day by 3-4pm. However, these timings will be adjusted according to weather forecasts, the group’s ability etc.
Please note: Precise details and timings will be made available in your Final Details that are sent out one month prior to the challenge.
The West Highland Way follows a good quality footpath throughout. However, this footpath can be rocky and muddy in places. There are several sections where there are short but sharp sections of ascent or descent. However, none of these sections are sustained for more than an hour.
The West Highland Way follows a good quality footpath throughout. However, this footpath can be rocky and muddy in places. There are several sections where there are short but sharp sections of ascent or descent. However, none of these sections are sustained for more than an hour.
The Scottish weather can be extremely variable, even during the summer, so please read your kit list carefully and make sure that you bring all essential kit.
The Scottish weather can be extremely variable, even during the summer, so please read your kit list carefully and make sure that you bring all essential kit.
You will be accompanied by fully qualified mountain leaders who are all first aid trained. Our leaders are the very best, and many of them lead on our overseas challenges. They have a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, and are there to keep everyone safe and happy. We always ask all of our participants to respect any decision that one of leaders has to make.
You will be accompanied by fully qualified mountain leaders who are all first aid trained. Our leaders are the very best, and many of them lead on our overseas challenges. They have a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, and are there to keep everyone safe and happy. We always ask all of our participants to respect any decision that one of leaders has to make.
The challenge starts in the town of Milngavie, just north of Glasgow. You should plan to make your way to Glasgow for 5pm on the day of arrival. At one month prior to the challenge you will be provided with the precise details of the accommodation, but we will always make sure that it is easily accessed from central Glasgow.
Glasgow has excellent transport links with the rest of the UK. Glasgow airport is a short 20 minute bus journey from the city centre, and the two main train stations are both located very centrally.
Your challenge finishes in Fort William. Transport back to Glasgow is not included in the cost of the challenge as we appreciate that many people will want to make onward travel plans themselves. There is an excellent train and bus service between Fort William that runs regularly. On the day of departure you are free to leave at any time.
Please note: Whilst we shall do all we can to stick to this the proposed finish time, please make sure you book flexible return tickets as delays can happen and we cannot guarantee a precise finishing time or be held responsible for any missed transport.
The challenge starts in the town of Milngavie, just north of Glasgow. You should plan to make your way to Glasgow for 5pm on the day of arrival. At one month prior to the challenge you will be provided with the precise details of the accommodation, but we will always make sure that it is easily accessed from central Glasgow.
Glasgow has excellent transport links with the rest of the UK. Glasgow airport is a short 20 minute bus journey from the city centre, and the two main train stations are both located very centrally.
Your challenge finishes in Fort William. Transport back to Glasgow is not included in the cost of the challenge as we appreciate that many people will want to make onward travel plans themselves. There is an excellent train and bus service between Fort William that runs regularly. On the day of departure you are free to leave at any time.
Please note: Whilst we shall do all we can to stick to this the proposed finish time, please make sure you book flexible return tickets as delays can happen and we cannot guarantee a precise finishing time or be held responsible for any missed transport.
Our typical group size for this challenge is between 20 and 30 people. We always try to operate on a small group basis. Typically there will be one challenge leader for each 10 participants.
Please note: We can run this challenge for a group size of 10-19 people, but there would be a Small Group Supplement of £100.
Our typical group size for this challenge is between 20 and 30 people. We always try to operate on a small group basis. Typically there will be one challenge leader for each 10 participants.
Please note: We can run this challenge for a group size of 10-19 people, but there would be a Small Group Supplement of £100.
Your safety when travelling with Charity Challenge is our main concern, which is why it is a booking condition that you have a suitable travel insurance policy, which covers you for the adventurous nature of your challenge, the activities you are undertaking, and the altitudes. We have chosen to partner with specialist travel insurance providers Campbell Irvine, who offer cover for an extensive number of adventurous activities. Cover is available directly from Campbell Irvine for most European residents and includes cover for emergency medical and repatriation and for your cancellation or curtailment of the challenge. Full details including costs may be found by clicking here.
Any medical emergencies would be covered through the NHS. Therefore the main thing that you will not be covered for is cancellation.
You can see our cancellation policy within our terms and conditions here. If you wish, you could look into your own policy that covers cancellation for travel within the UK.
Your safety when travelling with Charity Challenge is our main concern, which is why it is a booking condition that you have a suitable travel insurance policy, which covers you for the adventurous nature of your challenge, the activities you are undertaking, and the altitudes. We have chosen to partner with specialist travel insurance providers Campbell Irvine, who offer cover for an extensive number of adventurous activities. Cover is available directly from Campbell Irvine for most European residents and includes cover for emergency medical and repatriation and for your cancellation or curtailment of the challenge. Full details including costs may be found by clicking here.
Any medical emergencies would be covered through the NHS. Therefore the main thing that you will not be covered for is cancellation.
You can see our cancellation policy within our terms and conditions here. If you wish, you could look into your own policy that covers cancellation for travel within the UK.
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of our participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up Challenge Safe, one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. Challenge Safe formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the challenge activity itself. Your welfare is absolutely paramount!
Here are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of our participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up Challenge Safe, one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. Challenge Safe formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the challenge activity itself. Your welfare is absolutely paramount!
Here are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
This is a tough, multi-day, endurance challenge that requires everyone to have taken their training seriously. It involves early mornings, long days and sustained periods of ascents and descents. It is certainly not for the fainthearted, and it should ideally be undertaken by someone who has trained on similar hilly terrain within the UK.
The ideal training for this challenge is, naturally, hill walking. However, if you do not have the luxury of living near the hills, then the stairs at home (or an office block) are a great place to start. Most training should be part of an ongoing lifestyle, but if this is not the case then you should begin training four months prior to the challenge and gradually build up as suggested. Remember to use the kit that you will be using on the challenge (boots, rucksack, poles etc) in order to get them worn in. There is no substitute for walking in the hills so try if possible to get out on a weekend and train in an area with steep hills. The more you exercise before the challenge, the more you will get out of it.
The West Highland Way Challenge is a real endurance event and you should gear your training towards being comfortable doing exercise for prolonged periods of time. Recovery times are also important to consider, and again you should structure your training so that you are comfortable exercising again after only a few hours night’s rest. We would recommend that all people training towards a West Highland Way Challenge should aim to be able to comfortably do two long days of walking (6-8 hours) on back to back days.
This is a tough, multi-day, endurance challenge that requires everyone to have taken their training seriously. It involves early mornings, long days and sustained periods of ascents and descents. It is certainly not for the fainthearted, and it should ideally be undertaken by someone who has trained on similar hilly terrain within the UK.
The ideal training for this challenge is, naturally, hill walking. However, if you do not have the luxury of living near the hills, then the stairs at home (or an office block) are a great place to start. Most training should be part of an ongoing lifestyle, but if this is not the case then you should begin training four months prior to the challenge and gradually build up as suggested. Remember to use the kit that you will be using on the challenge (boots, rucksack, poles etc) in order to get them worn in. There is no substitute for walking in the hills so try if possible to get out on a weekend and train in an area with steep hills. The more you exercise before the challenge, the more you will get out of it.
The West Highland Way Challenge is a real endurance event and you should gear your training towards being comfortable doing exercise for prolonged periods of time. Recovery times are also important to consider, and again you should structure your training so that you are comfortable exercising again after only a few hours night’s rest. We would recommend that all people training towards a West Highland Way Challenge should aim to be able to comfortably do two long days of walking (6-8 hours) on back to back days.
We recommend that you have at least one pair of clothes that you can change into when you reach the campsite. This will ensure that you always have a dry pair of clothes at the end of the day.
Tents are provided for you, but you will need to bring your own sleeping mats and sleeping bags as they are not supplied. Please refer to the kit list for more information about what is appropriate.
Surviving the Scottish midge
The Scottish midge can be a problem, especially at campsites. Please make sure that you bring with you a midge head-net and midge repellent cream or spray.
The full kit list for this challenge can be viewed here.
Please be aware that because of the environment that this challenge takes place in our leaders may ask to see the vital parts of your kit. Participants found without kit marked on the kit list will not be allowed to take part in the challenge.
We recommend that you have at least one pair of clothes that you can change into when you reach the campsite. This will ensure that you always have a dry pair of clothes at the end of the day.
Tents are provided for you, but you will need to bring your own sleeping mats and sleeping bags as they are not supplied. Please refer to the kit list for more information about what is appropriate.
Surviving the Scottish midge
The Scottish midge can be a problem, especially at campsites. Please make sure that you bring with you a midge head-net and midge repellent cream or spray.
The full kit list for this challenge can be viewed here.
Please be aware that because of the environment that this challenge takes place in our leaders may ask to see the vital parts of your kit. Participants found without kit marked on the kit list will not be allowed to take part in the challenge.
This challenge takes place in a remote and mountainous environment, away from roads and immediate access to vehicle evacuation support. It is therefore extremely important that you come prepared with the correct kit for this challenge. Please ensure that your waterproof jacket is able to keep you dry when subjected to rain for several hours at a time, and that you also have waterproof trousers as legs get just as wet as tops. Footwear should also be waterproof and most importantly should have good grip. Sports trainers are not appropriate for the terrain of this challenge. We also ask you to ensure that you bring with you multiple warm layers, along with at least two sets of hat and gloves. If clothes get wet then the only way to dry them is by hanging them up in tents.
This challenge takes place in a remote and mountainous environment, away from roads and immediate access to vehicle evacuation support. It is therefore extremely important that you come prepared with the correct kit for this challenge. Please ensure that your waterproof jacket is able to keep you dry when subjected to rain for several hours at a time, and that you also have waterproof trousers as legs get just as wet as tops. Footwear should also be waterproof and most importantly should have good grip. Sports trainers are not appropriate for the terrain of this challenge. We also ask you to ensure that you bring with you multiple warm layers, along with at least two sets of hat and gloves. If clothes get wet then the only way to dry them is by hanging them up in tents.
During this challenge you will need to have two bags. One day pack that you use to carry everything you need for the day of trekking, and one kit bag that contains all of your camping equipment and spare clothes. This kit bag is transferred between each campsite.
During this challenge you will need to have two bags. One day pack that you use to carry everything you need for the day of trekking, and one kit bag that contains all of your camping equipment and spare clothes. This kit bag is transferred between each campsite.
This is a fully supported, leader led challenge. Whilst we appreciate that the West Highland Way is a well-marked trail our itinerary is designed to be fully-supported and so you will be accompanied by our leaders at all time. Our leaders are there to assist you and to ensure that everyone can complete the challenge and have a great time.
This is a fully supported, leader led challenge. Whilst we appreciate that the West Highland Way is a well-marked trail our itinerary is designed to be fully-supported and so you will be accompanied by our leaders at all time. Our leaders are there to assist you and to ensure that everyone can complete the challenge and have a great time.
Like all of our challenges, we manage the trek as a team challenge, and we encourage everyone to see themselves as part of a team. Our aim is to walk at a speed that is appropriate for all group members. It is important to remember that this is a multi-day trekking itinerary, and so we will walk at a pace that is appropriate to keeping you going for all seven days of walking. Your challenge leaders are very experienced at setting the correct pace, and they will be with you at all times.
Should it be necessary for the group to split into different walking speeds during the day then your challenge leaders will facilitate this. However, a challenge leader must be with you at all times.
Should anyone develop any problems during the day then the leaders will be in touch with the support vehicle at all times and will be able to arrange for the vehicle to come and assist.
Like all of our challenges, we manage the trek as a team challenge, and we encourage everyone to see themselves as part of a team. Our aim is to walk at a speed that is appropriate for all group members. It is important to remember that this is a multi-day trekking itinerary, and so we will walk at a pace that is appropriate to keeping you going for all seven days of walking. Your challenge leaders are very experienced at setting the correct pace, and they will be with you at all times.
Should it be necessary for the group to split into different walking speeds during the day then your challenge leaders will facilitate this. However, a challenge leader must be with you at all times.
Should anyone develop any problems during the day then the leaders will be in touch with the support vehicle at all times and will be able to arrange for the vehicle to come and assist.
All food and drink is included for you from dinner on the first night through to breakfast on the final morning. During the trek, breakfast and dinner will be provided for you at the campsite each morning. Breakfast will be consist of a hearty meal of porridge, cereal, fruit and hot drinks. Dinner will be a mixture of good, hearty, trekking food. Soups, pasta, rice, different sauces, stews and a dessert will be provided each day.
A packed lunch and drinking water will be provided for each day. To allow people to choose their own packed lunch we will provide bread and a variety of sandwich fillings so that people can make their own sandwich each morning after breakfast. Crisps, fruit and snack bars will also be available for you to carry in with your packed lunch. You will be required to carry your packed lunch with you every day. We can easily cater for most dietary requirements. Please indicate your dietary requirements on your booking form. If you have any concerns about this then please don’t hesitate to contact us.
All food and drink is included for you from dinner on the first night through to breakfast on the final morning. During the trek, breakfast and dinner will be provided for you at the campsite each morning. Breakfast will be consist of a hearty meal of porridge, cereal, fruit and hot drinks. Dinner will be a mixture of good, hearty, trekking food. Soups, pasta, rice, different sauces, stews and a dessert will be provided each day.
A packed lunch and drinking water will be provided for each day. To allow people to choose their own packed lunch we will provide bread and a variety of sandwich fillings so that people can make their own sandwich each morning after breakfast. Crisps, fruit and snack bars will also be available for you to carry in with your packed lunch. You will be required to carry your packed lunch with you every day. We can easily cater for most dietary requirements. Please indicate your dietary requirements on your booking form. If you have any concerns about this then please don’t hesitate to contact us.
The West Highland Way Challenge involves seven days of anywhere between 5 to 8 hours of trekking. It involves requires a good level of fitness, and the endurance to do multiple days of consecutive trekking. The terrain follows a good quality footpath throughout, but this can be rocky and muddy in places. There are several remote sections away from support vehicles, however many of the trekking days provide us with good access to offer additional vehicle support should it be needed.
The West Highland Way Challenge involves seven days of anywhere between 5 to 8 hours of trekking. It involves requires a good level of fitness, and the endurance to do multiple days of consecutive trekking. The terrain follows a good quality footpath throughout, but this can be rocky and muddy in places. There are several remote sections away from support vehicles, however many of the trekking days provide us with good access to offer additional vehicle support should it be needed.
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We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 6546. Many of the flight-inclusive challenges on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. This ATOL protection only covers challenges that include flights booked by Charity Challenge and that originate in the UK. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLcertificate
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