Tonight you will arrive at your accommodation in Milngavie, just outside Glasgow and will have the opportunity to meet the rest of the team of trekkers. After settling in to the accommodation you will then get to meet all of the challenge leaders and support team at the all important welcome and safety briefing. This will be where your leaders explain everything you need to know about the days ahead, including what to take with you on the trek each day and what to put in your luggage that will meet you each night at camp. It will also be your opportunity to ask any questions and get to know the team. It will then be early to bed, excited about the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: 3* hotel, twin share
Meals: Dinner
After a hearty breakfast it will be time to put on our hiking boots and hit the trail! The first day of the trek is designed to be an easier introduction to the challenge, allowing our bodies to get used to carrying bags and our muscles to get used to the stresses and trained strains of walking for a full day. The route begins along beautiful rivers and fields before we pass by our first truly Scottish sight, Glengoyne Distillery! After 12 miles we will arrive at the campsite in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park with plenty of time to relax before our first night of camping.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today marks our first test of going uphill as we depart Drymen and ascend Conic Hill for breathtaking views across the world famous Loch Lomond and the chain of islands that mark the highland boundary fault, the true indicator that we are entering the Scottish Highlands. From here we begin heading north and descend along the loch, to our campsite near the small settlement of Rowardennan, sleeping under the towering summit of Ben Lomond above us.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will soon begin to understand the sheer scale of the Scottish landscape as we spend the entire day trekking along the beautiful, secluded wooded paths along Loch Lomond. This section is our first taste of the remoteness of the Highlands, but the day will still be filled with stunning waterfalls, and hopefully our first chance to see some birds of prey, the Golden Eagle and the Osprey, as we pass through Inversnaid RSPB reserve. Our campsite tonight is at the top of Loch Lomond and offers everyone the opportunity to enjoy some Highland hospitality at the famous Drover’s Inn.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following the River Falloch today you will catch glimpses of the cascades of the Falls of Falloch and will start to experience the soaring mountains of the Highlands. We will be passing at the foot of several of the famous Scottish ‘Munro’s’ (the name given to a list of all mountains above 3,000ft in Scotland). Our path skirts the village of Crainlarich before passing the ruins of St Fillan’s Priory and arriving into Tyndrum where we will spend the night.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As we leave Tyndrum behind us we set off for 2 days away from any settlements as we cross inhospitable Rannoch Moor. The first part of today follows the West Highland railway line and allows us to appreciate the incredible engineering of this remote train route that winds its way through the mountains. As we head towards Bridge of Orchy we will be walking directly towards the towering, pyramidal peaks of Beinn Dorain. Soon we pass on to Rannoch Moor and the long section that follows the old military road over the most remote and wild section of the entire route. Our day will culminate with incredible views of Buchaille Etive Mor (The Great herdsman of Etive), probably the most photographed mountain in Scotland, showcased recently in the James Bond Film Skyfall.
This point indicates that we have reached the edge of Glencoe. Our campsite for the night will allow us to enjoy the spectacular evening light of this most stunning of mountain areas.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our route on our penultimate day see’s us heading towards Glencoe before turning north and ascending ‘the devil’s staircase’ to the highest point of the entire trek at 550m. From here we will have spectacular views back to ‘the Buchaille’ and over the range of mountains known as the Mamores. After this tough ascent our path winds its way through remote hills before a long slow descent into the village of Kinlochleven where we will camp for the night. The village is well supplied with shops and pubs and will offer us the opportunity to resupply and enjoy some local refreshments.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our final day is here, but before we can celebrate we are faced with possibly the most demanding day of the whole trek. We begin with a steep ascent out of Kinlochleven, skirting the foot of the Mamore mountains before we round these mountains and are hopefully met with fantastic views across to Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland. The final stretch of our route sees us descend through the forestry plantation before making our way along Glen Nevis to reach the town of Fort William, our finish point! After celebrating at the finishing marker we will then check in to our hotel and have the chance to refresh before our celebration meal. Congratulations, you’ve done it! You’ve walked the West Highland Way!
Accommodation: 3* Hotel, twin share
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a relaxing breakfast you are free to depart. The train station is in the centre of Fort William and offers a spectacular journey home taking in many of the incredible sights we will have just walked past.
We would recommend that everyone consider spending a few extra days in the area to fully enjoy your experience. Fort William is an excellent base for steam journeys over the famous Glenfinnan viaduct, climbing Ben Nevis 1345m (should you have the energy!) or just enjoying the highland Highland hospitality.
BELIEVE >> ACHIEVE >> INSPIRE
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