Classic Walks of Scotland

Welcome to Fort William! This charming town enjoys a dress circle location on the shores of Loch Linnhe and is known as the gateway to Ben Nevis, the United Kingdom’s highest peak. You may recognise the spectacular scenery in the surrounding area from the Harry Potter movies where the Hogwarts Express travelled from Fort William and crossed over the incredible Glenfinnan Viaduct. After you’ve settled into your accommodation – there’s no packing and unpacking on this centre-based trip - meet your leader and the rest of your group at a Welcome Meeting then enjoy an easy hike to stretch the legs, perhaps to a ruined castle on a historic battle site.


Included Activities:
-Fort William - Fort William Orientation Walk

Catch the local bus or a private transfer (40 mins) to nearby Glencoe where we will hike the West Highland Way from Glencoe to Kinlochleven, over the famous Devil’s Staircase. It’s a bit of a hike to the top but the main climb isn’t too taxing as the trail zigs and zags up the mountain. Keep an eye out for deer as you take in the tranquil views on this occasionally challenging but rewarding hike. There’s no need to walk back to where you started on this point-to-point walk as a short transfer will takes us back to Fort William for a relaxing night at our comfortable accommodation.

Included Activities:
-Fort William - Devil’s Staircase Guided Hike
-Fort William - West Highland Way Guided Hike (Glencoe to Kinlochleven Section)

After a hearty breakfast, we will take the morning bus to Kinlochleven and hike the final stage of the West Highland Way which was Scotland’s first designated long-distance hiking route. Travelling over a pass and through a valley back to Fort William, this stage of the West Highland Way is the official end point of the West Highland Way and the start point of the Great Glen Way which we will also get to enjoy on Day 5 of this trip. See if you can spot red deer dotted across the lush countryside and golden eagles soaring overhead as you travel along this famous hiking route. Tonight you may like to join your group for dinner at a Fort William restaurant or a cosy pub.

Included Activities:
-Fort William - West Highland Way Guided Hike (Final Stage)

Today is the highlight of your Scotland walking trip, the ascent of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland and the entire United Kingdom. The name Ben Nevis means 'mountain with its head in the clouds' in ancient Gaelic and the trail showcases a diverse and stunning natural landscape. This walk is considered a must do by hikers around the world but it’s not a walk in the park so you’ll need good physical preparation and a strong will to get to the top. To make our ascent easier, our group will have two experienced guides who will share their expertise and give us the support and encouragement we need to complete the climb and finish our day on a natural high. Tonight, rest your legs and enjoy a relaxing evening at your comfortable accommodation in Fort William.

Included Activities:
-Fort William - Ben Nevis Guided Hike

We’ll enjoy a relaxing hiking day today with very little elevation gain as a celebratory victory walk after conquering mighty Ben Nevis. The famous Great Glen Way starts near our accommodation in Fort William and follows the banks of the Caledonian Canal to the tiny settlement of Gairlochy. From here, we will follow a charming country lane to the nearby Commando Memorial which offers amazing views across the Ben Nevis mountain range before finishing in Spean Bridge. Here, we will jump on a local train for the short ride back to Fort William.

Included Activities:
-Fort William - Great Glen Way Guided Hike via Caledonian Canal to Gairlochy
-Fort William - Commando Memorial Visit

After breakfast, we will head out for our final hike with great views across Ben Nevis and the surrounding area. Starting directly from our accommodation, we will hike into Glen Nevis and then head uphill to reach the summit of Cow Hill. It’s a steep climb but we will be rewarded with fantastic views of Glen Nevis and the many peaks which surround it, as well as across Fort William to Loch Linnhe and beyond. It’s a memorable place to finish the trip and look back on a wonderful week of Scotland walks. A short steep descent completes the circuit and takes us back into Fort William by 1pm, giving you time to catch a bus to Inverness or a train south to Glasgow.

Included Activities:
-Fort William - Cow Hill Guided Hike
-Fort William - Glen Nevis Guided Hike