West Highland Way in Comfort

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~~$1784~~

$1695

West Highland Way in Comfort

9 Days Starting in 55.941761,-4.311290 and ending in 56.818802,-5.109660

Visiting: United Kingdom

Tour operator:

The Natural Adventure

Tour code:

746

Group size:

1 - 10

Physical rating:

Fit

Tour operated in:

English

From:

$1784

$1695 (USD) The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$89

Tour Overview

Walk the iconic and varied West Highland Way in comfort, with the help of a few quick transfers to help you along the 154km long-distance walking trail between Milgavie, just north of Glasgow up to Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe, with Ben Nevis waiting to greet you on the final stretch. On this nine day holiday, with on average 16km of walking per day, you stay in stylish guesthouses and small hotels, all with the usual Scottish flair. Experience the wilds of the Highlands, including Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, the wilds of Rannoch Moor and the Glencoe peaks

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Glasgow
Arrive in Glasgow and spend an overnight here.

Accommodation: Hotel Indigo or similar

Day 2: Glasgow to Balmaha 12km
After breakfast, you are transferred to Glengoyne Distillery for a tour and tasting session. You are then transferred to Drymen to begin your walk on the West Highland Way, taking in views over Loch Lomond from the top of Conic Hill before descending into Balmaha for your evening stay.

Walking for the day: 12km, 4h, highest point: 390m
Accommodation: The Oak Tree Inn or similar

Day 3: Balmaha to Rowardennan 11.6km
Your walk today takes you along the east side of Loch Lomond, clinging to the water’s edge along much of the way. This is a lovely, low level and relaxed stage as it meanders past pebbly beaches and giving you plenty of time to take in the surrounding scenery and wildlife.

Walking for the day: 11.6km, 7h, highest point: 120m
Accommodation: Rowardennan Hotel or similar

Day 4: Rowardennan to Inverarnan 22km
From Rowardennan, the path heads into thick woodland. There are two options here: the easier being the wide forest track which follows the contours up and down the hill; or the more time consuming, narrow path which skirts over rocks and exposed tree roots along the banks of the loch. The rocky and uneven path continues along the loch, hugging the water’s edge amidst ancient oak forest. The loch becomes noticeably narrower as the path approaches Inverarnan.

Walking for the day: 22km, 6-7h, highest point: 131m
Accommodation: The Drovers Inn & Lodge or similar

Day 5: Inverarnan to Tyndrum 19km
Soon after leaving Inverarnan, the path runs alongside the picturesque, fast-flowing River Falloch before a long stretch on an old military road. The route here closely follows the West Highland Line railway and eventually passes underneath the tracks as the path nears a coniferous forest. The route continues through the forest along a winding, undulating path, eventually crossing the road and River Fillin. Views of the surrounding mountains are wonderful. A well-maintained path follows the River Cononish before reaching Tyndrum.

Walking for the day: 19km, 5-6h, highest point: 335m
Accommodation: Tigh Na Fraoch B&B or similar

Day 6: Tyndrum to Kingshouse 20km or 31km
From Tyndrum, you take the iconic West Highland Line train journey to Bridge of Orchy (approx 15mins) before beginning your walk to Kingshouse. The path climbs out of Bridge of Orchy through a coniferous forest, opening out to lovely views to Loch Tulla. The path then takes you past the Inveroran Hotel, before the long stretch across the edge of the wild and eerily remote Rannoch Moor, passing Glencoe Ski Centre and into Glencoe Mountains.

Walking for the day: 20.6km, 4-5h, highest point: 330m
Accommodation: Kingshouse Hotel or similar

Day 7: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven 14.5km
This stage of the West Highland Way includes the infamous Devil’s Staircase, the steepest climb of the route, reaching the highest point of the entire journey (made easier by the zig-zag path up the hill). The views from the top are spectacular. The track away from the staircase towards Kinlochleven signals an escape from the Glencoe Mountains and offers a long descent along excellent tracks all the way into the town.

Walking for the day: 14.5km 4h 30mins -5h 30mins, highest point: 550m
Accommodation: Tigh Na Cheo Guesthouse or similar

Day 8: Kinlochleven to Fort William 25km
The climb out of Kinlochleven is a steep ascent through a small forest. The view from the top is worth it, over Loch Leven and the village. The old military road then passes through a wide valley on the edge of Mamore mountain range, known as Lairigmor, before turning towards Glen Nevis through forested areas. The path gradually descends to Fort William, with a final stretch along the road into Fort William centre.

Walking for the day: 25km 6-7h, highest point: 330m
Accommodation: Guisachan House B&B or similar

Day 9: Departure
Departure by bus or train to Glasgow (3-4h) or Edinburgh. Additional nights at the end of the walk can be arranged to explore the Highlands at your leisure, including trekking up Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

Check out our Q&As

What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.

Can I join the tour once it has departed?

Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
How long has the tour company been trading?

The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t

Reviews of this Operator

Kicki Neely

Walking Fishermens trail in western…

19-Sep-2022

Walking Fishermens trail in western Portugal will be a memory for life. We loved every minute of our week. All arrangements worked perfectly, from accommodation to luggage transport to questions we had before setting off. Our local agent met with us before we started the walk and we felt very reassured by his local knowledge and support. All accommodation was different, local, clean, friendly and easy to find. Very good value for money. I can really recommend Natural Adventure company and we will be back for more adventures. Many thanks Kicki Neely and friends

Marian Wilkins (Google Reviewer)

A friend and I did...

25-Jan-2024

A friend and I did the Alps to the Riviera walk in France at the end of 2021 and it was the best holiday experience either of us has ever had. It’s an amazing way of immersing oneself in the countryside and getting the full flavour of the country away from the tourist attractions. The Natural Adventure Company made perfect arrangements for us, gave us clear directions and was just a call away, to sort out any issues. The walk gave us incredible memories that will enrich us for a lifetime. I am in the process of booking my next wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to get started!

Cynthia Shinn (Google Reviewer)

I have been working with...

26-Feb-2024

I have been working with The Natural Adventure for a few years now and it's been a flawless experience. I have now booked 4 different trips (4th to happen in April 2023). Accomodations have been great and local operators (bikes, hiking guides and boats) have all been great. The rates are very fair and trip selections are great. Hoping to see some boat bike options in Greece and Turkey!

Ellen Taylor-Powell

Great communications, customized trip

20-Aug-2022

This is our first time using Natural Adventure to plan a hiking trip in Europe. I wanted an 8-day hike to start on a certain date to explore a northern region of Portugal. They were so accommodating - customized our trip to meet our needs with responsive communications and full itinerary; everything has been taken care of. We look forward to the trip!!

Linda Giovine (Google Reviewer)

We hiked the Kerry Way...

02-Jun-2022

We hiked the Kerry Way with Natural Adventure and it was terrific. Outstanding views and good Irish weather. Some days were longer than expected due to placement of Bed and Breakfasts. Hosts were warm and helpful even dried our gear and shared local secrets. Irish hospitality in high gear.

Tim Fuhs (Google Reviewer)

My wife and I booked...

14-Sep-2023

My wife and I booked the Lechweg short break hike with the natural adventure company this Fall and we’re very happy with our experience. I noticed one of the reviews questioning what they (natural adventure co) provide. That’s a fair question and from my perspective as a USA citizen, they provided a very important liaison/conduit role into the EU that would be prohibitive or downright impossible for a non EU citizen hiking/biking in Europe. In addition, I have found that in dealing directly with a few European companies directly, information does not always flow as smoothly as we like. The natural adventure company’s communication style fit our liking perfectly in that we receive a fast and thorough response with every question. They are prompt and helpful. They did subcontract with another company for boots on the ground support but the hotel reservations and itinerary were in house. We would definitely use the natural adventure company again no question.

Beverley Young

Highly Recommended

03-Aug-2022

All the way through from booking, correspondence afterwards and now a wonderful holiday. The Natural Adventure have been helpful and have provided a brilliant holiday. The hikes each day are cracking, maps & routes are detailed and easy to follow. The hotels are great too. Completely love our holiday! Would definitely use The Natural Adventure again and recommend.

Jeroen van kesteren

This was our first ever cycle holiday…

17-Nov-2022

This was our first ever cycle holiday so expectations where high. And Natural Adventure delivered with a vengeance. Everything was so well organised and friendly. Our contact at HQ Dalila was friendly, concerned and lightning fast in her responses. The trip itself was well designed to show you a lot in a short timespan but dayly distances where very doable leaving lots of time to divert or spent in the lovely overnight towns. The hotels ranged from cosy and homey to lavish and extravagant which was a real nice surprise at every end of the day. We will defintely be back for more! TNX SO MUCH GUYS!

Nigel Homer (Google Reviewer)

Just finished our around Zugspitze...

20-Jun-2022

Just finished our around Zugspitze walk. The walking was not too strenuous through an amazing landscape. Hotels were of a good standard and food generally excellent. I would definitely recommend to anyone who was reasonable fit.

Lorraine McHugh (Google Reviewer)

We had a wonderful cycling...

12-Jan-2024

We had a wonderful cycling trip through Puglia. The scenery was so beautiful. The accommodations we had were ideal! Luggage transfer was always prompt and a small adjustment was made to my bike, upon request, midway through the trip. The bike technician was extremely helpful. Highly recommend this trip and this company!

Dates & Availability

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Thursday - Friday

May 09, 2024 - May 17, 2024

~~$1784~~ $1695 (USD)