West Highland Way – Scotland

May to September
* Several itineraries available *

The Scottish Highlands on foot

Like its whisky, Scotland is a connoisseur’s delight, a bewitching blend of breathtaking scenery and urban sophistication. This Celtic nation has a rich history deeply marked by the clan wars, many vestiges of which can still be seen today.

It’s a country that not only boasts a varied and important architectural heritage, but also a rich artistic and cultural scene.
It’s also a country of grandiose landscapes, overwhelmed by the immensity and beauty of its natural environment.

West Highland Way

This 8-day, 154 km hike is on the West Highland Way, described as the finest long-distance footpath in Scotland, and takes in spectacular scenery. High mountains, calm lakes and tumultuous rivers combine to give us a unique spectacle of nature. Along the way we visit places like Mugdock Country Park, Dumgoyne Distillery, Loch Lomond, Trossachs National Park and many more.

We’ll stay in typical Scottish inns and sample local delicacies.
Our final destination is Fort William, where we meet Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles. From Fort William, we travel by train to Edinburgh, recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful and interesting cities to visit. It’s packed with iconic landmarks, world-renowned festivals and exciting activities.

Reading recommendation

Historical novel by Susan Fletcher,

A PYRE UNDER THE SNOW

The story takes place in 17th-century Scotland, mainly in the Highlands. King William of Orange holds power, much to the despair of the Jacobites, who accuse him of usurpation and wish to see James, heir to the Stuart throne. It is in this politico-religious turmoil that the massacre at Glencoe, home of the Macdonald clan, takes place, witnessed by Corrag. Reading this novel will give you a taste of the natural beauty of the Highlands. Available at the Gatineau Library.

See a 4 min video on the WHW:

Your guides and companions for this adventure

This trip is available with or without a guide. Our local agency will take care of all the details.

Suggested itinerary

Start at the outskirts of Glasgow and travel along the ‘bonnie banks’ of Loch Lomond through wonderful woodlands. As you approach Glencoe, the great expanse of Rannoch Moor awaits with its desolate otherworldly beauty. Continue over the summit of the Devil’s Staircase to Loch Leven and finally Fort William, nestled in the shadow of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

The West Highland Way is extensively signposted with well-maintained paths and drovers’ roads. You will pass through quaint villages and remote countryside, stopping in traditional pubs and inns for refreshments along the way. Enjoy the spirit of camaraderie that form between walkers on this iconic long-distance route as you immerse yourself in the magnificent landscapes.

This itinerary is a suggested route to take advantage of the West Highland Way. The itinerary can be adapted to your needs. We can adjust the duration from 4 to 9 days. Additional nights can be added, for example in Kinghouse and Fort William. From Fort William it’s possible to climb Ben Nevis (3-5 hours for the ascent and 2-3 hours for the descent), the highest mountain in the UK.

As long as you’re in Scotland, it’s well worth taking the time to visit Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Regular itinerary

Day 1: Milngavie – Drymen (6h/19km)

Leave Milngavie and head for the countryside and the picturesque village of Drymen. Enjoy easy walking through rolling farmland and visit Glengoyne Whisky Distillery along the way for a dram of single malt.
Ascent: +100m, -100m

Day 2: Drymen – Rowardennan (6h/24km)

The West Highland Way heads through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, and a climb over Conic Hill to the loch-side village of Balmaha provides wonderful views over Loch. Then it’s a walk up the eastern shores of Loch Lomond to Rowardennan.
Ascent: +300m, -300m

Day 3: Rowardennan – Inverarnan (6h/22km)

Continuing along the banks of Loch Lomond. The track rises and falls giving tremendous views of the surrounding water and hills. Enter Glen Falloch and continue on to the small settlement of Inverarnan where you will find the legendary Drovers Inn.
Ascent: +250m, – 250m

Day 4: Inverarnan – Tyndrum (6h/20km)

The route continues up Glen Falloch along old military roads as the great peaks around Crianlarich come into view. You will enjoy some superb views of Ben More, before descending into the Highland village of Tyndrum.
Difference in altitude: +300m, -250m

Day 5: Tyndrum – Inveroran (5h/16km)

Valley to Bridge of Orchy. Then a fairly demanding climb, but with some of the best views around.
Ascent: +350m, -300m

Day 6: Inveroran – Kingshouse (5h/16km)

A day in the Rannoch Moor region, a mountainous area with panoramic views of isolated wilderness. Ascent: +400m, -400m

Day 7: Kingshouse – Kinlochieven (5h/14km)

From Kingshouse the route follows old military roads to the Devil’s Staircase. A climb to the top of this high mountain pass will provide stunning views of the mountains of Glencoe. Then descend into the small village of Kinlochleven, sitting at the head of Loch Leven.
Ascent: +450m, -500m

Day 8: Kinlochieven – Fort William (6h/23km)

On the final leg of your West Highland Way walk, you will continue along an old military road through the hills, before descending into Glen Nevis for your first sight of impressive Ben Nevis – Britain’s highest mountain. Your walk will follow the River Ness for the final couple of miles, before ending in the centre of the bustling Highland town of Fort William.
Ascent: +200m – 200m

Price

*** Contact jean@inspirationsvoyage.com or 819-771-6271 for further information

INCLUDES:

– All ground transfers
– Luggage transport
– Accommodation in lodges and hotels along the route
– 24hr access for emergencies
– All breakfasts
– All taxes

NOT INCLUDED:
– International flights
– Lunches and dinners
– Personal equipment (backpacks, walking sticks, etc.)
– Insurance, vaccinations
– Extraordinary expenses, such as medical evacuation or trip extension
– Tips

Comments from a Quebec hiker

Here’s what another of our customers had to say after hiking the West Highland Way:

The people, farmers and innkeepers, VERY warm and welcoming
The baggage transport service is impeccable, as are all the services, which are very reliable.
A very safe and well-marked route, with many sublime views of Scotland, including Loch Lomond, a large and beautiful lake bordered by immense valleys.
Absolutely magnificent landscapes, greener than life!
The climate is cool and sometimes quite hot (in July…), so there’s something for everyone!
You don’t need much specialized equipment, just a good pair of boots, a daypack, a good Gortex rain jacket and a small amount of technical clothing.
You can wash your clothes a few times during the trip.
Great local beers and it’s Scotch-Whisky country!
So we combine pleasure with enjoyment!
The food in the restaurants is quite varied, and the fish is delicious.
In particular, they have over a hundred varieties of “Artic Char” (lake char…).