Self-Guided West Highland Way and Ben Nevis Walking Tour
Spend 10 mesmerizing days walking the magical West Highland Way
Self-Guided
Self-Guided West Highland Way and Ben Nevis Walking Tour Overview
This self-guided West Highland Way walking tour goes through of Scotland’s best scenery. And a wonderful addition to the itinerary is the ability to summit Ben Nevis on the last day of the West Highland Way. Ben Nevis is a classic hikers summit, and is easily accessed from the final stop on the West Highland Way in Fort William.
Walking the West Highland Way takes you through staggering mountains and hills cascading in stark green, encountering a collection of lochs peeking out through the sprawling scenery every so often. This 10-day Self-guided West Highland Walking Tour is a 151 km footpath in Scotland that connects the Central Lowlands with the Highlands. Walking the West Highland Way will also have you twisting by moors, through mildly sloped indents (Scottish term: glens), and other natural elements that eerily mirror the ideal set for any fantasy movie that involves a pilgrimage.
Expect to meander through, by, and across several noteworthy highlights on your self-guided West Highland Way, including the Devil’s Staircase and the largest loch in Scotland: Loch Lomond. Once you reach Fort William, you will put a stamp on your trek by climbing Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the U.K!
The thought of embarking on a self-guided tour through Scotland’s ever-so-famous Highlands may sound daunting, but, although it’s remote, it’s well travelled and contains a lot of directional markings.
West Highland Way
Scotland's West Highland Way is one of the great walks in the UK. Considered a classic, the West Highland Way starts near Glasgow and walks all the way to Fort William, ending near the base of Ben Nevis. Walkers love the freedom of walking the West Highland Way on a self-guided tour, as they have all their accommodations booked, their luggage transferred every day, which means they only need to carry their daypacks, included breakfasts, a guidebook showing them the route, and an emergency number for any help required from a team based in Scotland. All walkers need to bring is a sense of wonder, a camera, and a desire to explore this stunning long-distance trail in Scotland.
Ben Nevis
King of all Scottish mountains, Ben Nevis stands at an elevation of 1345m (4412ft) above sea level, making it the highest peak in the UK. Climbing Ben Nevis is a bucket list activity for hikers with an adventurous spirit, and although you don’t need to be an experienced mountaineer, it’s a tough challenge that shouldn’t be taken lightly. However, all the effort is made worthwhile by the incredible views you’ll have along the way and at the summit – you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. This is a great final day to celebrate completing the West Highland Way walking tour.
The Devil’s Staircase
The infamous Devil’s Staircase is a highlight of the West Highland Way, a steep, zigzagging path that takes walkers up the spectacular ridge of Aonach Eagach. Offering fabulous views over Glencoe, the imposing path looks trickier than it actually is, and walkers usually get a real thrill when they finally reach the top, with a remarkable vista, including Ben Nevis, from the pass.
Trip highlights
Discover Loch Lomond while walking the West Highland Way. Loch Lomond offers spectacular views from afar and up close.
Once you've reached the finish line of West Highland Way you have the option of climbing Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles.
Zigzag to the top of Devil’s Staircase, where a rewarding view of the iconic Buachaille Etive Mor awaits.
Enjoy stunning Highland views and charming Scottish towns on this self-guided West Highland Way tour.
Day By Day Itinerary
Arrive in Milngavie, a suburb in Glasgow, check into your hotel and spend the night preparing for the magical 151 km trek ahead.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Milngavie
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Your bags will get picked up at 8 am today. Enjoy a delicious breakfast before starting your self-guided West Highland Way with a 19 km walk from Milngavie to Drymen. Relax knowing that today’s expedition has you following a rather flat path. Let the small lochs and rivers peppering this trail act as a preview for the spectacle awaiting you past Drymen.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Drymen
- Distance:
- 19 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Get ready to encounter an extravaganza of jaw-dropping scenery on the West Highland Way. Wander through forested groves and moorland before walking up Conic Hill. Admire Loch Lomond glistening below before reaching Balmaha. Spend the rest of the trek walking along the shores of Loch Lomond. g. Recharge in Rowardennan overnight.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Rowardennan
- Distance:
- 22 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Today’s trek along West Highland Way poses as the most difficult, so be sure to consume a hearty breakfast before lacing up your shoes. Let the view of Loch Lomond—visible throughout most of today’s journey—inspire you to continue trekking. Cross through some stunning pockets of woodland en route. Expect to meander over a lot of rugged areas. Spend the night relaxing at your hotel in Inverarnan.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Inverarnan
- Distance:
- 22 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Say goodbye to views of Loch Lomond and enter a magical world that boosts of fantasy-like elements and out-of-this-world scenery. After enjoying breakfast, tie up your laces and prepare for a stunning journey ahead, one that will have you twisting through glens and towering mountainous views. Follow River Falloch and snag a peek of the Falls of Falloch. Connect with River Fillan before stumbling upon St Fillan’s Priory, where ruins lay. Then, River Cononish will lead you to Tyndrum. Check into your hotel and relax.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Tyndrum
- Distance:
- 20 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
The trek from Tyndrum to Kingshouse marks the longest day in the West Highland and Ben Nevis Tour, but it also takes you to the start of the Highlands. Expect to experience an array of terrain—military road, glens—en route to the Bridge of Orchy before the woods swallow you and guide you to a steep climb, which leads to a lovely viewpoint. After a short descent unveils the Inveroran Hotel, continue your walk along Rannoch Moor and marvel at Scotland’s most renowned mountain: Buachaille Etive Mor. Reflect on your long but rewarding day at your hotel in Kingshouse.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Kingshouse
- Distance:
- 30.5 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Munch on breakfast before embarking on the shortest trek thus far! The journey may be shorter today, but it will have you twisting to the top of the Devil’s Staircase (550m of elevation), where you can soak in the highest point of the West Highlands Way. Bask in the satisfying view of the Buachaille Etive Mor and the Mamores mountain range. Walk through moorland until you reach Kinlochleven. Check into your hotel and rest.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Kinlochleven
- Distance:
- 15 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Head out for your last day on West Highland Way. Start the expedition with a steep climb before the terrain levels out and takes you across the glen, woodland, and forested spots. Notice the views of Loch Leven and the largest summit in the U.K: Ben Nevis. Feel free to go on a slight detour just before Fort William for a chance to check out the ruins of a fort in Glen Nevis. Celebrate your feat in the evening in Fort William.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Fort William
- Distance:
- 22.5 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Spend some time mulling over your options for the day: check out the Ben Nevis Distillery, walk the Great Glen Way to Gailrochy, visit the U.K’s most remote railway station, meander Loch Ossian, enjoy a ride aboard the Jacobite steam train, or you can hike up Ben Nevis, where an abandoned observatory and unparalleled views of the mountains blanketing the valley equate to a rewarding experience. There are a variety of routes, including the Mountain Track, which is the most ideal route for beginners (or tired trekkers). Keep in mind that the summit is 1,344m above sea level.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Fort William
- Distance:
- 17 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Reflect on your wonderful journey on the West Highland Way. Most guests return via train to Glasgow or Edinburgh.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 9 breakfasts are included.
- Accommodations for 9 nights along the tour are included.
- Transport for your luggage is included from the second day of the tour to baggage drop-off in Fort William on day 8. You must make a way to the start of the trail yourself.
- Detailed route guide
- Climb to Ben Nevis
- Taxes
Not included
- All meals except Breakfast
- Guide services
- Insurance
- Transport
- Personal expenses
- Anything not stated as ‘included’
Optional Extras
- Train ticket to/from Glasgow or Edinburgh
- Extra night before or after the tour
- Alternatives to Ben Nevis climb on day 9:
- Walk the Great Glen Way to Gairloch
- Visit the Ben Nevis Distillery
- Visit to Corrour and walk around Loch Ossian
- Jacobite Train to Mallaig
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5 due to the one very long day. You will be walking around 22 km daily, with one very long day of 30.5 km walk.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. You don’t need to carry lots of things with you and can only carry your daypack, as your luggage will be picked up from your hotel daily in the morning and delivered to your destination hotel.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
9 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
There are many options to reach Milngavie from Glasgow, starting by regular trains, busses, and taxi.
This tour is self-guided, but all the information that you will receive about this tour will be in English.
Tour ends in Fort Williams.
No worries! There are several alternatives how you can spend your last day in Fort Williams:
- Walk the Great Glen Way to Gairloch
- Visit the Ben Nevis Distillery
- Visit to Corrour and walk around Loch Ossian
- Jacobite Train to Mallaig
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Why book Self-Guided West Highland Way and Ben Nevis Walking Tour with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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