Self-guided West Highland Way Walking Tour

The West Highland Way is one of the premier walks in the whole of the UK. This self-guided walking tour along the West Highland Way allows you to walk through some of Scotland’s best scenery.

Walk amid staggering mountains and hills cascading in stark green, punctuated by tranquil lochs that are scattered across the magnificent scenery along this self-guided West Highland walking tour. The West Highland Way is the longest footpath in Scotland, stretching for 94 miles (151km), and connects the Central Lowlands with the Highlands. As you walk, you’ll traverse heather-strewn moors, pass through gently sloping glens (the Scottish term for a narrow valley), and climb on to imposing rocky ridges. Enter a magical world of resplendent nature that wouldn’t look out of place in a fantasy film.

On the self-guided West Highland Way walking tour, you can expect to see some of Scotland’s most famous highlights, including the Devil’s Staircase and the largest lake in Scotland: Loch Lomond. Once you reach Fort William, top off your trek by climbing Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK!

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 the route is well-signed. There’s no better introduction to the majesty of the Scottish wilderness!

Loch Lomond

Scotland’s largest lake, Loch Lomond is often regarded as the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Stretching for 23 miles (37km) and dotted with 22 islands, Loch Lomond is incredibly picturesque, set in some of Scotland’s finest scenery. With forested hills rising up from the water, craggy peaks tracing the horizon, and an abundance of wildlife in and around the lake, it’s easy to understand why Loch Lomond is such a popular destination.

The lake sits at the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Scotland’s oldest national park and a haven for birds and other wildlife. There are plenty of outdoor activities on offer here, from sailing, canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding out on the lake, to hiking, cycling, rock climbing and trail running in the hills. Loch Lomond is surrounded by some of the most iconic mountains in the Trossachs, including the beautiful Ben Lomond. The peaks here may not be the highest in Scotland, but they are incredibly beautiful, and offer a wonderful way to experience the majesty and splendor of the Highlands.

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.

The origin of the name ‘Ben Nevis’ is somewhat disputed – it’s commonly thought to mean ‘venomous mountain’, but others believe it may signify something like ‘mountain with its head in the clouds’. Both names are entirely appropriate – this epic mountain has a dark side, casting a long shadow over the surrounding peaks and valleys. On the other hand, the thrill you’ll experience when you reach the summit is a pure delight, with magnificent views and a real sense of achievement at having conquered the highest peak in the UK.

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.

The path gets its name from the 18th century soldiers who used the path to carry supplies as part of a major road-building program. The twisting, steep route was so challenging that they joked that it could only have been made by the devil. Indeed, over the 19th and 20th centuries, the Devil’s Staircase would occasionally claim a life, as workers at the Blackwater Dam returned from a late night at the local pub and slipped on the treacherous rocks. Today, it’s a much-loved piece of local history and one of the most popular sections of the West Highland Way.