West Highland Way Adventure

The journey takes you to many breath-taking places; along the shores of Loch Lomond, through Glen Falloch, crossing Rannoch Moor to the foot of the mighty Buachaille Etive Mor before ascending the Devils Staircase in Glencoe over to Loch Leven and finishing in the heart of Fort William. Along its way you are steeped in the history and culture of Scotland and its people, giving you a truly diverse Scottish adventure experience the best way possible.

This classic journey begins just outside Glasgow and takes you 103 miles from lowland moors to high mountains and flowing streams through expansive inland and sea lochs. The journey finishes under the shadow of Ben Nevis at Fort William.

Important Information

The Journey takes your across some of the most iconic landscapes in Scotland. Each day you will be surrounded by nature, the mountains and Scotland in all its glory.  We combine the adventure trip with hostel accommodation and camping so you will experience the best of both worlds; the comfort and the wilderness!

Grade and Experience

The Guided West Highland Way Adventure Trip is fairly challenging for moderately fit adults. It follows good tracks, with canoeing and sea kayaking on fairly open inland & coastal waters. In bad weather the mode of travel may have to be changed for the safety & well being of the group. We can help you prepare and get the most from your adventure holiday – we can offer 1 or 2 day paddling skill days prior to your start day.

Day 1 – Milngavie, Glasgow – Rowardennan  

From the streets of Milngavie just outside Glasgow we start our journey on foot. We soon leave the noise of the town behind and enter Mugdock Country park, a sensitive wildlife area with an abundance of birds & trees. We start weaving our way through the Khyber pass to the Glengoyne distillery for a wee dram of this fine malt. Onwards we travel towards Loch Lomond and the picturesque village of Balmaha for refreshments. The final stretch towards Rowardennan passes lovely wooded coves and sandy beaches. Tonight we will stay in Rowerdennan Youth Hostel on the shores of the loch or stay at the nearby hotel. The Rowardennan Inn serves up delicious, well deserved food and drink.

Day 2 – Rowardennan – Inverarnan

Loch Lomond, the largest loch in the UK lies on the Highland boundary fault line and has some impressive scenery along its shores and the most southerly Munro – Ben Lomond, which we will be sea kayaking past to Inverarnan. We also pass the famous Rob Roy’s prison and his cave where he hid for many years after being outlawed during his cattle rustling years. Accommodation by hostel close by to where we will dine for the evening; the nearby Drovers Inn with its rustic charm, fine food, whisky and ales.

Day 3 – Inverarnan – Tyndrum

From Benglas we will take to the route on foot for the first time, meandering up past the beautiful river Falloch and the impressive Falls of Falloch. On and up we go towards Crianlarich where we have lunch while taking in the magnificent views of Ben More and Stob Binnein, which dominate the landscape. Back on the trail we contour the hillside above Strathfillan to Auchtertyre farm. Soon we reach the site of the battle of Dal Righ (King’s Field) where Robert the Bruce fought in 1306. Before reaching the village of Tyndrum, we walk through beautiful native woodlands by the River Cononish with stunning views of Ben Lui to the West.

Day 4 – Tyndrum – Glencoe Kingshouse

Leaving the town of Tyndrum behind us on foot, at first a steady climb soon rewarded by a long downhill of some 4 miles to Bridge of Orchy Hotel where once again we can stop for lunch and refreshment if desired! On our way again past the beautiful Loch Tulla with fine views of the Blackmount range opening up before us. Here we will tackle the cobbles of General Wades military road all the way to The Kingshouse Hotel with its history steeped in tales of battles and mountaineering. Here we will spend the night in a bunkhouse under the magnificent mountain of Buachaille Etive Mor.

Day 5 – Kingshouse – Glencoe Village

Still in amazement at the sheer bulk and ridge lines of the Buachaille Etive Mor, it’s not a bad start to the day at all. On foot along to the notorious Devil’s Staircase, which will be taken at a steady pace, as there are fine views in every direction. At the top take a wee rest before the long descent into Kinlochleven, a spectacular little town that could fool you into thinking that you are anywhere but Scotland! Here we will have a chance for refreshments before getting into sea kayaks and paddling westwards down Loch Leven to the small village of Glen Coe. Here we may spot otters or even golden eagles. Tonight we will make camp at Glencoe village.

Day 6 – Glencoe Village – Fort William

From Glen Coe village we continue sea kayaking the final stretch of Loch Leven. An early start may be required to travel with the tides. The views back to Glencoe are simply stunning and as we pass through the Leven narrows into open seas, views of Ardgour and Mull open up. Onwards through the flowing Corran narrows, hopefully with the tide in our favour, we head up Loch Linnhe towards Fort William. Here the journey end is almost in sight and soon you will be taking in views of Ben Nevis. The journey’s official end is only 200 meters from our get out so a final short walk to the finish line and a well deserved pint at The Grog & Gruel – a traditional Ale House and a fitting end to a magnificent journey!

Additional Trip Info!

Journeying Total Distance – 103 Miles

Depart; Meeting in Glasgow at 10am on departure day. Or stay with us at Craigower Lodge in Newtonmore.

Finishing Day; After the Guided West Highland Way Adventure Trip, we will drop you off at the bus,train or near to your accommodation in Inverness around 3pm

• – Camping equipment is included
• – Kayaks including all equipment
• – Highly experienced & qualified guide/s for the whole trip
• – Cost excluding food.
• – There will be a food kitty* of approx £10 per person per day.

*The food kitty allows for communal food to be purchased; cereal, milk, bread, tea etc for the group for the duration of the trip. This is a great way to ensure you have food provisions as there is not always access to convenience shops for fresh produce. By their very nature journeys in remote or mountainous country can be affected by weather and other environmental factors. Your guide/s may have to alter the itinerary to ensure group safety.