Hiking the West Highland Way
Listed by National Geographic as one of the top 10 best trails in the world and arguably Scotland’s favorite Trail, the West Highland Way (Slighe na Gaidhealtachd an Iar) explores the finest highland scenery.
It runs officially for 96 miles from Milngavie, just outside Glasgow, across Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis. Well-maintained and regularly improved, the route follows ancient drovers’ roads, old coaching routes and old military roads built to help in the control of Jacobite clansmen in the 18th century. Hiking the West Highland Way is like taking a walk through Scottish History, endowed with scenes of massacre, betrayal, lawlessness and military action.
The beauty of the Way derives from the many changes in its character as it progresses through different geological zones: from the pastures of Lowland Scotland to the Highlands; from the shores of lovely Loch Lomond and through great glens, to the wilderness of Rannoch Moor surrounded by the breathtaking mountains of Glen Coe with their unpronounceable Gaelic names; past the sea loch of remote Kinlochleven and through the Lairig Mor to Fort William.
For the best experience of Scottish hospitality, we have selected some spectacular accommodations, just next to or directly on the West Highland Way, so there is no need for taxi transfers at the start or the end of the day and no wasted time.
The West Highland Way is not a route for rushing and you will find it immensely pleasurable if you don’t overstretch yourself. This trip is designed for the fit, healthy and experienced hikers accustomed to long days on the hills. It involves hikes over long distances in remote countryside and rough terrain. Underfoot conditions can be boggy, rocky and pathless in places. Long ascents and descents require a good level of fitness. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the relevant stamina required to join this vacation. A sustained effort is required to complete this trail and provision cannot be made for anyone who opts out. The hiking day varies from 4 to 8 hours and it is important for your enjoyment and that of others that you can maintain the pace.
What's Included:
All lodgings in shared twin/double occupancy rooms with en suite bath (single supplements available)
On-trip transportation: Train from Glasgow to Milngavie, return ferry to Inchcailleach Island
Luggage transfer everyday
All breakfasts and dinners
Welcome drinks
Gratuities for local service providers
All guided hikes with the services of two leaders
4 pre - trip bulletins prior to departure with more detailed and specific information to help you prepare for your adventure
What's Not Included:
RT air and in-country travel, pre- and post- trip
Lunches, beverages with meals
Entrance fees to any museum or house
Tips for trip leader at your discretion
Other expenses including Covid-19 tests, quarantine and medical evacuations
We recommend purchasing travel insurance.
11 day trip
Based on double occupancy of rooms. Same gender roommate will be assigned to participants traveling solo. Single supplements are limited. Your non-refundable deposit will hold your reservation. Either pay on line (credit/ debit cards accepted) using our secure PayPal payment system or write a check, payable to “Big Round World”, and mail it to: PO Box 1337, Lyons, CO 80540.