You will have the option to stay in Glasgow or Edinburgh on your first night. Please see the hotels listed below to help you decide which city suits your preferences.

• Glasgow: Known for its vibrant arts scene, music venues, and friendly locals, Glasgow offers a more modern, bustling urban experience with a touch of industrial charm. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy lively nightlife and a more contemporary cultural vibe.

• Edinburgh: Scotland’s capital is steeped in history, with its iconic castle, cobbled streets, and stunning Georgian and medieval architecture. It’s ideal for visitors seeking a traditional Scottish atmosphere and a slower pace.

A representative from One Life Hike It will warmly welcome you upon your arrival, ensuring you’re settled comfortably into your chosen city. Both cities are fantastic starting points for your journey, each offering a unique glimpse into Scotland’s rich culture.

After a restful night in either Edinburgh or Glasgow, a representative from One Life Hike It will pick you up from your hotel. You'll be transported to Drymen, the official starting point of your walking adventure. The journey is approximately a 45-minute drive from Glasgow and 1 hour 30 minutes from Edinburgh, giving you a chance to take in the changing landscapes as you leave the city behind. The scenery transforms into the rolling hills and woodlands of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, setting the stage for your first day of hiking.

This section of the West Highland Way offers a stunning introduction to Scotland’s natural beauty. The trail begins with a gentle ascent, winding through lush forestry and open landscapes. A highlight of the day is Conic Hill, a landmark that marks the natural divide between Scotland’s Lowlands and Highlands. From its summit, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Loch Lomond and its scattered islands below—a perfect spot to pause and soak in the dramatic scenery.

The descent leads you to the picturesque village of Balmaha, nestled on the shores of the loch. Here, you can explore the charming village, take a stroll along the waterfront, or simply relax and reflect on the first leg of your journey.

At the end of the day, we will transport you to your first hotel: Cameron House, a luxurious 5-star retreat situated on the banks of Loch Lomond. Unwind in comfort and elegance, surrounded by breathtaking views and exceptional hospitality.

• Distance: 12 kilometers (7.5 miles)

• Elevation Gain: 345 m

• Elevation Loss: 385 m

Prepare for a day filled with awe-inspiring scenery and a memorable introduction to Scotland’s iconic landscapes!

This section of the West Highland Way is entirely optional, offering you the flexibility to adjust your holiday to your preferences. If you choose to skip this day, that’s no problem—you’ll move straight to Day 4. However, if you’d like to experience this beautiful stretch of the trail, we will transfer you back to Balmaha to begin your hike.

This stage of the journey follows the scenic eastern shore of Loch Lomond, offering breathtaking views of the loch and its surrounding woodlands. The trail is a mix of gentle paths and more rugged terrain, winding through dense forests and along quiet coves. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as this area is home to red deer, osprey, and other native species. The route also provides plenty of opportunities to pause and take in the serene beauty of the loch, with its glassy waters and dramatic mountain backdrop.

At the end of your hike, you’ll arrive in Rowardennan, a peaceful hamlet nestled at the foot of Ben Lomond. Here, a speedboat water taxi will be waiting to whisk you across Loch Lomond, providing a thrilling end to your day as you’re transported back to Cameron House for a second night of 5-star luxury.

• Distance: 12.4 kilometers (7.7 miles)

• Elevation Gain: 216 m

• Elevation Loss: 220 m

Whether you choose to take on this section or skip ahead, the day is designed to suit your preferences and provide the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

Your day begins with a touch of adventure as a speedboat water taxi collects you from Cameron House. Before dropping you at the starting point of your hike in Rowardennan, the boat will take you on a small tour of Loch Lomond, offering fascinating insights into the loch’s rich history and folklore. This exclusive experience sets the tone for another unforgettable day.

From Rowardennan, the trail continues north along the remote eastern shore of Loch Lomond. This section of the West Highland Way is renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty. You’ll pass through dense oak woodlands, walk alongside crystal-clear streams, and traverse a mix of rocky paths and open vistas. This is one of the more challenging parts of the trail, but the stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere make every step worthwhile.

The hike concludes at Inversnaid, a small hamlet famous for its picturesque waterfall and secluded charm. After completing this leg of the journey, you’ll be transported to Altskeith Country House, a delightful 4-star hotel located just 20 minutes away on the banks of Loch Ard, still within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Surrounded by rolling hills and serene waters, Altskeith provides a cozy and inviting retreat to relax and recharge for the next day’s adventures.

• Distance: 11.7 kilometers (7.2 miles)

• Elevation Gain: 233 m

• Elevation Loss: 226 m

• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Today combines a rich blend of history, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes, offering you a truly immersive experience in Scotland’s iconic wilderness.

Today, we will transport you back to Inversnaid to continue your hike along the West Highland Way. From here, you will embark on a spectacular journey through a rugged section of the trail, surrounded by towering mountains and dense woodlands. This part of the route is quieter, providing a more intimate experience with nature.

The path follows the eastern edge of Loch Lomond, offering dramatic views over the water and into the surrounding hills. The trail becomes a bit more challenging here, with a few rocky sections and some steep inclines, but the effort is well worth it for the stunning vistas and peaceful surroundings. You’ll pass through historic areas where drovers once led their cattle to markets, as well as spots that are rich in Scottish folklore.

As you make your way towards Inverarnan, you’ll reach the famous Drovers Inn, one of Scotland’s most iconic and historic inns. This charming and rustic pub has welcomed weary travelers for centuries and is deeply embedded in Scotland’s cultural heritage. The inn was once a stopping point for drovers—men who led cattle and sheep to markets across the country. The atmosphere inside is steeped in history, with the bar said to date back to the 1700s. You can enjoy a drink at the bar, surrounded by antique items, animal pelts, and old photographs, all showcasing the rich history of this legendary establishment.

At the end of your hike, we will transfer you to Hotel Bridge of Orchy, located just a 20-minute drive away from Inverarnan. Nestled in the remote village of Bridge of Orchy, the hotel is surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. The area is known for its rugged beauty, with the towering Ben Cruachan mountain nearby, and the surrounding glens and hills offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration.

The Hotel Bridge of Orchy offers a charming and welcoming atmosphere, with comfortable rooms and excellent dining. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind, enjoying local Scottish cuisine and the peaceful ambiance of this tranquil location.

• Distance: 11.2 kilometers (6.9 miles)

• Elevation Gain: 203 m

• Elevation Loss: 207 m

This day combines fascinating history, scenic beauty, and a visit to one of Scotland's most famous historic inns, capped off with a peaceful evening at Hotel Bridge of Orchy, a perfect place to relax and recharge.scription

Today’s hike takes you through one of the most iconic and scenic sections of the West Highland Way. Starting from Bridge of Orchy, the path leads you across wide, open moorlands, surrounded by towering peaks and rugged terrain. The route is famous for its breathtaking views of the Rannoch Moor, a vast, remote wilderness of bogs, heather, and lochs. This section has a truly wild and untouched feel to it, offering a sense of solitude and connection to nature.

As you approach Kingshouse, you’ll pass by the impressive Buachaille Etive Mòr, one of Scotland’s most photographed mountains. Its distinctive, pyramid-like shape dominates the landscape, making it a favorite for hikers and photographers alike. This section is known for its dramatic, wide-open vistas and the challenge of navigating the undulating terrain, making it one of the most rewarding and memorable stretches of the entire West Highland Way. The landscape here is as wild as it gets, offering a true taste of the Scottish Highlands at their most rugged and untouched.

At the end of your hike, we will pick you up at Kingshouse and transport you to Glencoe House, a luxurious 5-star hotel that will be your home for the next two nights. Situated in the heart of the Glencoe Valley, this hotel offers a peaceful and intimate setting surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Steeped in history, Glencoe is famously known for its dramatic landscapes and its role in the Glencoe Massacre of 1692, one of the most infamous events in Scottish history.

Glencoe House is an elegant and unique property, blending traditional Scottish charm with modern luxury. The spacious suites offer stunning views of the valley and the surrounding mountains, creating the perfect atmosphere to relax and unwind after your hike. With exceptional dining and personalized service, this 5-star hotel is the perfect place to reflect on your journey and enjoy the beauty of the Scottish Highlands in comfort and style.

• Distance: 19 kilometers (11.8 miles)

• Elevation Gain: 465 m

• Elevation Loss: 377 m

This day offers a combination of striking landscapes, historical significance, and an unforgettable finish with a stay at Glencoe House, making it one of the highlights of your West Highland Way adventure.

Today’s hike takes you through one of the most famous sections of the West Highland Way, from Kingshouse to Kinlochleven. This route is known for its rugged beauty and challenging terrain, and it includes the iconic Devil’s Staircase, one of the most well-known landmarks on the trail.

At the start of your hike, we will transfer you back to Kingshouse or, if preferred, further along the trail, depending on your pace. From there, the trail leads you through wild and dramatic landscapes, gradually ascending to the infamous Devil’s Staircase. This steep and demanding climb is a major highlight for many walkers, offering sweeping views over the Rannoch Moor and surrounding mountains. The ascent can be tough, but the reward at the top is worth the effort: a panoramic vista of the Glencoe Valley, Ben Nevis, and the Mamores mountain range.

The Devil’s Staircase has a fascinating history. It was originally built as part of a military road in the 18th century by the British Army during the Jacobite uprisings. The road was intended to help the army control the remote Highland regions, and the staircase was one of the more difficult sections of the road. Its name, "Devil’s Staircase," is said to stem from its grueling ascent, though some local legends suggest that the devil himself created the challenging climb as a test of endurance.

After conquering the Devil’s Staircase, the trail descends into the valley below, passing the Blackwater Reservoir and heading towards Kinlochleven, a small village nestled at the foot of the Nevis Range. The area is steeped in industrial history, having once been home to an aluminum smelting plant in the early 20th century.

At the end of your hike, we will transfer you back to Glencoe House, a 15-minute drive from Kinlochleven. This luxurious 5-star hotel offers a tranquil retreat with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, providing the perfect place to unwind and reflect on your West Highland Way adventure.

• Distance: 14 kilometers (8.7 miles)

• Elevation Gain: 370 m

• Elevation Loss: 600 m

• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

This day is one of the most memorable of the West Highland Way, offering breathtaking views, the challenge of the Devil’s Staircase, and a well-earned return to the luxury of Glencoe House to relax and recharge.

The final day of your West Highland Way adventure is here, and it brings one of your biggest challenges, but also some of the most rewarding views of the entire trek. The journey from Kinlochleven to Fort William marks the end of your holiday, and although it’s the longest day, at 24.7 kilometers (15.3 miles), it’s not without its challenges.

To start the day, we will transfer you back to Kinlochleven, where you’ll begin your hike. From there, you’ll face a steep ascent as you climb up the Lairig Mor, often referred to as "The Great Pass." This section is famous for its dramatic scenery and historical significance. The pass has been used for centuries, not only by hikers but also by drovers and Highland cattle herders. The Lairig Mor connects the glens of the Trossachs to the mountains surrounding Ben Nevis, and for centuries, it was an important route for local people traveling through the Highlands.

As you make your way along the trail, you'll pass through remote moorlands and rugged hills, with stunning views of Ben Nevis looming in the distance. The path offers breathtaking vistas as you approach Fort William, and as you descend, you’ll enter the town, marking the end of your West Highland Way journey.

In addition to the beautiful landscapes, the area is rich in history. The Lairig Mor was historically used as a military road by the British Army in the 18th century following the Jacobite uprisings. The road was part of a strategic network built to help the army maintain control of the Highlands, and you’ll be walking in the footsteps of those who shaped Scotland’s turbulent history.

At the end of your hike, we will transfer you to the Inverlochy Castle Hotel, a luxurious 5-star hotel located just 8 minutes outside of Fort William. This stunning hotel, set in a magnificent castle overlooking Loch Treig and surrounded by scenic beauty, offers the perfect place to relax and reflect on your incredible journey.

• Distance: 24.7 kilometers (15.3 miles)

• Elevation Gain: 540 m

• Elevation Loss: 546 m

• Difficulty: Challenging

Today’s hike is both physically demanding and deeply rewarding. You’ll finish your adventure with a sense of achievement, having completed one of Scotland’s most famous long-distance walks, and you’ll enjoy the comfort and luxury of Inverlochy Castle Hotel to celebrate your incredible accomplishment.

Your adventure on the West Highland Way has come to an end, but your journey doesn’t have to stop here. There are plenty of incredible options to explore the beauty and history of the Scottish Highlands before you head home.

One of the most iconic experiences is a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, which takes you on a scenic journey to Mallaig, passing over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films. The train travels through breathtaking landscapes, including Loch Eilt, and once you reach Mallaig, you can take a ferry to the Isle of Skye. Known for its rugged landscapes, picturesque villages, and dramatic coastlines, the Isle of Skye is a haven for hikers and nature lovers.

If you’d rather stay closer to Fort William, you could opt to hike Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain. Standing at 1,345 meters (4,413 feet), Ben Nevis is a challenging ascent, but the views from the summit are absolutely spectacular. It’s a great way to extend your adventure, and you’ll have a sense of immense accomplishment standing on the top of the UK’s tallest peak. Alternatively, you can take the Ben Nevis Mountain Gondola, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area and takes you partway up the mountain for those not looking for a strenuous hike.

For those interested in a more relaxing day, the West Coast Rail Line offers a scenic train journey back to Glasgow, passing through some of the most beautiful parts of the Scottish countryside, including Loch Awe and the Trossachs National Park. This tranquil ride is a perfect way to unwind and reflect on your journey before heading home.

Additionally, you might explore Loch Ness, located just north of Fort William. The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition provides fascinating insights into the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, and you can enjoy boat tours on the loch for a chance to search for the elusive creature yourself.

Other options include visiting the Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic castles, located near the Isle of Skye or taking a relaxing walk through the Nevis Gorge, a stunning natural site close to Fort William.

No matter how you choose to spend your last day, Scotland offers a wealth of stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique experiences to make your trip unforgettable. Whether you opt for a steam train adventure, a challenging mountain hike, or a scenic train ride, the beauty of the Highlands will stay with you long after your journey ends.