Firmly established as one of our guests' favourite trail holidays, this superb walk winds its way from Milngavie, on the outskirts of Glasgow, to the foot of Ben Nevis at Fort William. We pass through some of the finest scenery in the Highlands but rarely encounter long, steep mountain ascents.

Detailed information

	Detailed itinerary
	Dates and prices
	Average temperatures
	Travel Information
	Why not try...

Detailed itinerary

	95 miles. 9 -15 miles and ascents of under 1,550ft per day.
	Including Ben Nevis Option, 10-19 miles and up to 2,100ft of ascent per day. The walk to the summit is 9 miles with 4,400ft of ascent.

ITINERARY - 9 nights

Day 1: Arrival day
After the evening meal your leader will give an introductory talk about the holiday.

Day 2: Milngavie to Drymen
Distance: 20km (12½ miles), 140m (450ft) of ascent
On emerging from a shopping precinct in Milngavie we are almost immediately into pleasant parkland, woods and fields. This well signposted walk has become quite heavily used in recent years and some stretches can be very muddy. The first section to Drymen is an easy walk most of the way. Although undulating at first, the path flattens out as we follow the trackbed of the now disused railway line between Glasgow and Aberfoyle. We pass the Dumgoyach Standing Stones, probably dating from the Bronze Age, and also the Glengoyne Distillery, which is well worth a visit if time allows. (It is only a few hundred yards off-route on a broad track.) There is a small charge for a guided tour, which includes a generous measure of malt whisky. We pass some pretty stone cottages at the hamlet of Gartness, before some minor road walking through rolling farmland leads us into the village of Drymen.

Day 3: Drymen to Rowardennan
Distance: 22½km (14 miles), 450m (1,500ft) of ascent
A short walk from our hotel returns us to the Way, from where we follow forest tracks, paths and minor roads through gently rolling countryside, gradually gaining views of the hills around us, including Ben Lomond to the north. The section over Conic Hill (1,175ft), involves some 700 feet of ascent, but we are rewarded with fine views of Loch Lomond from the summit. Once past Balmaha, we rejoin woodland paths that wind pleasantly. close to the shores of Loch Lomond, in and out of bays and up and down small hills. Welcome refreshments can be purchased at the end of our day at the Rowardennan Hotel on the edge of the loch.

Day 4: Rowardennan to Ardlui
20km (12½ miles), 140m (450ft) of ascent
Despite walking mostly at a low level, you may well find this to be a tough day. The path is rough in places, and can be muddy in wet weather. It is however a beautiful walk along this side of Loch Lomond, below Ben Lomond and is quiet once we have left Rowardennan. The higher forest track is recommended (as the shore path is difficult). We go through much natural oak woodland, beautiful in autumn colours and full of bird and animal wildlife. It is an area much associated with Rob Roy MacGregor - the path passes close by 'Rob Roy's Prison' and 'Rob Roy's Cave'. At the north east shore we hail a ferry to take us across the Loch, to our hotel.

Day 5: Ardlui to Tyndrum
Distance: 24km (15 miles), 475m (1,550ft) of ascent
After breakfast we have a pleasant start to the day by re-crossing the Loch to rejoin the path. Today we begin to really travel into the hills, (but the walking will be much easier than yesterday). After our ferry ride there are excellent view southwards over Loch Lomond from the side of the small hill of Cnap Mor. A gentle ascent up Glen Falloch takes us past the Falls of Falloch. Near the top of the pass we join for the first time the old 18th century military road built by General Wade and other officers. From now on the walking actually gets easier, as much of the Way follows this military road almost through to Fort William, it is still in good condition as a track-way.We stay high above Crianlarich, in forestry that is being sympathetically managed by the Forestry Commission, featuring some interesting and varied tree species, and maintaining an openness allowing good views out over Strath Fillan and the surrounding hills. We drop down to Tyndrum (pronounced "Tyne-drum") a small village, now a busy little tourist centre. The village originally became prosperous from lead mining and the spoil heaps are still clearly visible on the southern hill slopes. More recently it experienced renewed fame as a gold mining centre. Despite its small size it also has the distinction of possessing two railway stations, as the lines from Glasgow to Fort William and Oban diverge at this point.

Day 6: Tyndrum to Inveroran
Distance: 16km (10 miles), 300m (975ft) of ascent
This is an easy day, mostly along the good tracks of the military road. From Tyndrum we head up over the top of the pass to face the magnificent Beinn Dorain, an imposing hill rising almost 3,000 feet from the valley floor in a single steep and craggy slope. We descend to the wide flat valley floor and enjoy easy walking to Bridge of Orchy. We see the last of the railway line to Fort William here as it departs north-eastwards across lonely and uninhabited stretches of Rannoch Moor, and through otherwise inaccessible mountain country; a journey well worth taking for the scenery. Across the Glen a short ascent through forestry takes us out into the open before drop down to Inveroran where shelter and refreshments are available.

For the following 3 days, please note that the itineraries differ dependent on whether you have chosen the standard or Ben Nevis departure.

Day 7: Inveroran to Kingshouse (Standard Itinerary)
Distance: 16km (10 miles), 310m (1,000ft) of ascent
Although this is an easy days walk along good tracks we also encounter the longest and most exposed stretch of the whole Way, reaching an altitude of almost 1,500 feet amongst the open country of Rannoch Moor. Bad weather can be experienced, with no shelter for more than six miles. We walk over a landscape of wild, open moorland scenery of heather, rocks and lochans. In good weather it can be a beautiful, if lonely, place with clear views for miles around and encircled by mountains. Eventually we drop down to The Kingshouse Hotel, Scotland's oldest licensed inn, built in the 17th century and a haven for travellers.

We are now in the upper end of Glencoe, which is guarded by the imposing rocky mountain of Buchaille Etive Mor (the Great Herdsman of Etive). This is magnificent scenery, which we can take time to admire as we climb the "Devil's Staircase"; a zig-zag track winding its way upwards. From the high point of 1,850 feet at the Staircase summit, also the highest point of the West Highland Way, excellent views can be had of the Mamore Hills just to the north, as well as hills to the east and south. The way from the top of "Devil's Staircase" to Kinlochleven holds a sting in the tail; it is a hard road which seems to double back away from Kinlochleven.

We descend to Kinlochleven, the former site of Britain's second aluminium smelting plant. The complex was built between 1904 and 1909, although the first aluminium was produced in 1908, in a small temporary factory. On the way we pass close by the water conduit and pipelines bringing water down from Blackwater Reservoir which was used to power the plant by hydro-electricity. All these installations were part of the original development. When there were no roads in or out of Kinlochleven. men employed on the construction lived in camps near the reservoir and frequently used to cross over the Devil's Staircase for an evening's drinking at The Kingshouse after a full day's work!

Day 8: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven (Standard Itinerary)
Distance: 14½ km (9 miles), 330m (1,090ft) of ascent
We are now in the upper end of Glencoe, which is guarded by the imposing rocky mountain of Buchaille Etive Mor (the Great Herdsman of Etive). This is magnificent scenery, which we can take time to admire as we climb the "Devil's Staircase"; a zig-zag track winding its way upwards. From the high point of 1,850 feet at the Staircase summit, also the highest point of the West Highland Way, excellent views can be had of the Mamore Hills just to the north, as well as hills to the east and south. The way from the top of "Devil's Staircase" to Kinlochleven holds a sting in the tail; it is a hard road which seems to double back away from Kinlochleven. We descend to Kinlochleven, the former site of Britain's second aluminium smelting plant. The complex was built between 1904 and 1909, although the first aluminium was produced in 1908, in a small temporary factory. On the way we pass close by the water conduit and pipelines bringing water down from Blackwater Reservoir to power the former plant by hydro-electricity. All these installations were part of the original development. When there were no roads in or out of Kinlochleven men employed on the construction lived in camps near the reservoir frequently used to cross over the Devil's Staircase for an evening's drinking at The Kingshouse after a full day's work!

Day 8: Kinlochleven to Fort William (Ben Nevis Itinerary)
Distance: 22½ km (14 miles), 490m (1,600ft) of ascent
A steep but short climb out of Kinlochleven takes us on to easy walking through Lairigmor; pleasant in good weather, but offering little shelter against wind and rain. There are magnificent mountains on both sides, particularly the Mamores range just to the north, which offer excellent ridge walking and include a total of 11 Munros (mountains over 3,000ft). A final ascent through forestry, cuts across the hillsides bringing us out above Glen Nevis, with spectacular Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain at 4,406ft, immediately opposite. We then continue down the glen to the end of the West Highland Way in Fort William, the largest town in this part of Scotland.

Day 9: Kinlochleven to Fort William (Standard Itinerary)
Distance: 22½km (14 miles), 490m (1,600ft) of ascent
A steep but short climb out of Kinlochleven takes us on to easy walking through Lairigmor; pleasant in good weather, but offering little shelter against wind and rain. There are magnificent mountains on both sides, particularly the Mamores range just to the north, which offer excellent ridge walking and include a total of 11 Munros (mountains over 3,000ft). A final ascent through forestry, cuts across the hillsides bringing us out above Glen Nevis, with spectacular Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain at 4,406ft, immediately opposite. We then continue down the glen to the end of the walk in Fort William, the largest town in this part of Scotland.

Day 9: Ascent of Ben Nevis - (Ben Nevis Itinerary Via the Pony Track)
Distance: 13½km (8½ miles), 1,350m (4,410ft) of ascent
The coach leaves us at the Youth Hostel in Glen Nevis where we cross the footbridge and climb steeply to the start of the Tourist Track. The condition of the path has deteriorated since the summit observatory closed in 1904 but work has been done to restore it by the placing of bridges and rebuilding parts of the track. The path climbs across the steep slopes of Meall an t-Suidhe. From here the gradient steepens and the path climbs to the summit of Ben Nevis (4,408ft) in a series of huge zig-zags. On clear days the panorama is tremendous - the Cairngorms to the east, the Mamores and Glen Coe to the south, Kintail and Torridon to the north and the numerous islands of the Hebrides in the distance. Owing to the nature of the terrain the descent is via the same track. This walk has good clear paths throughout but the ascent is steep in places, which makes this a strenuous walk.

Day 10: Depart after breakfast

Fitness: We want you to be confident that you can meet the demands of this walk and get the most out of your holiday. A sustained effort is required to complete this walk and provision cannot be made for anyone who opts out. Please be sure you can manage the daily mileage and ascent as listed below. The walking day is normally 6-7 hours and it is important for your own enjoyment, and that of your fellow guests that you can maintain the pace.

Standard Itinerary

Ben Nevis option

It makes a lot of sense to spend time getting some additional exercise before your holiday. We suggest that you try to fit in a number of longer walks, including some in hilly terrain. Other exercises such as cycling, jogging and swimming are also excellent for developing increased stamina.

Luggage Transport
Transport of your luggage will be arranged by us through local operators and is of course, included in your holiday price. It would be appreciated if you limited your luggage to one medium sized bag, rucksack or suitcase. Daily arrangements will be finalised by your leader at each hotel.

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Dates and prices

Ben Nevis Option: One departure, marked *, offers the opportunity to make the ascent of Ben Nevis on the final day of the holiday. On this holiday, days 7 and 8 are combined as one day's walk with the ascent of Ben Nevis on the final day.

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Travel Information

Travel by rail: Travelling by train is a convenient method of travel. For further information and train times visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 08457 48 49 50 (from overseas call ++44 020 7278 5240).

Holiday Start: There are Inter-city trains to Glasgow Central from around the UK which take around 5½ hours from London and 4 hours from Manchester. Milngavie is the final station on a branch line which has a very regular service (at least every 30 minutes) from both Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen Street. Journey time from Glasgow is approximately 25 minutes. A transfer is provided in the late afternoon between Milngavie station and the first hotel in Drymen, a 20 minute drive away (times to be advised in your final despatch).

Holiday Finish: The last four nights are spent at Alltshellach, our Country House accommodation on the shores of Loch Leven. On the last morning a coach leaves the hotel at 08.30 to Glasgow. The transfer takes approximately 3 hours and will take you to either Glasgow Airport (arriving around 11:30) or Buchanan Street bus station (arriving around 12:00).

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Average temperatures

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Why not try...

A self-guided walking holiday along the West Highland Way, click here for more information.

Or

A guided Hotel to Hotel Trail on the Rob Roy Way, click here for more information.

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