We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more
5 Oct - 14 Oct 2026
9 nights. Trip notes
We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more
■ Location: Scottish Highlands
■ Duration: 9 nights
■ Board Basis: Full Board
■ Travel Dates: Oct 2026, Apr-Sep 2027
■ Itineraries available: 1
■ Choice of Walking Grade: 8 details
■ Carbon Footprint: 175kg CO2 details
Non-members From
£1,949
ppMembers From
£1,919
ppMembers Save £30 on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. details
From September 2026, we have expanded our walking grade scale from 6 to 10 points. While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our newly expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits you.
Challenging walking grade 8
Challenging walks for fit, experienced walkers. Expect rugged or mountainous terrain, or some longer distances than typical for this grade. Typically, 12-13 miles (19-21km) with around 2,300ft (700m) of ascent.All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
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[title] => Arrival Day at Glasgow
[introduction] =>
[description] => Check-in at the Grand Central from 15:00. Your leader will be at reception at 18:30 to meet the group and for a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner.
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Check-in at the Grand Central from 15:00. Your leader will be at reception at 18:30 to meet the group and for a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner.
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[title] => Milngavie to Drymen
[introduction] =>
[description] => Leaving Milngavie, we are into pleasant parkland, woods and fields. The first section to Drymen is an easy walk most of the way. Undulating at first, the path flattens out following the trackbed of the now disused railway line between Glasgow and Aberfoyle. We pass the Dumgoyach Standing Stones, thought to date from the Bronze Age, and also the Glengoyne Distillery. We pass stone cottages at the hamlet of Gartness, before some minor road walking through rolling farmland leads us into the village of Drymen.
12½ miles (20km) with 900 feet (280m) of ascent.
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Leaving Milngavie, we are into pleasant parkland, woods and fields. The first section to Drymen is an easy walk most of the way. Undulating at first, the path flattens out following the trackbed of the now disused railway line between Glasgow and Aberfoyle. We pass the Dumgoyach Standing Stones, thought to date from the Bronze Age, and also the Glengoyne Distillery. We pass stone cottages at the hamlet of Gartness, before some minor road walking through rolling farmland leads us into the village of Drymen.
12½ miles (20km) with 900 feet (280m) of ascent.
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[title] => Drymen to Rowardennan
[introduction] =>
[description] => 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 (1,184 feet), involves some 700 feet of ascent, but we are rewarded with fine views of Loch Lomond from the summit. Once past Balmaha we join woodland paths winding pleasantly by the shores of Loch Lomond with a good chance of seeing Ospreys. We can have welcome refreshments at the end at the Rowardennan Hotel on the edge of the loch.
14½ miles (23.5km) with 2,150 feet (650m) of ascent.
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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 (1,184 feet), involves some 700 feet of ascent, but we are rewarded with fine views of Loch Lomond from the summit. Once past Balmaha we join woodland paths winding pleasantly by the shores of Loch Lomond with a good chance of seeing Ospreys. We can have welcome refreshments at the end at the Rowardennan Hotel on the edge of the loch.
14½ miles (23.5km) with 2,150 feet (650m) of ascent.
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[title] => Rowardennan to Ardlui
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[description] => Although low level, this is a tough day. It is however a beautiful walk along this side of Loch Lomond, below Ben Lomond, and quiet once we have left Rowardennan. We have the option of the shore path to Inversnaid, rebuilt in 2014, or the higher forest path. We go through much natural oak woodland, including the RSPB Inversnaid reserve which is full of bird and animal wildlife. This is an area much associated with the outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor - the path passes close by ‘Rob Roy's Prison’ and ‘Rob Roy's Cave’. At the north east shore a ferry takes us across the loch, to Ardlui.
11½ miles (19km) with 1,400 feet (430m) of ascent.
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Although low level, this is a tough day. It is however a beautiful walk along this side of Loch Lomond, below Ben Lomond, and quiet once we have left Rowardennan. We have the option of the shore path to Inversnaid, rebuilt in 2014, or the higher forest path. We go through much natural oak woodland, including the RSPB Inversnaid reserve which is full of bird and animal wildlife. This is an area much associated with the outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor - the path passes close by ‘Rob Roy's Prison’ and ‘Rob Roy's Cave’. At the north east shore a ferry takes us across the loch, to Ardlui.
11½ miles (19km) with 1,400 feet (430m) of ascent.
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[title] => Ardlui to Tyndrum
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[description] => We re-cross the Loch on the ferry to rejoin the path and begin to really travel into the hills, but the walking is much easier. There are excellent views south 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's successors. From now on the walking gets easier, as much of the Way follows this military road almost through to Fort William.
We stay high above Crianlarich, the half way point of the West Highland Way, 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.
14 miles (22km) with 2,150 feet (660m) of ascent.
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We re-cross the Loch on the ferry to rejoin the path and begin to really travel into the hills, but the walking is much easier. There are excellent views south 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's successors. From now on the walking gets easier, as much of the Way follows this military road almost through to Fort William.
We stay high above Crianlarich, the half way point of the West Highland Way, 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.
14 miles (22km) with 2,150 feet (660m) of ascent.
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[title] => Tyndrum to Inveroran
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[description] => 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 where we are likely to meet the Highland cattle of the Auch Estate 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. A short ascent through forestry takes us out into the open for superb views of the mountains of The Black Mount to the north before we drop down to Inveroran.
9 miles (14km) with 1,050 feet (320m) of ascent.
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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 where we are likely to meet the Highland cattle of the Auch Estate 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. A short ascent through forestry takes us out into the open for superb views of the mountains of The Black Mount to the north before we drop down to Inveroran.
9 miles (14km) with 1,050 feet (320m) of ascent.
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[title] => Inveroran to Kingshouse
[introduction] =>
[description] => We 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, always with the chance to spot an eagle. 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, newly re-built on the site of what is believed to be one of Scotland's oldest licensed inns. The original inn was built in the eighteenth century.
9½ miles (15.5km) with 1,080 feet (330m) of ascent.
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We 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, always with the chance to spot an eagle. 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, newly re-built on the site of what is believed to be one of Scotland's oldest licensed inns. The original inn was built in the eighteenth century.
9½ miles (15.5km) with 1,080 feet (330m) of ascent.
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[title] => Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
[introduction] =>
[description] => We are now in the upper end of Glencoe, which is guarded by the imposing rocky mountain of Buachaille 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. 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.
8½ miles (13.5km) with 1,360 feet (410m) of ascent.
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We are now in the upper end of Glencoe, which is guarded by the imposing rocky mountain of Buachaille 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. 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.
8½ miles (13.5km) with 1,360 feet (410m) of ascent.
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[title] => Kinlochleven to Fort William
[introduction] =>
[description] => A steep but short climb out of Kinlochleven takes us on to easy walking through Lairigmor. There are magnificent mountains on both sides before a final ascent through forestry, cuts across the hillsides bringing us out above Glen Nevis, with spectacular Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain at 4,414 feet, immediately opposite. We then continue down the glen to the end of the walk in Fort William
15½ miles (24.5 km) with 2,230 feet (680m) of ascent.
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A steep but short climb out of Kinlochleven takes us on to easy walking through Lairigmor. There are magnificent mountains on both sides before a final ascent through forestry, cuts across the hillsides bringing us out above Glen Nevis, with spectacular Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain at 4,414 feet, immediately opposite. We then continue down the glen to the end of the walk in Fort William
15½ miles (24.5 km) with 2,230 feet (680m) of ascent.
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[title] => Departure Day
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We try to create a relaxed atmosphere on the walk but please listen to safety instructions from your leader.
Keep members of the group in view especially when weather or visibility is poor. If you leave the group, then your leader will no longer have responsibility for you. Our leaders consider the safety of the group as a whole and are likely to be more cautious over potential risks such as bad weather.
The West Highland Way became Scotland's first long distance footpath when it was officially opened in 1980. The path runs for 96 miles, from Milngavie, 7 miles north-west of Glasgow, to Fort William; passing through some of the finest lowland and highland scenery on the way. The idea of a walk linking Glasgow to Fort William originated back in the 1930's, but it was not until the late 1960's when basic survey work started to look at the real potential for such a route; the HF Holidays Glasgow Group was partly involved in this. Much of the Way features ancient and historic routes. We make use of old drove roads, along which Highlanders herded their cattle to lowland markets; the famous military roads built in the 18th century; old coaching roads; farm tracks and disused railway lines.
Your stay is full-board. This includes daily breakfasts, packed lunch options, and evening meals. Vegetarian choices and dietary requirements can be catered for (please give advance notice when booking).
Packed lunches
Our packed lunches will be too much food for some and not enough for others; if you feel you might need more food during the walk, please bring a supply of snacks to supplement this – it won’t always be possible to buy these on the route. Your packed lunches will include: a bread sandwich or roll with a choice of filling; some fresh fruit; fruit cake/flapjack or similar, crisps and/or biscuits. For those of you tackling a level 4 or above holiday, we would highly recommend bringing some trail mix or something similar to ensure you've some fuel in reserve should you need it.
Dietary requirements
Our partner hotels can cater for most dietary requirements, but it is important you advise us of any allergies and dietary restrictions you have at the time of booking.
Luggage transfers
When you change from one hotel to another, we will arrange for your luggage to be transferred for you. This is included in the cost of your holiday. Please remember that other people will need to move your suitcase so please pack thoughtfully. If you can limit your luggage to one bag, rucksack or suitcase that would be very helpful. Make sure your bags are clearly labelled with your name and “HF Holidays”.
Our first hotel is located in Glasgow and is at Glasgow Central railway station. Your leader will meet you at the Hotel and hold an introductory meeting prior to dinner.
For train times and route planning by train visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 03457 484950.
There are International flights and also flights from around the UK to Glasgow International Airport. From Glasgow International Airport take the regular airport bus to Glasgow Central station (journey time 30 minutes) (www.glasgowairport.com). There are also flights to Glasgow Prestwick Airport, which has its own railway station with frequent trains (journey time 45 minutes to Glasgow Central station), (www.gpia.co.uk).
The last four nights are spent at Alltshellach (HF Holidays Country House). You can return to Glasgow Airport or Glasgow City using the Scottish Citylink Bus (the nearest bus stop is at North Ballachulish (not Ballachulish) which is a 400m walk from Alltshellach). See www.citylink.co.uk for the timetable. The nearest railway station to Alltshellach is at Fort William. Our house manager can arrange a local taxi to Fort William if required.
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:
Recommended
Ticks are tiny creatures that live in vegetation and can attach themselves to passing animals or walkers and may carry a risk of Lyme Disease. Please refer to NHS advice and guidelines for information prior to your holiday.
Our experienced and knowledgeable volunteer leaders undergo a thorough assessment to lead you on your holiday and are delighted to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you.
Please ensure you complete and hand in your registration form on arrival and let the leader know about any medical problems you may have. This may be useful in the event of a problem on the walk and will be treated confidentially by the leader.
If you become separated from your group, please stay where you are. Your leader will retrace their steps to find you.
All our leaders carry a mobile phone, group shelter, spare maps and a compass. In the unlikely event your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call the emergency services (call 999 in the UK, or 112 overseas).
Please then try to call the hotel where you are staying to let them know there is a problem.
If you have any cause for complaints regarding accommodation, you should notify your leader who can then attempt to rectify the problem.
Suggested Reading and Maps
Your leader will carry all the necessary maps and guides. For you own interest you may consider looking at some of the following:
West Highland Way 11th edition by Bob Aitken and Roger Smith
Recreational Path Guide West Highland Way by Anthony Burton
Harvey West Highland Way Map
We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.
Learn moreCode: XAN09-LDW11
Dates & availability
West Highland Way Guided Trail
9 nights. Trip notes
Save £50 Per Person
9 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,999 £1,949
Members
£1,969 £1,919
Save £50 Per Person
9 nights. Trip notes
Save £50 Per Person
9 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£2,049 £1,999
Members
£2,019 £1,969
Save £50 Per Person
9 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£2,049 £1,999
Members
£2,019 £1,969

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent, group and self-guided bookings).

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday
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We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations
If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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