West Highland Way Guided Trail for Women

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. Your flight baggage allowance will be detailed on your holiday despatch documents, received 4-6 weeks prior to the start date, and 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”.

Holiday start

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.  

By rail

For train times and route planning by train visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 03457 484950.

By air

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).

Holiday finish

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  

• Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip  
• Waterproof and windproof jacket 
• Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  
• Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
• Waterproof overtrousers  
• Gloves and a warm hat  
• Rucksack with waterproof liner 
• Flask for hot drinks   
• Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)  
• Sunscreen  
• UV sunglasses  

For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:

• spare warm clothing
• spare high energy food
• head torch and spare batteries
• please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+

Recommended  

• Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
• Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
• First aid kit, including plasters and midge repellent/net and tick remover tool
• Sit mat   
• Waterproof pouch for valuables  
• Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
• Wallet/purse  
• Camera
• Walking poles
• Midge net

Ticks

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.

In the event of a problem

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: 

www.west-highland-way.co.uk/

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

The friendly atmosphere of our Guided Walking holidays continues into the evening.

Enjoy a glass of wine or local beer before hearing about the next day's walks. Your evening meal will be the main focus of the evening. After dinner you may like to join your leaders for a walk out to the Børsen Spiseri Fish bar for a drink and walk back via the fish racks to the hotel, explore the harbour area, take a drink in a local bar or café, relax on the decking at the hotel and watch the boats come and go including the daily arrival of the famous Norwegian Coastal Vessel.

On your holiday you can also visit the Lofoten war museum and the bowling alley. The Magic Ice welcomes you to a magical experience with ice art created by artists from all over the world. Don a warm “penguin coat” and enjoy the ice art as you sip your drink from a glass made of ice.

Your leader will also be checking out for any local events going on nearby. Or you may like to relax on the terrace or the bar, with a drink and chat with your fellow guests.