Walk the West Highland Way with a Difference

Stretching for 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William, Scotland’s oldest and most popular long-distance trail is one every walker wants to tick off their list. And at HF Holidays, we make it easy. From experienced leaders who take care of navigation, to comfortable stays in historic locations, here’s why walking the West Highland Way with us will elevate your trip to the next level.

One of the main benefits of our West Highland Way Guided Trail holiday is convenience. Your daily itinerary is carefully planned by our knowledgeable and experienced teams. And to take the stress out of navigation, you’ll have an HF Holidays Leader with you every step of the way. On average the route takes just over a week to complete, but we do it in nine days, so you’re free to savour the joy of the journey at an altogether more leisurely pace.

When we’re not walking the West Highland Way, we’re travelling in style. Not only do we arrange transport (where needed) to and from the trail each day, but we also include a ferry ride across Loch Lomond. Setting off from the northeast shore we’ll sail across one of the largest lakes in the UK surrounded by spectacular views of mountains and Munros, including the 974-metre summit of Ben Lomond – the most famous peak in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

After a long day of walking, you won’t be roughing it in a windswept bothy battered by the Scottish weather. Instead, you’ll stay at a selection of hand-picked partner hotels as well as our characterful country house near Glen Coe - all on a full-board basis. Highlights include a lovingly-restored former coaching inn dating back to the late 1700s and Alltshellach - our stately home on the shores of Loch Leven. Here you can spend evenings unwinding in one of three lounges with a wee dram or two or taking a post-dinner stroll right down to the water’s edge.

The West Highland Way is steeped in history. In fact, many of the paths you’ll take are old military roads used during the Jacobite Uprisings of the 17th and 18th centuries. Though the bid to put a Stuart king back on the British throne failed, it gave rise to romantic heroes like the legendary Rob Roy. Not only will we take you to Rob Roy’s Cave (one of his many hiding places throughout the Scottish Highlands) but also the much lesser-known Rob Roy’s Prison – a hidden cavern near Rowardennan where the famous outlaw is said to have once held the High Sheriff of Dunbartonshire hostage. 

Like stepping into an episode of David Attenborough’s Wild Isles, our walks lead you through RSPB Inversnaid for a chance of spotting rare birds such as peregrines, ospreys, and mighty golden eagles. Elsewhere, there’s Glencoe that showcases Scotland’s untamed landscape at its most dramatic. Wildlife here is boosted by National Nature Reserve status and herds of Scottish red deer are regulars. 

We know all the best places for a well-earned post-walk drink. Nestled in the heart of the highlands, The Kingshouse Hotel offers welcome respite to weary walkers and is built on the site of what’s believed to have been one of Scotland's oldest licensed inns. After journeying across the lonely heather-clad landscapes of Rannoch Moor, we’ll toast to the day’s achievements in the cosy bar alongside wow-factor views of the mighty Munro, Buchaille Etive Mor.

“I love the West Highland Way because you get a real sense of camaraderie with other walkers you meet along the way. Because the terrain varies as much as the scenery, everyone has their own story to tell and tips to share. A real highlight for me is the Devil’s Staircase, the stony zigzag path that leads you up to the highest point on the whole trail. My favourite part of the trip however are the stunning views of Ben Nevis you get as you near the finish line at Fort William. Admiring the UK’s tallest mountain combined with the sense of achievement knowing you’re almost complete make it a moment to remember.”

Top Tip 

“Because sections of the walk can be remote, we recommend you take warm, waterproof clothing and enough snacks to keep you going. Though we do provide a daily packed lunch, all that highland walking can make you hungry.”