For the West Highland Way, the traditional route is approximately 96 miles / 154 km from Milngavie to Fort William. Below is a structure for our expedition page, with daily stopping points chosen around villages/known locations for access, support, and emergency planning.
5–8 day expedition: Hard (multi-day endurance, backpacking, variable terrain) £150 per day baggage, tent and sleeping system and basic meals included, non veteran exped.
3–5 day expedition: Extreme (long daily distances, limited recovery time, high physical demand) £200 per day baggage, tent and sleeping system and basic meals included, non veteran exped.
(This video is for illustrative purposes only and should not be used as a guide for navigation or route planning)
West Highland Way Expedition – 8 Day Option
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: Approx. 96 miles / 154 km
Duration: 8 days
Average distance: 12 miles / 19 km per day
Terrain: Mixed — tracks, woodland paths, moorland, mountain passes, exposed sections
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Day 1
Milngavie → Drymen
Distance: Approx. 12 miles / 19 km
Time: 5–6 hours
Terrain: Easy opening section; woodland paths, farmland tracks, gradual climbs.
Route description:
Starting from Milngavie, the route passes through countryside and woodland before reaching Drymen, the first main village stop.
End point: Drymen
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Day 2
Drymen → Rowardennan
Distance: Approx. 14 miles / 22 km
Time: 6–7 hours
Terrain: More challenging; forest tracks, hill sections, uneven paths.
Route description:
Climb towards Conic Hill before descending to Loch Lomond. Follow the eastern shore through woodland to Rowardennan.
End point: Rowardennan
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Day 3
Rowardennan → Inverarnan
Distance: Approx. 14 miles / 22 km
Time: 7–8 hours
Terrain: Technical lochside paths, rocky sections, uneven ground.
Route description:
A demanding section following Loch Lomond’s eastern shore with rough terrain before reaching Inverarnan.
End point: Inverarnan
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Day 4
Inverarnan → Tyndrum
Distance: Approx. 12 miles / 19 km
Time: 5–6 hours
Terrain: Easier tracks; valley paths and gradual climbs.
Route description:
Leaving Loch Lomond behind, the route enters Glen Falloch and continues north towards Tyndrum.
End point: Tyndrum
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Day 5
Tyndrum → Kingshouse Hotel
Distance: Approx. 19 miles / 30 km
Time: 8–10 hours
Terrain: Remote mountain environment; open moorland, exposed areas.
Route description:
A longer remote stage through Rannoch Moor, one of the most iconic sections of the route.
End point: Kingshouse
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Day 6
Kingshouse → Kinlochleven
Distance: Approx. 9 miles / 14 km
Time: 5–6 hours
Terrain: Steep climbs and descents; mountain paths.
Route description:
Cross the Devil’s Staircase before descending into Kinlochleven.
End point: Kinlochleven
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Day 7
Kinlochleven → Fort William outskirts
Distance: Approx. 16 miles / 26 km
Time: 7–9 hours
Terrain: Remote glen walking; forest tracks and mountain paths.
Route description:
Follow the route through Lairig Mor and continue towards Fort William.
End point: Fort William area
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Day 8
Fort William Finish Day
Distance: Approx. 3–5 miles / 5–8 km (depending on accommodation location)
Time: 1–2 hours
Terrain: Easy town approach.
Route description:
Final walk into Fort William, finishing at the official end point near the West Highland Way Monument.
End point: Fort William
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West Highland Way Expedition 3 – 5 Day Option
Difficulty: Extreme
Distance: Approx. 96 miles / 154 km
Average: 19 miles / 31 km per day
Suitable for: Experienced hikers with strong endurance.
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Day 1
Milngavie → Rowardennan
Distance: Approx. 26 miles / 42 km
Time: 10–12 hours
Terrain: Woodland, hills, Loch Lomond shoreline.
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Day 2
Rowardennan → Tyndrum
Distance: Approx. 26 miles / 42 km
Time: 10–12 hours
Terrain: Technical lochside paths, uneven ground, valley tracks.
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Day 3
Tyndrum → Kinlochleven
Distance: Approx. 28 miles / 45 km
Time: 11–13 hours
Terrain: Remote moorland, exposed mountain sections, major elevation changes.
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Day 4
Kinlochleven → Fort William
Distance: Approx. 16 miles / 26 km
Time: 7–9 hours
Terrain: Mountain paths, forest tracks, remote glens.
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Day 5
Reserve / contingency / recovery day
Purpose:
Weather delays, injury management, equipment issues, or allowing the group to complete safely.
What You Get
West Highland Way Expedition (5–8 Days)
Difficulty: Hard
Price: £150 per person, per day
Designed for those who want to experience the West Highland Way at a steady pace while enjoying the journey. This expedition allows time to recover each evening, take in the scenery, and develop long-distance hiking skills over eight days.
Included
- Qualified and experienced Leader throughout the expedition.
- Full expedition planning and route management.
- Daily breakfast, lunch and evening meal.
- Brew kit including tea, coffee, hot chocolate and sugar.
- Drinking water resupply where available.
- Tent and sleeping system available if required.
- Baggage transfer service included throughout the expedition.
- Group safety equipment and comprehensive first aid kit.
- Navigation, emergency planning and risk management.
- Water bottles available if required.
- Assistance to the nearest accessible road or transport point in the event a participant needs to leave the expedition (where safe and practical).
Participants Should Bring
- Suitable walking boots.
- Appropriate outdoor clothing and waterproofs.
- Personal cooking stove, fuel, mug and eating utensils.
- Personal medication.
- Toiletries and spare clothing.
- Personal snacks or specialist dietary items if required.
West Highland Way Expedition (3–5 Days)
Difficulty: Extreme
Price: £200 per person, per day
Designed for experienced hikers looking to complete the West Highland Way over a shorter period. Daily distances are significantly longer, requiring a high level of fitness, endurance and previous multi-day hiking experience.
Included
- Qualified and experienced Leader throughout the expedition.
- Full expedition planning and route management.
- Daily breakfast, lunch and evening meal.
- Brew kit including tea, coffee, hot chocolate and sugar.
- Drinking water resupply where available.
- Tent and sleeping system available if required.
- Baggage transfer service included throughout the expedition.
- Group safety equipment and comprehensive first aid kit.
- Navigation, emergency planning and risk management.
- Water bottles available if required.
- Assistance to the nearest accessible road or transport point in the event a participant needs to leave the expedition (where safe and practical).
Requirements
- Suitable level of fitness.
- Previous long-distance hiking experience is recommended.
- Ability to comfortably hike long distances over consecutive days.
- Fitness and experience may be discussed before confirming a booking to ensure the expedition is suitable for all participants.
Expedition Style
These expeditions are designed around responsible wild camping, allowing greater flexibility while providing a genuine wilderness experience in accordance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Where safety, weather conditions, land management restrictions or other operational requirements make wild camping unsuitable, campsites or alternative accommodation may be used at the guide’s discretion.
Toilet and shower facilities are available at various points along the West Highland Way, particularly within villages and settlements. Participants should be prepared for periods between facilities as part of the expedition experience. Opportunities to restock supplies, charge devices and access amenities are generally available in the main stopping points along the route.
How To Book
We do not accept online bookings for these expeditions, as each trip requires careful planning and preparation to ensure it is suitable for every participant.
All expeditions are available by private booking only.
To enquire or make a booking, please contact us by email at g.i.guides24@gmail.com, use the contact form below, or get in touch via WhatsApp using the link at the top of this page.
Once we receive your enquiry, we’ll discuss your preferred dates, group size, experience level and any specific requirements before confirming your expedition.
