Walking the West Highland Way

9 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
The 151 km long West Highland Way was the first official walking route in Scotland, opening in 1980 and traversing East Dunbartonshire, Stirling, Argyll and Bute and the Highlands. The perfect introduction to the Highlands, with its mix of challenging mountain paths, awe inspiring scenery, picturesque villages and the odd whisky distillery along the way! Beg...
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$2,457
From$1,820
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Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star

Highlights

    • A challenging itinerary stretching 151km from Milngavie to Fort William
    • Spectacular scenery through glens, rugged mountains, deep blue lochs and across moors
    • Experience iconic scenery of Rannoch Moor, Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis and Glen Coe
    • Enjoy Scottish hospitality, try the world renowned traditional food and beverages, including smoked salmon and whiskey
    • Optional city break add-on in Glasgow and extra nights in Fort William to climb Ben Nevis

What's this trip about?

    The 151 km long West Highland Way was the first official walking route in Scotland, opening in 1980 and traversing East Dunbartonshire, Stirling, Argyll and Bute and the Highlands. The perfect introduction to the Highlands, with its mix of challenging mountain paths, awe inspiring scenery, picturesque villages and the odd whisky distillery along the way! Beginning just outside Glasgow, the route takes you on a journey through some of Scotland's most stunning natural scenery, and also through its history, passing areas rich with stories of its famous sons, Rob Roy and Robert the Bruce. Starting in Milngavie you walk through Mugdock Country Park, following the shores of Loch Lomond and onto Glen Falloch. Experience one of the last pristine moors in Europe as you cross Rannoch Moor, past the recognisable munro, Buachaille Etive Mor and onto the head of Glencoe. At the end of the week, you will climb the Devil's Staircase, descending to Loch Leven before finishing in the outdoor adventure capital of the UK, Fort William. Your evenings will be spent in the company of fellow walkers from all around the world, experiencing quality hotels, offering the very best of Scottish hospitality. All accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis, with evening meals and picnic lunches easily available either at your hotel, or in the nearby village.A dramatic and breath-taking route, some of the views you see will be easily recognisable as the locations of dramas and films, including James Bonds' Skyfall and Harry Potter.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityMilngavie
End CityFort William

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • United Kingdom
  • Scotland

Activities

  • Hiking

Trip includes

    • All accommodation in a mix of hotels, B & B and guesthouses
    • All continental breakfasts
    • Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
    • Route directions and maps
    • Luggage transfers between hotels

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Milngavie

Spend a relaxing evening at your hotel, in preparation for the start of your journey in the morning. Overnight at the Premier Inn, Milngavie or similar.

Day 2 Milngavie to Drymen

Quickly leaving the town behind, the walk takes you through Mugdock Wood and past Craigallan Loch on your way to Strathblane. Along old railways lines and following the path of the river, stop off for some whisky sampling at Glengoyne Distillery before passing through villages of Gartness and Drumgoyne, arriving at your hotel for the evening, the Braeside guest house (or similar).

Day 3 Drymen to Rowardennan

Following the path through the forest, you will soon see the spectacular Ben Lomond in front of you. With a steady ascent over Conic Hill, the views open out over the whole of Loch Lomond, a breath-taking sight. When you descend you reach the village of Balmaha where ...

Day 4 Rowardennan to Inverarnan

A challenging route today; first you follow along the banks of Loch Lomond, and slowly the track becomes a twisting and rocky trail through the forest. The views of Glen Falloch more than make up for this, and there is a welcome rest stop at Inversnaid near a beautifu...

Day 5 Inverarnan to Tyndrum

In contrast to the challenging walk yesterday around Loch Lomond, todays route is easier but no less interesting as you walk through native woodlands, along a riverside path to see the Falls of Falloch, and then onto an old track through farmland. Stop for lunch at Cr...

Day 6 Tyndrum to Kingshouse

After leaving Tyndrum, todays walk is mostly on the flat with the stunning Beinn Odhar and Beinn Dorain in sight at your side. Travelling along the railway and river, you reach the Bridge of Orchy, which makes a good stop before carrying on to the forest and Inveroran...

Day 7 Kingshouse to Kinlochleven

Probably the most famous and well-loved section of the West Highland Way, todays walk takes you to the Devils Staircase, along the old military road, an easier walk than the name would suggest. Enjoy the incredible views of the Glencoe mountains before descending, wit...

Day 8 Kinlochleven to Fort William

All too soon you will have reached the last stage of this world-famous walk. Climbing up through the woods above Kinlochleven, take a short detour to see the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall before following the route of the old Military Road onto Fort William. With stunnin...

Day 9 Depart Fort William

Leave Fort William after breakfast, to begin your journey home, or stay on a few days to enjoy this fabulous location.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,820
Price per day$202
Last Updated: 7/26/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Standard
Availability
01 Apr 2025
09 Apr 2025
$1,955
02 Apr 2025
10 Apr 2025
$1,955
03 Apr 2025
11 Apr 2025
$1,955
04 Apr 2025
12 Apr 2025
$1,955
05 Apr 2025
13 Apr 2025
$1,955
06 Apr 2025
14 Apr 2025
$1,955
07 Apr 2025
15 Apr 2025
$1,955
08 Apr 2025
16 Apr 2025
$1,955
09 Apr 2025
17 Apr 2025
$1,955
10 Apr 2025
18 Apr 2025
$1,955

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
    • Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)
    • Visas or vaccinations
    • Travel to the start and from the end point

Accommodation

Your hotels have been carefully chosen for their locations and the warm friendly welcome you will receive. Room Upgrades: Room upgrades may be available on request for a supplement – please enquire at the time of booking for further details and prices. Upgrades available at select hotels only (not for the entire duration of the tour). All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration. For a solo traveller there is an additional charge to cover transfer costs.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
12 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
exodus-W08WH

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