A route famous in walking circles and popular with clubs and Duke of Edinburgh’s award schemes, the West Highland Way is a ‘safe’ walk and a good option for entry-level long distance hikers. You can get lost in conversation without getting too lost on the route.

If you try to be quiet on your walk, you may avoid scaring some of the Scottish wildlife away. Although it is rare to spot wild cat, pole cat, otters, foxes and badgers, you would quite likely come across surprise encounters with red deer around Rannoch Mor or the small Sitka deer in the forests. There is a population of cute feral goats at Inversnaid, which were left over from the sad times of the Clearances. You may hear the hammering of spotted woodpecker and the drumming of capercaillie. There are certain times where you may see golden eagles, ospreys and falcons. In forests watch out for long-tailed tits, crested tits, siskins and crossbills.

In late spring and early summer, cotton grass and beautiful buttercups speckle the otherwise green and brown landscape. A few orchids can also be found. Heading over the pass in Kinlochleven and in the Mamores the landscape may house tiny carnivorous plants called butterworts and sundews, which prey on midges.

The attraction of walking the West Highland Way lies in walking out of a big city, through an undulating ploughed and cow grazed landscape, before reaching the Trossachs National Park. Pass the Highland Boundary Fault, then up the side of Loch Lomond and walk into a very different rugged landscape of big hills, farming hamlets and more lakes. These mark the start of the Scottish Highlands.

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West Highland Way highlights

 

Why travel with us

Making the West Highland Way Affordable

Our active trips in Scotland only include what you need like accommodation, meals, bikes on cycle trips, luggage transfers, maps and route directions on self guided trips and an experienced local guide for group trips, as well as the peace of mind that comes with complete backup and support.

Explore Scotland at your own pace

On our West Highland Way self guided trips you can expect to receive up-to-date and well researched route notes and maps, seamless luggage transfers and competitive pricing on all essential services. Many self guided trips also have daily departure dates, allowing you to enjoy the convenience and flexibility a self guided trip offers.

Enjoy flexibility and choices

Cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land or sea - we can help you explore Scotland exactly the way you want.

Responsible travel

 

Reducing Waste

Our Waste Management Policy encourages our travellers to take their own reusable water bottles, coffee cups and reusable stuff sacks to avoid single use plastics.

Supporting Local

In the Scottish regions that we travel through tourism is the main source of income for many local people. We support them by working with local family run accommodations and suppliers so that your money actually assists the community that hosts you.

Paddock to Plate

The paddock to plate concept is one we encourage by choosing to work with accommodations that source produce from local farms. This provides you with fresher meals and ensures your money directly assists local economies.

Accommodation

Bed & breakfasts (B&Bs)

Simple yet rich in local character, the B&Bs chosen are clean, comfortable and run by hosts that help add to your experience.

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Essential information

Currency

Pound Sterling

International Dialing Code

+44

Electricity

Electricity in The United Kingdom is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is G (UK – 3 prong).

Visas

Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www. schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.