What equipment do I need to bring?

The basics include sturdy hiking boots, a comfortable backpack, weather-appropriate clothing, and a water bottle. For some tours, you might also need specialized equipment like hiking poles, which you can find recommended in the What To Bring section on each of our tours.

How do I get to the starting point of the tour?

Most of our tours begin in locations that are easily accessible via public transportation. Whether in Europe, the Americas, or other regions, the starting points are typically near major airports, train stations, or bus stops. We will provide you with detailed instructions on how to reach the start of your tour using public transport options. If you prefer more convenience, we can arrange private transfers directly from the airport or train station to your starting location for an additional charge.

Is accommodation included in the tours?

Yes, accommodation is included in all of our tours. We carefully select hotels, guesthouses, and mountain huts that offer comfort and a welcoming atmosphere after a day of hiking.

What is the accommodation like on a walking tour?

Typically, you'll stay in comfortable 3-star hotels, guesthouses, or mountain huts in more remote areas. Please note that in the mountain huts, accommodations are often shared, with dormitory-style rooms, though some huts offer private rooms if booked well in advance.

Can I upgrade the accommodations?

Yes, accommodation upgrades are generally possible for most hotels or B&Bs. In the case of mountain huts, there are usually no other options nearby. However, you can book a private room instead of a dormitory if you are early enough. Please note that upgrading accommodations will affect the final tour price.

What is the tourist tax?

Tourist tax is a small fee charged by some destinations, ranging from €0.50 to €2.50 per night. It is commonly included in your final accommodation bill. However, in some cases, it may need to be paid in cash on-site.

What is luggage transfer?

Luggage transfer means your baggage is transported from one accommodation to another throughout the tour. It comes convenient on most of our tours except the location-based ones, as it lessens the burden on your back during the hike and allows you to bring additional luggage. Please note that luggage transfer is not possible on all treks.

Will my luggage be transported?

Luggage transfer is not possible in every location, especially on high-altitude treks. Therefore, we don't include it by default. However, you can optionally add it to your booking on the tours where it's doable. Please note that adding the luggage transfer affects the final price of the hiking tour.

What is the luggage allowance?

Each transfer allows only one bag per person, which must be soft. The maximum weight permitted is 15 kg. Additionally, bags must not contain food, beverages, medicines, valuables, money, or official documents.

What does a typical day look like on a walking tour?

Every day on a hiking tour begins in the same way: with breakfast. Then, it differs between the tour types. On hut-to-hut or inn-to-inn hikes, you must leave the accommodation early enough to reach your next lodging within the check-in window. On center-based hikes, you can leave and return anytime (barring any additional instructions from the accommodation). You can even opt out of hiking and stay in. On travel & hike tours , you might initially have to drive or take public transportation to the hike's starting point before moving on to your next accommodation. After hiking, you can spend the rest of the day as you please.

What if the weather changes unexpectedly during my hike?

Weather can be unpredictable, especially in mountainous areas. We closely monitor conditions and will inform you if changes are necessary. As long as you dress accordingly, you can do most of our hikes in light rain. In case of severe weather and storms, we’ll advise you on alternative routes, suggest less strenuous hikes, or offer public transport options.

What happens if I need help on the trail?

Our support is available to solve minor issues. Additionally, your digital guidebook will include a contact for the local emergency services in the case of a severe crisis.

Can you accommodate my food restrictions?

Buffet breakfasts in hotels or guesthouses offer enough variety to accommodate vegetarians and vegans. Mountain hut meals are more limited but usually include at least one vegan option. For strict dietary restrictions, you should consider bringing your own food. If you have particular dietary expectations, you must inform us in advance.

Can I extend my trip?

Absolutely! You can extend your holiday by adding extra lodgings to your booking before, during, or after the tour. We will book the additional nights of accommodation and provide recommendations to make the most of your extended stay.

Are meals included in the price?

Aside from some exceptions in remote places, your booking encompasses half-board accommodation in mountain huts and accommodation with breakfast in hotels, guesthouses, or B&Bs. We provide lunch and dinner recommendations for the latter, allowing you to experience the local cuisine according to your taste instead of eating at the hotel.

Will I have cell reception in the mountains?

It varies, but as a rule of thumb, you should expect poor mobile reception on our high-altitude hikes. Nonetheless, our travel material and GPS-navigation app can be used offline, ensuring you are fully prepared for any situation.

Of course. We even curated a selection of hiking tours most suitable for solo travelers .

Are these tours kid-friendly?

It depends on their age and experience, but we also picked several tours suitable for families with children of all ages and levels of experience.

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West Highland Way

9 days / 8 nights

Experience the best of Scotland’s wilderness on the premier route, featuring a 150-km hike featuring moorlands, peaks, whisky distilleries, and Highland cattle.

Starting point

Milngavie

Finish point

Fort William

Season

From April to October

Technical level

3/5

Fitness level

4/5

Tour type

Inn-to-Inn

Experience the best of Scotland’s wilderness on the premier route, featuring a 150-km hike featuring moorlands, peaks, whisky distilleries, and Highland cattle.

Choose your style

Self-guided from 1.305 €/person

Cancel in the first 48h for free

Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit

Samo Travel Expert

Book a call

Experience the best of Scotland’s wilderness on the premier route, featuring a 150-km hike featuring moorlands, peaks, whisky distilleries, and Highland cattle.

Starting point

Milngavie

Finish point

Fort William

Season

From April to October

Technical level

3/5

Fitness level

4/5

Tour type

Inn-to-Inn

Highlights

Complete Scotland’s most iconic and beloved long-distance trail
Traverse one of Europe’s largest wilderness areas
Marvel at the iconic beauty of Trossachs National Park
Enjoy incredible views from the Devil’s Staircase
Soak in the views at Scotland’s largest freshwater loch
Encounter Highland cattle grazing in the scenic valleys

Itinerary of the trip

Your adventure begins in the charming town of Milngavie, just north of Glasgow. Milngavie is the official starting point of your journey through the West Highland landscape. As you arrive, soak in the atmosphere of this friendly town, with its welcoming obelisk that marks the beginning of the trail. Enjoy a relaxing evening exploring local cafes and gearing up for your hike.

Accommodation

Premier Inn Glasgow (Milngavie) hotel

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Today, you will embark on the first leg of your hike, starting with a gentle introduction to the Highlands. The path takes you along well-maintained trails through beautiful woodlands, parkland, and farmland. One of the highlights is Mugdock Country Park, where you’ll be surrounded by serene landscapes and wildlife. As you move onward, the trail opens up to sweeping views of the Campsie Fells, giving you a taste of the rural beauty of southern Scotland. Drymen, a quaint village, is your stop for the night.

Hiking

19 km and 190 m of elevation gain / 190 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Buchanan Arms Hotel & Leisure, Sure Hotel Collection

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Today’s journey brings you closer to Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater lake in the UK. The trail transitions from peaceful farmlands into the dense woodlands of Garadhban Forest. After climbing Conic Hill, you’re rewarded with one of the most iconic views on the trail – a panoramic vista of Loch Lomond and its islands. The descent takes you to Balmaha, a lovely spot by the loch where you can stop for a rest. From there, you follow the shores of the loch through forests and beaches, finishing at Rowardennan, nestled at the foot of Ben Lomond mountain.

Hiking

23 km and 540 m of elevation gain / 575 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Rowardennan Hotel

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

This stage is one of the most rugged and scenic parts of the trail. You’ll continue along the eastern shores of Loch Lomond, navigating rocky and sometimes challenging terrain. The path weaves through lush forests, ancient oak trees, and along lochside beaches. Keep an eye out for the hidden waterfalls near Inversnaid, a perfect place to pause and take in the serenity. The final stretch takes you through a more remote area, leading to Inverarnan and the historic Drovers Inn, known for its character and Highland charm.

Hiking

22.5 km and 500 m of elevation gain / 505 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Ardlui Hotel

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Today, the trail leads you away from Loch Lomond and into the heart of the Highlands. You’ll follow ancient military roads through the lush green valleys of Glen Falloch, surrounded by dramatic mountains. Along the way, the River Falloch accompanies you, creating picturesque scenery with its cascading waters. This is a great day for spotting wildlife, with the possibility of seeing red deer or the iconic Highland cattle grazing in the open fields. As you approach Tyndrum, the landscape becomes more open, revealing stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

Hiking

19 km and 460 m of elevation gain / 265 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Muthu Ben Doran Hotel

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Leaving Tyndrum, the trail becomes more remote as you head deeper into the Highlands. You’ll pass through the scenic Strath Fillan valley, rich with history, including ancient battlefields. The path here is mostly on easy-going military roads, but the dramatic scenery keeps it exciting. Soon, you’ll reach the edge of Rannoch Moor, one of Europe’s largest wilderness areas. The stage ends at Inveroran, where you’ll stay at a cozy inn nestled in one of the most remote and peaceful parts of the Highlands.

Hiking

14 km and 285 m of elevation gain / 340 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Craigard House Hotel

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

One of the most spectacular days on the trail, this section takes you across the wild and desolate Rannoch Moor. The landscape here is vast, remote, and truly awe-inspiring, with sweeping views of distant mountains and wide-open skies. The trail follows an old military road, offering a sense of solitude and connection with nature. As you approach Kingshouse, the towering peaks of Glencoe come into view, making for an unforgettable finish to the day.

Hiking

15.5 km and 300 m of elevation gain / 230 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Kingshouse Hotel

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Today’s walk takes you through some of the most dramatic Highland scenery, including the famous Devil’s Staircase, the highest point on the trail. This steep climb rewards you with incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After the ascent, the path descends towards Kinlochleven, a picturesque village nestled in a deep valley. The contrast between the wild landscapes and the charming village at the end of the day makes for a memorable experience.

Hiking

14 km and 355 m of elevation gain / 590 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Edencoille Bed & Breakfast

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

The final day of your hike takes you through a remote and scenic valley, surrounded by towering peaks as you make your way toward Fort William. You’ll pass through the Lairigmor, a dramatic mountain pass with breathtaking views of the surrounding Highlands. As you descend into Glen Nevis, the majestic Ben Nevis – Britain’s highest mountain comes into view, marking the end of your journey. Fort William, a bustling Highland town, is the perfect place to celebrate your achievement.

Hiking

24.5 km and 695 m of elevation gain / 700 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Alexandra Hotel

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

After a well-earned rest, you’ll leave Fort William and reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just completed. Depending on your departure time, you can choose to explore the town further or continue your travels and bid farewell to this stunning region.

Gallery

FREE ITINERARY

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What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

9 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast

Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Tour design and organization

Service and support during your hike

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Airport transfer

Extra nights

Hotel upgrades

Luggage transfer

Single supplement

What to bring to the tour

Hiking shoes/boots
25 to 35-liter backpack
Base layer
Sports T-shirts
Hiking shorts
Hiking water-repellent pants
Waterproof jacket
Midlayer
Sports socks and underwear
Leisurewear for evenings

Shade hat/cap
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hiking poles
ID card or passport
Snacks
Cash
Water bottles or hydration pack
Toiletries

The West Highland Way is one of Scotland’s most iconic and beloved long-distance hiking trails, stretching over 150 km from Milngavie to Fort William.

Traversed by more than 35,000 adventurers annually, it showcases the unparalleled beauty of the Scottish Highlands. From the shores of Loch Lomond to the desolate Rannoch Moor, this region captivates with its diverse landscapes, offering hikers panoramic views and tranquil moments in nature.

Whether you’re gazing across the vast moorlands, hiking beneath the shadow of Ben Nevis, or navigating the famous Devil’s Staircase, every step brings you closer to the untamed spirit of the Highlands. The trail winds through ancient glens, past tranquil lochs, and along paths steeped in centuries of Scottish heritage, offering a true immersion in this storied land.

The West Highland Way isn’t just a hiking trail – it’s an experience. You’ll tackle iconic paths like the Lairig Mor pass, soak in the beauty of the Trossachs National Park, and relax in cozy Highland villages along the way.

Each day introduces new highlights, from the cascading waterfalls near Inversnaid to the historical charm of the Drovers Inn. Add to that the opportunity to spot local wildlife, including the iconic Highland cattle, and you’ll find that this journey offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation.

We understand that planning a long-distance hike can be overwhelming. So, leave the planning to us.

From booking comfortable and charming accommodations to providing digital guidebooks, we make sure your experience is seamless and worry-free. Our comprehensive service covers every logistical detail, so you can focus on enjoying the hike.

We’ll also provide expert tips on local eateries, the best places to sample traditional whisky, and hidden gems along the trail, ensuring you get the most out of your Highland adventure.

Lace up your boots and let us guide you through this world-famous route. The West Highland Way awaits!

Frequently Asked Questions

Of course. We aim to make your decision as easy as possible. Therefore, we crafted several selections targeted at particular groups of hikers – Best for Beginners, Best for Advanced Hikers, Mountain Hikes, Pilgrimages, Classic Treks, etc.

If you remain unsure and overwhelmed, you can fill out this form or book a call with us, and we can help you directly.

The sooner, the better! Booking in advance ensures you secure a spot, especially on popular routes where accommodations in remote areas can fill up quickly. For tours like the Tour du Mont Blanc and Alta Via, it's best to book several months ahead, as these areas have limited availability in mountain huts.

However, for some of our less-traveled tours, it's possible to book just a few weeks in advance, though availability and comfort may be more limited, particularly in remote areas with fewer options. To ensure you have the best experience, we always recommend booking early, especially during peak hiking seasons.

Our tours offer flexible starting days, allowing you to begin whenever suits you. However, for some of our most popular routes, like the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) and Alta Via, we have selected departure days due to high demand and pre-booked accommodations. Be sure to check the specific requirements for these tours.

We offer a variety of tours suitable for different fitness levels and technical abilities. Some of them require no prior hiking experience.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, we have the perfect route for you. You can find more information in our Hiking Difficulty Guide, and we also have dedicated sections for Best for Beginners and Best for Advanced Hikers to help you choose the suitable tour.

The fitness level is based on a scale determined by our hiking experts. It varies depending on the tour and defines the selected hiking tour's physical requirements in comparison to others. For a detailed overview, please refer to our Hiking Difficulty Guide.

The technical demands of each hike differ. The technical-level scale defines the technical requirements of each tour in comparison to others, ranging from basic walking to scrambling or using specialized equipment. For a more in-depth explanation of the five levels, please refer to our Hiking Difficulty Guide.

Most of our tours are self-guided, meaning you have the freedom to explore at your own pace without being tied to a group schedule. We provide detailed digital guidebooks that include maps, route notes, and GPS files to ensure a smooth experience.

You can learn more about the concept by reading Self-Guided Tours Explained. We include a guide only for the most challenging treks, like the Triglav Summit Climb.

We provide a comprehensive digital guidebook with maps, route notes, accommodation details, and emergency contacts. Our support will be available during the tour. However, you'll have all the information you need to enjoy your hike independently.

Check out how self-guided tours work in more detail and an example of our digital guidebook here.

Choose your style

Self-guided from 1.305 €/person

Cancel in the first 48h for free

Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit

Samo Travel Expert

Book a call

Ratings & Reviews

5.0 average rating

+59

Carly Leonard

Verified customer

My friend and I went with Triglav Tours for a 3 day, 2 night hike this summer and had the most amazing time!! Our guide, Bine, was awesome and had lots of cool facts to share about the area we were hiking. Additionally, my friend and I had not completed such a technical hike before and the guide and other guests were very patient with us and encouraging, ensuring we felt safe the entire time. The overnights were also such a fun way to get to know Bine, the other guests, and other hikers as well. Cannot recommend Triglav tours enough!!!

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Michael White

Verified customer

I arranged a six-day/five-night trip with Hut to Hut Slovenia. It's the first time I've gone with a tour organizer and I can say it went really well. In the past I've arranged huts myself and it is a huge hassle figuring out how to make the bookings, if the bookings actually exist, and what good/viable routes might be. Having this all sort was, at least to me, totally worth it. The routing is via Ride with GPS, which was great. I'd recommend bringing 1:25,000 scale paper maps as a backup, just in case. The huts themselves differ wildly. Some are really rustic with, ahem, interesting toilet facilities. One was accessible by road and thus had showers, a long menu, and even espresso. All will have some sort of food, but you might only have two options for dinner (one with meat, one vegetarian). The cuisine in the Slovenian huts leans strongly to stews and goulashes with minimal fresh vegetables and/or fruit. Certainly good and hearty but pretty much everyone I talked to said the food was better in the Italian and Austrian huts. Some huts are cash only, some take cards (but the card reader might be down). A 1.5 litre bottle of water is about 6 euro, so if you have a beer with dinner and also buy lunch you need to carry about 25-30 euro per day in cash (assuming you have a booking that includes breakfast). Of the six days of hiking, four were ridiculously spectacular, with the highlight being sunrise from Mt Stol. Getting up to the high mountains, though, can be crazy steep, with switchbacks only sparsely used. Descents are similarly tough, and you have to watch every step. For the first time ever I used trekking poles and my knees thank me. Two days were a bit of a slog, but this is probably unavoidable getting up to or down from the high terrain. Would I do something like this again? Yes, absolutely! But next time it will probably be the Dolomites.

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Roman Klymenko

Verified customer

Very beautiful hike. I did not expect that Slovenia is so amazing.

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Birgit Kindler

Verified customer

We had a lovely hike today with our guide Klemen. He personalized the tour on our needs and interests, so that we saw places we wouldn't without his experience. The hike was a little bit slippery after the rain from the last days and it went a lot upwards, but it was totally worth it! Thanks again :)

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Dominik Schrotter

Verified customer

We had a great day with Klemen on this hike, he showed us some lesser known spots/highlights of the southern part of the julian alps with a nice viewpoint at the end. 10/10 would book again

Gisela Irion

Verified customer

Tina and her team gave me perfect support on my hut hike through the Triglav National Park in July. In particular, they had to cater to my specific needs twice, which they did for me with no problem. I once had to cancel at short notice before the start of the trip because my father was not feeling well, but then we found a solution and I was able to start the hike. Tina and team first canceled the huts immediately and then reserved them again for me. Even when my condition caused a little tour change again, I immediately had suggestions and these were immediately available in the Trip plans app. I liked this app very much because it was easy to handle and the huttohut-team gave a short overview how the daily tour will be and which highlights – mostly beautiful views – I will see“

Carly Leonard

Verified customer

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Roman Klymenko

Verified customer

Very beautiful hike. I did not expect that Slovenia is so amazing.

Show all 3 photos

Dominik Schrotter

Verified customer

We had a great day with Klemen on this hike, he showed us some lesser known spots/highlights of the southern part of the julian alps with a nice viewpoint at the end. 10/10 would book again

Michael White

Verified customer

Show all 10 photos

Birgit Kindler

Verified customer

Show all 3 photos

Gisela Irion

Verified customer

All available guidance options

Self-guided

Those who like a good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday...

HANDPICKED ADVENTURES

Only the best adventures across the world, cherry-picked by our team with an in-depth knowledge of the regions.

VALUE YOUR TIME

With everything on your plate, let us handle the vacation planning, so your valuable time stays exactly where you need it.

SELF-GUIDED TRAVEL

Explore independently and with confidence while we keep everything running from behind the scenes.

TRUSTED BY MANY

Since 2014, we have taken care of thousands of happy customers, making it our mission to put your satisfaction first.

OUTDOOR SPECIALISTS

We are a team of outdoor specialists equipped with the knowledge and insight to bring you the best hiking experiences.

from 1.305 € /person

West Highland Way

Choose your style

Highlights

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival in Milngavie

Day 2: Milngavie – Drymen

Day 3: Drymen – Rowardennan

Day 4: Rowardennan – Inverarnan

Day 5: Inverarnan – Tyndrum

Day 6: Tyndrum – Inveroran

Day 7: Inveroran – Kingshouse

Day 8: Kingshouse – Kinlochleven

Day 9: Kinlochleven – Fort William

Day 10: Departure from Fort William

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

What to bring to the tour

Frequently Asked Questions

You have too many options. Is there any way I can narrow down the selection?

How far in advance should I book my walking tour?

Do I need to book specific start dates?

Do I need prior hiking experience?

What is the fitness level?

What is the technical level?

Are your tours guided?

I booked a self-guided tour. How does it work?

Choose your style

Ratings & Reviews

Carly Leonard

Michael White

Roman Klymenko

Birgit Kindler

Dominik Schrotter

Gisela Irion

Carly Leonard

Roman Klymenko

Dominik Schrotter

Michael White

Birgit Kindler

Gisela Irion

Similar Products

All available guidance options

Self-guided

HANDPICKED ADVENTURES

VALUE YOUR TIME

SELF-GUIDED TRAVEL

TRUSTED BY MANY

OUTDOOR SPECIALISTS

Have questions? Talk to us.

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival in Milngavie

Day 2: Milngavie – Drymen

Day 3: Drymen – Rowardennan

Day 4: Rowardennan – Inverarnan

Day 5: Inverarnan – Tyndrum

Day 6: Tyndrum – Inveroran

Day 7: Inveroran – Kingshouse

Day 8: Kingshouse – Kinlochleven

Day 9: Kinlochleven – Fort William

Day 10: Departure from Fort William

Ratings & Reviews

Carly Leonard

Michael White

Roman Klymenko

Birgit Kindler

Dominik Schrotter

Gisela Irion

Carly Leonard

Roman Klymenko

Dominik Schrotter

Michael White

Birgit Kindler

Gisela Irion

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