From Loch Lomond to the Glencoe mountains via the West Highland Way

Begin your exploration of Edinburgh by climbing Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano offering one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Scottish capital. Then descend towards Holyroodhouse Palace, the King's official residence in Scotland, before strolling along the famous Royal Mile, the true backbone of the Old Town.

Along the way, discover the majestic St. Giles' Cathedral and its remarkable stained-glass windows, then continue on to Edinburgh Castle, perched atop its impressive volcanic rock. Take time to wander through the cobbled streets and historic closes before visiting the Writers' Museum, dedicated to Scotland's greatest writers.

In the afternoon, head to the lively Grassmarket district and the famous Victoria Street, renowned for its colorful facades and its connection to the world of Harry Potter. End your stroll along Princes Street Gardens, where the spectacular Scott Monument offers a striking contrast to the old town.

To conclude your first day, settle into a traditional pub to enjoy a local beer accompanied by Scottish folk music. Weather permitting, a climb up Calton Hill at sunset will reward you with an unforgettable view of Edinburgh illuminated by the sun.

You'll leave Edinburgh by train for Milngavie, the official starting point of the West Highland Way. The journey involves a train connection in Glasgow. Edinburgh → Glasgow: 1 hour 15 minutes; Glasgow → Milngavie: 25 minutes (Walking between stations: 10 minutes). Depending on your schedule, a short break in Glasgow before continuing your journey can be very pleasant. A dynamic and creative city, it offers an interesting contrast to Edinburgh. You could, for example, stroll through the city center, discover the architecture designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, or enjoy the lively atmosphere around Buchanan Street for a coffee or lunch break. Taking the train back to Milngavie, you'll gradually leave the urban environment behind and enter the heart of nature. Upon arrival, take a moment to locate the obelisk marking the start of the West Highland Way, then begin your walk on easy, gently sloping paths. This initial warm-up, between undergrowth and countryside landscapes, allows you to gently ease into your walking adventure.

This first stage marks a gradual transition from the urban environment to nature. The trail begins on wide, well-maintained paths, often on former railway lines or farm tracks, providing a comfortable warm-up. Your adventure starts in the heart of Milngavie, the official starting point of the West Highland Way. Before setting off, take advantage of the village shops for any last-minute purchases and take a moment to get your bearings: this is where your journey across Scotland truly begins. From the very first steps, the trail guides you towards the green spaces of Mugdock Country Park, where the transition between town and country is seamless. Very quickly, the environment becomes more rural, dotted with small lochs, rivers, and open landscapes that hint at the vast open spaces to come. This first stage is an excellent warm-up. Relatively flat and accessible, it allows you to gradually discover the diverse landscapes that will characterize the West Highland Way. As you continue, the views gradually open up, revealing the distant Highlands beyond Drymen. Today you'll stop in Drymen. This charming village is ideal for your first night, with its amenities, accommodations, and friendly atmosphere.

The day begins gently before reaching one of the iconic stages of the West Highland Way. From Drymen, the trail gradually climbs towards Conic Hill , the first real challenge of the route. At 24 km (approximately 7 hours of walking) with an elevation gain of around 500 meters, this stage offers a perfect balance between exertion and breathtaking scenery.

At the summit, a spectacular view opens up over Loch Lomond and its string of islands. This viewpoint also marks the natural border between the Lowlands and the Highlands, a symbolic passage for any hiker traversing the West Highland Way.

The descent leads to the picturesque village of Balmaha , ideal for a break or lunch overlooking the loch. Those with time can also take a boat to Inchcailloch Island for a nature getaway.

The route then continues along the shores of Loch Lomond through a magnificent ancient oak forest. The trail alternates between shaded sections, lakeside stretches, and gentle hills, offering complete immersion in the wild landscapes of the national park.

The day ends in Rowardennan , a peaceful hamlet nestled on the edge of the loch and the starting point for the ascent of Ben Lomond, the southernmost of the Scottish Munros.

Starting in Rowardennan, you'll walk along the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, in one of the wildest and most spectacular sections of the West Highland Way. This 22km stage (approximately 7 hours' walking) has an elevation gain of around 500 meters. The loch, nearly 190 meters deep in places, is bordered by rugged mountains that give the landscape a grand and unspoiled feel.

The trail gradually becomes more technical, especially after Inversnaid . Rocky sections, roots, and small streams require more attention, particularly after heavy rain. This difficulty is more than compensated for by the exceptional beauty of the scenery.

One of the highlights of the day is passing the spectacular Inversnaid waterfall , which plunges into Loch Lomond. The village is also a departure point for boats connecting Tarbet and Inveruglas, offering an attractive alternative for exploring the loch.

Keep your eyes peeled throughout the hike: wild goats, ospreys, and, with a bit of luck, golden eagles inhabit this protected area. The RSPB Inversnaid Nature Reserve offers the opportunity to learn more about this remarkable wildlife.

Continuing towards Inverarnan , the trail alternates between forests, wild riverbanks, and steep sections. This stage is often considered one of the most memorable on the West Highland Way, offering a complete immersion in the unspoiled nature of the Hais.

This stage marks a transition between the wild shores of Loch Lomond and the vast landscapes of the Highlands. At 19 km long (approximately 6 hours' walking) with an elevation gain of around 250 meters, it offers a gentler hike through verdant valleys and past majestic mountains.

Leaving Inverarnan, you follow the River Falloch before reaching the impressive Falls of Falloch , a magnificent waterfall nestled in lush greenery. The trail then continues to Crianlarich , considered the midpoint of the West Highland Way. A short detour leads to the village for a break or to refuel.

The route then follows the River Fillan , passing through peaceful glen landscapes before reaching Kirkton Farm , where the remains of the medieval priory of St Fillan and its ancient cemetery stand as witnesses to the religious history of the Highlands.

As the mountains draw closer, the trail follows the River Cononish to the village of Tyndrum , a key stop on the West Highland Way. This mountain village offers a welcoming atmosphere, with its cafes, shops, and remarkable views of the surrounding peaks.

This day provides a beautiful transition to the more alpine landscapes that await you, heralding the most spectacular stages of the hike.

This shorter 12km stage (approximately 4 hours' walk) with an elevation gain of around 200 meters allows you to fully appreciate the magnificent Highland scenery. Before leaving Tyndrum , remember to stock up on supplies: you won't find any more shops until Kinlochleven , nearly 45km further north.

From the very first kilometers, the trail crosses a vast valley dominated by the region's iconic mountains. You walk alongside the slopes of Beinn Odhar , while the imposing Beinn Dorain , recognizable by its pyramidal silhouette, accompanies your progress into the heart of the glen.

The wide, pleasant path follows the valley, offering magnificent views. Nearby, the famous West Highland Line winds its way through the mountains, crossing an elegant viaduct that recalls the Highlands' rich railway heritage.

As the hike progresses, the landscapes become increasingly open. The terrain gradually flattens out before a gentle descent to Bridge of Orchy , a small village nestled in a stunning natural setting. The views over Glen Orchy bring this stage to a peaceful close, hinting at the even more spectacular scenery that awaits you in the following days.

This 19km stage (5-6 hours walking time) with an elevation gain of approximately 670 meters is undoubtedly one of the most iconic on the West Highland Way. Starting from Bridge of Orchy , the trail reaches Forest Lodge before gradually ascending towards the vast expanses of Rannoch Moor , one of the last great wilderness areas in Europe.

You'll be traversing a spectacular landscape of moors, peat bogs, secluded lochs, and distant mountains. The old military road used by the trail offers steady progress but remains entirely exposed to the elements. In rain or wind, this crossing can become more challenging, making appropriate equipment essential.

Halfway along the route, Ba Bridge is an ideal spot for a break amidst this unspoiled nature. A few hundred meters further on, the ruins of Ba Cottage offer basic shelter and a unique setting from which to admire the vastness of Rannoch Moor.

As the hike unfolds, the landscapes of Glencoe gradually reveal themselves until the majestic Buachaille Etive Mòr , one of Scotland's most famous mountains, comes into view. The arrival in Kingshouse marks the end of an unforgettable stage, offering a complete immersion in the most magnificent and wild landscapes of the Highlands.

This 16km stage (5-6 hours walking time) with an elevation gain of approximately 550 meters takes you to the highest point of the West Highland Way. Starting from Kingshouse , the trail quickly offers exceptional views of the majestic Buachaille Etive Mòr , one of the most iconic mountains in the Highlands.

Upon reaching Altnafeadh , you begin the ascent of the famous Devil's Staircase . Despite its intimidating name, this switchback climb is steady and rewards hikers with spectacular views. At the summit, at approximately 550 meters, a cairn marks the highest point of the West Highland Way. From here, the view extends to the Buachaille Etive Mòr and the wild peaks of the Mamores range, offering one of the most beautiful vistas on the route.

After this climb, the trail crosses a vast moorland plateau before beginning a long descent towards Kinlochleven . The panoramas over the valley and the loch gradually unfold, accompanying a gentler walk to the village.

A former industrial town transformed into an outdoor destination, Kinlochleven makes a welcome stop before the final day of hiking. Those with a thirst for adventure can discover the National Ice Climbing Centre , a unique site in Scotland dedicated to ice climbing.

This final 25km stage (7-8 hours walking) with an elevation gain of approximately 600 meters marks the culmination of your West Highland Way adventure. Starting from Kinlochleven , a steady climb quickly leads you to magnificent viewpoints overlooking Loch Leven and the village you leave behind.

The trail then joins the vast Lairigmor , nicknamed "the Great Pass". This wide valley, framed by the Highland mountains, offers steady progress through open, wild, and particularly peaceful landscapes. It is one of the most contemplative sections of the route.

As you travel through the kilometers, you'll pass through wooded areas before approaching Glen Nevis , where the imposing silhouette of Ben Nevis , the highest peak in the UK, gradually comes into view. A short detour allows those with a thirst for discovery to explore the remains of Dun Deardail , an ancient Iron Age fort offering a superb panoramic view of the valley.

The final descent takes you to Fort William , the official end of the West Highland Way. Arriving at Gordon Square , where the famous statue of the hiker stands, marks the end of this legendary trek through the Highlands. A truly moving moment, symbolizing the completion of one of Europe's most beautiful hikes.

After several days of hiking the West Highland Way, enjoy a free day in Fort William , in the heart of the Highlands, to rest or continue your adventure as you wish. Those feeling more athletic can take on the challenge of climbing Ben Nevis (1,345 m), the highest peak in the UK. The classic route, starting from Glen Nevis , is approximately 16 km round trip, takes 7 to 9 hours to walk, and involves 1,300 meters of elevation gain. On a clear day, the effort is rewarded with exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

For a more peaceful day out, the Glen Nevis valley offers magnificent walks to Steall Falls , one of Scotland's most beautiful waterfalls, set against a backdrop of cliffs, meadows, and mountain peaks. Alternatively, you can reach the Nevis Range and take the cable car to admire the Highland scenery effortlessly.

Fort William also deserves to be explored at a more leisurely pace: a visit to the Ben Nevis Distillery , a stroll along Loch Linnhe , a wander through the town center, or a break in one of its cafes. Outdoor enthusiasts can also opt for a kayaking trip, a boat excursion, or a mountain bike ride to further immerse themselves in the spectacular Highland scenery.

You'll travel to Edinburgh by train via Glasgow: Fort William → Glasgow: 4 hours; Glasgow → Edinburgh: 1 hour 15 minutes. A final scenic journey through legendary landscapes to conclude your adventure.

After these days filled with discoveries, from spectacular landscapes and majestic castles to charming villages, it's time to head home, our heads full of memories and, we hope, the desire to return one day to explore other hidden corners of Scotland. Safe travels home ✈ and see you very soon for another getaway!