About this trip.
Comparing firms? Every West Highland Way holiday on Mooch, side by side.
Before you book: Walking holidays vs cycling holidays — when each one is the right answer · Which Camino route is right for you — an honest opinion on each of the seven
Milngavie to Fort William in five walking days
This itinerary covers the full West Highland Way over six nights. You arrive in Milngavie on day one, then walk north in five stages: Milngavie to Balmaha (18.5 miles), Balmaha to Inverarnan (21.5 miles), Inverarnan to Bridge of Orchy (21 miles), Bridge of Orchy to Kinlochleven (21 miles) and finally Kinlochleven to Fort William (14 miles).
The West Highland Way was Scotland's first long distance route, and it is still by far the most popular. Thousands of walkers from all over the world walk it each year. The path is a mix of ancient pathways, drovers' cattle trails and military roads dating back to the Jacobite Risings of 1745 and the time of General Wade. In 2010 the route became part of the International Appalachian Trail.
From Conic Hill to Ben Nevis
The way north takes in Conic Hill, Loch Lomond, Glen Falloch and Rannoch Moor. It then passes the rugged peak of Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe before climbing over the Devil's Staircase and dropping into Kinlochleven. The walk ends in Gordon Square in Fort William, beneath Ben Nevis. Along the way you see Scotland's landscapes up close and meet its people and culture.
What the package includes
Your accommodation is booked for every night, and door-to-door baggage transfer carries your luggage between overnight stops, with a maximum weight of 20kg. You also get a Rucksack Readers guidebook, location details for each place you stay, and travel information for the whole trip from start to finish.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard is it really?
The grading is set by the operator and usually reflects daily distance and total ascent. As a rule of thumb: if you can comfortably manage a 5-6 hour hillwalk at home on a weekend, a moderate-graded route will be fine. Read the day-by-day notes carefully, and train with a loaded pack in the months before.
Q2Can I do this solo?
Yes — self-guided walking holidays are well suited to solo travellers, and some operators waive the single-room supplement on certain departures. The route notes are written for confident independent walkers, and most operators run a 24/7 support line.
Q3Do I need to speak the language?
No. Hotels and restaurants on the route are used to English-speaking walkers. A phrasebook for menus and a few polite basics (hello, thank you, please) is all you really need. The operator's support line speaks English.
Q4Can I bring my dog?
Some routes are dog-friendly, others aren't — it depends on whether all the accommodation on the itinerary accepts dogs. Check with the operator before booking. If you do bring a dog, you'll need a pet passport, up-to-date rabies vaccination, and a lead for villages.
Q5What if it rains?
The route is walkable in rain — your luggage travels ahead regardless, so you'll always arrive somewhere dry. Some trails get slippery in wet weather and the operator's support line can arrange a taxi for any stage if conditions are properly bad.
Q6How do I get there from the UK?
Most routes are reachable by a short flight to a nearby airport, followed by train or transfer. The operator will usually point you at the nearest airport and can advise on rail connections. Some will book train tickets on your behalf for a small fee.
Q7Can I shorten or extend it?
Usually yes. Many operators offer shorter versions of a route as a standalone, and most will add extra nights at the start or end at their own rates. Ask when you enquire — they'll tailor it before booking.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Three walking holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest walking holidays on Mooch, both on the West Highland Way. Prices are the operators' own, per person.
West Highland Way: Milngavie to Fort William
West Highland Way
West Highland Way Escape
More walking holidays on the West Highland Way.
Walking · ScotlandWest Highland Way: Milngavie to Fort William
Walking · ScotlandWest Highland Way: Milngavie to Fort William
Walking · Scotland