West Highland Way: Milngavie to Fort William
About this trip.
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From Milngavie to Loch Lomond
Milngavie, a town in the Glasgow suburbs, is the starting point for this eight-day, seven-night walk along the West Highland Way to Fort William. The holiday is graded challenging. Day one is for arriving, and you'll be given public transport information to help you get to Milngavie. The walking starts the next morning, and within minutes of leaving town you're in open countryside. The first stage to Drymen is 12.5 miles (20 km), usually five to seven hours, on woodland paths and gentle farmland trails. Along the way you can stop at the Glengoyne whisky distillery.
On day three, the climb to the shoulder of Conic Hill (300m) is the first real test. From there you get views over Loch Lomond, and then the trail drops down to the lakeshore at Balmaha. You carry on through woodland beside the water to the small settlement of Rowardennan, 15 miles (24 km) in all.
Up the loch and into the hills
The fourth day follows the eastern shore of Loch Lomond to the northern end of the lake. It is long, at 21 miles (34 km) and eight to eleven hours, and the operator warns that it is a very challenging stage, with some remote and rugged trail along the shore. Most of the walking is on quiet woodland paths, and you pass Rob Roy's Cave, one of the outlaw's many hiding places. A gently rising track then climbs the River Falloch valley, and a spur off the trail takes you down into Crianlarich, which is the halfway point of the full West Highland Way.
From Crianlarich you climb back up to the trail and follow a quiet forest track. You pass the ruins of St Fillan's Priory, founded by Robert the Bruce in the 14th century. Between Tyndrum and Bridge of Orchy the route runs beside the railway line through a glen. After Bridge of Orchy it enters one of its more remote sections, with views from Mam Carraig over Tulla Loch, before you reach Inveroran, 16 miles (26 km) from the start of the day.
Rannoch Moor to Fort William
Day six crosses the exposed Rannoch Moor, 19 miles (30 km) to Kinlochleven. In sunshine you get wide views of the surrounding mountains, but in rain there's nowhere to shelter. After Kingshouse comes the climb known as the Devil's Staircase. The operator says it is not as hard as the name suggests, and from the top you can see across to the Ben Nevis range.
The final stage, 15.5 miles (25 km), starts with a steep climb out of Kinlochleven. After that, an old military road runs gently through Glen Nevis until Ben Nevis comes into view ahead. You then descend on forest paths into Fort William.
What's included and getting home
Your accommodation includes breakfast, and your bags are moved between overnight stops. You also get route notes, GPS tracks and 24/7 support. On day eight you leave Fort William, which has regular bus and train services to Glasgow and on to Edinburgh. Your hosts can usually give you the most accurate local travel details, and the operator's team can help if you need more.
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
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