
United Kingdom
Scotland - West Highland Way
Scotland - West Highland Way
Duration
8 days
Start/End
Edinburgh
Tour type
Individual · Group
Level
Demanding
Accommodation
Hotel
Overview
Over several stages of the legendary long-distance trail you hike from Inverarnan via Tyndrum and Bridge of Orchy, across Rannoch Moor and from Kinlochleven to Fort William. The highlight is Ben Nevis with more than 1,000 metres of ascent, followed by Loch Ness, a whisky distillery and Edinburgh.
On several stages of the legendary West Highland Way, we hike through valleys, moors, and upland landscapes – sometimes on gentle paths, sometimes with more challenging climbs. The highlight is the ascent of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain. Along the way, we'll experience the full diversity of Scotland: idyllic villages, wild nature, tranquil lochs, and sweeping vistas. The route concludes with a visit to a whisky distillery for a tasting, and finally to Edinburgh, where we'll explore the city together. A journey that perfectly combines nature, sporting challenges, and cultural discoveries.
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Edinburgh
You'll travel independently to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. If you like, we'd be happy to book your flight for you. In the evening, you'll meet your fellow travelers at the starting hotel. Dinner together will provide an opportunity to get to know each other, chat, and look forward to the exciting days ahead.
Arrival in Edinburgh
Day 1
You'll travel independently to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. If you like, we'd be happy to book your flight for you. In the evening, you'll meet your fellow travelers at the starting hotel. Dinner together will provide an opportunity to get to know each other, chat, and look forward to the exciting days ahead.
Day 2
From Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy
approx. 10.5 km | approx. 3.5 h | max. 150 m ascent
Your first hike takes you directly from the hotel onto the famous West Highland Way. The stage from Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy isn't long, but it's particularly scenic: you'll hike through a valley framed by majestic mountains – Beinn Odhar, Beinn Dorain, and Beinn Bhreac-Leiath accompany you along the way. Views of the surrounding peaks open up again and again. In Bridge of Orchy, you'll board the train and travel comfortably back to the hotel – a relaxing yet impressive start to your hiking week.
From Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy
Day 2
approx. 10.5 km | approx. 3.5 h | max. 150 m ascent
Your first hike takes you directly from the hotel onto the famous West Highland Way. The stage from Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy isn't long, but it's particularly scenic: you'll hike through a valley framed by majestic mountains – Beinn Odhar, Beinn Dorain, and Beinn Bhreac-Leiath accompany you along the way. Views of the surrounding peaks open up again and again. In Bridge of Orchy, you'll board the train and travel comfortably back to the hotel – a relaxing yet impressive start to your hiking week.
Day 3
From Inverarnan to Tyndrum
approx. 21 km | approx. 6 h | max. 300 m ascent
In the morning, the bus will take you to Inverarnan, where you'll begin your hike. On stage 4 of the West Highland Way, you'll follow an old 17th-century military road. You'll be accompanied by small waterfalls until the impressive Falls of Falloch finally appear before you. The path leads through open countryside, offering sweeping views across the Highlands. At approximately 21 km, this is the longest stage of the week, giving you a true sense of the vastness of Scotland. If the entire route is too long for you, you can easily shorten it to about 10 km.
From Inverarnan to Tyndrum
Day 3
approx. 21 km | approx. 6 h | max. 300 m ascent
In the morning, the bus will take you to Inverarnan, where you'll begin your hike. On stage 4 of the West Highland Way, you'll follow an old 17th-century military road. You'll be accompanied by small waterfalls until the impressive Falls of Falloch finally appear before you. The path leads through open countryside, offering sweeping views across the Highlands. At approximately 21 km, this is the longest stage of the week, giving you a true sense of the vastness of Scotland. If the entire route is too long for you, you can easily shorten it to about 10 km.
Day 4
Take the West Highland Railway Line to Rannoch Moor
approx. 16 km | approx. 5 h | max. 275 m ascent
The day begins with a highlight: a scenic train journey on the West Highland Railway line to Bridge of Orchy. There you disembark and begin your hike through the legendary Rannoch Moor – one of Scotland's most secluded and beautiful landscapes. Gentle hills, shimmering in various shades of green and brown, stretch out before you, interspersed with small lochs and white-sand beaches. The vastness is breathtaking and the silence almost magical – here you feel transported to a world of legends. Finally, you reach the Pass of Glencoe, where the bus will pick you up and take you back to the hotel.
Take the West Highland Railway Line to Rannoch Moor
Day 4
approx. 16 km | approx. 5 h | max. 275 m ascent
The day begins with a highlight: a scenic train journey on the West Highland Railway line to Bridge of Orchy. There you disembark and begin your hike through the legendary Rannoch Moor – one of Scotland's most secluded and beautiful landscapes. Gentle hills, shimmering in various shades of green and brown, stretch out before you, interspersed with small lochs and white-sand beaches. The vastness is breathtaking and the silence almost magical – here you feel transported to a world of legends. Finally, you reach the Pass of Glencoe, where the bus will pick you up and take you back to the hotel.
Day 5
From Kinlochleven to Fort William
approx. 12–23 km | approx. 3–6 h
Today you'll experience the final stage of the West Highland Way. From Kinlochleven, you'll climb steeply uphill, rewarded with a sweeping view back down into the valley. You'll then hike through an open highland valley, its stark beauty accompanying you every step of the way. The path descends, passing an old ruin and a small lake, before leading you down through more wooded terrain to Fort William. Here you reach the official end of the West Highland Way. In the lively town center, you can celebrate the achievement of your hike. This stage is flexible – you can adjust the distance between 12 and 23 kilometers depending on your fitness level.
From Kinlochleven to Fort William
Day 5
approx. 12–23 km | approx. 3–6 h
Today you'll experience the final stage of the West Highland Way. From Kinlochleven, you'll climb steeply uphill, rewarded with a sweeping view back down into the valley. You'll then hike through an open highland valley, its stark beauty accompanying you every step of the way. The path descends, passing an old ruin and a small lake, before leading you down through more wooded terrain to Fort William. Here you reach the official end of the West Highland Way. In the lively town center, you can celebrate the achievement of your hike. This stage is flexible – you can adjust the distance between 12 and 23 kilometers depending on your fitness level.
Day 6
Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in Great Britain
approx. 17 km | approx. 7 hrs | max. 1,350 m elevation gain (easier alternative: 2–4 hrs)
An unforgettable day awaits you: You'll climb Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain at 1,343 meters. The ascent is challenging, requiring stamina and sure-footedness, but the reward is magnificent. Spectacular views will treat you even during the climb, and from the summit, your gaze will stretch across the entire Scottish Highlands – on a clear day, even as far as the Hebrides. If the climb is too strenuous, you can alternatively hike to Lochan Meall, halfway up the mountain, and enjoy the alpine atmosphere there. Or you can choose the more relaxed option through the Glen Nevis valley, where impressive waterfalls await you.
Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in Great Britain
Day 6
approx. 17 km | approx. 7 hrs | max. 1,350 m elevation gain (easier alternative: 2–4 hrs)
An unforgettable day awaits you: You'll climb Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain at 1,343 meters. The ascent is challenging, requiring stamina and sure-footedness, but the reward is magnificent. Spectacular views will treat you even during the climb, and from the summit, your gaze will stretch across the entire Scottish Highlands – on a clear day, even as far as the Hebrides. If the climb is too strenuous, you can alternatively hike to Lochan Meall, halfway up the mountain, and enjoy the alpine atmosphere there. Or you can choose the more relaxed option through the Glen Nevis valley, where impressive waterfalls await you.
Day 7
Loch Ness – Whiskybrennerei – Edinburgh
After the active days, today it's time to sit back and enjoy Scotland on a scenic drive. The bus will take you along the Great Glen and the Caledonian Canal to the legendary Loch Ness. Of course, there will be time for photos – you might even spot "Nessie." Afterwards, you'll visit a traditional whisky distillery, learn all about the art of whisky making, and of course, have the opportunity to taste it. In the afternoon, you'll arrive in Edinburgh, where a city tour will take you to the most beautiful spots and sights. The evening is yours to explore the city at your own pace.
Loch Ness – Whiskybrennerei – Edinburgh
Day 7
After the active days, today it's time to sit back and enjoy Scotland on a scenic drive. The bus will take you along the Great Glen and the Caledonian Canal to the legendary Loch Ness. Of course, there will be time for photos – you might even spot "Nessie." Afterwards, you'll visit a traditional whisky distillery, learn all about the art of whisky making, and of course, have the opportunity to taste it. In the afternoon, you'll arrive in Edinburgh, where a city tour will take you to the most beautiful spots and sights. The evening is yours to explore the city at your own pace.
Day 8
Return journey from Edinburgh
Your hiking week ends after breakfast. Depending on your departure time, you may have the opportunity to explore Edinburgh on your own before heading home – with many unforgettable memories of your hiking trip in Scotland.
Return journey from Edinburgh
Day 8
Your hiking week ends after breakfast. Depending on your departure time, you may have the opportunity to explore Edinburgh on your own before heading home – with many unforgettable memories of your hiking trip in Scotland.
Services
What's included
7 nights in three 3-star hotels with breakfast
6 x dinners
packed lunches on hiking days
Train journeys and transfers as per program
German-speaking tour guides and hiking guides
Admission: Whisky distillery with tasting
4-15 participants
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Tip
Character of the trip
Fitness
Demanding
Altitude
Gentle
Culture / nature
Pure nature
This hiking tour is designed for experienced hikers who enjoy longer daily stages and varied terrain. We'll hike the West Highland Way through valleys, moors, and mountainous landscapes, tackling distances of up to 21 kilometers and ascents of over 1,000 meters – such as the climb to Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain. The tour also includes easier stages and cultural highlights, such as a visit to a whisky distillery or exploring Edinburgh. Those who want to experience nature intensely and challenge themselves physically will find the perfect mix of challenge and enjoyment here.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Optional
We can also offer this trip individually upon request!
per person
