8 day West Highland Way
A slower, more leisurely way to walk the West Highland Way. Extra time allows for shorter days, more rest, and deeper enjoyment of the Highlands.
Walk the 8-day West Highland Way — The Relaxed Way
The West Highland Way offers an unforgettable journey from the Lowlands to the Highlands, passing lochs, glens, and dramatic mountain scenery.
This 8-day package is ideal for those who want the most leisurely experience, with extra rest time, gentle daily walks, and maximum comfort.
Comfortable Daily Distances
Even shorter daily walks spread over 8 days, making the journey easy and unhurried.
Very Relaxed Walking Pace
Perfect for walkers who prefer a gentle pace with plenty of rest and recovery time.
More Time to Enjoy the Highlands
Extra days allow time to explore villages, viewpoints, and local cafés along the way.
Ideal for Leisure Walkers
Best suited for first-time long-distance walkers or anyone wanting a calm, enjoyable experience.
You walk light with a small daypack.
We take care of the rest.
Accomodation
5 Star Hotel
Meals
Breakfast & Dinner
Animal
Cat, Pet only
Season
Winter Season
Start
21 January 2026 at 20:30
Finish
Fort William
Distance
~94 miles
Duration
8 hr
Difficulty
Moderate
First-timers, relaxed pace walkers
Best for
The 2026 season runs from 22 March to 19 October.
offering self-guided walking and cycling holidays.
Day-by-Day Walking Plan
Select your preferred itinerary to see what each day has in store. Select
a package above to see your detailed itinerary
- Start your journey in Milngavie, the official start of the West Highland Way.
- Walk north through easy, well-marked trails passing Craigallian and Carbeth Lochs.
- Skirt the western slopes of the Campsie Fells, a favourite area for Glasgow hillwalkers.
- A relaxed introduction day through woodland, moorland, and farmland.
- Finish in the welcoming village of Drymen, at the south-eastern edge of Loch Lomond.
- Baggage transfer included — your bags will be waiting when you arrive.
- Leave Drymen and pass through Garadhban Forest.
- Choose between climbing Conic Hill (361m) for panoramic views or taking the lower-level route.
- Descend to Balmaha on the shores of Loch Lomond.
- Follow the eastern shoreline through forestry tracks and peaceful bays.
- End the day in the tranquil lochside setting of Rowardennan.
- Widely regarded as the toughest day on the West Highland Way.
- Narrow, undulating paths trace the remote north-eastern shoreline of Loch Lomond.
- Expect rough footing with roots, rocks, and short scrambly sections.
- Slow but spectacular walking in a wild, secluded setting.
- Leave the loch behind as the trail opens into Glen Falloch.
- A demanding day rewarded with a warm meal and well-earned rest.
- Return to the West Highland Way and continue north into Glen Falloch.
- Pause to look back over Loch Lomond — one of the route’s most memorable views.
- Landscape becomes more dramatic as mountains rise and woodland thins.
- Walk historic drovers’ and military roads with expanding Highland views.
- Arrive in Tyndrum, a classic West Highland Way stop.
- Dinner and breakfast arranged locally, with packed lunches available if required.
- Leave Tyndrum with a steady climb alongside the West Highland Railway.
- Mostly easy underfoot walking with one short rocky descent near the railway tunnel.
- Walk in the shadow of Ben Dorain, dominating the landscape.
- A scenic and manageable day leading into the quiet hamlet of Bridge of Orchy.
- Begin with a short but steep climb out of Bridge of Orchy.
- Descend toward Inveroran Hotel, a good place for refreshments.
- Cross the wild expanse of Rannoch Moor, open and exposed to the elements.
- Vast views with the Black Mount to the west and endless moorland ahead.
- Optional stop at Glencoe Mountain Resort before descending to Kingshouse.
- Tackle the iconic Devil’s Staircase, the highest point on the West Highland Way.
- Well-graded climb with incredible views back over Glencoe.
- Long, steady descent toward Kinlochleven, which can be tough on tired legs.
- Finish the day in a lively village with shops, cafés, and pubs.
- Begin with a steady climb out of Kinlochleven over the final mountain pass.
- Enjoy sweeping views toward Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain.
- Walk through the remote Lairigmor (Great Pass).
- No facilities en route — stock up on food and water before departure.
- Descend through Glen Nevis to finish the West Highland Way in Fort William.
- Time to celebrate an unforgettable achievement
Whats Included in This Package
Everything you need for a comfortable and well-organised 8-day walk along the West Highland Way.
Accommodation, luggage transfers, route guidance, and support are all included, so you can enjoy the journey at a relaxed pace.
8 nights accommodation along the West Highland Way
8 nights in comfortable, walker-friendly accommodation along the route.
Daily luggage transfers between overnight stops
Your bag is transferred each day, so you walk light and comfortably.
Carefully planned 8-day walking itinerary
A relaxed route with shorter daily distances for easy walking.
Detailed route notes and maps
Clear guidance to help you stay on track each day.
Emergency contact support during your walk
Support available whenever you need assistance.
Local knowledge and expert planning
Planned by local experts with deep knowledge of the trail.
Very comfortable daily walking distances
Ideal for walkers who want the gentlest pace possible.
Customer support before and during your trip
Friendly help before departure and throughout your walk.
Baggage
Walk Light ,We MoveYour Bags
Daily baggage transfer is included between all accommodations.
Bags are collected by 9:00am and waiting for you at your next stop.
First Day Drop-off
Milngavie Station: 08:00 – 09:00
Premier Inn: 07:45
Important Limits
Max Weight: 20kg per bag
No loose items (boots attached etc.)
Why Walk With Highland Transfers
We have helped thousands of walkers complete the West Highland Way — here is why they choose us.
12K+
Bags moved every season
Experts of Scotlands Trails
Carbon-Conscious Company
Hundreds of 5-star Reviews
15+Years
Experience in Scottish routes
Effortless Luggage Transfers
Support When You Need It
Accommodation Planning
Trusted by Walkers & Cyclists Worldwide
Your adventure matters — that’s why we handle the details, support you on the journey, and make exploring Scotland simple, safe and unforgettable.
Health & Safety Information
Insurance: We highly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers hiking activities.
Connectivity: Mobile signal can be patchy in remote sections like Rannoch Moor.
Emergency: Dial 999 for emergencies. Our support team is available for logistical issues.
FREE Essential Guide
Complete Guide for the West Highland Way
Get the full day-by-day itinerary, packing checklist, and route maps , everything you need in a single PDF.
No spam. One guide. That’s it.
FAQS
Everything you need to know about 8 day West Highland Way before booking your adventure
1. Is accommodation included in the package?
Yes, all packages include comfortable, walker-friendly accommodation along the route.
2. Are daily baggage transfers included?
Yes, your luggage is transferred daily between overnight stops.
3. How much luggage can I bring?
One bag per person, usually up to 20kg.
4. Are route maps and walking notes provided?
Yes, detailed route notes and maps are included.
5. Is support available during the walk?
Yes, emergency contact support is available throughout your trip.
6. Can dates be changed or customised?
Yes, preferred dates are flexible, subject to availability.
Scenes from the 8 day West Highland Way
Breathtaking scenery awaits at every turn of the 8 day West Highland Way
Cape Wrath Lighthouse
Highland Passes
Remote Tracks
West Highland Way
John Muir
NC500
Badger Divide
Great Glen
Rob Roy
2026 season 22 March–19 October
Ready to Walk the
West Highland Way?
West Highland Way Self-guided walking & cycling holidays designed for discovery and simplicity — without the stress of planning.
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