Ultimate Scotland: Loch Lomond to Loch Ness

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Day 1: Arrive Milngavie

Today you arrive in the town of Milngavie. Milngavie is easily reachable from Glasgow by public transport (20-30min).

• Accommodation: Hotel Premier Inn*** or similar in Milngavie

Day 2: Walk Milngavie to Drymen | 21km

The walk starts at the obelisk in the Milngavie town centre and follows the Allander Water through patches of woodland, before heading into Mugdock Country Park and Craigallian Loch. The route towards Drymen follows a quaint, hedge-lined country lane, before leaving the West Highland Way down into the village of Drymen. 

• Walking for the day: 21km, 6h, highest point: 140m
• Accommodation: Braeside B&B or similar in Drymen

Day 3: Drymen to Rowardennan | 24km

Back on the West Highland Way, the route soon enters the Garadhban Forest, where there are two options for walkers; the first being an easier walk into Milton of Buchanan, where the road is followed into Balmaha, sitting on the banks of the loch.  The second option is a more strenuous, but ultimately much more rewarding route, as the climb up Conic Hill gives rise to fabulous views over Loch Lomond. Then walk along the east side of Loch Lomond, flirting with the water’s edge along much of the way. This is a lovely, low level and relaxed stage as it meanders through pebble beaches.

• Walking for the day: 24km, 7h, highest point: 315m
• Accommodation: Rowardennan Hotel*** or similar in Rowardennan

Day 4: Rowardennan to Inverarnan | 22km

From Rowardennan, the path heads into the thick woodland. There are two options here; the easier being the wide forest track which follows the contours up and down the hill; or the more time consuming, narrow path which skirts over rocks and exposed tree roots along the banks of the loch. The rocky and uneven path continues along the loch, hugging the water’s edge amidst the fabulous and ancient oak forest.  The loch becomes noticeably narrower as the path approaches Inverarnan.

• Walking for the day: 22km, 6-7h, highest point: 131m
• Accommodation: The Drovers Inn & Lodge or similar in Inverarnan

Day 5: Inverarnan to Tyndrum | 19km

Soon after leaving Inverarnan, the path runs alongside the picturesque, fast-flowing River Falloch before a long stretch on an old military road. The route here closely follows the west highland railway and eventually passes underneath the tracks as the path nears a coniferous forest. The route continues through the forest, with the path winding and undulating through the contours. The path then crosses through the road and the River Fillin. The views of the surrounding mountains are wonderful. A well-maintained path follows the River Cononish before reaching Tyndrum.

• Walking for the day: 19km, 5-6h, highest point: 335m
• Accommodation: Tigh Na Fraoch B&B or similar in Tyndrum

Day 6: Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy | 14.5km

From Tyndrum, the route closely follows the railway and the road, although it continues to maintain its own unique qualities.  By this stage, you are firmly in the Scottish Highlands, and the view will be spectacular from here, all the way to Fort William.  The path uses an old military road throughout this stage (and continues right across Rannoch Moor).  This is also the most exposed section of the route so far with little protection from the elements. The path climbs out of Bridge of Orchy through a coniferous forest, eventually providing lovely views to Loch Tulla.

• Walking for the day: 14.5km, 4-5h, highest point: 330m
• Accommodation: Bridge of Orchy Hotel or similar in Bridge of Orchy

Day 7: Bridge of Orchy to Glencoe | 16km

The path starts from the Inveroran Hotel, before the long stretch across the edge of the wild and eerily remote Rannoch Moor, passes the Glencoe Ski Centre and into the fabulous mountain range of Glencoe.

• Walking for the day: 16km, 5-6h, highest point: 450m
• Accommodation: Tom Eachainn B&B or similar in Glencoe

Day 8: Glencoe to Kinlochleven | 14.5km

This stage of the West Highland Way includes the infamous Devil’s Staircase, the steepest climb of the route, reaching the highest point of the entire mile journey (made easier by the zig-zag path up the hill). The views from the top are spectacular. The track away from the staircase towards Kinlochleven signals an escape from the Glencoe Mountains and offers a long descent along excellent tracks all the way into the town.

• Walking for the day: 14.5km, 4h 30mins-5h 30mins, highest point: 550m
• Accommodation: Tigh Na Cheo Guesthouse or similar in Kinlochleven

Day 9: Kinlochleven to Fort William | 25km

The climb out of Kinlochleven is a steep ascent through a beautiful little forest.  The view from the top provides a fabulous view down to Loch Leven and the village.  The old military road then passes through a wide valley on the edge of Mamore mountain range, known as Lairigmor, before turning towards Glen Nevis through forested areas. The path gradually descends to Fort William, with a final stretch along the road into Fort William centre.

• Walking for the day: 25km, 6-7h, highest point: 330m
• Accommodation: Guisachan Guest House or similar in Fort William

Day 10: Rest Day Fort William

Relax and explore the surroundings of Fort William.

• Accommodation: Guisachan Guest House or similar in Fort William

Day 11: Fort William to Gairlochy | 17km

The walk starts by the banks of Loch Linnhe and follows the shoreline to the Caledonian Canal locks. The trail then changes course and joins the canal as it heads towards the Great Glen. At Gairlochy, your accommodation is likely to be in Spean Bridge a further 4.5km walk from Gairlochy. A pick-up service is provided if required.

• Walking for the day: 17km 4-5h ↑40m
• Accommodation: Coire Glas Guest House or similar in Spean Bridge

Day 12: Gairlochy to South Laggan | 19km

From Gairlochy, the trail soon leaves the canal and meets Loch Lochy, where you are never too far from its shores. The path makes its way through woodland as it undulates across the hillside towards Laggan Locks.  At the locks, the trail continues towards Fort Augustus along Loch Oich; however, it is possible to hike the Invergarry Link to your overnight accommodation.

• Walking for the day: 26.5km, 6-7h ↑480m
• Accommodation: Forest Lodge Guesthouse or similar in South Laggan

Day 13: South Laggan to Fort Augustus | 18km

The path climbs north out of Invergarry through some woodland, before descending to the north banks of Loch Oich, where it once again joins the Caledonian Canal for the walk into Fort Augustus.  This stage of the trail offers some fantastic distant views of the surrounding mountains.

• Walking for the day: 13.5km, 3-4h ↑100m
• Accommodation: Lorien House B&B or similar in Fort Augustus

Day 14: Fort Augustus to Invermoriston | 12km

The trail initially climbs out of Fort Augustus through a forested area onto the open hillside high above the lochs and canals below (note there is a low route option).  The trail continues at a high level for much of this stage, descending only to reach the village of Invermoriston.

• Walking for the day: 12km, 4-5h ↑560m
• Accommodation: Craik Na Dav B&B or similar in Invermoriston

Day 15: Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit | 22.5km

Again, the trail quickly climbs out of Invermoriston, eventually providing fantastic views of Loch Ness and the surrounding mountains.  As on the previous stage, there is a high and low-level option during this stage.

• Walking for the day: 22.5km, 7-8h ↑710m
• Accommodation: Kilmore Farmhouse B&B or similar in Kilmore

Day 16: Drumnadrochit to Inverness | 30.5km

The trail leaves Drumnadrochit by following the main road for a short distance before heading onto a wooded hillside. This is the Great Glen Way’s final significant climb, with a gradual descent towards Inverness, but not before more excellent views across the Highlands. The walk to Inverness Castle follows the latter section of the Caledonian Canal into the city centre. Overnight in Inverness.

• Walking for the day: 30.5km, 8-9h ↑500m
• Accommodation: Premier Inn River Ness or similar in Inverness

Day 17: Departure

Departure by bus or train to Glasgow (3-4h) or Edinburgh. Inverness Airport is also an option, especially for domestic flights. Additional nights at the end of the walk can be arranged to explore the highlands at your leisure.

Click here to view our default hotels for this tour

*Note that hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel from the ones pictured above is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal or higher value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.

Click to view travel options and route planner

• Glasgow: There are excellent air, train and bus services, allowing easy access anywhere in the UK and overseas.
• Fort William: The main routes to Fort William are by bus and train to Glasgow. The journey, whether by rail or coach, is an absolutely glorious trip with stunning scenery throughout.
• Inverness: The main routes out of Inverness are by bus and train to Glasgow & Edinburgh, while you can also fly from Inverness Airport.
• A great website useful specifically for public transport planning within Scotland is Traveline Scotland.