Your Exclusive Guide to the Adventurous West Highland Way in Scotland
Sometimes the paths we take will define our adventure. In a beautiful country like Scotland, walking your way through the Scottish Lowlands towards the majestic Highland landscapes can be life altering. One way where your path can allow you to soak up the gorgeous natural scenery is to walk the adventurous West Highland Way!
Let your feet take you through the lands of Lochs, moors, and unbelievably beautiful highlands by taking a walking tour holiday. Choosing the right path for your next Scottish trip doesn’t have to be difficult. This exclusive guide will walk you through what you can expect on your West Highland Way tour, what you should take with you, and how you can really appreciate your travels!
Why Should I Take a Walking Tour?
Traveling the world sometimes means taking the most personal route to where you’re going. If you’re looking for a holiday that will not only give you amazing views, spectacular exercise, and an unforgettable experience, then a walking tour is something you should definitely try!
Finding new and exciting ways to experience the world can be really refreshing. Taking the time to slow down from you fast paced life, and take your first steps towards freedom and traveling, can help you to appreciate all the little things in life. Walking may be one of the simplest forms of transportation, but it can absolutely change your life!
- Here are a few reasons why taking a walking tour is an excellent way to see Scotland:
- Great exercise
- Truly experience the landscape
- Amazing views
- Travel at your own pace
- Save money
- Visit towns and villages off the beaten path
- Challenge yourself to a new experience
- And so many more!
Taking a walking holiday tour will allow you to check out of the daily grind of your life, and check in on yourself! The walk isn’t just about the physical activity, as well as traveling through Scotland, but it’s also about taking the time to come back to nature. Walk at your own pace, and find exactly where you want to go in life!
What to Expect on a Walking Tour
If you’ve chosen to take your long journey through the brilliant Scottish countryside, then it’s time to get to know everything you can look forward to. Walking the amazing West Highland Way, you will find yourself immersed in some of the worlds’ most spectacular scenery.
There are a few ways that you can take on this excellent hiking route, and knowing your options is an important factor.
The Whole West Highland Way
When traveling the entirety of this walking tour, you have a few options as far as starting point, how long your trip will take, as well as your average daily mileage. Choosing to walk through the entire West Highland Way will not only be fulfilling, but will also be an unforgettable personal adventure.
The lengths differ depending upon the pace you set for yourself. You can choose between six days of walking and seven nights, seven days and eight nights, eight days and nine nights, and nine days and ten nights. It all depends upon how many miles/kilometers you want to travel each day. The longer your holiday, the less distance you’ll be expected to cover in one day.
Walking the entire way will start you off in Milngavie outside of Glasgow. You’ll make your way across the rolling hills of the lowlands, through to Loch Lomond, wild and demanding terrain, into the slow rising highlands, and all the time through picturesque scenes! The West Highland Way walking tour ends at Fort William near Ben Nevis. Taking in everything around you, you can start planning an amazing road trip in the UK, or figuring out where your next walking tour will take you!
Of course, this particular trail can be physically demanding. It includes lowland meadows, loch sides, moorlands, high mountain passes, as well as small foothills. There are lots of signposts to help you along the route. Not to mention if you book with a highly-rated tour service, you’ll receive a map, guidebook, photos, and historical information! The entire trek will be approximately 95 miles (153 km).
Choosing Half of the Tour
All things considered, the whole of the West Highland Way may not be possible. If you can’t manage such a long holiday, or if you simply want to take half of the route, then you DO have options! Easily cut the trail into two different parts and you’ve got the West Highland Way The Highlands tour, as well as the Lowlands and Lochs tour.
Either tour is filled with wonderful overnight stops, spectacular views, and of course, time with nature! Keep going on the trail and you’ll learn new things about yourself. Maybe even consider a career change to make money while you travel!
The Lowlands and Lochs
If you choose to go with The Lowlands and Lochs, then you’ll be excited to learn that this 46 miles (74 km) scenic tour of the banks of Loch Lomond takes around three days of walking with four nights of amazing accommodations. You will average around fifteen miles a day (24 km), while taking in breathtaking woodland paths, rolling hills of the lowland plains, and rugged rock sides and beautiful views of the loch!
The Highlands
If your choice is to take The Highlands section of the West Highland Way, then you’ll be in for a three day, four-night adventure. While averaging around 16 miles (26 km) a day, this challenging pace is great for any activity loving traveler! Walk through glens, take in the mountain views, bask in the views after steep climbs, and gently descend into Fort William. Here you can find amazing castles, wonderful restaurants, and a fitting end to your highland adventure.
No matter the route you choose, you’ll be in for some stunning sights! Not to mention some of the most delightful small country house hotels, bed and breakfasts, and inns that you won’t be able to find anywhere else! Booking your tour will include accommodations, a personal itinerary, helpful information along the way, as well as your guidebook, map and other helpful items.
What to Bring with You
One of the most important factors to consider is what exactly needs to come with you on your walking vacation. As this particularly original holiday will be physically challenging, it’s a good idea to have comfortable, breathable, and weather friendly clothing. Not to mention a good pair of hiking shoes and some comfy socks!
Once you book your amazing tour, it’s important to seek out a full, detailed list of all of the suggested gear you will need. Here are a few examples of what should be included on your packing list:
- Backpack
- Water bottle
- Eco-Friendly toiletries
- Walking stick
- Binoculars
- Sunscreen
- Hat, as well as sunglasses
- Layered clothing
- GOOD hiking shoes/boots
- Travel journal
- Camera
- Chargers
- Phone, tablet, other electronics you may want
- And whatever else you may need!
If you feel as though this isn’t enough to take on such a lengthy trip, then don’t worry! There are luggage transportation options available. You can also make arrangements to include packed lunches, return transportation, and other affordable extras. This way you won’t have to carry all of your belongings with you every step of the way!
Your West Highland Way Walking Tour Experience is Waiting!
This exclusive guide to the West Highland Way walking tour will not only help you start your journey with less stress, but will be your first step in planning a once in a lifetime holiday. Take your time walking around the lochs in the lowlands, hike your way through mountain passes in the highlands, or take the long way through the entire amazing trail.
No matter which path you take, this walking tour is a fascinating way to see Scotland, travel at a leisurely pace, and truly experience the beautiful world around you! Be present with yourself and you’ll truly enjoy this holiday.
If you like this article, please share. Thank you!