ITINERARY - West Highland Way-Independent walking tour Scotland:
10-Day Tour

Day 1: Glasgow to Milngavie
You have the option to arrive at Glasgow main airport or Prestwick; which is only a short train ride outside of Glasgow. From there you will catch a train to Milngavie where we will arrange to have you picked up and taken to your first accommodation.
Overnight in Milngavie

Day 2: Milngavie to Drymen
Distance: 19.5 km, 12 miles; Height Gain: 200Mtrs, 600Ft
A day that is a perfect introduction to the West Highland Way and the lowlands of the Scottish countryside. The trail follows a series of old railway lines, country tracks and lanes, offering you some superb scenery and your first glimpse of the Scottish Mountains. If you are lucky you may get your first glimpse of some Roe Deer and birds of prey like the Kestrel and Red Kite. Depending on what time of the year you do the tour, this section also offers you an abundance of wild flowers.
Overnight in Drymen

Day 3: Drymen to Rowardennan
Distance: 22.5 km, 14 miles; Height Gain: 345Mtrs, 1035Ft
Today's section is broken down into two parts, the first taking you through Garadhban Forest and across the side of your first hill, "Conic Hill", which overlooks the small village of Balmaha (a perfect place for a liquid lunch!) and your first glimpse of Scotland's largest freshwater loch, "Loch Lomond".
From Balmaha the trail takes you along by the shores of Loch Lomond and into Ben Lomond National Memorial Park.
Overnight in Rowardennan

Day 4: Rowardennan to Inverarnan
Distance: 22.5Km, 14 miles; Height Gain: 222Mtrs, 666Ft
Almost all of today's walk sees you travelling along the eastern shores of the loch as it traverses through a mixture of woodlands; under the steep slopes of Ben Lomond. This is probably one of the toughest days of the whole trail, but you will be truly rewarded with spectacular and stunning scenery across the loch and into the high distant mountains.
If luck is on your side today you may get a glimpse of the magnificent golden eagle. Since the early 20th century golden eagles in Scotland have recovered, having reached a low point of perhaps as few as 150 pairs. Now there are over 420 pairs and the population is stable. http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/shadow/interview2.html
Overnight in Inverarnan

Day 5: Inverarnan to Tyndrum
Distance: 20.5Km, 12.3 miles; Height Gain: 200Mtrs, 600Ft
The trail now leaves Loch Lomond on a relatively easy section that takes you north-west along by the base of Ben Glas Mountain, through Glen Folloch and onto Strath Fillan. As you travel along you will cross and re-crosses the river Folloch which is the main east-west natural divide of the Scottish Highlands.
As you pass the village of Crianlarich it is half-way on your days walk but more importantly it is half way to Fort William!
Before you get to your destination you will pass what remains of the ruins of St. Fillan's Priory.
All travellers who use this wild and beautiful place will do so in peace if they tread there path lightly
(An inscription from a plaque as you approach the remains on the priory)
Overnight in Tyndrum

Day 6: Tyndrum to Inveroran Hotel
Distance: 15Km; 9.3 miles; Height Gain: 145Mtrs 435Ft
An easy section that takes you north out of Tyndrum on an old military road that was constructed around 1750 and along by the West Highland Railway-Line that links Glasgow with Fort William.
The views along this section are mainly dominated by two mountains on the right; first Beinn Odhar and then Beinn Dorain. The section may be easy but it is incredibly beautiful; in summer it offers an array of wild flowers and green pastures.
Overnight in Inveroran

Day 7: Inveroran Hotel to Kingshouse
Distance: 15Km 9.3 miles; Height Gain: 90Mtrs, 270Ft
One of the most remote sections of the trail which follows an old drover's road that skirts along the western fringe of Rannoch Moor. (I can find no words that can justify my experience on this section of the trail) One has to personally walk it to experience the peace and serenity that it has to offer. Wild red deer; black grouse and sheep roam at will here.
Overnight at Kingshouse

Day 8: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
Distance: 15km; 9.3 miles; Height Gain; 250Mtrs; 750Ft
From Kingshouse the trail enters the beautiful scenery of Glencoe and at Altnafeadh climbs steadily over the Devils Staircase. This is an old military road that rises to almost 500Mtrs; 1500Ft at its highest point before making a long descent into Kinlochleven.
You will have glorious mountain views throughout the day.
Overnight in Kinlochleven

Day 9: Kinlochleven to Fort William
Distance 24Km; 15 Miles; Height Gain; 225Mtrs; 675Ft
The final section of the West Highland Way takes you back onto the old military road; with a steady climb out of Kinlochleven; through an area of natural woodlands that every now and then offers you some splendid views over Loch Leven and back over part of your previous walk. You will pass an old ruined village called Tigh-Na-Sleubhaich and clear evidence of its once inhabitants can still be seen to the present day.
The final part of the trail takes you down into Glen Nevis; where you will have some great views of Ben Nevis; Scotland's highest mountain.
The trail finishes at the visitors centre in Fort William.
Overnight in Fort William

Day 10: Glasgow
After a hearty Scottish breakfast you can take the train back to Glasgow

You may wish to extend your vacation by one or more days where you will have the option to take a boat tour on Loch Linnhe; http://www.activitypoint.co.uk/cgi-bin/list.cgi?r=scotland.T21(BoatTrips)&n=10
Relax and do some shopping and sightseeing in and around Fort William; or climb the highest mountain in the British Isles; Ben Nevis 1344Mtrs; 4044FT. If you are going to take on this challenge you need to be competent in the use of a map and compass. Or do one of our other vacations along the West Highland Way:

6-Day's: Tour Itinerary
7-Day's: Tour Itinerary

Remember we can tailor your vacation to what ever amount of days that you want.