Do you want to hike the West Highland Way, but focus mainly on the sections that are the reason you’re coming to Scotland? Endless high moorland landscapes, rugged mountain passes, the dramatic scenery of Glencoe, and, to top it all off, a descent through Glen Nevis with Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in Great Britain) as the backdrop.
This 5-day West Highland Way Highlights tour is a self-guided hiking trip that focuses on the most mountainous and impressive northern half of the route: from Bridge of Orchy to Fort William. You’ll hike on your own, while accommodations and luggage transfers are arranged for you.
You can book through Nature Travel Lab with our local specialist (so you have peace of mind, but still enjoy maximum freedom while traveling).
The classic West Highland Way is longer, but this “highlights” version captures just the right amount of Highland magic:
Shorter, but still a real adventure: rugged, classic Scotland, and every day the feeling that you’re on your way somewhere.
The highlights of the route:
Our specialist has rated this trip as “Trip Grade 3” (moderate/challenging): mainly unpaved tracks, footpaths, and mountain trails.
Hiking Days (3 stages):
In addition, you’ll arrive in Bridge of Orchy on one day and depart from Fort William after breakfast on another.
You’ll arrive in the small town of Bridge of Orchy, which is easily accessible by train. You’ll spend the night here and get ready for your first real day in the Highlands.
Tip: Take a short walk along the water in the evening to get that valley vibe. That way, you’ll get into the rhythm of the hike right away.
Today you’ll step right into the “open world”: you’ll follow an old military road through the heath and peatland landscapes of Rannoch Moor. This is the kind of place where the scenery changes every quarter of an hour: patches of sunshine, wisps of fog, glistening puddles, and, if you’re lucky, deer in the distance.
Along the way, you’ll pass Ba Bridge, one of the most remote points on the route. The day ends at Kingshouse, in the shadow of the impressive Buachaille Etive Mòr—a mountain that looks as if it were designed specifically for postcards.
Good to know (accommodations): The Kingshouse Hotel sometimes only accepts 2-night stays if your booking falls on a Saturday; if it’s fully booked, there may be an alternative (such as a privately booked bunk bed option) that includes breakfast at the hotel.
You’ll walk past Buachaille Etive Mòr and then begin the climb up the Devil’s Staircase (to about 564 meters). It’s a well-maintained trail, and once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views back toward where you came from.
This is followed by a long descent to sea level at Loch Leven, with views of the Blackwater Dam and the surrounding mountains (such as The Pap of Glencoe), among other sights. You’ll end up in Kinlochleven, where you’ll stay at a welcoming B&B or guesthouse.
This is a long day, but also a fantastic finale. You’ll start with a steep climb beneath the Mamore Hills, follow old (Victorian) trails, and cross the remote Lairigmòr Pass.
Then you’ll head down through the woods and along trails toward Glen Nevis. And suddenly, there it is: Ben Nevis (1,344 meters) in the background. You’ll arrive in Fort William, where you’ll spend the night at a hiker-friendly guesthouse or B&B.
The trip ends after breakfast. But honestly, this is one of those places where it’s a shame to leave right away. You can plan an extra night to explore Glen Nevis further or (if your legs are still up for it) climb Ben Nevis.
Would you like to book this 5-day West Highland Way Highlights tour? If so, we’ll arrange it together with our local specialist:
Prices per person based on double occupancy
When you request a quote, we’ll forward it to our local partner, who will confirm it directly with you if they agree. You’ll pay the same price (or less) as if you were booking directly. You’ll handle the rest of the booking and payment directly with the local provider (with whom we have a good working relationship and established agreements). We’re always available to answer any questions you may have.
"*" indicates required fields
You’ll stay in a mix of B&Bs, lodges, pubs, and small hotels, run by hosts who are used to hikers. Most have en-suite or private facilities, and a hearty breakfast is always included.
When you book, you’ll receive a digital mobile app containing your personal itinerary, GPX files, and route information, plus a link to your personalized PDF roadbook.
This tour is available from late March through mid-October. Read more about our other hiking routes and tours in Scotland here.
This 5-day program is a good fit for you if:
With a passion for travel and photography and over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, I love to share my special nature travel tips. Travel is wonderful and important, you meet new people and cultures and it opens your view of the world.
Hiking and Wild Swimming Along the Tagus: River Beaches, Vultures, and Castles in Central Portugal Above the river, griffon vultures circle with a wingspan of over two and a half meters. Down below, someone is panning for gold in a tributary. And on the riverbank, a...
Nature in Central Sweden: Waterfalls, Viewpoints, and Bears Around Ytterhogdal If you drive north on the E45, you’ll pass through Ytterhogdal. Most people just drive right through here. That’s understandable—Lapland beckons. But not far from the geographic center of...
Hiking in Arouca: The Most Spectacular Hiking Trails in Portugal's Lush North 516 meters long, 175 meters above a raging river, and no turning back halfway across. That’s the Arouca 516 suspension bridge, the icon of the Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark. This geopark is...
Get inspired
Are you looking for the most beautiful hiking and biking routes? Or do you want information about traveling by train or advice for the most beautiful road trips through nature. Get inspired for your next trip in green; ideas for planning your own trip or opting for an organized trip.
