After breakfast, we make our way to the official start of the West Highland Way in the centre of Milngavie.
Quite an easy day, heading north, we leave Milngavie behind as we pass through the beautiful Mugdock Castle and Country Park, before emerging into open countryside, with great views of the hill of Dumgoyne, following the remains of an old train line with views over Campsie Fells. By the west side of Craigallian Loch the path passes a small monument to commemorate The Craigallian Fire, an important historical symbol for outdoor activities in Scotland.
Also just off the trail, you might spot a set of standing stones, known as the Dumgoyach Stones, dating to pre Stonehenge (3400BC-3600BC).
After passing the Glengoyne Whiskey Distillery, which produces one of the most popular whiskeys to come out of Scotland we continue through the hamlet of Gartness to finally reach Drymen.

After easing into our adventure yesterday, today is reasonably tough with much ascent and descent.The first part takes us up on gravel paths into open forest all the way up to the summit of Conic Hill.
It’s worth it, as you’ll now be spoilt with spectacular views over the majestic Loch Lomond.
Following beautiful and tranquil woodland paths, you’ll catch glimpses of Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most southerly Munro, as you descend steeply down to Balmaha on the shores of Loch Lomond. From now on, over the next two days, Britain’s most impressive loch will be your constant companion, as you skirt along it’s banks and shores and occasionally up and down the adjacent native oak woodlands.
After a great days hiking, taking in some absolutely spectacular views, we arrive at the small village of Rowardennan.

We continue north along the eastern side of Loch lomond, following the lower slopes of Ben Lomond at times and returning to the waterside around halfway, where we reach a beautiful waterfall adjacent to the Inversnaid hotel, which is a great place to stop and have lunch.
Another reasonably challenging day. With a few ups and downs, easy scrambles and breathtaking scenery, it’s all for keeping everything diverse and interesting.
We soon pass a cavern known as Rob Roy’s cave, before leaving loch Lomond at the end of the day to descend into the valley of Glen Fallochtowards Inverarnan.

Following the River Falloch on the good paths of Glen Falloch, the old military road eventually skirts the hills of Crianlarich, the halfway point of the West Highland Way, on what is the stand out longest and hardest day of our adventure.
We’ll pass under the famous West Highland Way Railway featured in Harry Potter as the setting for the Hogwarts Express.
The viewpoint after we reach the spur path to Crianlarich is astounding!
The walk alternates through conifer forest and wide sheep pastures with a spectacular low level walk, offering beautiful views over the mountains, to Strathfillan.
Although we’re clocking up the miles, thankfully the last half of the day is quite an easy stretch, if not a short one.

Finally we follow the river north all the way to the Bridge of Orchy and are spoilt to a quiet surreal evening with our host Helen!

Thankfully a short day, compared to yesterday, although it starts with a steep climb over the hill to Inverornan, taking in the views we’ve left behind.
This is the most remote and wild section of our adventure, but also very beautiful.
Thomas Telford’s military road now shepards us over the Black Mount and the great expanse of Rannoch Moor and down into Kingshouse.

Our shortest day, but not to be underestimated … we are in the Scottish Highlands now after all!
After a short walk next to the imposing mountain of Buachaille Etive More, we start our climb up The Devil’s Staircase.
It’s worth it as you are rewarded with views that stretch all the way to the Mamores mountain range and as far as Ben Nevis … quite stunning!
Now starts the long and winding descent into the lovely village of Kinlochleven.
If we get there early enough, make sure you visit the Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall!

It’s finally arrived … our last day on tour!
Although yesterday was the shortest day, our adventure is probably starting to take it’s toll by now, but the excitement and exhilaration of knowing we’re so close to the finish of what no doubt is an achievement that will live long in the memory, will spear us on!
We begin with a steep climb through birch woodland with views over Loch Leven. Then through the upland valley on the great Lairig Mor pass between the steep and grand Mamore mountains.
Finally the Nevis forest path winds us down into Glen Nevis with views of Britain’s largest mountain, Ben Nevis, for company, before achieving our goal of making it to Fort William and completing the epic West Highland Way!

We say our goodbyes to one another and our fantastic Scottish adventure.
After breakfast transportation to Glasgow train station or airport is provided for you, if needed.

“Then one day, when you least expect it, the great adventure finds you.” – Ewan McGregor