Scotland's Best Hiking Route: West Highland Way Tour

After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, we check out and set off. Our first destination is the town of Milngavie, the starting point of Scotland’s number one hiking route, the West Highland Way, which stretches for about 150-160 km. After photographing the starting point, we do a symbolic walk here and then drive towards Drymen Village, where our main hike will begin.

Our route passes through open countryside and woodland areas, and also offers views of Loch Lomond. Our walk ends in Balmaha, which is home to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. We may have our lunch at Oak Tree Inn, a family-run establishment on the shores of Loch Lomond. Throughout your journey, you'll have access to select delights from Scottish cuisine, as well as the chance to sample a wide variety of ales, malt, and whisky. After lunch, we'll take a pleasant and easy walk along the shores of Loch Lomond to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the lake and the nearby islands. This is where “Red Robert” MacGregor, who gained local folk hero status after being declared an outlaw due to issues with James Graham, the 1st Duke of Montrose, made his mark.

Later, we continue through the national park and beautiful countryside to our hotel on the shores of Loch Ard.

After breakfast in the morning, we will take a short walk along a forest path around Loch Ard (Ard Lake). We will enjoy the enchanting scenery of lush green hills, blue waters, and towering mountain peaks.

This entire trail runs through the Loch Ard Forest within Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and stretches all the way to the shores of Loch Ard, which offers some of Scotland's most beautiful views. At the end of our walk, we will take a break at The Pier Café in Stronachlachar. While enjoying lunch at this secluded café, we will admire the breathtaking views of Loch Katrine.

For over 150 years, Loch Katrine has provided a tranquil and peaceful setting for visitors from all around the world. Sir Walter Scott mentioned this place in his most famous works. After lunch, you may embark on a boat tour on "Lady of the Lake," named after Sir Walter Scott's classic poem. Following some free time, we will take a short walk to Ledard Farm and then return to our hotel.

After breakfast, we leave our hotel. First, we visit the churchyard where Rob Roy, his wife, and his two sons are buried, following a journey of about an hour. After leaving the church, we continue to Lochearnhead. Then, we begin today’s hike to Glen Ogle.

The fact that druids, Jacobite rebels, old clans, ancient royals, famous writers, and Rob Roy McGregor himself have walked this path will take us back in time. Our route follows an old railway line, which is part of the Rob Roy Way.

Throughout the hike, we will be accompanied by the wide valley view stretching towards Loch Earn and we’ll see the Glen Ogle Viaduct, built between 1866 and 1870.

As we head towards the High Country, our scenery will feature peaks, cliffs, streams, and river beds.

After the hike, we move on to the village of Tyndrum. Here, we turn our lunch into a fish & chips treat at a local café/restaurant.

After lunch, we stop by Loch Ba Valley for a short walk before heading to the town of Glencoe, where we’ll stay the night.

After breakfast, we will explore Glencoe, located within the Ben Nevis and Glencoe National Scenic Area, which is considered one of Scotland’s most breathtaking natural corners.

Glencoe is surrounded by wild and rugged mountains—shaped by volcanic activity over millions of years—and emerald green valleys. Glencoe has also witnessed many dramatic moments in history. One of the most famous events in Scottish history, known as the Glencoe Massacre that took place in 1692, is said to have begun with the lighting of a torch where the Clachaig Inn stands today.

Our hike begins in the An Tor Forest and continues towards Signal Rock. After reaching Signal Rock, we descend through the valley and return to the village. During this time, we’ll enjoy the stunning scenery of Loch Leven and the surrounding mountains. After our first hike, we’ll take a lunch break.

After lunch, the second stage of the day begins, and we find ourselves again on the West Highland Way.

After a short journey from the village to Altnafeadh, we reach our starting point and begin walking along a stony path at first. Then we arrive at the Devil’s Staircase, named by the soldiers who helped build these tracks.

Afterward, we find ourselves on the open moor above Rannoch Moor. There’s no need to describe how impressive this landscape is. :) After a short descent, we begin to climb again. At this point, the Blackwater Reservoir appears to our right. Then we descend once more, this time along a forested slope, all the way to Kinlochleven. After meeting our vehicle here, we return to Glencoe. In the evening, we’ll head for dinner at the spot where the torch was lit.

After breakfast in the morning, we leave our hotel and head to the village of Killin, located at the intersection of the Lochay and Dochart Rivers. In the history-filled village of Killin, after visiting the Old Market Square, we go to see the Dochart River and its suspension bridges.

Next, we begin our walk, which will continue towards the outlet of Loch Tay, starting from the wooded area beside the Lochay River. After this short walk along the lake, we have lunch.

Following the meal, we go to see an example of one of the circular houses built on stilts that date back to the Iron Age. Before roads were built, Scots who used to travel only by boat constructed these houses to protect themselves from animals and external threats. Archaeologists have found 18 such remains just in Loch Tay alone.

Afterwards, we set our course for Dewar's Whisky Distillery in Aberfeldy, the spiritual home of one of Scotland's famous whiskies. After leaving the distillery, we will take short walks along the paths once walked by the original Crannog dwellers. We then head to Dunkeld Cathedral, built in the early 1700s. After leaving the cathedral, we take a brief stroll through the town of Dunkeld and, time permitting, continue our journey to Glamis Castle. The castle, which has been home to the Lyon family since the 14th century, is currently the residence of the Earl and Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne. Glamis Castle was also the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth, the mother of King George VI’s wife, and their second daughter, Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon. As we progress along the approximately 2km entrance road to the castle, it is impossible not to be impressed by the historical towers. After leaving the castle, we settle into our hotel.

We arrive at Kinclaven after about an hour’s drive.

After breakfast, we leave our hotel and head towards Edinburgh Airport. We arrive at the airport around noon and say our goodbyes until we meet again on another BUKLATUR trip.