6-Day / 5-Night Gentle

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Glasgow and onwards to Tyndrum. We recommend the train which soon leaves Glasgow behind and delves deep into the wild west coast traveling along the Clyde to Helensburgh, and then north via Garelochead and Loch Long. From there, you pass into a world of deep forests, towering mountains and mirrored lochs as you enter the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. The train journey from Glasgow to Tyndrum is 63 miles / 101km.

The trail from Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy follows the old Military Road beside the railway line into the northern part of beautiful Strathfillan. Walk along the steep sided flank of Beinn Odhar where the impressive pyramid of Beinn Dòrain soon comes into view directly ahead. The Kinglass glen then opens up on your right with two impressive railway viaducts. From there it is an easy walk above the railway line to Bridge of Orchy.

After a short transfer to Gairlochy, you follow a footpath between the River Lochy and the Caledonian Canal, which leads coast-to-coast across Scotland. Pass an old, hand operated swing bridge and enjoy views of the glen until you come to Neptune’s Staircase, a series of eight locks that combine to the longest staircase lock in Britain. Continue to the canal’s sea locks and the coast, then cross the River Lochy and pass Old Inverlochy Castle before you arrive in Fort William. You have the option to shorten this hike with a taxi transfer to skip the last few kilometers.

Train Journey: 42 miles / 67km

Many people regard the section from Fort William to Mallaig as the nicest part of the West Highland Line. Beyond Fort William, you’ll trace the iconic curve of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, probably the most famous piece of rail track in the world after being used by the Harry Potter films as part of the route to Hogwarts. The route takes you past several beautiful lochs and sea lochs, such as Eilt, Shiel, Ailort and Nan Uamh, before passing Morar’s sandy shores. The final stretch into Mallaig brings glimpses of the Isle of Skye, which is just a short ferry trip away.

In Mallaig, you can soak up the atmosphere of a working fishing port while at the same time its remote location makes it a great place to relax. Try the pleasant Mallaig Circuit walk which has great views over Mallaig harbour and across Loch Nevis to Knoydart.