7-Day / 6-Night Moderate

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Glasgow and onwards to Ardlui. 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 Ardlui is 50 miles / 80km.

This hike is a blend of lakeshore, woodlands, moorlands, and open countryside, offering a diverse range of landscapes. After a short boat ride, you leave the northern shores of Loch Lomond and walk through a hidden valley to Beinglas. A gently ascending track leads you along the river Falloch and its glen to a trail junction above Crianlarich. From there you have great views of the stunning mountain scenery surrounding the charming Highland village where you finish your hike.

Join the trail above the village and continue along a hill track through quiet forests before the trail descends into the glen. Follow the old Military Road through Strathfillan, where you pass the remains of St Fillan’s Priory. Near Tyndrum you pass the location of the Battle of Dalrigh and the legendary Lochan of the Lost Sword.

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.

From Bridge of Orchy, you can follow the West Highland Way for a few more miles. The views over Tulla Loch are terrific as you pass over the heights of Mam Carraigh into Glen Orchy. Stop at Inveroran for a short break before returning to Bridge of Orchy on a quiet country road along the shores of Loch Tulla and the River Orchy.

Train Journey: 42 miles / 67km

Continue by train as you journey on the West Highland Line across the picture-perfect Highlands through the remote wilds of Rannoch Moor where you pass the UK’s highest altitude train station in Corrour. Continue to Spean Bridge, in the Great Glen, your stop for the night.

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.