Winter West Highland Way - 07 Feb
08-14 February 2025
You've probably heard of The West Highland Way: a 150km long-distance hike from Glasgow to Fort William (the gateway to The Scottish Highlands).
Well, we dont lead this route in the summer due to the shear number of people doing it (it's often referred to as The West Highland HighWay).
We like to do things a little differently at City Mountaineering!
We are leading this trip when the route is quiet: In the middle of Winter!
The shorter days and often slippery under-foot conditions means that this is likely to be a tough week, often with some hiking in the dark. But that's why we love adventure :)
Lead by a highly qualified and experienced Mountain Leader, you will hike from accommodation to accommodaiton whilst your luggage is transferred and ready for you when you arrive!
You will then have access to a warm shower, bed and comfortable clothes each night/day.
This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and all on the shores of our little island. This is a simply breathtaking hike, however a good level of fitness is a must!
You will be hiking long distances for 7-days in a row potentially in the dark and on slippery terrain.
Option of transport fom London available for an additional £250 (train from London to Glasgow and Sleeper train from Fort William back to London)
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All City Mountaineering trips are compliant with the 2018 Package Travel regulations (including financial protection)
Please note that exact timings and order of activities are subject to change, based on the local conditions at the time - The beauty of this trip is that the plans can be loose to allow for uncontrollable factors such as the weather
Optional: Friday (from 6pm) - Meet outside Euston train station and board the train for a relaxing journey north
Friday (from 8pm) - Meet outside Glasgow train station and transported to your hostel accommodation for the night for a full trip briefing, kit check and readying yourself for the days ahead.
Saturday - Milngavie to Dryman (19km)
Departing the accommodation, you will head straight out to the trail, heading north towards Loch Lomond
Sunday - Drymen to Rowardennan (23km)
After breakfast, you will continue along the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, walking through ancient woodland and overlooked by the great Ben Lomond
Monday - Rowardennan to Inverarnan (21km)
Today you hike through the most remote area of Loch Lomond as you pass it's most northerly sections. You will then be rewarded with the spectacular 'Inversnaid Waterfall' befoire checking in to your accommodation for the night
Tuesday - Inverarnan to Tyndrum (19km)
Leaving Loch Lomond behind, you will follow the river Falloch through the glen. You have now reached the beginnings of The Scottish Highlands. Continuing up the valley, you will reach your hotel in Tyndrum, your next rest point on the trail.
Wednesday - Tyndrum to Kingshouse (30km)
Leaving relative civilisation for a couple of days, you will continue north up the valley. Following the West Highalnd Railway Line, the day is relatively flat (albeit, the longest day that still continues gradually uphill :)
Thursday - Kingshouse to Kinlochleven (14km)
Hiking over the top of the Glen Coe valley is the where the mountains really impress. You will get sight of probably the most photographed and most striking mountains in The UK: Buachaille Etive Mor.
This day includes the steepest section of the trip as you hike over the zig-zag track of The Devils Staircase and down in to Kinlochleven
Friday - Kinlochleven to Fort William (23km)
Leaving the town through Lairigmor (the great pass), you will soon be in an isolated valley, surrounded by huge mountains that, as the day unfolds, will include Ben Nevis - The highest mountain in The UK!
Optional: Friday (from 7pm) - Board the sleeper train for a relaxing journey back to London (arrive in London at 8am on Saturday)
