Love Her Wild - West Highland Way
Discover Scotlands Wild Beauty
- 9 nights
-
Up to 12 hikers
- Camping and Hostels
- Moderate
-
Scotland
- 19th - 28th September 2024 (Fully Booked)
- 20th - 29th September 2024 (Fully Booked)
- Women Only Event
£597
Get ready to embark on one of Scotlands’ greatest journeys, The West Highland Way (WHW). Spectacular views, awe inspiring lochs, wild moorlands and welcoming local villages.
Long distance walking is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in in the countryside and the WHW is the perfect first through hike for anyone wanting to give it a go. It is accessible for most people with good amenities along the way.
We will be camping most nights with one night is a stunning youth hostel right on the banks of Loch Lomond. Two of the nights we will be wild camping out on the trail.
You can take all your own food or make use of the pubs, cafes and local shops to stock up supplies along the way.
We will start our walk in Milngavie just north of Glasgow and make our way north to Fort William at the base of Ben Nevis.
The through hike is 96miles (154km) long and we will be splitting it up into 10 manageable days. The start of the walk is gentler allowing us to ease into the days walking.
You can choose to have your bag transfered from camp to camp meaning you only need to carry what we need for the day. We highly suggest picking this option. If you choose to carry your own kit it may be possible to change to bag transfer along the route if you find carrying your kit too much.
Take your own food or stock up along the way at local shops. There are also pubs and cafes along the way for tasty hot food.
We have aimed this trip at all first time Through Hikers looking to get out with a friendly group of women. No previous multi-day hiking experience is necessary.
You will be accompanied by Katriona Shrives who will lead the group and be there to help you along the way. She has lead groups across the West Highland way and on long distance hikes around the world.
Kat is known to the LHW community for her paddle boarding experiences in Wales and Gloucester. She has a passion for getting all women build their adventurous spirt and confidence.
If you have any questions about the trip feel free to get in touch with Kat and she will happily talk to you about the itinerary and what to expect in more detail.
getting Fit for the trip
This trip requires a moderate to good level of fitness.
We will be walking 96 miles over 10 days rather than the usual 7 days meaning less miles each day. We will have a steady walking pace enjoying the views and plenty of rest points. The terrain isn’t mountainous but there are a few steep climbs and lots of small ups and downs.
For anyone worrying about their fitness we strongly suggest choosing the baggage transfer option so you are only carrying what you need for the day.
Everyone should do some training before attempting this adventure. The best training is long day hikes in the kit you will be wearing, carry a rucksack with your day kit in.
If you have any questions about fitness get in touch with Kat and she will happily chat to you in detail about the required fitness level.
Included
- 10 Day Guided Through Hike of the West Highland Way
- Experienced Guide
- 9 Nights Accommodation
- 1 Nights Dorm Accommodation YHA
- 6 Nights Camping (at a campsite)
- 2 Nights Wild Camping
- Transport from Fort William to Milngavie
Not Included
- Transport to the start location
- Meals not included
- Baggage Transfer (£70)
- Camping Kit (we have some that can be borrowed if needed)
- Parking is available for free at the train station in Milngavie (we would ask that people share transport where possible to reduce number of cars)
Itinerary
What to expect day to day
Meet at Milngavie train station at 9am for team briefing and the start of our hike.
Day one is an easy day with minimal elevation. We leave Milngavie and meander along a fairly flat route to Drymen. Passing rivers and small lochs this is the perfect warm up for the next 9 days.
Today is a good day to eat at the campsite together and get to know each other around the campfire.
Accommodation – camping
From the campsite we walk through Drymen where we can get a coffee and stock up on food if needed. We have a small climb out of Drymen and into the woods. Here we get our first views of Loch Lomond.
Today we get the opportunity to climb over Conic Hill. This is one climb worth the effort for the exceptional views across Loch Lomond from the top. Here we can have a good break and cup of tea before dropping back down to Balmaha.
Balmaha is a pretty town near the south of Loch Lomand with a lovely coffee shop, pub and shop for stocking up. Our campsite is slightly further on from here but within reach of Balmaha if people want to go back for an ice-cream after setting up camp.
Our campsite is at the waters edge so if you want a swim at the end of a days walking you can get in and enjoy the cold water of the loch or just sit loch-side and soak in the stunning scenery with a cup of tea.
Accommodation – Campsite (next to Loch Lomand)
As we leave Balmaha we enter ancient woodlands along the loch. This is the first of two days that stretch the length of Loch Lomond. The path has lot of ups and downs and is more challenging than most people expect. We will take it nice and slowly and enjoy breaks along the way lapping up the stunning loch views.
This is the shorter of the two days and we get to rest tonight at Rohadennan YHA without the need to pitch tents. We will have dorm rooms. The YHA has cooking facilities or we can book in for dinner and breakfast.
Accommodation – YHA (Dorm Rooms)
Today is our longest and most remote section on the WHW. This provides good opportunities to spot wildlife including, Golden Eagles, wild goats or Osprey.
As we approach Inversnaid we will be greeted with magnificent waterfall.
At the end of the day we will arrive at a campsite near Inverarnan where we can pitch up our tents relax. There is a shop and restaurant / bar at the campsite for anyone wanting to stock up after a long day.
Accommodation – Campsite
Today we leave loch Lomond behind we start to see more mountains beyond. Today is a day mostly made up of gentle glen walking.
At the end of the day we decend towards Tyndrum. When we reach the valley we pass ancient battle fields and a lake where it is believed that King Arthur’s sword was once thrown.
Tyndrum is one of the larger towns with plenty of pubs and a fantastic village shop, The Green Welly. It is worth a visit and is our final stop where we can stock-up for 28miles.
We will relax here for the night before continuing on our journey.
Accommodation – Campsite
Today we walk along low ground from Tyndrum to the Bridge of Orchey. We are surrounded by impressive mountains which we skirt around enjoying to views as we go.
After Bridge of Orchey we have a short climb to a dramatic viewpoint across Loch Tulla and the Black Mount. Beyond Inveroran, the remote Rannoch Moor beckons.
We drop back into Inveroran where we will do our first night of Wild Camping. We will rest here before we cross the moor.
We will eat dinner at camp tonight and discover the joys of wild camping.
Accommodation – Wild Camping
Today we cross the Rannoch Moor one of the last great wildernesses of Europe.
It is easy walking but is very exposed section, meaning the weather can be challenging. On a good day the views are spectacular and this is a straightforward section of the route.
As we get to the end of the Moor we reach Glencoe Mountain resort and spectacular views of Buachaille Etive Mor.
From here we drop down to Kings House where we enjoy another night of wild camping.
Accommodation – Wild Camping
As we walk away from Kingshouse through the Glencoe valley we approach our days climb up Devils Staircase. At the top we will be at our highest point on the WHW walk of 550m. As you can imagine there are spectacular views from where you have just walked of ‘The Buachaille’ and northwards towards the Mamores mountain range.
The rest of the day is a gentle decent all the way down to Kinglochleven a lovely village full of pubs and shops to stock up once again on food.
Accommodation – Campsite
The morning start with a climb out of Kinglochleven but once you reach the path it is a fairly flat route to Ben Nevis.
As we approach our final campsite we are greated with spectacular views of Ben Nevis and an easy decent to the valley.
We have chosen to stop here for our final night to give us an easy last day into Fort William and time to explore before heading back to Milgavie.
Accommodation – Campsite
Our final day is a very easy flat walk into Fort William.
We can meander into Fort William in the morning and enjoy time exploring the town, take photos of the end point and celebrate with a delicious lunch.
In the afternoon there will be transport back to Milngavie where we will say goodbye to the group.
cAMPING
We will be doing a mix of campsites, wild camping and one night in a hostel. The campsites will all have showers, toilets and areas to eat. When wild camping we won’t have access to showers or toilets but will have some access to public toilets along the way.
Pre / POST TREK
There are some great accommodation options in Mingavie if you want to arrive the night before the trek. It is a good option after the trek as Fort William can be expensive. Alternatively Glen Nevis Campsite can give you an affordable way to explore this area more.
Expedition Kit list
Our comprehensive kit list has been created to ensure you have the right kit for the trek. This will make your trip more enjoyable and comfortable. For specific advice please get in touch, or speak to a specialist outdoor retailer. Items marked with * are optional. The weather can be very unpredictable in Scotland so please make sure you you have kit packed for all weathers.
General
- Rucksack: 20-30l daypack
- Duffle Bag: For the rest of your hiking kit, carried by baggage transfer.
- Waterproof Liners: For your day pack and duffle-bag to keep everything dry.
- LED Headtorch: For use in the evening. Bring spare batteries.
- Trekking Poles: Highly recommended *
- Camera: Plus memory & spare batteries*
- Personal Entertainment: Music, books, cards, diary, notepad and pen.*
Head & hands
- Sunglasses
- Sun Hat
- Buff*
- Warm Hat
- Warm Gloves
- Midge Hat
Upper Body
- Down Jacket / Warm Jacket
- Waterproof Jacket: Lightweight and breathable. e.g. GoreTex
- Baselayers – T-shirts or lightweight long sleeve shirts (not cotton); polypropylene or Merino wool. Lighter colours are better.
- Lightweight Fleece
- Heavyweight Fleece: Softshell or primaloft jacket.
Legs & feet
- Hiking Boots / Shoes: Comfortable and waterproof with good ankle support.
- Trainers/Sandals: For use at the campsite in the evenings.
- Down Slippers*
- Socks: 3 – 4 pairs of lightweight trekking socks
- Walking Trousers: Comfortable lightweight and quick drying
- Waterproof Trousers: Lightweight and breathable. e.g. GoreTex
- Walking Shorts*
- Swimming Costume*
Hygiene Food and Toiletries
- Water Bottles or CamelPack
- Suncream & Lip Protection
- Anti-bacterial Hand Gel
- Wash Kit: Wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste and travel towel.
- Toilet Paper
- Snacks
- First Aid Kit: Your Guide will carry a comprehensive group first aid kit. A small blister/first aid kit of your own is advised. Compeed / Second skin plasters, painkillers (Paracetamol and Ibuprofen), zinc oxide tape, powdered rehydration sachet, antibacterial foot powder plus any personal medication you need.
- Small repair kit: Gaffer tape, needle and thread, zip ties and para-cord are useful for little repairs.
Camping & Cooking
- Tent
- Sleeping Bag: You will require a 3 – 4 season sleeping bag
- Sleeping Mat
- Sleeping Bag Liner*:
- Cooking Stove
- Plate & Cutlery
- Camping food
- Tea / Coffee
Why AdAstra
AdAstra has been taking groups on adventurers around the world for over 9 years. Kat founded the company of the principle of taking people on incredible journey’s and pushing them outside their comfort zone. Her passion for adventure has helped 100’s of people achieve more than they thought possible.
- Small groups of adventurers.
- Passion for helping women find their confident in adventure.
- Personal experience unique to each group.
Is WHW for you?
This is a fantastic hike perfect for any newbies to long distance hiking. We also think its the best way to see Scotland’s west coast. Although there are some steep sections it is an achievable route and we have split it up into 10 very doable sections. With the ability to have bag transfers this is a hike not to be missed.
- WHW is 96mile (154km) long
- 10 days of hiking
- Mixture of camping (campsites), hostels and wild camping