Photo: JavierOlivares ↗THE JOURNEY IN DETAIL
Scotland from loch to Ben Nevis.
Scotland’s first official long-distance path runs 154 kilometres from the edge of Glasgow to Fort William, along the east shore of Loch Lomond, across the peat of Rannoch Moor and up the Devil’s Staircase to the foot of Ben Nevis. We stay in B&Bs and guesthouses, luggage goes ahead by van, so the day pack weighs six kilos. An excellent first big trek without altitude.
- The rooty, bouldery east shore of Loch Lomond
- The peat expanse of Rannoch Moor
- The Devil’s Staircase above Glencoe
- Optional ascent of Ben Nevis, 1,345 m
With old friends or new ones
Join a group or arrange a separate departure for your own team. Before travelling, we get to know each other, discuss everyone's experience and find suitable dates. You can also prepare together.
DAY BY DAY
Your daily itinerary.
A provisional itinerary. Weather, group readiness and local conditions may change the order and length of the stages.
- DAY 1 · 19 km, 250 m of ascent
Milngavie to Drymen through the heather
We start at the obelisk in Milngavie and walk 19 kilometres of easy ground through Mugdock and Gartness. A deliberately gentle first day: the path tests the boots, not the legs.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Drymen - DAY 2 · 23 km, 500 m of ascent
Conic Hill and the Loch Lomond shore
The climb up Conic Hill at 361 m opens the Highland Boundary Fault and the islands of the loch. Then along the water to Rowardennan.
Overnight: Hotel in Rowardennan - DAY 3 · 22 km, 600 m of ascent
Roots and boulders of northern Loch Lomond
The most awkward stage on the path: 22 kilometres of roots, rock steps and ladders along the shore to Inverarnan. The kilometres come slowly, but the shore is wild and nearly empty.
Overnight: Inn at Inverarnan - DAY 4 · 20 km, 550 m of ascent
Glen Falloch and Crianlarich
The path leaves the woods for the open valley of the Falloch with its waterfalls. By lunchtime we reach Crianlarich, the geographical midpoint, after which the ground turns genuinely mountainous.
Overnight: B&B in Crianlarich - DAY 5 · 22 km, 400 m of ascent
Tyndrum and Bridge of Orchy
We follow the old military road past the ruins of Castle Dochart and the goldmine near Tyndrum. The evening is a village of one hotel and a station under Beinn Dorain.
Overnight: Hotel at Bridge of Orchy - DAY 6 · 21 km, 350 m of ascent
Rannoch Moor and Kingshouse
We cross Rannoch Moor, fifty square kilometres of treeless peat, on the old road at around 450 m. The day ends at Kingshouse under the pyramid of Buachaille Etive Mor.
Overnight: Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe - DAY 7 · 14 km, 450 m of ascent
The Devil’s Staircase to Kinlochleven
The big climb of the route: the Devil’s Staircase leads to 548 m, the highest point of the path, with Glencoe and the Mamores laid out. Then a 750-metre descent into Kinlochleven.
Overnight: B&B in Kinlochleven - DAY 8 · 24 km, 550 m of ascent
Lairigmor and the finish in Fort William
A final 24 kilometres through the Lairigmor and the forest above Glen Nevis to the weary walker statue in Fort William. Those who wish can add Ben Nevis, 1,345 m, by the mountain track the next morning.
Overnight: —
Included in the estimated price
Seven nights in B&Bs and guesthouses with breakfast
Daily baggage transfer between stops
A club guide for the whole path
Transfer from Glasgow to the start and back from Fort William
Maps, GPX tracks and a detailed stage book
Farewell dinner in Fort William
Not included in the price
Flights to the meeting point
Personal travel insurance and visas
Personal equipment
Single-room supplements and personal expenses
Lunches and dinners other than the farewell one
Single-room supplement in the B&Bs
Loch Lomond ferry if the alternative line is used
YOUR PREPARATION
Arrive ready for the route.
Technically the route is easy, but 20 to 25 kilometre days come eight in a row, often in rain. Ivan sets a six-week plan built on long walks in the very boots you will use, and deals with blisters before they happen.
Prepare with IvanROUTE QUESTIONS
BEFORE WE MEET ON THE TRAIL
What to prepare in advance
- Broken-in trekking footwear and a suitable daypack
- Rain gear, an insulating layer and spare socks
- Poles, if you are used to them
- Personal items within the agreed luggage allowance and suited to the accommodation
Once we choose a date, we agree on the equipment list, meeting point and transfer time. Please wait until the programme is confirmed before booking flights.