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  • Locality & Walks
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At a Glance

Your Holiday at a Glance


   
Independent Walking Holiday

  • West Highland Way & Skye
Dates for 2023
  • 2 April – 15 October
Price
  • From £925 (includes train travel from Glasgow & ferry)
  • Loyalty scheme reduction applies for returning customers (see terms and conditions)
Grade
  • moderate to challenging walking holiday
Profile
  • 7 nights, 3 days walking the spectacular northern sections of the West Highland Way & 3 days exploring the island of Skye
Highlights
  • A unique walking holiday combining the best parts of the West Highlands Way and the amazing Isle of Skye
  • Exploring the northern sections of Scotland’s most famous long distance route including lonely Rannoch Moor, Glen Nevis and some stunning mountain views
  • Exploring the beautiful and rugged coastal scenery and old villages of the southern part of the Isle of Skye.
  • Rich wildlife including eagle, otter and seal spotting
Testimonials
  • “The organisation and attention to detail was first rate. Luggage transfers worked really well. Neville and I thoroughly enjoyed the holiday and would love to do another some time.” K Redwood, Australia. See more customer comments
Accommodation and Meals
  • 7 nights B&B in ensuite 2 person rooms (double or twin) in good quality Guest Houses or Hotels.  Some locations have very limited choice.
What's included
  1. 7 nights B&B in ensuite 2 person rooms
  2. 3 train journeys
    Day 1 Glasgow Queen Street to Bridge of Orchy (depart 18.20)
    Day 5 Fort William to Mallaig (departs 08.30)
    Day 8 Mallaig to Glasgow Queen Street (departs 10.35)
  3. Ferries - Voucher for return crossing Skye ferry (Mallaig/Armadale)
  4. Detailed walking notes including information about the area
  5. Walking maps of West Highland Way and the south of Isle of Skye
  6. Baggage transfers along the West Highland Way (1 bag per person, max weight 20kg)
What's not included
  1. All lunches, dinners and drinks
  2. Travel to Glasgow, Scotland
  3. Local bus transfers
  4. Optional ferry on Skye
  5. Travel insurance
  6. Entrance fees
 
  1. Take a look at our other independent walking holidays in Scotland: Trossachs National Park, Oban & Islands - West Highlands Way & Wild West Coast
Walks

West Highland Way and Skye

Your independent walking holiday is a great mix of multi-day trekking along one of the UK's best trails and day walks on the stunningly beautiful and rugged Isle of Skye. Despite crossing the highlands, this West Highland Way, is a relatively straight forward route which stays at low altitude. You'll join the West Highland Way at the Bridge of Orchy, where the highland scenery really begins to show its true savage beauty. You'll cross the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor, a remote and desolate part of the trail with little sign of life, except for fellow walkers.  At Glen Coe the scenery changes once more to dramatic mountain terrain, dominated by the impressive Buachaille Etive Mor which stands as a sentry to this stunning glen. Glen Coe is often considered one of the most spectacular and beautiful places in Scotland.

From Glen Coe your trail climbs the Devils Staircase, a 259m ascent to the highest point on the West Highland Way (548m) with great views over the peaks of Glen Coe and Ben Nevis which can be seen in the distance North over the Mamores. The trail then descends back to sea level at Kinlochleven. The path runs along the mountainside with spectacular views over the Mamores and miles of open wilderness stretching away to the East. After a final climb your route descends to Glen Nevis and Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK.

The Isle of Skye is the largest and most northerly island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The coastline of Skye is a series of peninsulas and bays radiating out from a mountainous centre dominated by the rugged and wild Cuillin hills. You'll explore the southern headlands, mountains and bays of Skye. Areas such as Strathaird have dramatic coastlines close to the Cuillin hills which form a beautiful backdrop. There are also a number of small crofting communities. The amazingly beautiful Loch Coruisk surrounded by imposing mountains will take your breath away.

More information about the highlands & islands of Scotland

Walking Profile

Walking on tracks and paths, distances 14-22km through mountain terrain.  Skye walks – paths along the coastline can be rough and narrow at times. A choice of walks available to allow for different levels of experience and ability. Ascents up to 700m during the day. Suitable for regular hill walkers, as well as fit and healthy novices.

 

location map west highland way and skye scotland

Day 1: Arrival

Arrive at Bridge of Orchy in the Highlands of Scotland and on the route of the spectacular West Highland Way.

Day 2: Bridge of Orchy - Kingshouse

Walk from Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse, 21km on tracks across the beautiful and remote Rannoch Moor and through Glen Coe with some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the UK to arrive at Kingshouse one of Scotland's oldest inns.

Day 3: Kingshouse - Kinlochleven

Walk from Kingshouse over the Devil's Staircase, the highest point on the West Highland Way and down to the sea at Kinlochleven at the end of a bay, 16km on tracks.

Day 4: Kinlochleven - Fort William

Continue on by the Lairig Mor to Fort William, 23km on tracks and paths over to Glen Nevis and the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK.  Overnight in the west coast town of Fort William.

Possibility of an extra day for anyone wishing to ascend Ben Nevis (hill walking experience recommended.)

Day 5: Travel to Skye and local walk

Travel by the early train 08.30 to arrive in Mallaig at 09.52. Ferry to Armadale on Skye then local bus to Broadford, location for next 3 nights.  Explore local walks.

Days 6 & 7: Day walks on Skye

Choice of walks and places to explore, including:

  • Local bus to Camus Malaig and walk back by the ruined crofting townships of Boreraig and Suisnish, stunning coastal views, 19km
  • Local bus to Elgol and take the small ferry to reach and explore the breathtakingly beautiful Loch Coruisk
  • Cross over to one of the Small Isles like Rum for a few hours
  • Local bus to Kilmarie and circular walk by Camasunary and Elgol, 18km a more difficult route with a rough and narrow coast path at times

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, local bus to Armadale, the ferry to Mallaig for the Glasgow train departing 10.35 arriving Glasgow Queen street station 15.44. 

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For useful advice about independent walking and preparing for your self guided walking holiday please take a look at the articles in our top-tips section.

Once you have booked on this independent walking holiday, further information about the walking, the region and what to bring, will be sent to you. We do have a web page dedicated to what clothes and equipment you should bring. In addition, our travel shop has direct access to all the top walking and travel retailers. Please contact us if you need any further information.

Bed

Accommodation & Meals


7 nights B&B in ensuite 2 person rooms (double or twin) in good quality Guest Houses or Hotels. They are often in historic buildings with charm and character and they are often rated 4 star by local tourist board standards. Some locations have a limited choice. Packed lunches and evening meals are not included in the price of the holiday. Examples of the type of accommodation used are shown below.

Name Type Details Rating  

Distillery House

 Guest House At foot of Ben Nevis on the banks of River Nevis, lies the Old Glenlochy Distillery, a welcoming guest house converted from distillery workers’ cottages where complimentary whisky and shortbread is served in the Reading Lounge 4 star local rating distillery house accommodation scotland walking holiday uk

Tigh an Dochais

B&B Amazing sea views of Broadford Bay from this contemporary high quality bed and breakfast on the isle of Skye 5 star local rating tigh an dochais accommodation self guided walking holiday scotland
Travel Options

Travel Options


Train travel to Bridge of Orchy from Glasgow Queen Street and the return from Mallaig is included in the price of your holiday.

Trains run regularly from London and other UK cities to Glasgow Central rail station. Bus service 398 available at the station takes you to Queen Street station, as does the Glasgow subway.

Internal UK flights and international flights operate from Glasgow Airport. There is a regular shuttle bus service - Service 500 (Glasgow Flyer Airport Express) which runs to the city centre and Queens Street station.

 

Photos

Photos


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