Classic Walks of Scotland

Intrepid Travel · 6 days

4.6

4 Reviews

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Duration

6 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Demanding

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Experience some of Scotland’s most iconic walks, like the West Highland Way and the Great Glen Way, and take on Ben Nevis – the highest peak in Scotland and the entire United Kingdom – with two experts by your side.

Highlights

Unpack once, settle in, and enjoy a warm welcome back at the end of each day in Fort William – this village is your base for the entire trip.
Feel secure as an experienced and qualified guide leads you through Scotland’s stunning landscapes on some of its most iconic walks.
Conquer Ben Nevis, the crown jewel of Scottish hikes, with the support of qualified mountain guides who will offer encouragement and help you ascend at your own pace.
Experience two of Scotland’s iconic long-distance trails: the West Highland Way with its famous Devil’s Staircase, and enjoy a more leisurely walk along the scenic Great Glen Way.
Travel sustainably by using public transport throughout, offering a local experience and avoiding queues. Plus, Fort William is easily reachable by train from major UK cities.

Trip Details

Duration

6 days

Transportation

Walking,public bus,train,taxi

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Fort William, United Kingdom

Finishes

Cow Hill, United Kingdom

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Walking & Trekking

Physical Rating

Demanding

Itinerary

Day 1: Fort William

Welcome to Scotland! Your adventure begins in Fort William, Scotland’s adventure hub, nestled beneath Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak. This busy Highland town is steeped in history, surrounded by rugged landscapes, and serves as the gateway to some of Scotland’s most spectacular hiking routes. With its lively atmosphere, traditional pubs, and breathtaking scenery, Fort William is the perfect base for your journey. This afternoon at 3 PM, you'll meet your guide and fellow travelers for a welcome briefing before settling into your home for the next five nights. To kick things off, enjoy a gentle warm-up hike, perhaps to a ruined castle steeped in history on a legendary battle site.

Included Activities:

Fort William - Fort William Orientation Walk

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: The Devil's Staircase

This morning, take a private transfer to Glencoe, where you’ll embark on a stunning hike along the West Highland Way, tackling the iconic Devil’s Staircase on the route to Kinlochleven. The Devil’s Staircase got its name from soldiers who built the military road in the 18th century under General Wade. As you ascend, you’ll quickly understand the origin of its name—the steep, zigzagging climb is a challenge, but the reward is breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Keep an eye out for red deer roaming the hills! After your hike, a short transfer will bring you back to Fort William for a well-earned evening of relaxation.

Included Activities:

Fort William - West Highland Way Guided Hike (Glencoe to Kinlochleven Section including Devil’s Staircase)

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: West Highland Way

After a hearty breakfast, take a short transfer back to the end of yesterday's hike, Kinlochleven. This small, rural village is tucked away at the eastern end of Loch Leven, framed by rugged mountain scenery. Originally built as a settlement for workers during the construction of the Blackwater Dam, it has since transformed into a popular base for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. From here, set off on the final stage of the West Highland Way, crossing a mountain pass and winding through a picturesque valley as you make your way back to Fort William. This section marks the official end of the famous trail and the starting point of the Great Glen Way, which you’ll explore tomorrow. In the evening, you have the option to join your fellow travelers for dinner and reflect on the day’s adventure.

Included Activities:

Fort William - West Highland Way Guided Hike (Final Stage)

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Great Glen Way

An easier day today (in terms of very little elevation gain), which could be used as a rest day for tired legs! Hike the first stage of the Great Glen Way, a long-distance route stretching from Fort William to Inverness, that winds through the stunning Great Glen in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Starting from your accommodation, you’ll follow the scenic banks of the Caledonian Canal, a 19th-century man-made waterway that connects east and west Scotland. The route takes you to the charming settlement of Gairlochy, followed by a peaceful country lane to the Commando Memorial, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Ben Nevis mountain range. The hike concludes in the quaint village of Spean Bridge, known for its 18th-century bridge over the Spean River, and its historical significance, particularly in relation to the Jacobite rising. From here you’ll catch a local train or bus back to Fort William.

Included Activities:

Fort William - Commando Memorial Visit
Fort William - Great Glen Way Guided Hike via Caledonian Canal to Gairlochy

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Ben Nevis

Today is the pinnacle of your Scottish adventure, with the ascent of the mighty Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland and the entire United Kingdom! The name Ben Nevis, meaning “mountain with its head in the clouds” in ancient Gaelic, perfectly reflects its towering height. This hike is a bucket-list challenge for adventurers from around the world. A short transfer takes us to the start of our hike and from sea level, you’ll follow a rugged trail that leads to the summit at 1345 meters. It’s a demanding full day in the mountains, (7-10 hours), requiring excellent physical preparation and determination to reach the top. You’ll be accompanied by two expert guides who will provide support, motivation, and advice throughout the climb and descent. After conquering this monumental peak, a private transfer will bring you back to your accommodation, where you can unwind and savor the sense of accomplishment.

Included Activities:

Fort William - Ben Nevis Guided Hike

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Cow Hill

After breakfast, set out for a final hike with stunning views of Ben Nevis and the surrounding landscapes. Starting from your accommodation, you’ll hike into Glen Nevis, ascending to the summit of Cow Hill. Your efforts will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of Glen Nevis, the surrounding peaks, and across Fort William to Loch Linnhe and beyond. This is the perfect spot to reflect on your incredible week of hiking in Scotland. A short, steep descent completes the circuit, bringing you back to Fort William by lunchtime. The trip concludes at 1pm in Fort William town centre, and from there, you’ll have time to catch a bus to Inverness or a train south to Glasgow. If you’d like to extend your stay in Scotland, consider adding another adventure in Orkney or the Shetland Islands, just speak to your booking agent in advance.

Included Activities:

Fort William - Cow Hill Guided Hike
Fort William - Glen Nevis Guided Hike

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $2,695

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 6 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Demanding

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 20 Jul 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

4.0

Fei

Traveled, August 2023

08/22/2023

The trip was absolutely incredible. We embarked on a 6-day nature walk non-stop, encountering a mix of sunny, rainy, and windy days – the classic Highland weather. The entire journey was impeccably organized, making it simple to adapt to your body's needs. Andrew and Ramsay were wonderfully kind and professional, ensuring everyone was taken care of throughout the hike.

4.5

Michael

Traveled, June 2023

06/15/2023

Great trip with a lot of unbelievable scenery. Make sure you are prepared for Ben Nevis, that is a big day!

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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