Scotland: West Highland Way
21-29 Aug 2027
Overview of West Highland Way
Our journey follows the highlights of the iconic West Highland Way, beginning with a stay in Glasgow, a city defined as much by its industrial past as by its creative present. Set along the River Clyde, Glasgow pairs grand Victorian architecture with a distinctly contemporary energy in its street art, live music, and strong design culture anchored by figures like Charles Rennie Mackintosh. After our hiking days, you have time to explore its highlights such as the wide-ranging collections of Kelvingrove Art Gallery, historic Glasgow Cathedral, walking through the revitalized Merchant City district, where warehouses have been repurposed into cafés, galleries, and restaurants.
As the journey continues, we transition to the highland setting. The trail leads us steadily north into landscapes that shift with each day’s distance. The early stages move through lowland farmland and lochside paths along the eastern edge of Loch Lomond, where wooded shores and small beaches offer a gentler introduction to the route. As we progress, the terrain becomes more remote and exposed, crossing the wide, open expanse of Rannoch Moor before climbing into the dramatic valley of Glencoe via the historic Devil’s Staircase. The final approach brings us into Fort William, set beneath Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom.
Schedule at a Glance
Day | Date | Overnight | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
Sa | 21-Aug | Depart USA | |
Su | 22-Aug | Glasgow | Arrive to Glasgow |
M | 23-Aug | Glasgow | Walk Milngavie-Dumgoyne, 7.5mi |
T | 24-Aug | Glasgow | Walk Balmaha - Rowardennan, 10mi |
W | 25-Aug | Bridge of Orchy | Walk Ardleish - Glen Falloch, 6mi |
R | 26-Aug | Bridge of Orchy | Walk Bridge of Orchy - Kingshouse, 9mi |
F | 27-Aug | Ft William | Walk Kingshouse - Kinlocheleven, 9mi |
Sa | 28-Aug | Ft William | Walk Kinlochleven - Glen Nevis, 12mi |
Su | 29-Aug | Depart Ft William |
Day 1-Aug 21
Departure from U.S. and Travel
Depart the U.S. for Glasgow. Alternatively, you may fly into Edinburgh if flight connections are more favorable; the cities are linked by a direct train of approximately 50 minutes.
Day 2-Aug 22
Arrival to Glasgow; (D)
Upon arrival in Glasgow, transfer to voco Grand Central Glasgow, a historic hotel located in the heart of Glasgow next to Glasgow Central Station. Check-in begins at 15:00; if you arrive earlier, the hotel can store your luggage while you explore the city or relax at the hotel’s facilities, including its restaurant, bar, and comfortable guest lounge areas. You have the afternoon free to explore the city’s remarkable sights. We gather in the evening for a welcome dinner . Overnight: Glasgow-Apex City of Glasgow Hotel or The DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Apex City of Glasgow Hotel The four-star Apex City of Glasgow Hotel is centrally located on Bath Street, within easy walking distance of Glasgow’s restaurants, pubs, shopping, and cultural attractions. With comfortable contemporary rooms, a welcoming lounge and bar, and breakfast available on-site, it is a convenient base for the first part of the trip. The DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow The DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow is a comfortable four-star hotel conveniently located just west of Glasgow city centre. With modern rooms, an indoor pool, fitness centre, sauna and on-site restaurant, it provides a comfortable base before and after our time on the West Highland Way. The hotel is also well positioned for easy access to Glasgow Airport and the city centre.
Day 3-Aug 23
Yoga; Walk Milngavie-Dumgoyne (7.5 miles); (B/L)
After breakfast we transfer to Milngavie, the official starting point of the iconic West Highland Way. We will have an outdoor yoga session (weather permitting) before following footpaths through the ancient earldom of Lennox between the Campsie Fells and Blane Water. The route passes through Mugdock Country Park, woodland, farmland and rolling countryside, without much elevation gain as we make our way toward Dumgoyne. We’ll have lunch before continuing to Glengoyne Distillery, said to be Scotland’s most beautiful distillery, situated on the edge of the hills. After sampling a dram, we transfer back to Glasgow. Overnight: Glasgow-Apex City of Glasgow Hotel or The DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow
Day 4-Aug 24
Walk Balmaha – Rowardennan (10 miles); Yoga; (B/L)
We start today’s hike in the village of Balmaha and follow the thistle waymarkers north toward Rowardennan. The trail winds through woodland along the eastern shores of Loch Lomond, with frequent views across the water and toward the surrounding hills. We finish at the historic Rowardennan Hotel, which has welcomed West Highland Way walkers for decades and is a good place for a break before returning to Glasgow. Evening yoga will be offered. Overnight: Glasgow-Apex City of Glasgow Hotel or The DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow
Day 5-Aug 25
Ferry Ardlui-Ardleish; Walk Ardleish to Glen Falloch (6 miles); (B/L)
Drive to Ardlui, Boat to Ardleish – Hike to Glen Falloch (6 miles; 9.7 km) or Crianlarich (9 miles; 14.5 km); (B/L/D) Today we take a short drive to Ardlui, where we cross Loch Lomond by boat to Ardleish and rejoin the West Highland Way on foot. From the eastern shore of the loch, the trail heads north through the remote upper reaches of Glen Falloch, following a mixture of woodland tracks, open hillside, and riverside paths. We finish our hike in Glen Falloch after approximately 6 miles. The route offers the solitude of the Scottish Highlands as we leave Loch Lomond behind. We transfer to our next accommodation at Bridge of Orchy. Overnight: Bridge of Orchy – Bridge of Orchy Hotel The historic Bridge of Orchy Hotel sits in a remote Highland setting surrounded by mountains and open countryside, making it a natural stop along the West Highland Way. With comfortable rooms, a welcoming bar, and a restaurant serving hearty Scottish fare, it is an ideal place to relax after a day on the trail.
Day 6-Aug 26
Yoga; Walk Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse (9 miles); (B/L)
A morning yoga session will be offered in a natural setting, weather permitting. Today we hike through some of the most spectacular and remote terrain on the West Highland Way. Leaving Bridge of Orchy, the trail climbs above Loch Tulla, with wide views across the loch and the surrounding mountains. We then cross the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor, one of Scotland’s largest areas of open wilderness, where the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and exposed. As we approach Kingshouse, the distinctive pyramidal peak of Buachaille Etive Mòr comes into view. One of Scotland’s most photographed mountains, its name means “the great herdsman of Etive,” reflecting its position at the entrance to Glen Etive. The dramatic landscape around the mountain has also featured in films, including Skyfall. Overnight: Bridge of Orchy – Bridge of Orchy Hotel
Day 7-Aug 27
Walk Kingshouse – Kinlochleven (9 miles); (B/L)
Today we stride out across the Rannoch Moor once more, passing beneath the imposing slopes of Buachaille Etive Mòr. Keep an eye on its rocky flanks to spot climbers making their way up the rock face. We then tackle the Devil’s Staircase. Despite its dramatic name, the climb is a steady ascent rather than a particularly intimidating one, and the views from the top make the effort worthwhile. From the summit, we continue across rolling Highland terrain before descending on forest paths into Kinlochleven, the final village on the route before Fort William. From here, we meet our transfer to Fort William. Located at the head of Loch Linnhe, Fort William was originally settled in 1654 as a fort where English troops were stationed to keep the Jacobite skirmishes, once common in the region, at bay. The original fort eventually gave its name to the town, although its remaining walls are easily missed between the loch and the train station. We’ll check into our new accommodation and then you can take a stroll along the main street of Scotland’s self-styled “Outdoor Capital”, lined with cafés, restaurants, shops, and outdoor outfitters. Overnight: Fort William -The Garrison Hotel The Garrison Hotel is a 4-star boutique hotel located on Fort William’s High Street, built on the site of the town’s former Old Police Station. With 41 individually designed rooms, the hotel offers comfortable, stylish accommodation well suited to a weary walker. There is also a restaurant serving lunch and dinner, along with a bar where we can unwind and celebrate the end of the Way.
Day 8-Aug 28
Walk Kinlochleven – Glen Nevis (12 miles); (B/L/D)
After being dropped off in Kinlochleven, at the head of Loch Leven, we begin the final day of our West Highland Way adventure. The trail climbs out of the village and into increasingly dramatic Highland scenery, following a combination of open hillside, rocky paths, and forested glens as we make our way toward Fort William. As we progress north, the landscape opens up and the enormous bulk of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain at 4413 ft, comes into view. The final miles take us through Glen Nevis, one of the Highlands’ most spectacular valleys, surrounded by steep mountain slopes, waterfalls, and dense woodland. Take your time on this final stretch and savor the landscape and the satisfaction of knowing that each step is bringing us closer to the end of the Way. There is no road access to shorten today’s hike, so anyone who would prefer not to tackle the longer distance can spend time exploring Fort William, with options including a visit to the historic Old Inverlochy Castle, a cruise on Loch Linnhe, the Jacobite steam train made famous by Harry Potter, or a tour and tasting at Ben Nevis Distillery. We will gather in the evening for a well-earned celebratory dinner. Haste ye back! Overnight: Fort William -The Garrison Hotel
Day 9-Aug 29
Tour End; (B)
Enjoy breakfast and check out before 11:00am. Allow 3.5-4 hours for the journey from Fort William to Glasgow airport. Buses, trains and private transfers are all available.
PRICE PER PERSON:
$3499 DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
+$1200 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
BOOKING PROCESS:
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Book your spot by filling our Booking Request Form below.
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A $500 non-refundable deposit per person is due at booking; balance due 120 days before departure.
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Payable by check or Venmo to Peace through Yoga Foundation; 3.5% fee for credit cards.
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Cancellation: $500 fee up to 120 days prior; 100% fee after.
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Send checks to:
Peace through Yoga Foundation
Attention: Susie Morwick
7904 Pine Lake Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268
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Venmo @smorwick​
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Trip cancellation insurance is recommended
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Travel Guard at 800-454-7107
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i travel insured - 317-655-4500
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
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​Pre-departure discussion group to orient you and answer any questions
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Accommodations at 4 star hotels
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Activities as described
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Meals as described
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Luggage transfers
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Support van
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Trip leaders
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:​
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Airfare​​
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Airport transfers
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Meals not listed
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Beverages
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Yoga Equipment (can be rented upon request)
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Hiking Poles (can be rented upon request)
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Personal expenses
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Tipping to guides
NOTES:
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Itinerary may vary based on availability, weather, and local events.
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Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.
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Where we stay may vary depending on availability but will be of a similar standard to the accommodation listed.
Trip Leaders:
Christine Klotz
Christine Klotz, MPH, from Indianapolis, has spent the past 20 years living nomadically, balancing her work as an international public health professional in refugee camps around the world with a passion for long-distance walking that has taken her thousands of miles across more than 100 countries. The United Kingdom has become one of her favorite hiking destinations after completing West Highland Way, Great Glenn Way, Wainwright's Coast to Coast Walk, the Cotswold Way, and the South West Coast Path in the past few years, leaving her impressed by the area's remarkable diversity of landscapes. She is continually looking ahead to her next adventure, guided by the belief: “It’s a beautiful world, and I look forward to exploring it with you, one step at a time.”
Madina Sabirova, RYT 200
Part-time wanderer, full-time soul-seeker, Madina has lived in several countries and states and now calls Zionsville, IN home. Madina walked ancient pilgrim paths like the Fisherman’s Trail, the Camino de Santiago (Frances and del Norte routes) and the Via Francigena, collecting blisters, stories, and the occasional spiritual epiphany. A passionate hiking enthusiast, Madina finds joy in any path that promises a little peace and a lot of perspective. Whether trekking through the Grand Canyon, Zion, Banff, or some unnamed trail that “looked promising,” she believes in the healing power of nature. Madina is excited to share her love for yoga--not as a physical achievement, but as a deeply spiritual journey. For her, yoga is less about touching your toes and more about a gentle invitation to reconnect with the self. When not exploring new destinations, Madina enjoys spending quality time with her kids or local hikes with her dog, who believes every hill is better climbed slowly and with snacks. Whether in stillness or in motion, Madina lives for those moments of connection—with nature, with others, and the kind of adventures that leave you dusty, grateful, and transformed.
To register for this trip, complete the Booking Request, then call Reservations Manager, Susie Morwick, if you would like to book via credit card at a 3.5% feel or use VENMO, at (317) 544-8391. Or send initial deposit of $500 to:
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Peace through Yoga Foundation
7904 Pine Lake Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268
*A $500 deposit is due upon booking (no more than seven days after confirmation). Balance is due 120 days prior to departure.