Version A itinerary: -
 Day 1. Arrive in Perth. Depending on what time you arrive you may have the chance to explore this historic town or climb nearby Kinnoull Hill, which overlooks the Firth of Tay.
 Day 2. This is a walk of 13 miles, mostly along the banks of Scotland's longest and biggest river, the Tay, famous for salmon fishing. Overnight in the quiet village of Bankfoot.
 Day 3. Today's walk takes you into the highlands by a secluded and beautiful glen, and then by the woods and waterfalls of the Hermitage before arriving in Birnam (10 miles), the Victorian village, which lies on the other side of the river from historic Dunkeld, the ancient capital of Scotland.
 Day 4. A 17 mile walk over moorland & forest to the highland town of Aberfeldy. If you arrive early enough you can stop for a dram of fine malt whisky at the local distillery, or explore the Birks (a woodland gorge and waterfalls made famous by Robert Burns).
 Day 5. The walk today (12 miles) has a historic theme: you pass a 4000 year old Neolithic stone circle; Taymouth Castle (where queen Victoria spent her honeymoon); have the chance to see a re-constructed crannog; ending at the peaceful village of Fortingall, where you can also see the ancient yew tree estimated to be more than 3000 years old and the oldest living tree in Europe.
 Day 6. A challenging walk (12 miles) over the hills via Glen Mor, a remote glen which sits beneath Schiehallion. You have now reached the heart of the Highlands and the quiet village of Kinloch Rannoch. This is the suggested place for an extra night as the village is roughly half-way along the route.
 Day 7. Today you walk on a very quiet road by the shores of Loch Rannoch and on to the eastern edge of Rannoch Moor, to Rannoch Station where the road ends. You have an option to take a short detour into the Black Wood of Rannoch, one of the few surviving remnants of the ancient Caledonian pine forest which had covered the Scottish Highlands since the last Ice Age. This is the longest day (17 miles).
 Day 8. The classic traverse of Rannoch Moor, (from east to west, not south to north as on the West Highland Way). Rannoch Moor has been described as "the largest abstract painting the world" - a walk through this unique landscape is an unforgettable experience. Overnight at Kingshouse. (13 miles).
 Day 9. Here you join the West Highland Way which follows General Wade's Military Road over the Devil's Staircase. The highest point is 550 metres above sea-level, but as you start at about 250m and the track zig-zags over the hill the ascent is not as bad as the name suggests. From the col it is all downhill to the village of Kinlochleven (9 miles).
 Day 10. Today starts with another climb, as you continue on the West Highland Way through the Lairigmor, and into Glen Nevis (14 miles). Overnight in Fort William, the 'capital' of the Western Highlands. The town is effectively base camp for Ben Nevis so is popular with walkers and climbers.
 Version B. This is the same as Version A except that on Day 9 you walk from Kingshouse down historic Glencoe, and finish at Glencoe Village, on the shores of Loch Leven (14 miles).
Extra nights are recommended on this route in Birnam, Aberfeldy & Kinloch Rannoch and Fort William if you want to climb Ben Nevis at the end. It is also possible to have an additional night between Kinloch Rannoch and Rannoch Station, or at Rannoch Station. Extra nights cost from £30 per person per night. Note that you can also do half this trip (from Perth to Kinloch Rannoch) in 6 nights, for £355 per person - see Highland Journey for more details.
Route guidance: we provide detailed written descriptions (in English) of each section, and four 1:50,000 OS maps which cover the whole route. We also provide information about the history and things to do in each place you stay, general information about walking in Scotland and travel arrangements before and after your walk.
Baggage Transfer: Due to space constraints, note that only one piece of luggage per person can be transferred.
Please book early to avoid disappointment, as accommodation is limited in some villages - the sooner you book the better, especially if you are planning the to do the walk in May and early June.
Travel arrangements:
Start: Perth can be reached by bus train or taxi from Edinburgh or Glasgow, journey takes just over an hour. Transfers can be also be arranged from Edinburgh or Glasgow airports (about £65, or £80 respectively).
Finish: From Fort William, the scenic West Highland railway line can either take you south to Glasgow or north to Mallaig for the North West & Islands, (single back to Glasgow costs about £24). Also bus service to Inverness, Skye or back to Glasgow/Edinburgh (single back to Glasgow costs about £16). From Glencoe, there are buses north to Fort William or south to Glasgow/Edinburgh.
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This route is a classic way to see Scotland on foot, and takes you through the heart of the central highlands, from the rich and varied landscapes of Perthshire in the east, to the dramatic Glencoe & Lochaber mountains in the west. This route (116 miles / 186km) is for fit and experienced walkers - there are two long days and you also have the classic crossing of Rannoch Moor, through remote and rough country. On most days you will follow quiet paths and you will see far fewer people (and much more wildlife) than on the West Highland Way. From Kingshouse you can choose to finish at Glencoe or join the West Highland Way for the last 2 days walk to Fort William.