96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William — lochs, moors, and glens, with wild camping legal the whole way.
96 mi154 km
6–8 daystypical pace
Moderatewell-marked, no scrambling
Train in, train outGlasgow ↔ Fort William
Why this one
A week-long thru-hike that lands in the sweet spot for a group trip: big scenery, simple logistics, and real flexibility on how rough you want it.
Wild camping is a legal right in Scotland. No lotteries, no permits, no booked shelters — the whole group can camp freely (one small permit zone on Loch Lomond).
Easy resupply and bail-outs. Villages with shops and pubs every 2–3 days, and the trail parallels roads and rail in the southern half.
Group-friendly terrain. Well-marked paths throughout, no technical scrambling, and stages that split neatly into 9–19 mile days.
Ben Nevis bonus. The trail finishes at its foot — a victory-lap summit day is optional.
Best times to go
Two clear windows; the right one depends on your tolerance for midges vs. autumn weather.
Prime window · May – June
Early summer
Longest daylight (18+ hours) and typically the driest weather of the year
Everything open; most reliable conditions for big-mileage days
Midge season ramps up — head nets and repellent are essential, especially camping low
Busiest window on the trail
Prime window · September
Early autumn
Past the midge peak (season runs late May–early Sept, worst in July–August)
Autumn color, quiet trails, and wild camping spots all to yourselves
Shorter days (~11–12 hrs of light) and changeable weather — full rain gear required
Some services start winding down late in the month
Shoulder · April & October
For the hardy
Fewest people; dramatic light for photography
Real winter-weather risk, very short days; limited resupply and lodging
Sample itineraries
Two pacing options. Wild camp freely or mix in hostels/B&Bs — the stages work for either.
Classic · 7 days
The group favorite
One short day mid-trip to recover; biggest day is 18.5 mi.
Day
Stage
Miles
1
Milngavie → Drymen
12
2
Drymen → Rowardennan
15
3
Rowardennan → Inverarnan
14
4
Inverarnan → Bridge of Orchy
18.5
5
Bridge of Orchy → Kingshouse
12.5
6
Kingshouse → Kinlochleven
9
7
Kinlochleven → Fort William
15
Brisk · 6 days
For strong legs
Bigger days through the middle; fewer stops, same scenery.
Day
Stage
Miles
1
Milngavie → Drymen
12
2
Drymen → Rowardennan
15
3
Rowardennan → Inverarnan
14
4
Inverarnan → Inveroran
21
5
Inveroran → Kinlochleven
19
6
Kinlochleven → Fort William
15
Resupply points
You'll never carry more than ~2 days of food. Top up at the villages; the real restocks happen at four towns.
Full resupply
Grocery-grade stops
MilngavieCrianlarichTyndrumKinlochleven
Tyndrum (Day 4 of the classic itinerary) is the best mid-trail shop. Fort William has full supermarkets at the finish.
Top-up
Snacks, meals & cafés
DrymenBalmahaBeinglasInveroranKingshouse
Kingshouse has the famous hotel — worth a dinner stop even if you're camping. Water is plentiful from burns; filter or treat as usual.
Good to know
Direction: south to north (Milngavie → Fort William) — the easy southern miles build legs for the rougher northern half.
Getting there: train from Glasgow to Milngavie to start; train or bus back from Fort William at the end. No cars needed.
Midges: worst in still, humid, low-ground conditions, July–August. Breezy high ground (most of the northern half) is merciful. Head net + Smidge/DEET solves it.
Kit notes: Scottish weather is the crux — solid rain shell and pants, warm layers, and a tent that handles wind matter more than shaving ounces.