Hiking along Scotland’s famous path and the shores of Loch Lomond explore the ancient forests, hillsides and scenic lakes in Scotland’s first National Park and step into one of Walter Scott’s legendary tales.
This West Highland Way walking tour for women is a fabulous introduction to the Scottish Highlands.
Looking for further dates for this trip? Please head over to here (mixed group tour).
Meander through lush forests along the shores of Loch Lomond. Relax over a picnic and boast about hiking on Scotland’s most famous long distance trail, the West Highland Way.
Waterfalls, wild roaming goats and deer accompany you on your journey and refreshing streams and lovely beaches may entice you for a dip.
As water is so much part of the scenery, we include a boat ride or two, an island exploration and a sail on a Victorian steamboat.
Ideal for walking at an easy level, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park offers an excellent introduction to walking in the Scottish Highlands.
Most days: Your travels en route to the starting points of your walks will give you a sense of the surrounding area without spending much of your time on a bus. There is plenty of historical interest on every trail including a medieval castle!
Our groups are of a personable size of no more than 8 persons and accompanied throughout by an experienced and knowledgeable guide.
Generally, a day includes 4 hours walking, a relaxing lunch break and delicious picnic and occasionally, we finish our walking day in one of the old Scottish pubs on the way home.
These will be taken in the cosy Inn where you are staying to enjoy delicious food, local ale and maybe you like to try a ‘wee dram’ of whisky, too!
Find out about wild goats with spectacular horns, how the Vikings carried their boats over mountains, stories of local clans and their warfare or the history behind the coppiced oak forests along the shores of Loch Lomond and the people who lived here not so long ago.
We meet in Glasgow (Buchanan Bus Station) around 10:00h.
Our first hike takes us into the gentle hillside at the foot of the lake’s big mountain, Ben Lomond (974m) and the remains of an ancient settlement, Ardess. Traces of a remarkably industrious and industrial past keep us musing about previous lives and changes in the landscape.
Back towards Balmaha we join Scotland’s most famous long distance trail, the West Highland Way.
A super introduction to Highland landscapes and not too taxing for a first day’s hike.
Arrival at our accommodation for the next 4 nights at the Black Bull Inn, Gartmore and our first dinner together.
Walking 3 hrs walk, 5 km + 2 km, undulating, 60m alt
(-/L/-)
The lush and dense Trossachs forests, dotted with picturesque lakes, were the home of Scotland’s famous Rob Roy who roamed the area to rob from the rich and provide for the poor. Loch Katrine, the biggest of the Trossachs lakes, is set amidst rugged hills and features as the romantic backdrop in Walter Scott’s 19th century legends and poems.
The day begins with a drive through this beautiful area to Loch Katrine where you board the 19th century steamship” Sir Walter Scott”. Following the 45 minutes sailing to the northern end of the lake is a brief journey to Loch Lomond. After lunch we spend the afternoon walking along the shore enjoying magnificent views across the water to the peaks of the southern Highland mountains.
Walking 4 hrs walk, 8 km, undulating
(B/L/-)
This delightful and gentle walk along an old cattle drovers’ path takes us past the great Ben Glass waterfall to the rugged hills of Loch Lomond’s northern end.
Wild goats are roaming these lovely forests of birch -, oak – and hazel trees and ruins of old settlements point to a lively history of the area. There are grand views, particularly when Loch Lomond appears like a discovery.
Once at the shore of the loch we signal the ferryman who is to rescue us back to civilization. You benefit from a drive along the complete length of Loch Lomond’s western shore and you have the opportunity to enjoy a pint or a wee dram in one of Scotland’s oldest pubs. Here the sight of a Highlander dressed in a kilt is guaranteed!
Walking 4 hrs walk, 8 km, undulating
(B/L/-)
Doune Castle, a medieval regal stronghold much featured in literature, drama and film, sits beautifully between two rivers in woodlands south of the Trossachs. It is the quintessential castle to explore and introduces us to important events in Scottish history.
Following a scenic drive through the Trossachs east to west our final hike takes us through the ancient woods of Glen Finglas offering outstanding views of Loch Venacher and various of the Trossachs’ lakes and the big mountain Loch Lomond.
(B/L) Drive 2 hrs/ Walking 3 hrs, 8 km, 290 m alt
This is a wonderfully relaxing and varied hike. A gentle elevation with ever changing views over the hills and the wide, expansive landscapes changing from the Lowlands to the Highlands. The peak of Conic Hill marks a spectacular geological fault line and offers panoramic views as far as the coast, the Isle of Arran and the Highland mountains.
After picnic lunch we take a short boat ride from Balmaha across to the romantic island of Inchcailloch where we walk its magic woods and come across ancient history of local clans and hermit saints – and great views over the loch.
Walking 3 hrs walk, 6km, 361 m alt + 1 hr walk, 2km, 87m alt
(B/L)
Departure and transfer back to Glasgow for 17.00 hrs. Driving 1.5 hrs
You’ll be staying in a cosy and comfortable Black Bull Inn right in the middle of the National Park, the delightful village of Gartmore.
Food is an important part of any holiday and you’ll enjoy the treats of delicious Scottish cuisine and excellent local ales.
Please note that prices are based on 2 sharing. We always match guests with same sex, of course. If however, you prefer single room accommodation then please let us know. A supplement is available from £145, depending on availability.
This holiday is designed for guests with a good general level of fitness, balance and mobility. We hike mostly on good paths which may, however, be narrow, rough, uneven, rocky and slippery when wet. You should to be sure footed, have experience hiking on unpaved trails and be comfortable on hilly and briefly steep terrain and ascents of up to 350 meters.
Following your booking, we send you our recommended kit list which you may find helpful.
We also strongly advise that you take out a comprehensive travel insurance to provide cover in case of an accident, loss of luggage, cancellations, delays etc. It makes for an even more relaxed holiday.
If you are unsure, please do get in touch and we’ll be happy to discuss any issues.
