Have you ever wanted to enter into the world of Game of Thrones, Lord of Rings or even Harry Potter? We did, and the answer was Grasping Scotland! Starting from Glasgow, we make our way to Tyndrum where we embark on the most scenic segment of Scotland's most popular and beautiful trail, the West Highland Way. Hiking through green fields and pastures dotted with Angus cows, rivers and mountains during the day, and sharing stories and playing games in quaint Bed & Breakfasts throughout the night, this trip will leave you in awe.
WHY TREK SCOTLAND WITH GRASP THE ADVENTURE:
We've got countless reasons but here are some.
At Grasp The Adventure, our number 1 goal is to promote the spirit of adventure and the love of nature while forming bonds as powerful as the mountains we hike on. We sincerely view all the hikers that joined our previous trips as friends and family, this is why we do our best to keep them safe and happy at all times. So besides going on awesome hikes to jaw-dropping sights, you’ll also be making new, like-minded friends.
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This trip is about more than just hiking; it is about connecting with nature, yourself and the friends you will make. We will spend the nights in quaint Bed & Breakfasts along the way where we'll share funny stories, emotional life lessons and when things get a bit too heavy, we'll lighten the mood with board games and snacks. Most of our previous Graspers swear by the connections they made during our trips, and we completely understand why... after all, we do feel the same way.
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The West Highland Way is Scotland's most popular trail for good reasons, and we are covering the most scenic segment of it. The hike from Tyndrum to Fort Williams takes us through quintessential Highland scenes, complete with heather-covered moorland, dramatic mountains, and stags aplenty. We will also pass through three of the best standout areas Scotland has to offer: Rannoch Moor, Glencoe and the Devil's Staircase.
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The trail we chose is suitable for absolutely anyone with relatively good fitness and health. There are no technical climbs and most days will cover long distances with not much elevation gain.
IS THIS HIKE TOO DIFFICULT FOR YOU... THE ANSWER IS NO!
Remain calm and read on!
So you want to join but you’re also freaking out that you may not be experienced enough for this trek, well you really shouldn’t be. The great thing about the West Highland Way is that it requires absolutely no technical experience and is actually suitable for first time hikers. That being said, fitness is required to enjoy the experience. Moreover, although we will not ascend to high altitudes and the daily elevation gain is low (refer to the itinerary for details), we will be walking long distances.
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The good news is that you have more than one month to increase your fitness, strengthen your cardiovascular system and prepare for this trek. We will even share a training regime with you to help you do so. Seriously, we are committed to doing whatever we can to ensure your safety and comfort; that is why:
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We are partnering with a local company to transport our luggage to each hotel daily, so all you'll need to carry on the trek is a light backpack with your rain jacket, snacks and camera
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We are visiting during the absolute best time for this trek, the Autumn season means good weather, no summer vacation crowds and most importantly, stunning foliage
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We will not be camping! Spending each night in a Bed & Breakfast means we get to sleep well, have access to clean bathrooms and of course, great food
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Most of the towns we will hike through have access to public transportation, so if you get too tired, we can get you to the next stop easily... this is a last option kinda thing though so don't get too excited
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We believe you can do this, and we will be there to support, motivate, help, push, carry whatever it takes to get you there, because in the mountains, we are all one big family and we believe in celebrating our success together. The only thing we ask of you is to believe in yourself!
PRICE INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
We hate unplanned spending that breaks budgets! That is why our price includes everything from the moment you arrive in Glasgow to the moment you depart; except for any extra personal expenses that are not included in the itinerary such as snacks and souvenirs.
INCLUSIONS
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Guided West Highland Way trek
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Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts and Glamping (6 nights)
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All transportation from and to Glasgow
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Welcome and farewell dinners/reception
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3 meals per day from Sunday to Thursday
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Luggage transportation service throughout the trek
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Purified drinking water during the trail
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Professional photography of the adventure
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One Grasper Merchandise surprise
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Training regime for hike
EXCLUSIONS
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International flights
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UK Visa if required
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Vaccinations
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Travel/Emergency Insurance
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Personal Expenses (souvenirs, snacks)
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Clothing (check packing list for details)
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Optional activities that are not mentioned in itinerary
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Extra hiking gear
WEST HIGHLAND WAY RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST
Note: You will carry your day pack which should include hiking essentials such as your snacks, water, camera, rain jacket, rain pants, backpack rain cover, sunscreen and anything else that you will need access to during the day hike. Your suitcase or duffel which contains all your other items will be delivered to our accommodation every day.
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Original Passport
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Day Pack with rain cover
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Water Storage (bladder or canteen)
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Hiking boots (waterproof)
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3-4 wicking t-shirts
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2 hiking pants
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3-4 sets of undergarments
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3-4 sets of socks
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1 Fleece Jacket
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1 down jacket
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1 rain jacket
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1 rain pants
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Thermal top (preferably merino wool)
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Thermal bottom (preferably merino wool)
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Head torch
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Power bank
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Warm, winter hat
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Sun hat
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Sun glasses
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Scarf or balaclava
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Warm gloves
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Sandals or slippers or sneakers
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Hiking poles
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Microfibre face towel
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Microfibre body towel
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Sleeping Bag Liner
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Toiletries kit (soap, shampoo, conditioner, nail clippers, toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, Fresh Buzz, toilet paper, hairbrush, feminine products)
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Personal First-Aid (Vitamins, hydration tablets, sleeping pills)
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Lip balm
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Moisturizing cream
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Nose drops
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Sunscreen
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Insect repellent
ITINERARY
Day 1, Sunday: Arrival in Glasgow
Fly into Glasgow at your own time, if you arrive early, you’ll have some time to check out the city and some of it’s cool attractions. There will be a comedy festival called the Fringe Festival in Scotland so we can catch a show. In the evening, we will head over for our dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel rooms, double basis, private bathrooms
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Day 2, Monday: Tyndrum to Inveroran
Time: 4hrs / Distance: 15km / Difficulty: Easy/ Elevation Gain: 287m
We will take the first train out of Glasgow to Tyndrum where we embark on our epic journey. This is day 1 of our West Highland adventure.
Hike Details: This is a shorter and easier stage; staying on the glen floor after the initial climb from Tyndrum, together with the road and railway, to reach the Bridge of Orchy, with fine views of the steep grassy mountains along the way. From there the route climbs through the woods to cross a low ridge before descending to the lonely hotel at Inveroran.
Accommodation: Hotel rooms, double basis, private bathrooms
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Day 3, Tuesday: Inveroran to Kingshouse
Time: 4hrs / Distance: 15.5km / Difficulty: Easy/ Elevation Gain: 362m
Day 2 of our West Highland adventure and possibly the most scenic. We will pass through the Bridge of Orchy and enjoy some stunning scenery and viewpoints.
Hike Details: The crossing of Rannoch Moor is one of the classic stages of the West Highland Way, following the line of Telford's Parliamentary Road across an otherwise vast wilderness of heather and bog encircled by grand mountains. In fine weather this is a place of otherworldly beauty - in a storm it is wild, forbidding and exposed.
Accommodation: Nature pods, 4 per room, private bathrooms
Day 4, Wednesday: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
Time: 5hrs / Distance: 14.5km / Difficulty: Easy/ Elevation Gain: 379m
Day 3 of our West Highland adventure and the last easy day because we will finish with a bang!
Hike Details: On a clear day, this is perhaps the most dramatic section of the West Highland Way as it climbs to the highest point on the route with fabulous views of the Glencoe mountains. The high level mountain section can be exposed in poor weather but the long descent, with excellent views, to Kinlochleven is easy to follow.
Accommodation: Hotel rooms, 4 per room, private bathrooms
Day 5, Thursday: Kinlochleven to Fort Williams
Time: 8hrs / Distance: 20km / Difficulty: Hard/ Elevation Gain: 606m
Day 4 of our West Highland adventure and the most difficult one. Although the elevation gain may seem high, keep in mind that this is over a large distance and will not be steep. However, it will take a bit of fitness and plenty of time to cover the 25km today. However, as we will be walking at a chilled pace and enjoying the beautiful scenery around us, we are sure you will not feel the time as it flies by.
Hike Details: This final stage of the West Highland Way climbs up through the woods above Kinlochleven before following the route of the old Military Road through an empty glen flanked by grand mountains. There is then a stretch through forestry before a gradual descent into stunningly beautiful Glen Nevis - with the highest mountain in the UK towering ahead. The town of Fort William beckons for a deserved celebration!
Accommodation: Hotel rooms, 2-3 per room, private bathrooms
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Day 6, Friday: Fort Williams & Return to Glasgow
Time to relax and enjoy the success of the trek. We will visit Fort William's train station to check out the magical Hogwarts Express and bid it farewell as it steams away. We will then take the train back to Glasgow where a big surprise will be waiting for you!
Accommodation: Grasper Surprise, 2 per room, private bathrooms
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Day 7, Saturday: Glasgow
It is sadly time to say our goodbyes and head back to our home countries or cities. However, once you sign up to the trip you'll be added to a WhatsApp Group. On there, you can always ask if anyone else is down to extend their trip and grasp a mini adventure. I'm certain our team will up for it!
