West Highland Way

Training and a good level of walking fitness is definitely required. As much preparation and training you put in beforehand the better chance of success you have.

Trekking fitness is specific to trekking, but a general overall fitness is a good start.

Most training should be part of an ongoing lifestyle but if this is not the case then you should begin training 4-6 months prior to the challenge and gradually build up as suggested. Step training advice is given below. Remember to use the walking boots that you will be walking in after the first month of training to get them worn in.

We aim for a minimum of 8 trekkers. There is no exact maximum, we are open to chatting this over. Accommodation availability will be the deciding factor on this if groups are any bigger than 12 so best thing to do is to get in touch with us.

Yes, the trek includes 4 nights hostel-style accommodation.

This can be upgraded to 3 star, twin room arrangements if you so wish.

It’s very much a personal choice, and will also of course depend on where you’re travelling from.

Day 1 of the itinerary simply involves reaching Tarbet to get into your accommodation and so that you can meet your leader before the trek the following day.

We will finish up at Fort William, where you can opt to have a group celebration dinner and may wish to stick around afterwards.

The following is a guide of what your leader will be consuming over the duration of the trip. if you are not, then you are likely to be not taking on enough: food=energy and fluids=hydration. Cramping is a sign of dehydration and lack of salts.

Have a large meal the day before your challenge and ensure you are well hydrated i.e. no real discoloration of urine which is sign of dehydration.

On the morning of the challenge have a huge breakfast! Don’t be shy, get it down you as you’re walking not running!

Every 45-50 minutes have a snack whether it is an energy bar, flapjack, banana or a bag of crisps! If you start to feel dizzy/ weak this is a sign you’re not eating enough. Make sure you take food you enjoy eating as otherwise you will not eat enough of it. You will be burning a lot of calories and need to consume a lot to keep you fuelled.

Choose complex carbohydrates and whole foods, rather than overly sweet items. Foods like malt loaf, mixed fruit and nuts, cheese and ham, oat cakes, raw fruit bars, dark chocolate, filled wraps, mini pork pies or  sausage rolls will last well and sustain you over several hours.

Our Mountain Leaders are well trained and experienced in managing situations on the hill should they need to get outside assistance for example ‘mountain rescue’ they all carry mobile phones and also radios for communication with the minibus drivers.

The Mountain Leader will always keep the group together for maximum safety on each peak and set a sensible pace for all to achieve this challenge. However, if your struggling you must be honest with yourself and the leader and let us know.

We employ experienced and fully qualified RAW 360 Mountain Leaders to accompany and lead you. They are mountain first aid trained and have extensive experience, your leader will be ultimately responsible for your safety and the rest of the group. They will be carrying full safety equipment and first aid kits with them.

We advocate a little bit of self-help on the trek. If you have a blister developing for instance then please stop, take off your boot and treat it before it becomes a problem. Your own first aid kit should contain: a basic blister kit, rehydration sachets, plasters, high factor sun-protection, your own personal medication, and some basic pain relief (aspirin and Ibuprofen). Generally the best approach to take when packing your first aid kit is to include such basic medications as if you would on a family or personal holiday.

See the comprehensive kit list provided but remember that our seasons now are only determined by the temperature of the rain! You need clothing and equipment for all weathers.

The choice of walking footwear is incredibly important and should not be decided on price alone. The terrain is uneven and can be very rough so it is vital that you use a pair of strong canvas or leather boots with good ankle support, not trekking trainers. Not only the boots but the socks that you wear are also very important and it is worth investing in some good pairs of socks. Avoid cotton, trekking or good quality sports socks are advised as are a thin wicking sock to wear underneath if your prone to blisters, these are designed to draw the moisture away from your feet.

A daysack is worn at all times during the trek. The content of this is mandatory and should include: a fleece, waterproofs, warm hat, gloves, sun hat, sunscreen, sufficient water, snacks, camera equipment, personal medication, a head torch and spare batteries and a whistle.

Your daysack should weigh no more then 3 – 4 kg (without water) and a pack of around 30L capacity should more than suffice.

It is important that this bag has an adjustable waist belt to transfer the weight of your daily load onto your hips and from here onto your legs so that your strongest muscles do most of the carrying.

Your overnight bag will be in our luggage transfer vehicle throughout the trip.

The weather in the UK can be very changeable. It is not uncommon for it to change from clear blues skies to rain and fog in moments. It is important to follow the advice we give and carry the correct kit.

From May to September is most advisable for the best chance of pleasant weather.

We can look at October to April however there are far less daylight hours and a greater chance of worse weather.

You will need to organise your own transport to the accommodation in Tarbet where you will meet your leader and from Fort William at the end of your challenge.

You must carry individual travel insurance to take part in the challenge. We cannot take you on the mountain without proof of insurance.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your intended trip.

Your insurance details are requested on the booking form, however this can be arranged at a later date.

Depends how many snacks and drinks you want to buy on the way! If you bring most of these with you then not that much or if you want buy everything en-route then you will need a bit more!