A Highland Celebration: Hiking Scotland’s West Highland Way to Honor Gabby’s Graduation
- Pamela Tolliver
- Jun 30
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 14
Some trips are spontaneous. Others are earned. This one was the latter - a gift, a promise, and a celebration years in the making.
Celebrating a Milestone on the West Highland Way
When my daughter Gabby earned her Master’s in Social Work from Michigan State University, it felt like the right moment to give her a celebration worthy of her achievements. She had missed out on traditional milestones, graduating from a DoD high school in Japan without family nearby, completing her psychology degree during the pandemic with no ceremony. But this time, we wanted something lasting, something extraordinary.
So, we set our sights on one of Europe’s most iconic long-distance trails: the West Highland Way in Scotland, a 96-mile route filled with rugged beauty, sweeping glens, and unforgettable moments.
A Beginning in Inverarnan: A Scenic, Less-Crowded Start on the West Highland Way
Rather than beginning in Milngavie like most hikers, we started in Inverarnan, avoiding the more crowded southern portions of the trail. We stayed just down the road from the famed Drovers Inn, a place steeped in folklore, creaky charm, and ghostly tales, we settled into the nearby charming Beinglas Farm B&B (https://beinglascampsite.co.uk/)Cozy and nestled beneath a canopy of trees, it offered exactly the kind of Highland welcome we were hoping for.
That evening, we wandered back to the Drovers Inn for a meal that would become part of our story. The hearty dishes were comforting after a long travel day, but the true standout was the sticky toffee pudding, rich, warm, and utterly unforgettable. It was the kind of dessert that makes you pause mid-bite, smiling at the simple joy of it. Somehow, it set the tone for what was to come: rugged paths softened by moments of shared sweetness.
We were four travelers, my husband, Gabby, her boyfriend, and me, carrying backpacks, anticipation, and deep gratitude. For years, we had imagined this journey through Scotland. Now, with bellies full and hearts open, we stood at the trail’s edge, ready to begin.
Walking the Highlands: A Journey Through Nature and Emotion
As we made our way through Glen Falloch, along Loch Lomond, and across Highland passes, the West Highland Way proved to be both physically demanding and emotionally rewarding. Waterfalls, wooden bridges, ancient roads, each section offered new scenery and a deeper sense of purpose.
Gabby thrived. This wasn’t just a trek; it was her rite of passage. I watched her soak in the landscapes, share laughs, and walk with strength and presence. As a mother, seeing her celebrated in this way, surrounded by the wild beauty of Scotland, was powerful beyond words.
Overcoming Challenges on the Trail
Not every journey goes exactly as planned - and ours was no exception. On Day 2, I tweaked my knee and immediately knew something was amiss. I made the difficult decision to sit the next day out, hoping that rest would allow me to continue. I didn’t want to miss everything ahead. So, I watched from the Bridge of Orchy as the rest of our group headed out. I took a bus to Kingshouse Hotel (https://www.kingshousehotel.co.uk/), where I would meet the weary walkers later.
By the next morning, I was determined to keep going. That day’s route included the Devil’s Staircase - a section of the trail with an ominous name but offering a legendary view. The name originated from a steep zig-zag climb named by 18th-century soldiers who hauled supplies up its brutal slope as part of a military road through the Highlands. Despite its steepness and twists, the climb feels strangely satisfying, empowering you with every switchback you conquer.
The ascent was surprisingly manageable for my knee—and the views from the top were worth every step. From towering peaks to the expansive Rannoch Moor, the landscape reminded me why I came.
However, the descent into Kinlochleven was another story. It was long, rocky, and harsh on my knee. By the time we reached town, I realized I could not push myself further.
The Finish Line in Fort William: A Moment of Pride
While I didn’t hike the final stretch into Fort William, I was there, waiting with open arms. The rest of the crew reached the Sore Feet Statue - a perfect endpoint to a journey that pushed each of us in different ways. That evening’s dinner at The Grog & Gruel (https://grogandgruel.co.uk/) wasn’t just a meal; but a warm and lively pub, perfect for reflecting on all we had accomplished.
Hiking as a Celebration: More Than a Trip
This was more than a hike through the Scottish Highlands. It was a celebration of family, a recognition of missed milestones, and a deep reconnection with nature and each other. We honored Gabby not with balloons or ceremonies, but with misty moorlands, quiet lochs, and the strength of shared steps.
Even though I didn’t finish every mile, I wouldn’t change a thing. Scotland gave us something we didn’t know we needed... a memory we’ll carry for the rest of our lives.
Inspired to Hike the West Highland Way?
Whether you’re dreaming of a luxury trek in Scotland or a soulful hiking experience, I’d love to help you plan a journey that’s as meaningful and memorable as this one. Let Solace Expeditions curate your next adventure—tailored, personal, and unforgettable.
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