Glasgow-based self-guided walking and cycling holiday operator Macs Adventure has confirmed its continuing support for essential path maintenance on the West Highland Way, Scotland’s most famous long-distance walking route. Over the past two years, Macs has contributed more than £34,000 through a per-booking donation for every traveller that walks the route with them.
The 96-mile route from Milngavie to Fort William is estimated to welcome over 45,000 walkers each year. The West Highland Way holds a special place in the hearts - and boots - of outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. It was also the very first trail Macs Adventure operated when the business launched 22 years ago, and remains the company's most popular route today.
In 2024, Macs’ per-traveller donation funded the repair of Allt a’ Chlair Bridge in Argyll & Bute. In 2025, support continued with urgent works on the stretch between Bridge of Orchy and Inveroran, led by the West Highland Way Management Group.
Image: Allt a’ Chlair Bridge, by Macs Adventure
Work carried out this year included the construction of two new water bars, the repair of one collapsed box culvert, the maintenance of nine existing drainage features and clearance and preservation of four original cobbled and ruinous fords. These improvements were delivered by the Highland Council’s Long Distance Routes team over 11 days of on-site work, often in challenging weather conditions.
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Image: Some of The Macs Adventure team doing trail maintenance during their October 2024 volunteering
“Supporting the West Highland Way is about preserving one of Scotland greatest trails. We’ve been sending adventurers along it for 22 years and know just how special it is. This is about protecting the landscapes we love, so that the thousands of walkers to come can enjoy it too.”
- Neil Lapping, Founder & CEO of Macs Adventure
“Many walkers never stop to think about who looks after a route such as the West Highland Way. A lot of hard work has to go in on the ground and behind the scenes to maintain the trail and surrounding environment including less glamorous tasks such as drainage works and path resurfacing. We are really grateful for the continued support from Macs Adventure to fund this kind of essential work.”
– Sue Hilder, Chair of the West Highland Way Management Group
Macs Adventure’s contributions form part of its broader mission: "To change the way people travel by creating self-guided adventures that enrich individuals, communities and the environment."
In recognition of its responsible travel ethos, the company became a certified B Corp in November 2024.
About Macs Adventure
With hundreds of exciting self-guided trips worldwide and over 20 years of experience in the outdoors under our belt, we know a thing or two about what makes a great walking or cycling holiday. At Macs, we don’t do tour buses, groups, or guides. Instead, we give you the freedom and confidence to have your own self-guided walking or cycling adventure. It’s active travel, led by you.
Itineraries are tried and tested and allow travellers the freedom to go their way, at their own pace, with accommodation in carefully selected properties, ranging from friendly B&Bs to local hotels. The Macs experience comes with the security of knowing that all the booking logistics have been handled, the route has been mapped out safely in advance, and a free and easy-to-use Macs Adventure app full of GPS routes that can be downloaded for use offline. Each morning, luggage is transported to the following accommodation, ensuring guests are free to enjoy the day’s adventure.
Founded in 2003 by owner Neil Lapping, who is still at the company's helm, an adventurous spirit lies at the heart of the Macs ethos. Carefully planned itineraries are crafted by passionate travel enthusiasts who love sharing the secrets that make unforgettable travel moments and deliver outstanding active holidays. The team are driven by a shared goal of leaving people inspired and connected to the people and the world around them.
About West Highland Way
The West Highland Way (WHW), Scotland’s much-loved long distance route from Milngavie to Fort William, is managed by the Highland, Stirling, Argyll & Bute and East Dunbartonshire Councils plus Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, which is the group’s lead body. The West Highland Way Trust (SC053704), a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), was registered with the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) in October 2024.