Essential Guide:
The West Highland Way

The West Highland Way is waymarked and on a clear path from start to finish, but the level of detail on the markers varies and the markers can be far apart. The enclosed thistle symbol is Scotland’s Great Trails signifier and the bare minimum route marker along the way. We recommend that any unguided individual and/or group come prepared with a map, compass, headtorch, and ideally a device with GPS functionality. This is precautionary, but useful in case you decide to go off-route along the way or the markers are not visible due to weather conditions.

You can wild camp along large sections of the West Highland Way. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code encourages responsible behaviour to the environment and to other users of the area, please see our page on Leave No Trace below for more guidance. However, wild camping is restricted between March and October along the eastern shores of Loch Lomond. There are multiple commercial campsites and also free campsites with no facilities along this section of the route which you will be able to use.

The West Highland Way is generally completed over 6-8 days: depending on fitness levels, time available, and accommodation vacancies.

There are a couple of options open to you if you only have 1-2 days and want to do a part of the West Highland Way. General consensus agrees that with limited time, you should look to do the section from Inveroran to the Kinghouse, and/or the Kingshouse to Kinlochleven. These 2 stages are the real “classic” sections of the West Highland Way, with the most memorable scenery. Between Inveroran and the Kingshouse you get the benefit of crossing Rannoch Moor and witnessing the rugged splendour of Glen Coe. Travelling from the Kingshouse to Kinlochleven means that you get glimpses of the mountain ranges along Glen Coe and have to tackle the famed Devil’s Staircase. However, you also get to enjoy the long descent into Kinlochleven and the epic views that come with it, weather willing.

The above two sections are known for their drama. The rugged scenery and the mountains. If you are after a more lush view, then take on the Drymen to Rowardennan section, and/or Rowardennan to Inverarnan. Between Drymen and Rowardennan you walk along the eastern shores of Loch Lomond. The highlight here is undeniably Conic Hill. Witness the change in scenery between the Lowlands and the Highlands as you walk across this ancient fault-line. The section between Rowardennan and Inverarnan is argued to be one of the most scenic but also the most difficult. The anticipated easy stroll along the loch makes way for a rugged, rocky path full of big tree roots crisscrossing the path. Therefore, it is sometimes overgrown and can be very boggy.

Guides & History

• West Highland Way, by Jacquetta Megarry
• The West Highland Way: The Official Guide, by Bob Aitken and Roger Smith
• Walking the West Highland Way, by Terry Marsh

Adventurous Accounts

• Three Men on the Way Way, by Hamish Brown
• Walk Sleep Repeat, by Stephen Reynolds

The West Highland Way is Scotland’s first official long-distance route, and also the most well known.

The West Highland Way is a 154km/96 mile long walking route between Milngavie and Fort William. The West Highland Way route travels along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, across the atmospheric Rannoch Moor, past dramatic Glencoe and onwards to finish at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain.

The route traditionally begins in the centre of Milngavie, a town found 6 miles outside of Glasgow. The start is marked with an obelisk on the pedestrianized Douglas Street. The route can also be walked from Fort William to Milngavie.

Traditionally the route ends in the centre of Fort William at Gordon Square. The end of the route was moved up from its original endpoint on the fringes of Fort William in 2010. The end is marked by a bench, statue and stone map. You can also walk the route starting in Fort William and finishing in Milngavie.

There are various accommodation options available along the route like B&Bs, hotels, and inns. Sometimes it may be difficult to get a room in the town where the section finishes that day, so walkers may have to walk, use public transport, or taxi to nearby towns and villages for accommodation. Many walkers also camp along the way, with campsites and wild camping options en-route.

Worn-in walking boots. To avoid blisters and cramped up feet, they should be waterproof and give good ankle support. Have a read of Best Footwear for Hiking in Scotland.

We’re not going to lie. There can be. But to be honest, as you’re constantly on the move you’re not bothered much by midges. If it’s a real concern for you, consider going in April, early May, or September. Midges are less active in these months.

More information on midges

• The Real Story of this Fearsome Beastie – Your Guide to Midges in Scotland
• Midges in Scotland – How to Combat the Mighty Midge

The West Highland Way is 154 km/96 miles long. The exact distance every walker ends up doing daily depends on where their accommodation is and how they’re getting to it.

The West Highland Way can be walked year-round, and every month has a different benefit to offer, but baggage transfer services are functioning between April and October. We recommend April as it’s less busy, there are no midges, and it’s generally quite mild which is pleasant for walking.

Yes, the West Highland Way goes over the top of several large hills, and has steeply undulating sections. All days have a minimum of 250m of ascent.

You will need a range of OS Maps if you’re walking the West Highland Way by yourself and unguided. The OS explorer maps 392, 384, 377, OL39, OL38 and 348 would be a good investment, as well as landranger maps 41, 50, 56, 57, and 64.

It’s all dependent on the time of year, weather, and other factors but you’re likely to encounter red deer along the way, as well as plenty of sheep, foxes, stoats, squirrels, wild goats, highland cattle, and even adders. All of these animals are found in the west highlands, some like the red squirrel and stoats, are more elusive than others. Adders are the only common snake found in Scotland and it’s unlikely that they’ll harm you unless provoked. If you’re lucky enough to see some of these creatures please keep a respectful distance and try not to disturb their activities. This is for their safety as much as your own. If you turn your eyes to the sky you can also see birds like kestrels, buzzards, grouse, golden eagles, bats, and more common inland birds like crested tits, willow warblers, and chiffchaffs.