The West Highland Way is the most popular long distance way-marked walking route in Scotland. It is estimated that more than 70,000 people walk the route every year. This can lead to some months being very busy – meaning that you should book you accommodation before you go.
The West Highland Way starts in Milngavie and finishes in Fort William after 132km. And a more beautiful 152km I have never walked. From the edge of Glasgow through some of the most stunning landscape Scotland has to offer.
The Walk
Before leaving make the decision on your rucksack, you can carry it with you day to day or have a company collect it and deliver it to your next stop, if you chose the latter you are as well getting them to book your lodging also.
The first day out of Milngavie is fairly easy going with no great rises or falls. Drymen is a good choice to stop for the first night. There are lots of places to stay in the small town and around it.
Day two finds you having to make a choice between the high road with great views over Loch Lomond and the low road which follows the road to Rowardennan. During the lambing season you might not have a choice as sometimes the upper path is closed.
Day three continues along the banks of Loch Lomond though by evening you will leave the Loch behind. I found this day hard going, I last walked it quite a number of years ago before there was much of a path, I am told it is much better now.
Day Four is easy going and would be delightful if it was not ruined by quite a bit of road noise – however it is the last of that till reaching Fort William.
Day Five is great, if you want to feel the isolation of the Scottish Highland this is the day for it. Beware though most of this route is very exposed and it needs only a breeze to force you to add another layer or two.
Day Six and the highlight of the day is the Devils Stair Case, good fun and worth a few photos, but onward we go. After the Devils Staircase it is flat for a while and then the route wanders downhill toward Kinlochleven.
Day Seven, the last day, and it is all up hill at the start of the day. Tough going when my body just wants to rest today, it will tonight and have a few pints in Fort William. It is slowly down hill in the afternoon through the forest into Glen Nevis and toward the end. The West Highland Way is one of the great walking holidays.
Where to Stay
There are hostels for almost every stop, and many bed and breakfast places. Camping is an option, but there are few hotels.
Getting There
Fly, train, or bus to Glasgow. Train from Glasgow to Milngavie – takes about 25 minutes, then five minute walk to the start of the way. There is one hiking supply shop about 100m from the start in case you have forgotten anything.
Getting Home
Don’t go home, keep walking the Great Glen Way, and you have climbed Ben Nevis of course.
Else bus or train to Glasgow.
How Much Time
Some manage to walk the whole route in 5/6 days – but that is quite a rush. 7 days is a good pace and 8 is taking it easy or if you are not too fit.
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