Scotland

West Highland Way

Introduction
One of the world's most iconic treks, the West Highland Way stretches across 155 kilometers of wild and breathtaking Scottish landscapes, rich in history, legend and culture.
 
The trail begins in Milngavie, a quiet suburb of Glasgow, before winding along the shores of Loch Lomond, one of Scotland’s largest and most beautiful lochs.

From there, the trail heads north across the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor and climbs through the dramatic “Devil’s Staircase”, before opening onto the hauntingly beautiful valley of Glencoe - site of one of Scotland’s most infamous tragedies, the Glencoe Massacre.

Later, the route reaches the edge of Loch Leven and the hidden glen of Lairig Mor, before descending gently to the coastal town of Fort William, beneath the shadow of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain. Here, you can celebrate your achievement by dining at one of the finest seafood restaurants in the world.
01·Day by day

7 hiking days

Day01
מילגאיי (Milngavie)← דריימן (Drymen) → Drymen
Grade
1
Length
20 kmkm
Ascent
255 mm
Descent
223 mm
Time
04:25

The opening stage of the West Highland Way leads away from the outskirts of Glasgow and into the peaceful countryside of the Scottish Lowlands, passing through green farmland, quiet villages and rolling landscapes. 


The terrain is varied, combining country lanes, forest paths and sections of an old railway track that becomes muddy after rain. Overall, this is a relatively easy day, offering a gentle introduction to a trail that will grow more demanding as the journey continues.


Strong walkers may choose to continue as far as Balmaha on the shores of Loch Lomond, but taking a slower pace allows more time to enjoy the scenery and atmosphere. For many hikers, Drymen makes an ideal first overnight stop. 


There are very few places along the way to buy food or drink, so it is best to stock up in advance, even if you plan to pause occasionally at a local pub.

Day02
Drymen → Rowardennan
Grade
2
Length
24 kmkm
Ascent
638 mm
Descent
664 mm
Time
05:52
If you begin the day in Drymen, you will first return to the point where you left the trail before continuing northwards into increasingly dramatic scenery. 

After a brief stretch where you may feel you're travelling in the wrong direction, the path returns to its expected course and leads into Garadhban Forest and then to a fairly steep climb along the slope of Conic Hill, almost to its summit. Hikers will be rewarded with spectacular views over Loch Lomond and its many wooded islands.

The route from Balmaha to Rowardennan hugs the shoreline of Loch Lomond but is surprisingly demanding, with steep ascents and descents that make this section challenging. Those who spent the previous night in Balmaha will likely enjoy this stage more comfortably, while walkers who started earlier in Drymen may begin to feel the strain by the end of the day.

On clear days the scenery here is truly unforgettable, with endless opportunities to stop, take photographs and simply absorb the beauty of the Highlands as it begins to unfold around you. 
Day03
Rowardennan → Crianlarich
Grade
3
Length
33 kmkm
Ascent
1015 mm
Descent
648 mm
Time
08:17
Today's section is the trail's longest, and if done in a single day, it can be challenging, even for experienced hikers.  The stretch between Inversnaid and Inverarnan is particularly demanding. 

For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, the route can easily be divided into two days, with an overnight stay in one of the two villages along the way. This is strongly recommended if you are unsure about completing the section comfortably. 

Despite the difficulties, this is a stunning and exceptionally rewarding stretch, with constantly changing scenery and mountains gradually rising around you. 

If necessary, it is possible to leave the trail and cut the day short in Crianlarich via the main A82 road. However, for safety reasons, hikers are strongly advised to remain on the marked trail and away from the fast-moving traffic.
Day04
Crianlarich → Bridge of Orchy
Grade
2
Length
21 kmkm
Ascent
462 mm
Descent
425 mm
Time
04:58
On the way to the village of Tyndrum, the trail winds through the beautiful Strath Fillan valley, following gentle paths with increasingly open views of the surrounding Highlands.

Along the route, hikers are rewarded with sweeping vistas throught the trees, including an impressive section overlooking the valley below. 

The trail crosses the road and reaches the historic site of St Fillan’s Priory, a reminder of the region's rich religious and cultural heritage, before returning to peaceful and riverside scenery on the approach to Tyndrum.

Beyond Tyndrum, towards Bridge of Orchy, the landscape opens dramatically with wide panoramic views and rolling hills and the wild beauty of the Highlands.
West Highland Way - 5
Day05
Bridge of Orchy → Kingshouse
Grade
2
Length
20 kmkm
Ascent
493 mm
Descent
401 mm
Time
04:49
Between Orchy Bridge and the Kingshouse Hotel at the eastern edge of Glencoe, the trail crosses the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor, following ancient paths that include sections of an old military road. 

On one side, the horizon stretches endlessly across the moor, while on the other, steep mountains rise and will accompany you along the trail. The more adventurous among you may be tempted to climb the peaks of the Black Mount. 

Although technically one of the easier walking days, this is also among the most remote sections of the route and hikers should come properly prepared. In poor weather, the landscape can feel harsh and unforgiving, while long stretches of rocky terrain can be tough on the feet.
Day06
Kingshouse → Kinlochleven
Grade
2
Length
14 kmkm
Ascent
465 mm
Descent
620 mm
Time
03:34
Today's walk leads through the spectacular landscape of Glen Coe, a valley forever associated with the infamous massacre of 1692, when soldiers serving under Captain Campbell turned on their hosts, the MacDonald clan, after nearly a fortnight of Highland hospitality.

The walk to Kinlochleven is relatively short but filled with dramatic scenery. It begins by crossing the lower slopes of Beinn a'Chrulaiste, offering magnificent views of Buachaille Etive Mòr, one of the Highlands' most iconic peaks.

From there, the trail climbs steadily towards the famous “Devil’s Staircase” , the highest point of the West Highland Way before descending along gentler paths that curve around the eastern edges of the Glen Coe mountains. 
Day07
Kinlochleven → Fort Wiliam
Grade
2
Length
24 kmkm
Ascent
710 mm
Descent
613 mm
Time
05:59

The final stage of the West Highland Way begins with a steady climb from Kinlochleven into Lairig Mor, a remote and magnificent glen accessible only on foot, hidden between the peaks of Mam na Gualainn and Beinn na Caillich. 


From there, the trail turns north, leaving the old military road near Blar a'Chaorainn, before continuing towards the finish line in Glen Nevis. This is a long and exposed section with no shelter or supply points, so hikers should stock up well in Kinlochleven before setting out.


The trail officially ends in the heart of Fort William beside the famous bronze statue of a weary hiker sitting on a bench and rubbing his left foot. Tired but deeply satisfied, most walkers stop here for the traditional finish-line photograph.


The charming coastal town of Fort William is well worth an overnight stay. For a memorable final meal, look out for the acclaimed Crannog at Garrison West, famous for its seafood and spectacular sunset views across the bay. Be sure to book a table in advance to avoid disappointment.

If you’re short on time or budget, try the excellent Blas Na Mara seafood shack, serving shellfish (and also fried fish) in delicious bread rolls.

02·Map room

Route map & GPX files

Download GPX
03·FAQ

Before you set out

How to get there?

Everything you need to get from the city with the closest international airport to the start of the trek.

From Glasgow Queen Street Station, take a ScotRail train that will bring you to the starting point in Milngavie in just 23 minutes.
How to get back?

Everything you need to know to get back from the trek's end point to the city you came from.

From the endpoint in Fort William, frequent trains will take you back to Glasgow in just under 4 hours, passing through breathtaking scenery.
Where to sleep?

A hotel room, refuge, or tent? All the options for this hike including tips, guidelines, and a summary of local rules around bivouacking.

Scotland’s generous access laws allow you to pitch a tent almost anywhere along the route, as long as you are at least 50 meters away from the nearest building. The main exception is Loch Lomond National Park, where camping is permitted only in designated areas. If you plan to stay in guesthouses, B&Bs, hotels, or hostels along the way during the peak season in summer, it is best to book your accommodation several months in advance. This is a very popular trail, and tens of thousands of people walk it every year.
Good to know:

Important info, enrichment details about the hike, interesting anecdotes, recommendations, food, culture, and more to make your trip more successful.

The best time to do the trek is from late April to mid-May, before Scotland's infamous “wee devils” – the midges - arrive in full force during the summer months. These swarms of tiny biting insects thrive near water, which is plentiful along the route.
 
A waterproof and windproof rain jacket is absolutely essential, and windproof trousers are highly recommended. The chance of spending seven days in Scotland without rain are close to zero, whatever the season. Rain, wind and rapidly changing weather are all part of the experience. As the Scots say: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.”
 
Because sections of the trail can feel long and repetitive - and because wet feet are almost inevitable - it is worth learning about the “Scottish break” principle: taking short, regular pauses to protect your most valuable asset on the trail -  your feet.
 
Along the route, you will pass near Glencoe, scene of one of the darkest episodes in Scottish history. On 13 February 1692, soldiers loyal to the British crown killed around 38 members of the local MacDonald clan after having accepted their hospitality for nearly two weeks. Their crime was being too slow to pledge allegiance to King William III.
The massacre remains a powerful symbol of betrayal in Highland history to this day. 

For the truly adventurous, the journey does not have to end in Fort William. Many trekkers celebrate at the superb seafood restaurant on the pier (see Day 7), spend the night in one of the town's hotels, B&Bs, or the excellent youth hostel in Fort William, and wake up refreshed to conquer Britain's highest peak, Ben Nevis.
The trail to the summit (round trip) begins right at the entrance to the youth hostel.
05·From the blog

Further reading

All posts →
How can you tell if you're fit enough to do the trek you want?

How can you tell if you're fit enough to do the trek you want?