Hiking Collection by Alex Foxfield
West Highland Way — Hike Scotland's most iconic long distance trail
8 days
4-8 h/day
163km
3,300m
3,340m
Across 96 miles (154 km), the trail takes you alongside tranquil lochs and crystal-clear rivers, into ancient woodland, through serene glens, beneath awe-inspiring mountains and deep into remote moorland. It is a land rich with wildlife, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, wild goats, and red deer.
The trail, which was opened in 1980, was Scotland's first official long distance route and is now designated by Scottish Natural Heritage as one of Scotland's Great Trails. For good reason, too. With an ever-changing landscape, you encounter areas of immense peace, solitude and beauty, as well as vibrant villages and towns that always offer a friendly Highland welcome.
Most people opt to walk the route from south to north, as this Collection does. The standard itinerary is eight days, but more experienced walkers can cover it in four to six days. However, this is not a route to rush; it is a journey you should take time over; appreciating the landscape every step of the way. This Collection also features a couple of optional detours to the summits of Dumgoyne and Stob Mhic Mhartuin, as well as the Iron Age hillfort Dun Deardail, which aren’t part of the official route.
As the route passes through some extremely remote countryside, preparation is absolutely essential. Whilst shops are available at most of the stops, there are some lengthy sections that don’t offer the possibility of a resupply.
As well as ensuring you have adequate clothing and footwear for the conditions, make sure you have a map, compass, first aid kit, enough food and water for each stage, a torch with spare bulb and batteries and a whistle to summon assistance.
At the end of every stage, there is at least one form of accommodation and usually a few options. However, you may also choose to utilise the many designated camping spots along the way, or even stay in a bothy or two.
Wild camping is also allowed along most of the West Highland Way. The official website states: “Avoid causing problems for local people and land managers by not camping in enclosed fields of crops or farm animals and by keeping well away from buildings, roads or historic structures. Leave no trace by taking away all your litter, removing all traces of your tent pitch and of any open fire and not causing pollution. Please also note that within the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park camping byelaws operate between March and September.”
See lochlomond-trossachs.org/things-to-do/camping/go-wild for more information about the byelaws.
If you plan to arrive by public transport, Milngavie is well served by regular train services from Glasgow and it’s simple enough to take the train back from Fort William to Milngavie or Glasgow.
If you want to arrive by car, there is free parking outside Milngavie railway station with CCTV coverage or you can park outside the police station. You should inform the police of your intentions and give them your registration number and emergency contact number. Some hotels in Milngavie and Fort William may allow you to leave your vehicle for a period, usually for a fee.
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West Highland Way
153km
2,810m
2,850m
Last updated: July 23, 2024
Do it yourself!
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Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.
Activities
27.0km
08:01
590m
610m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
25.2km
07:11
540m
550m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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21.7km
06:10
280m
280m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
19.3km
05:19
410m
200m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
14.6km
04:05
280m
330m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
15.6km
04:19
290m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
14.2km
04:59
350m
590m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
25.4km
07:16
570m
570m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Collection Stats
Activities
8
Distance
163 km
Duration
47:20 h
Elevation
3,300 m
3,340 m
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