The West Highland Way is by far one of the most beloved walking trails in Scotland and one of
the most popular first hiking trips. It was also one of the first long distance walking trails to be
officially designated in Scotland. It begins in Milngavie and ends in Fort William where it meets
up with the base of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain.
Along the route, those blessed enough to embark on it experience 96 miles of breathtaking
scenery. This is a route that doesn’t simply just take you through the countryside, it takes you
through Scotland’s history, all the while adding you to the story.
To introduce you to the West Highland Way, and expand on why this trail is so unforgettable,
have a look at the following guide for embarking on the journey.
What is the West Highland Way?
As mentioned briefly above, the West Highland Way is one of the most popular long-distance
walking trails in Scotland. It begins in Milngavie, near Glasgow, and ends in Fort Williams in the
Highlands. As it goes along it follows the paths travelled for many years by drovers, shepherds,
pilgrims and soldiers. And you’ll get to see the stunning scenery that Scotland is known for.
When should you go?
If stunning scenery is what you’re after, the good news is you’ll get to see it any time of year.
Each season has its own distinct look and feel. That being said, if you want good walking
weather, you should head there in the late spring or early autumn. However, you’ll find that the
busiest time is during May, and also in September.
So if you want to miss the crowds, you should consider the off season. Summer is a great time
to go, but you’ll have to watch out for the midges!
What are the midges? The midges are little flies that bite you and cause irritation and itching.
They don’t carry diseases and you can protect yourself with a midge net, long sleeves and insect
repellent.
How long does it take?
The standard time it takes to walk the West Highland Way is around seven days. There are also
plenty of great tours you can book to walk the West Highland Way. That way you can choose
how long you want to spend walking, and what you want to see. Most tours offer lengths of six,
seven, eight and nine walking days.
What will you see?
Besides the breathtaking scenery mentioned above, there are definitely some specific
landmarks to watch out for. You might even want to make time to spend the whole day in some
of the following places:
Rowardennan
This charming little village is located on the eastern shore of Lock Lomond. You can actually take
a cruise across the Lock, one of the best ways to completely feel the tranquility the area has to
offer. Alternatively, if you have extra energy you’d like to burn off, you can climb up Ben Lomond, definitely one of the most popular mountains in Scotland.
If you want to get comfortable and stay awhile, the village is very welcoming, and has plenty of
accommodation including a hostel, a hotel, and a camping site for caravans.
Tyndrum
This is a great place to stop if you want to do some more in depth exploration of the zone you
are travelling through. The main point of interest here isn’t actually in Tyndrum, however.
Instead, it is Oban. Oban is a small town in the Firth of Lorn. You can take a scenic train ride
from Tyndrum to Oban, hopping on at Tyndrum Lower station and getting off in Oban’s center.
While in Oban, you’ll want to make sure to see the following:
- Waterfront Centre
- Cathedral of St Columba
- Oban Distillery
- Dunollie Castle
- Dunstaffnage Castle
- McCaig’s Tower
You should also reserve an afternoon to stroll along the enchanting streets and dine on fresh
seafood.
Kingshouse
You’ll know you’re there when you see the dramatic peaks of Buachaille Etive Mor rising ahead
of you. This beloved Munro peak is one you won’t want to miss snapping a photo of. The more
daring of walkers can choose to climb it, but be ready for steep and rough terrain.
History lovers should take a trip to Glencoe Village. Not only will you fall in love with the
18th-century thatched cottages, and lovely wildlife like red deer and golden eagles, but you’ll
learn about the darker side of Glencoe as well, specifically, the Glencoe Massacre.
Fort William
As you reach the end of your walk, take some time to celebrate and explore the area of Fort
William. If you feel up to it, you can climb Ben Nevis, the highest beak in Britain.
But, for the rest of you, there are plenty of other awesome things to do. Have a look!
- Ben Nevis Distillery: This is one of the oldest legal distilleries in Scotland. What better way to unwind?
- Lochaber Geopark: If you are still intent on taking in breathtaking scenery, then head to the Geopark. The Geopark is a geological heritage site, full of mountains, rivers, cliffs,
coasts and locks that are just waiting to be explored. - Jacobites Steam Train: Sit back and relax as you travel westward to the coast. This is the same train that was used as the Hogwarts Expressin the Harry Potter films, so fans will
definitely not want to miss the magical experience.
What mountains can you climb?
If you love to climb, you’re in luck! There are many mountains to choose from if you are
considering it. Some of the most popular include:
- Ben Lomond in Rowardennan
- Ben Nevis in Fort William
- Beinn Dorain in Bridge of Orchy
- Beinn an Dothaidh from Bridge of Orchy
What to pack
As with any adventure, you’ll want to make sure you pack the proper clothing or gear. No trip,
no matter how breathtaking the scenery, will be enjoyable in wet socks or if you’re covered in
bug bites.
Of course, how much you pack will depend on if you will be carrying your pack yourself, or hire a
baggage transfer service. If you choose this route, you can have up to 20 kg of stuff with you, so
you really don’t need to skimp on what you bring.
If you do plan on carrying your bag, you’ll want to make sure that you have everything you
need, without it being too heavy. So check out this list to help you prepare:
But first, Footwear.
You MUST have the proper footwear. It is probably the most important thing that you will bring.
And don’t wear brand new hiking boots. You’ll get blisters, or worse. You will most likely want to
bring hiking boots, even though they aren’t the lightest option. If you do bring hiking boots,
they shouldn’t actually be waterproofed, because your feet are going to get wet in Scotland,
and waterproof boots will never dry!
Commencing with the rest of the list:
- 2 base layers for upper body, preferably moisture-wicking merino wool
- 4 t-shirts (3 sports and 1 casual)
- 1 fleece
- 1 thermal jacket (except in mid-summer)
- 1 waterproof jacket
- 4 wicking underwear
- 2 sports shorts
- 2 sports leggings
- 2 walking trousers
- 1 waterproof trousers
- Wool hat (except in mid-summer)
- Gloves (except in mid-summer)
- 8 pairs of socks (fast-drying is a must)
Whether this is your first multi-day walk, or just one of many, the West Highland Way is a
unique journey that will leave no one indifferent. Make sure you choose the itinerary that best
suits you, not the one you think that you should do based on what other people say. If you need
more time to wander around, explore or rest, make sure you give yourself that! And most
importantly, bring the right footwear!
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