West Highland Way – Classic Walks

West Highland Way: A Classic Scottish Walk:

At the top of the Devil's Staircase on the West Highland Way

Britain’s West Highland Way Walk is one of the best known walks in Scotand. This walk takes you along the shoreline of Loch Lomond, over Rannoch Moor, along Glencoe Valley and over the ranges to Loch Linnhe and Fort William.

The Way begins in Milngavie, reaches Loch Lomond and passes the villages and towns of Drymen, Rowardennan, Inverarnan, Crianlarich, Bridge of Orchy, Kings House and Kinlochleven before arriving at Fort William.

Terry Marsh has written a Cicerone guidebook ‘The West Highland Way From Milngavie to Fort William’, a useful illustrated booklet, with detailed maps and route directions.

The West Highland Way route is 154 km long and for those contemplating this trail for their walking holiday in Scotland, some planning is required. Although the path is well marked, the Scottish weather is more than unpredictable and needs to be respected.

Some general information about the walk: West Highland Way Route: Starting from Milngavie, the 154 km trail wends its way northwards and ends at Fort William, the largest town in the highlands. It passes from the lowlands, across the Highland Boundary Fault and into the Scottish Highlands. Much of the Way follows ancient and historic routes of the drove roads along which highlanders herded their cattle and sheep to market in the lowlands, Military roads built by troops to help control the Jacobite Clans and Old coaching roads and disused railway lines. The walk crosses a variety of terrains, including lakeside tracks, moors and mountain passes. Wet weather gear is a necessary as is warm clothing.

Some Highlights: Loch Lomond, Glen Falloch and a series of dramatic cascades to the village of Crianlarich and to the Bridge of Orchy. Loch Tulla, the bleak expanses of Rannoch Moor to the Kingshouse Hotel. Then past mighty Buachaille Etive Mor, which guards the entrance to Glencoe. Then the ‘Devil’s Staircase’, the village of Kinlochleven at the head of Loch Leven. The final stage of this spectacular trail crosses the Lairigmor pass to Glen Nevis and the busy little town of Fort William, with the vast bulk of Ben Nevis waiting to be climbed.

Walking Route Planner:

The number of days required depends on how fit and how quickly or leisurely you want your walking holiday to be. Work out the average number of kilometres you are prepared to do in a day, taking into account the landscape and the town or village in which you will end your day.  It’s also nice to plan on arriving a little earlier in a village if there are interesting attractions you may like to visit, such as in Bridge of Orchy or Fort William.   We did the walk in 8 days, however it’s also possible to do it in about 7 days.

Luggage transfer: This service is readily available and can be organized through a number of tour operators on the ‘self-guided’ itineraries.

Your West Highland Way Accommodation: This is usually in B&Bs or inns and should be booked in advance.

Food: Mostly good quality traditional Scottish food is served up at B&Bs and village inns and there are wide choices in their menu. Most B&B owners can cater for vegetarians or people with other food preferences if given sufficient notice.

When to go? The northern spring or autumn seasons are recommended as accommodation is easier to obtain and the tourist numbers are lower.

Walking Gear: Good walking boots and socks are critical. Your shoes should have been worn in. Also important is what rain gear to take. Make sure it’s made from a breathable material.

Our Take:

There is a lot to see on this 164 km journey through England, so don’t forget to bring your camera. Be prepared for rain and the wonderful walking. The Way is usually walked from south to north. See you on the track.

See the West Highland Way itinerary here

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