West Highland Way: Walk Scotland’s Finest Trail Your Way

Opened in 1980, the West Highland Way is hands down Scotland’s most legendary long-distance trek, covering 96 miles from Milngavie (just outside Glasgow) all the way to Fort William, nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis. This isn’t just a hike—it’s a full-on deep dive into the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Picture this: one moment you’re walking along the peaceful shores of Loch Lomond, and the next, you’re up in the wilds of Rannoch Moor, with nothing but rugged landscapes and moody skies to keep you company.

The trail’s got it all—ever-changing views, from gentle rolling hills to steep climbs like the Devil’s Staircase (don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds!). Every day feels like a new adventure, with charming villages to pass through and cozy inns waiting for you at the end of the day, perfect for kicking back and soaking up that well-earned pint or single malt.

For some the entire West Highland Way is a highlight, for other’s it’s the start or the end. Each to their own but there are a few highlights along the way that stand out and that we would like to share with you:

When is the best time to hike the West Highland Way? Well, that's between late April and early October. This is when the weather in Scotland is at its friendliest, with longer days, pleasant temperatures and rolling, green landscapes. Late spring, meaning April and May, is especially perfect. Why. Fewer midges - those pesky little stinging bugs - and nature is in full bloom. Plus, the weather is usually fairly stable.

If you go in June through August, you can enjoy slightly warmer temperatures, but keep in mind that you'll also be in peak season. That means busier trails and yes, unfortunately, also more midges, especially in the humid, lower parts of the trail. So don't forget your mosquito spray!

Then there's September and early October. The crowds are gone, and the autumn colors give the Scottish Highlands a brilliant golden and red glow. Gorgeous! But beware: the weather in the Highlands is always a bit unpredictable. You can expect rain and wind at any time, especially on the higher stretches of the trail. So a good rain jacket? Indispensable.

Gwendolyn van den Berg, one of our ambassadors, has the following tips for tackling the West Highland Way:

Gwendolyn: "I’ve had the pleasure of hiking some incredible trails with Bookatrekking.com, including the Annapurna Base Camp, the Tour du Mont Blanc, and the West Highland Way. Here are a few of my personal tips to help you make the most of your West Highland Way experience:"

• Avoid the Midges: "Midges can be a real nuisance in July and August. I recommend bringing a head net—Smidge makes a good one—to protect your face. If you want to avoid them entirely, consider hiking earlier in the year, like I did in April. The trail is still beautiful and much quieter outside the peak season."
• Summit Ben Nevis: "I finished my West Highland Way by climbing Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest peak at 1,345m. It takes about 7–8 hours, and the views from the top are fantastic. If you go in April or May, make sure to bring warm clothing—there was still snow when I went!"
• Extend Your Journey: "If you’re looking for more adventure, I suggest continuing onto the Great Glen Way to Inverness. It’s a 120 km route that can be done in 6–7 days, with beautiful forests and views of famous lochs. Wild camping is allowed throughout Scotland—I camped near Loch Ness and woke up to deer walking by my tent. It was magical!"
• Public Transport: "Getting to the trailhead is simple. I took the train to Glasgow, and from there, it’s easy to reach Milngavie by train or bus. I recommend using the Omio app to store tickets and find the best connections—it made my travel stress-free."
• Enjoy Local Food: "One of the highlights of the hike was the food along the way. Two places I loved were the Inveroran Hotel near Bridge of Orchy and the Oaktree Inn in Balmaha. Definitely worth a stop!"
• Take Your Time: My best advice? Slow down and enjoy every moment. The views are incredible, and chatting with other hikers along the way made for some of my favorite memories. Take it all in—you’ll be glad you did!

The West Highland Way begins in Milngavie, a town just north of Glasgow. This long-distance trail covers around 154 kilometers (96 miles), winding its way through some of Scotland's most iconic landscapes, including Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and the rugged Highlands, before concluding at Fort William.

How to Get to Milngavie:

From Glasgow: Milngavie is about 10 miles from the center of Glasgow, making it easily accessible by train. Regular trains depart from Glasgow Queen Street Station and take around 25 minutes to reach Milngavie.
From Edinburgh: If you’re traveling from Edinburgh, the most efficient way is by train to Glasgow Queen Street, then transferring to the Milngavie train. The total travel time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
From the Airport: For those arriving via Glasgow International Airport, there are bus and taxi services to Glasgow city center, where you can catch a train to Milngavie.

Once in Milngavie, the start of the West Highland Way is well-marked and begins in the town center, making it convenient to begin your hike.

You will receive more detailed route information and logistical support in the guide provided after booking your West Highland Way adventure with us.