West Highland Way

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✓ Finding, booking and paying for the accommodations
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✓ Comprehensive hiking guide with everything you need
✓ Standby hiking advice from our experts

The West Highland Way is Scotland's first and most famous long-distance walking route. Stretching 154 kilometres (96 miles) from Milngavie, just north of Glasgow, to Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis, it takes most hikers between 5 and 10 days to complete.

Officially opened in 1980, the trail follows ancient drove roads, old military routes, and former coaching paths through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Scottish Highlands. Each year, over 30,000 walkers set out on the West Highland Way — making it one of Europe's most popular long-distance trails. And yet, once you pass Loch Lomond and head into the open moorland, it rarely feels crowded.

The route gains around 3,650 metres of elevation in total, but there are no technical sections. The highest point is the Devil's Staircase at 548 metres, a steady climb rewarded with panoramic views of Glencoe and the Mamores. The terrain varies from gentle lochside paths to rocky highland tracks, keeping every day interesting.

Whether you're an experienced hiker or tackling your first multi-day walk, the West Highland Way offers the perfect combination of challenge, scenery, and infrastructure. Villages with pubs and accommodation are spaced along the route, and the trail is well-waymarked throughout. Not sure if it's right for you? Read our section on fitness and difficulty, or check the best time to walk.

The West Highland Way runs north from Milngavie to Fort William, passing through ever-changing landscapes as you head deeper into the Highlands. Most walkers divide the route into 7 to 10 stages, depending on fitness and pace.

A typical itinerary breaks down as follows:

The first two days follow gentle paths through farmland and along the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. The terrain becomes more rugged from Inverarnan onwards, with the remotest section crossing Rannoch Moor between Inveroran and Kingshouse. The final stretch from Kinlochleven to Fort William is one of the most rewarding, with sweeping views of the Mamores and Ben Nevis coming into sight.

Shorter options are available too. The southern half (Milngavie to Tyndrum, ~84 km) suits those with less time, while the northern half (Tyndrum to Fort William, ~70 km) offers the wildest scenery. Faster walkers can complete the full route in 5 intense days.

Loch Lomond

The trail hugs the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, Britain's largest freshwater lake by surface area. This section takes you through ancient oak woodland, along rocky shorelines, and past small sandy beaches — with the Arrochar Alps rising across the water. It is one of the most picturesque stretches of the entire walk.

Rannoch Moor

One of Europe's last great wildernesses. This vast peat bog stretches over 100 square kilometres of open moorland — no trees, no houses, just heather, water, and sky. On a sunny day, it is magical. On a misty day, it is epic. Either way, crossing Rannoch Moor is an unforgettable experience.

Devil's Staircase

The highest point on the West Highland Way at 548 metres. This old military road zigzags up from Altnafeadh and rewards you with a stunning panorama across Glencoe and the surrounding peaks. Despite the ominous name, the climb is very manageable and takes most walkers about an hour.

Glencoe

Often described as the most dramatic glen in Scotland, Glencoe needs little introduction. Towering ridges, plunging waterfalls, and a haunting history combine to create a landscape that stays with you long after the walk is over. The trail skirts the northern edge of the valley, offering elevated views of this iconic setting.

Ben Nevis

The West Highland Way finishes in Fort William, right at the foot of Ben Nevis — the highest mountain in the British Isles at 1,345 metres. Many walkers add an extra day to summit Ben Nevis as a fitting finale to their Highland adventure.

Short answer: probably yes. The West Highland Way is one of the most accessible long-distance hikes in Europe, and that is precisely why it is so popular. You do not need mountaineering skills or specialist equipment — just reasonable fitness and a good pair of walking boots.

Most sections follow well-maintained paths, tracks, and old roads. There are no scrambles, no exposed ridges, and no river crossings without bridges. The daily distances are manageable, especially if you choose a relaxed itinerary of 8 to 10 days. Check our route and stages overview to see what a typical day looks like.

That said, the West Highland Way should not be underestimated. The total distance is 154 km with around 3,650 metres of cumulative elevation gain. Some days involve 6 to 8 hours of walking, and the weather in Scotland can change rapidly. Rain, wind, and low visibility are possible at any time of year — which is exactly what makes it an adventure.

If you can comfortably walk 15 to 20 kilometres on hilly terrain, you will enjoy the West Highland Way. Children from around 12 years old who have some hiking experience can also complete the route. If you are unsure about your fitness, choosing a longer itinerary with shorter daily stages is always a smart option. Take a look at our available packages to find the right pace for you.

One of the great advantages of the West Highland Way is the range of accommodation along the route. From cosy B&Bs and country inns to hostels and bunkhouses, there is something for every budget and preference.

Most walkers stay in B&Bs or small guesthouses, which offer comfortable beds, hot showers, and a hearty Scottish breakfast to fuel the day ahead. These are often family-run and located in or near the villages along the trail. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially during the peak season (May to September), as the most popular stops fill up quickly.

Hostels and bunkhouses provide a more budget-friendly option, particularly in remote areas like Inveroran and Kingshouse. The Kingshouse Hotel, one of Scotland's oldest licensed inns, is a legendary stop for West Highland Way walkers — perfectly positioned after crossing Rannoch Moor.

Wild camping is permitted along most of the route under Scotland's right to roam legislation — except along the eastern shore of Loch Lomond between Drymen and Rowardennan during the camping management zone season (March to September), where a permit is required.

With a self-guided walking holiday, all accommodation is arranged for you in advance. Your bags are transferred from stop to stop, so you only carry a daypack on the trail. This lets you enjoy the walk without worrying about availability or logistics.

The West Highland Way can be walked from early spring through late autumn, but the best months are April to May and September. These shoulder seasons offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and the landscape at its most atmospheric — think blooming heather in spring and golden tones in early autumn.

Summer (June to August) brings the longest daylight hours, with up to 18 hours of light in June. However, this is also peak season, which means busier trails and fuller accommodation. More importantly, summer is midge season. These tiny biting insects thrive in warm, humid conditions and can be a real nuisance, particularly in sheltered glens and near water. Check our packing list for essential midge protection.

May is the most popular month for the West Highland Way, and for good reason. The midges have not yet arrived in full force, the days are long, and the hills are green. September offers similar conditions with the added bonus of autumn colours and quieter trails.

Scottish weather is famously unpredictable — locals joke about experiencing four seasons in one day. Rain is possible in any month, so waterproof clothing is non-negotiable regardless of when you go. Average temperatures range from 8–15°C in spring and autumn, and 12–20°C in summer.

The West Highland Way starts in Milngavie (pronounced "Mul-guy"), a small town just 16 kilometres north of Glasgow city centre. Glasgow is well-connected by air and rail, making it easy to reach from across the UK and Europe.

Glasgow Airport receives flights from most major European cities, and Edinburgh Airport is about an hour away by bus or train. From Glasgow city centre, regular trains run to Milngavie in around 25 minutes from Glasgow Queen Street station — departures are frequent throughout the day.

At the end of the walk, Fort William is connected to Glasgow by both train and bus. The scenic West Highland Line railway takes around 4 hours and is regularly named one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world — a fitting way to reflect on your adventure. ScotRail and Citylink coaches both operate this route.

If you are flying in from abroad, we recommend arriving in Glasgow the day before your walk starts. This gives you time to settle in, pick up any last-minute supplies from our packing list, and start fresh the next morning. With a self-guided package, transfers and logistics are taken care of, so you can focus entirely on the walk.

The West Highland Way is one of the best-waymarked trails in the UK. The route is signed throughout with the distinctive thistle-in-a-hexagon marker, making it straightforward to follow even without a map — though carrying one is always recommended.

In clear weather, navigation is rarely an issue. The path is well-trodden and obvious for most of its length. However, on Rannoch Moor and the higher sections around the Devil's Staircase, low cloud or mist can reduce visibility significantly. In these conditions, a basic understanding of map reading adds valuable confidence.

Many walkers use a combination of a printed guidebook and a GPS app on their phone. Popular options include the Ordnance Survey maps (Explorer sheets 347, 348, 364, and 377), the official Harvey West Highland Way map, or digital routes on apps like Komoot or OS Maps. Just remember to bring a power bank — phone batteries drain fast when using GPS in cold weather.

With a Bookatrekking self-guided package, you receive detailed route descriptions and navigation support, so you always know what to expect on the day ahead.