Walk the West Highland Way, Scotland’s most iconic long-distance hiking trail, and experience 156km (96 miles) of ever-changing landscapes — from the gentle paths north of Glasgow to the dramatic mountains of the Scottish Highlands. Running from Milngavie to Fort William, this legendary route is the first of Scotland’s Great Trails and is achievable for most walkers, typically completed in around one week.

Whether you’re planning your first multi-day walk or returning to tackle a classic route, this trusted Cicerone guidebook gives you everything you need to walk the West Highland Way with confidence. It combines clear, stage-by-stage route descriptions with practical planning advice, helping you prepare thoroughly and enjoy the journey once you’re on the trail.

• The West Highland Way is described south to north in 7 stages, allowing you to follow the trail through increasingly dramatic Highland scenery while managing daily distances to suit your fitness and schedule
• Each stage features clear, step-by-step route descriptions, supported by 1:100,000 OS mapping, helping you stay on track along the lochs and glens of Scotland's Great Trail 
• Downloadable GPX files enable easy digital navigation on GPS devices or smartphone apps, so you can enjoy the sights of Loch Lomond and Bridge of Ochry without any stress 
• A handy trek planner highlights facilities, public transport links and services along the route, alongside a comprehensive accommodation table for key destinations like Kinlochleven to help organise every aspect of your journey
• Additional insights from experienced guidebook author, Terry Marsh, cover the history of the trail as well as important factors to consider, like Scotland's famous midges and deer stalking season diversions

Together, the detailed route descriptions, GPX downloads, and OS map booklet provide a trustworthy, all-in-one navigation package for Scotland’s most famous long-distance walk. Tackle the iconic West Highland Way with confidence.

West Highland Way - Quick Facts

Trail name: West Highland Way 
Location: Scottish Highlands, Scotland  
Designation: Part of Scotland’s Great Trails  
Distance: ~156 km / 96 miles  
Typical duration: ~6–9 days (many do it in about a week)  
Start: Milngavie (near Glasgow)  
End: Fort William  
Route format: Linear long-distance walk  
Stages: 7 main stages (south to north)  
Navigation: Well-waymarked with paths and tracks  
Terrain: Woodland, lochside paths, moorland, glens  
Difficulty: Moderate – suitable for most walkers with regular long-distance walking experience  
Best season: Spring to early autumn (Apr–Oct) to avoid midges and poor weather  
Accommodation: B&Bs, guesthouses, hostels, campsites en route  

Author Highlight

"What really stood out was the tremendous sense of camaraderie that developed among walkers travelling on the same day. Over a period of a week, while you’re not travelling in one another’s pockets, you do keep meeting the same people and share experiences."

- Terry Marsh, author of Walking the West Highland Way, when rewalking the route in 2024

Map key
Route profile
West Highland Way trek planner
Route summary table
Preface

Introduction
From the Lowlands to the Highlands
How hard and how remote?
Planning your trip
Suggested itineraries
When to go
Getting there and back
Transport along the route
First nights and last nights
Accommodation en route
Facilities en route
Pack-carrying services
Cash management
Preparation and what to take
Planning day by day
Using this guide
Digital and printed maps
Waymarking
Emergencies
Weather forecasts
Phones and internet
All about the Highlands
Geography
Geology
Plants and wildlife
History and culture
Food and drink

The West Highland Way
Stage 1 Milngavie to Drymen
Stage 2 Drymen to Rowardennan
Stage 3 Rowardennan to Crianlarich
Stage 4 Crianlarich to Bridge of Orchy
Stage 5 Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse
Stage 6 Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
Stage 7 Kinlochleven to Fort William

Appendix A Useful addresses and information
Appendix B Accommodation
Appendix C Further reading

Seasons

May-June and September-October avoid the worst of the midges, but suitably experienced backpackers can do this walk at any time of year.

Centres

The walk traditionally starts in Milngavie, on the outskirts of Glasgow (accessible by rail), and concludes at Fort William (likewise). There are few towns or villages en route where supplies can be had: Drymen, Crianlarich, Tyndrum and Kinlochleven.

Difficulty

The walking is not difficult for anyone accustomed to regular walks longer than 10 miles, although there is ample scope to shorten almost all of the days, and to offload the pack carrying onto an independent service that will transport your baggage for you.

Must See

The West Highland Way embraces diversity, from the urbanity of Milngavie to the days in the company of Loch Lomond, and then the striding splendour of Rannoch Moor. The haul from Glencoe, under the gaze of Buachaille Etive Mòr, up the Devil's Staircase, then into the hidden valley of Lairig Mòr, are stages to be savoured.

May 2024

Wild camping

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