A guidebook to walking the West Highland Way, one of Scotland’s Great Trails. Covering 156km (96 miles) from Milngavie to Fort William, the route is suitable for walkers of most abilities and takes around a week to complete. 

The trail is described from south to north in 7 stages of between 14 and 33km (9–20 miles). 

• Contains step-by-step description of the route alongside 1:100,000 maps 
• GPX files available to download
• Includes a separate map booklet containing OS 1:25,000 mapping with the route line 
• A handy trek planner highlights the availability of facilities and public transport along the route 
• Accommodation table provided 

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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