Activity Overview:

The West Highland Way is a legendary long-distance hiking trail that stretches over 154 km (96 miles) from Milngavie (just outside Glasgow) to the foot of Ben Nevis in Fort William. Traversing through rugged moorlands, tranquil lochs, and dramatic Highland scenery, the trail is a deep immersion into Scottish landscapes, folklore, and wilderness. It’s suitable for both seasoned trekkers and first-time long-distance hikers, with excellent infrastructure and flexibility in route planning.

What’s Included:

• Suggested 7- to 9-day itinerary with daily stages

• Trail overview with distance, terrain type, elevation, and highlights

• Lodging options (hostels, B&Bs, wild camping areas)

• Luggage transfer services (optional but widely available)

• Public transport access points along the trail

What’s Not Included:

• Travel to Milngavie or return from Fort William

• Personal hiking gear, insurance, or meals unless specified in bookings

• Permits (not required except for wild camping in restricted zones)

• Guided service (available as an add-on if desired)

Suggested 8-Day Itinerary – Classic West Highland Way

🟩 Moderate – good for hikers of all levels with decent preparation

🏞️ Day 1 – Milngavie → Drymen

• Gentle start through woodland paths and farmland

• Begin your journey with views of the Campsie Fells

• Distance: ~19 km | 5 hrs

🌄 Day 2 – Drymen → Rowardennan (via Conic Hill)

• Climb Conic Hill for sweeping views over Loch Lomond

• Descend into Balmaha and follow the loch’s east shore

• Distance: ~24 km | 6–7 hrs

🌲 Day 3 – Rowardennan → Inverarnan

• Undulating lochside path, rugged and beautiful

• Walk through oak woods and rocky bays

• Distance: ~22 km | 6–7 hrs

🏔️ Day 4 – Inverarnan → Tyndrum

• Enter the Highlands proper via Glen Falloch

• Pass waterfalls, bridges, and open glens

• Distance: ~20 km | 6 hrs

🌄 Day 5 – Tyndrum → Inveroran

• Rolling hills and views of Beinn Dorain

• One of the quietest, most scenic stages

• Distance: ~14 km | 4 hrs

⛰️ Day 6 – Inveroran → Kingshouse

• Cross Rannoch Moor, a vast, wild expanse of remote moorland

• One of the highlights of the trail

• Distance: ~19 km | 5–6 hrs

⛰️ Day 7 – Kingshouse → Kinlochleven (via Devil’s Staircase)

• Climb the Devil’s Staircase (not as scary as it sounds!)

• Stunning panoramic views, then steep descent into a forested valley

• Distance: ~14 km | 4–5 hrs

🏁 Day 8 – Kinlochleven → Fort William

• Final climb through Lairigmor Pass with mountain views

• Arrive at Fort William under the shadow of Ben Nevis

• Distance: ~24 km | 7 hrs

Additional Notes:

• Best time to go: May to September (midges are less intense in May/September)

• Accommodation: Book in advance, especially in peak season (June–August)

• Navigation: Well-marked with signs and posts; GPS helpful in poor weather

• Wild Camping: Allowed with Leave No Trace principles; some restrictions near Loch Lomond

• Luggage Transfer: Services like Travel Lite or AMS Scotland can transport bags between stops

• Trail Completion Certificate: Available in Fort William!