The cost of walking the West Highland Way can vary depending on several factors, including the type of accommodation, meals, transport, and any additional services like luggage transfers.
Here's an approximate breakdown of the costs you can expect:
1. Accommodation Costs
Camping: Campsites along the trail typically cost between £8 to £15 per night for a pitch. Wild camping is free but not always recommended due to weather conditions and lack of facilities.
Hostels: Prices range from about £20 to £30 per night for a bed in a shared dormitory.
Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs): Typically, B&Bs charge around £30 to £50 per night per person for a shared room, with private rooms costing more, often around £60 to £100 depending on the location and amenities.
Hotels and Guesthouses: A standard hotel room can cost between £80 and £150 per night depending on the location and season.
Self-Catering Cottages: Prices for self-catering cottages range from £100 to £200 per night, often for a group or family, with discounts for longer stays.
Forest View Guest House, Kinlochleven
2. Food and Drinks
Meals: Expect to pay £5 to £15 per meal in casual restaurants or cafes. Evening meals at pubs or restaurants generally cost £10 to £20.
Self-Catering: If you're staying in a self-catering accommodation or camping and cooking your own meals, you can reduce food costs by purchasing groceries, with typical grocery bills being around £20 to £40 for a week.
Delicious meal at Kingshouse
3. Transport Costs
Getting to the Trail: Travel to Milngavie (start of the trail) from Glasgow by public transport (train or bus) costs about £3 to £6.
Getting Home from Fort William: A train or bus back from Fort William to Glasgow costs around £20 to £30 depending on the service.
Luggage Transfer: Many hikers opt to use luggage transfer services, which cost around £6 to £12 per day per bag. This can total £30 to £70 for a full 5-7 day hike.
Official end of The West Highland Way in Fort William
Estimated Total Costs for a 7-Day Hike (South to North):
Budget Option (Camping/Hostels, Self-Catering Meals): £350 to £500
Mid-Range Option (B&Bs/Guesthouses, Eating Out): £600 to £900
Comfortable Option (Hotels, Eating Out, Luggage Transfer): £1,000 to £1,500
Summary:
The cost of hiking the West Highland Way can range from around £350 to £1,500+ depending on your accommodation choices, meals, and services you opt for (like luggage transfers). It's a good idea to plan and budget ahead, especially during peak season when accommodation may be pricier.
