West Highland Way | Complete Guide

Everything you need to plan, book, and self-guide this extraordinary multi-day hike through the Scottish Highlands.

 The West Highland Way is a multi-day walking trail in Scotland, considered one of the most famous in the country. The trail takes hikers through some of Scotland's most stunning landscapes, including: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe Valley and scenic views of Ben Nevis, UK’s tallest mountain.

The route showcases a mix of terrain, from gentle paths through lowland forests to rugged mountain tracks. Along the way, travelers can stay in various types of accommodation, from campsites and hostels to bed and breakfasts and hotels. The West Highland Way is popular for its historical significance and breathtaking natural beauty, drawing walkers from around the world.

 

KEY TRAIL STATS for “CLASSIC” ROUTE

  • Country: Scotland, United Kingdom

  • Number of days: Typically 5 - 8

  • Distance: 154 km / 97 mi

  • Elevation gain: 3,650m / 12,000ft (North direction)

  • Highest point: 550m / 1,800ft (Devil’s Staircase)

  • Peak Season: April to October (although it’s possible to hike year round)

  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate

  • Traffic: High

  • Official start location: Milngavie, just outside of Glasgow

  • Official end location: Fort William

West Highland Way: High level map from our planning app showing the trail between Milngavie in the South and Fort William in the North.

West Highland Way is coming to The Hiking Club platform soon!

Accommodation options along the west highland way

The West Highland Way offers diverse accommodation options catering to different preferences and budgets:

  1. Hotels and Guesthouses: Comfortable, full-service stays with private amenities, typically in larger towns like Milngavie, Tyndrum, and Fort William. Ideal for those seeking comfort but may require advance booking and can be pricier.

  2. Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs): Family-run with breakfast included, offering a homely atmosphere. Widely available along the route, they provide a personal touch and valuable local advice but have limited rooms.

  3. Hostels: Budget-friendly with shared or private rooms, found in places like Rowardennan and Kinlochleven. Good for social interaction and self-catering, but shared spaces may not suit everyone.

  4. Camping and Campsites: The most affordable option, allowing for a close-to-nature experience with basic facilities. Available at key points like Balmaha and Bridge of Orchy, but requires carrying gear and dealing with weather conditions.

  5. Bothies: Basic, free shelters in remote areas without amenities. Great for adventurers but space is limited and first-come, first-served.

  6. Pods and Glamping: Comfortable alternatives to camping with more amenities, available in spots like Drymen. Offers a mix of outdoor experience and comfort but at a higher cost than regular camping.

  7. Self-Catering Cottages and Cabins: Equipped with kitchens and more space, perfect for groups or families. Found in places like Tyndrum and Fort William, but often require early booking and can be expensive.

Bridge of Orchy Hotel

Blackwater Hostel and Campsite

Tip: Plan accommodations in advance, especially for peak season (April > October), and consider your budget, desired comfort level, and proximity to the trail.

Classic trail highlights

  • Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park: stunning views as the trail hugs the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest freshwater loch. 

  • Conic Hill: A notable climb offering some of the most iconic views of Loch Lomond and its islands.

  • Rannoch Moor: A vast, remote, and atmospheric moorland, one of the wildest and most isolated parts of the trail.

  • Glencoe: One of Scotland’s most dramatic and picturesque valleys, known for its striking mountains and history.

  • The Devil’s Staircase: The highest point on the trail, offering panoramic vistas of Glencoe and surrounding peaks making this climb a major highlight of the trail.

  • Kinlochleven: A village known for its history tied to hydroelectric power and aluminum production.

  • Fort William: A town known as the outdoor capital of the UK, located at the base of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK.

popular add-ons

There are alternative routes to include additional highlights, avoid challenging sections of trail or skip highlights on the main trail by going more direct. Details of these alternate routes are available within our planning app. The most popular alternate routes along the West Highland Way, include:

  • Ben Lomond: A 974-meter (3,196 ft) Munro located on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. It is one of Scotland’s most popular Munros (mountains over 3,000 feet), offering stunning views of Loch Lomond and the surrounding landscape.

  • Summit of Ben Nevis: many hikers choose to summit Ben Nevis upon reaching Fort William to cap off their journey with the UK’s highest peak at 1,345 meters (4,413 feet).

How long is the West Highland Way trail?

The “classic” route from Milngavie to Fort William is 154km / 96mi with 3,650m / 12,000ft in elevation gain and loss, hiking in the North direction. 

It typically takes between 5 and 8 days to complete the West Highland Way. It depends on your hiking speed, the desired number of hiking hours per day, inclusion of any alternative routes, and whether you will use transport to skip ahead.

 

When is the best time to hike the West Highland Way?

The best time to hike the West Highland Way is generally during the late spring to early autumn, specifically between April and October.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during different parts of the season:

1. Late Spring (April to June)

  • Pros: This is considered one of the best times to hike. The weather is often more stable, with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. The landscapes are lush and green, and wildflowers are in bloom.

  • Cons: The midges (small biting insects) are not as prevalent early in this period, making it more comfortable for hikers.

2. Summer (July to August)

  • Pros: The weather is warmest during these months, and daylight hours are at their peak, allowing for long days of hiking. Many services and accommodations are fully operational.

  • Cons: This is also the peak season, so the trail can be busier. Midges are at their worst, especially in the evening and in areas near water or boggy terrain, so insect repellent is essential.

3. Early Autumn (September to October)

  • Pros: The crowds start to thin out, and the midge season is coming to an end. The weather can still be favorable, with cooler but comfortable temperatures, and the landscape begins to change with beautiful autumnal colors.

  • Cons: Daylight hours start to decrease compared to the summer months, so careful planning of hiking days is needed.

4. Winter (November to April)

  • Pros: Trail is much quieter

  • Cons: Weather conditions can be unpredictable and harsh, with increased chances of rain, snow, and strong winds. Short daylight hours and potential snow on higher ground make hiking more difficult. Some facilities and accommodations may also be closed during this period.

August on the West Highland Way

Winter on the West Highland Way