Plan Your West Highland Way Walk
The West Highland Way:
Why You Should Do It
The West Highland Way is Scotland’s most iconic long-distance trail, stretching 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William. It’s a journey through some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes—rolling lowlands, rugged moors, tranquil lochs, and towering mountains. But it’s more than just a scenic walk. Completing it gives you an incredible sense of achievement, a chance to meet fellow adventurers, and an excuse (not that you need one) to indulge in some well-earned Scottish hospitality at the end of each day.
For many, the West Highland Way isn’t just about personal accomplishment—it’s an opportunity to raise money for charity. Whether you’re supporting a cause close to your heart or want to turn your adventure into something even more meaningful, sponsorship can add motivation when the midges or the rain starts testing your patience.
How Long Does It Take?
The time it takes to complete the West Highland Way varies depending on fitness levels, experience, and how much you want to stop and soak up the views. Most people take five to eight days, with seven being a common choice for those wanting a balanced mix of challenge and enjoyment. If you’re particularly fit (or slightly unhinged), you could race through in four days, while a more leisurely approach might see you stretching it over ten. There’s no right or wrong way—just your way. We’ve created some itineraries for you to compare.
Preparing for the Adventure
Preparation is key to making the most of your walk. Planning ensures you can focus on enjoying the journey instead of worrying about blisters, dodgy knees, or running out of snacks.
Training: Get Those Legs Ready
It’s not a race, but it’s also not a casual Sunday stroll. Walking long distances over consecutive days differs from a one-off hike, so getting your body used to it beforehand will pay off. Build up your stamina with regular walks, gradually increasing the distance and adding hilly terrain. If you can get used to carrying a backpack while you train, your shoulders will thank you later.
What to Pack (and What to Leave Behind)
Packing light is a skill you’ll be grateful for when trudging through Glencoe. If you’re carrying your gear, stick to the essentials: a good waterproof jacket, comfortable boots (worn-in ones—this is no time for new shoes), walking socks, and most importantly, hiking poles (trust me, they make a difference), layers for unpredictable Scottish weather, and a decent backpack. If you’re booking baggage transfer services (a popular choice), you can afford extra luxuries like daily fresh socks and a few treats for morale.
Don’t forget blister plasters, a first-aid kit, snacks (chocolate is a valid energy source), and a refillable water bottle. Hydration is crucial, even if the Scottish rain makes it seem like there’s water everywhere. You’ll find some helpful water taps on your walk.
What to Expect Along the Way
The Joy of Meeting Fellow Walkers
One of the best things about the West Highland Way is the camaraderie. Whether you start alone or with friends, you’ll meet people who share your triumphs, struggles, and possibly your snacks. Something about the shared experience of aching feet, stunning views, and the occasional misadventure brings people together. By the time you reach Fort William, you’ll have new friends (and possibly a shared grudge against a particularly tough stretch of the trail).
The Challenge of the Terrain
The route starts gently, easing you in with rolling countryside before gradually stepping up in difficulty. Conic Hill provides an early test of your legs, but the views over Loch Lomond are worth it. Speaking of Loch Lomond, the section along its eastern shore is one of the trickiest—rocky, undulating, and slow-going. It’s beautiful, but don’t underestimate it.
The terrain varies from easy-going tracks to steep climbs, particularly as you enter the Highlands. Rannoch Moor, exposed and wild, gives you a taste of Scotland’s raw beauty, while the Devil’s Staircase (despite its ominous name) is just a short, sharp climb followed by a rewarding descent into Kinlochleven. The final push into Fort William might feel endless, but the sight of the finish line makes every step worth it.
Making It Memorable
Celebrate Your Achievement
Reaching the end of the West Highland Way is an achievement that deserves recognition. Whether you toast with a dram of whisky, a hearty meal, or sit down and take off your boots with a sigh of relief, savour the moment. If you’ve been fundraising, you’ll also have the added satisfaction of knowing you’ve made a difference.
Capture the Experience
Take photos, keep a journal, or pause now and then to appreciate where you are. The scenery is spectacular, but the moments—laughing with fellow walkers, the satisfaction of reaching a milestone, the sheer joy of a good meal after a long day—will stay with you the longest. Do share your pictures, tips, and stories with us, as we’d love to share them on this website.
When’s the Best Time to Go?
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for walking the West Highland Way. Summer brings longer days and midges (tiny, relentless biting insects). If you go in peak summer, bring midge repellent and a net—you’ll thank us later. Winter is only for the well-prepared, with short daylight hours and unpredictable weather making it a serious challenge. Plus, many of the businesses are closed along the route.
The Journey of a Lifetime
Walking the West Highland Way isn’t just about covering the miles—it’s about experiencing Scotland’s wild beauty, pushing yourself, meeting great people, and creating memories. Whether doing it for charity, adventure, or to prove that you can, it’s an experience like no other. So lace up your boots, pack your sense of adventure, and set off on a journey you’ll never forget.
