West Highland Way
A 95-mile long-distance path and National Trail in Scotland. The West Highland Way is the most popular walking route in Scotland, featuring lochside, moorland, and mountain terrain with sumptuous views. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Loch Lomond as seen from the West Highland Way
Statistics and Files
Finish: Fort William
Distance: 95 miles (153 km)
Time: 35–45 hours
Duration: 5–8 days
Summary
The West Highland Way is 95 miles long, linking Milngavie on the outskirts of Glasgow to Fort William. It passes from the lowlands, across the Highland Boundary Fault, and into the Scottish Highlands. Much of the route follows ancient and historic communications paths, making use of drove roads used by highlanders to herd cattle and sheep to lowland markets, military roads built by troops to control Jacobite clans, and old coaching roads and disused railway lines.
If you are lucky while walking the Way, you may also encounter local wildlife, including feral goats left behind following the clearances, magnificent red deer, and—soaring high above the peaks—golden eagles.
General Information and Planning Websites
West Highland Way Official Website – Dedicated site providing all one needs when planning the walk.
Traileasy – Interactive map displaying accommodations along the route to help plan each stage.
West Highland Way – The Guide – An independent enthusiast’s comprehensive website dedicated to the walk. Recommended.
Undiscovered Scotland – Introduction to the walk with a host of useful resource links.
Walk The West Highland Way – Chris Wilson’s website dedicated to the WHW with planning information.
Guided Walking
Northern Guiding – Guided walking packages including accommodation and baggage transfer for the whole walk.
Accommodation & Baggage Transfer Organisers
Absolute Escapes – Comprehensive dedicated site providing all services needed.
Mickledore – Self-guided walking holidays throughout the UK with accommodation, transport, and luggage transfers.
Make Tracks – Full range of walking services provided for the West Highland Way.
Hillwalk Tours – Long-distance walking specialist for Ireland and the UK.
Transcotland – Scottish company providing full services for self-guided walkers.
Contours – Full range of self-guided walking services with great navigation.
Discovery Travel – Self-guided walking services.
Celtic Trails – Full self-guided walker support.
Easyways – Dedicated accommodation booking service.
Travel Lite – Dedicated baggage transfer service.
Accommodation Planning
S H Systems – Excellent range of accommodation searchable by location, price, or rating.
West Highland Way Listing – Comprehensive accommodation directory for the walk.
Independent Hostels Guide – Independent hostels and bunkhouses on or near the route.
Tyndrum Hostel – Suitable accommodation halfway along the trail.
Wilderness Scotland Food Guide – Highlights the best places to eat along the way.
Personal Journals & Walk Reports
The Pighole Team Journal – Fun and entertaining reports from Dave Swarbrook and team.
Jo Allen and Alan Beattie – Fantastic journal of an inspired personalized WHW walk.
Shane and Becky Dougher – Detailed 2006 hike report with photos, B&B links, and practical tips.
James Mattison’s Journal – Superb site with a personal journal and practical information.
John Butler – Part of an end-to-end walk of Britain with extensive photographs.
John Armitstead – Detailed journal with accompanying photographs.
Ian Fisk – Good report with useful information.
California Walkers – Super report with splendid photographs.
Robert Nugent – Short report with photographs.
Safety Advice & Emergency Services
Ramblers Association Safety Advice – Practical walking advice on map reading, navigation, and essential gear.
Mountain Rescue UK – Official search and rescue services and mountain safety guidance.
Feedback and Suggestions
I am always pleased to receive feedback on the structure and content of the website. I also welcome suggestions on how I can improve the site, which may include new areas to cover, new walks, or route alterations. Please get in touch via social media. Thank you.
(Note: Walking without proper preparation can be dangerous. Information and downloads on this website are provided free of charge; it is each walker's responsibility to check the material and use accordingly. Postscript: My walk reports are not route guides and should not be treated as such. They are written with personal reflections of my walks.)