West Highland Way – guide, accommodation and stages
- Christian Sommer
- Nov 25
- 20 min read
The West Highland Way is a legendary long-distance hiking trail through the wild heart of the Scottish Highlands: it leads from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William and delights with secluded moors, mystical lakes, dramatic mountain backdrops and the rugged flair of the Highlands. You will hike – mostly on easily accessible paths, but occasionally also over stony terrain – through quiet valleys, past historic places such as Glencoe and through ancient landscapes shaped by wind, weather and whisky.
Content
1. Journey
2. Route
3. Accommodation
4. Weather and best time to travel
5. Further information
6. Recommended stages
7. Packing list
8. GPX and map information
9. Conclusion
West Highland Way
The West Highland Way stretches for around 154 kilometres through some of Scotland's most spectacular landscapes. The trail is rated as moderately difficult, with a few more challenging sections, and it usually takes 6–8 days to hike the entire route. Despite its popularity, the West Highland Way remains surprisingly lonely in places.
Info: The West Highland Way was opened in the 1970s as Scotland's first official long-distance hiking trail and is now one of the most important trekking routes in Great Britain. The aim was to offer hikers a continuous, well-marked trail through the impressive landscapes of the southern Highlands – while at the same time promoting sustainable tourism in this region.
West Highland Way getting there
The West Highland Way traditionally starts in Milngavie, a small town on the north-western outskirts of Glasgow. Public transport connections are excellent, allowing you to plan your journey flexibly according to your budget, schedule and preferences. The easiest way to reach Milngavie is via Glasgow or alternatively from Edinburgh – both cities have international airports with numerous direct connections from all over Europe. From there, you can easily reach the starting point of your hike by train or rental car.
Airplane: The nearest airports are:
Glasgow Airport – approx. 45 minutes by bus or taxi to Milngavie
Edinburgh Airport – approx. 1.5 hours by tram and train (via Glasgow Queen Street)
Prestwick Airport – approx. 1.5 hours by train via Glasgow
London Airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted) – around 5–6 hours by train via Glasgow
To find cheap flights, I highly recommend Skyscanner – a first-class app that gives you a quick overview of the best flight deals.
Train: Milngavie is easily accessible by train and is on a direct line from Glasgow Queen Street Station. The journey takes only about 25 minutes.
From Glasgow Airport: Bus or taxi to the city centre, then continue by train to Milngavie
From Edinburgh: Take the tram or bus to Edinburgh Waverley station, then take the train to Glasgow and continue to Milngavie
From London: Direct train connection to Glasgow Central (approx. 4.5–5 hours), then continue to Milngavie
The train also runs several times a day. I highly recommend the OMIO app for finding a train.
Bus: There are also regular bus services between Glasgow and Milngavie several times a day. This is a cost-effective alternative for hikers with light luggage – but it is a little slower than the train.
The train also runs several times a day. I highly recommend the OMIO app for finding a train.
As always, I recommend watching a video about the tour:
West Highland Way Route
The West Highland Way route is generally easy to moderately difficult and ideal for enjoyable long-distance hiking – although individual sections, such as the crossing of Rannoch Moor or the descent into Glen Nevis, can be more challenging in bad weather. The route mainly follows well-marked paths, old military roads and forest tracks – through open moorland, rugged valleys and impressive Highland scenery. This means you can concentrate fully on the wild beauty of the Scottish landscape.
Nevertheless, it is advisable to carry a GPS device or an offline map – especially in foggy conditions, on isolated sections or if you are travelling outside the main season. This will help you stay on course, even if the trail markings are not immediately visible.
Trail markings: The West Highland Way is marked with white symbols – a thistle logo on a brown background. You will find these on wooden posts, stone slabs and signposts along the entire route.
Luggage transfer: Book your luggage transfer here! The cost is usually around £65 for the entire route, but may vary depending on the provider and the number of items of luggage.
Other providers:
Remember to insure your trip well – because a fall or other typical hiking injury can quickly result in high rescue costs. Auras Insurance offers you worldwide hiking and trekking insurance, specially designed for active travellers.
Use the discount code HIKINGFEX to get 10% off your insurance.
West Highland Way stages
The West Highland Way takes you through the varied landscape of the Scottish Highlands in eight stages. The difficulty varies only slightly between stages and depends mainly on the length of the day, altitude and weather.
Classic:
Stage 1: Milngavie – Drymen (19 km and 180 m ascent)
Stage 2: Drymen – Rowardennan (24 km and 540 m ascent)
Stage 3: Rowardennan – Inverarnan (22 km and 320 m ascent)
Stage 4: Inverarnan – Tyndrum (21 km and 440 m ascent)
Stage 5: Tyndrum – Inveroran (14 km and 280 m ascent)
Stage 6: Inveroran – Kingshouse (16 km and 300 m ascent)
Stage 7: Kingshouse – Kinlochleven (14 km and 360 m ascent)
Stage 8: Kinlochleven – Fort William (25 km and 550 m ascent)
West Highland Way map
Here you will find a clear map of the West Highland Way. All stages are marked on it, as are the GPX files, which you can easily download.
Outdooractive: https://out.ac/3wrFXT
West Highland Way Accommodation
There are several accommodation options along the West Highland Way, ranging from charming guesthouses and hotels to B&Bs. You can book your accommodation directly here via my partner platform ‘Booking.com’ using the links below. It won't cost you a penny more. I have also compiled a list of all other accommodation and campsites for you.
Starting point: Milngavie
Stage 1: Drymen
Stage 2: Rowardennan
Stage 3: Inverarnan
Stage 4: Tyndrum
Stage 5: Inveroran
Stage 6: Kingshouse
Stage 7: Kinlochleven
Stage 8: Fort William
West Highland Way guide
In this experience report, I share my varied impressions of the West Highland Way – one of Scotland's most beautiful long-distance hikes. My experience report gives you a rough overview of what to expect on this varied tour.
Getting there: Getting to the West Highland Way was very straightforward. I booked a flight to Glasgow – an international airport with many connections from all over Europe. Once I arrived in Glasgow, I took the train (which runs several times a day) to Milngavie, the official starting point of the trail, in about 25 minutes. Once in Milngavie, I spent my first night in a cosy bed and breakfast – including a hearty Scottish breakfast of porridge, eggs and toast the next morning.
Stage 1: Milngavie – Drymen (19 km and 180 m ascent)
The first stage of the West Highland Way takes you from Milngavie to Drymen. Milngavie is a tranquil little town on the outskirts of Glasgow. From Milngavie railway station, it is only a few metres to the pedestrian zone, where you will quickly come across the official starting point of the West Highland Way. It is marked by a large stone obelisk.
The trail leads through the town and Allander Park and finally along Mugdock Wood. If you want to take your time, you can interrupt your hike and take a closer look at Mugdock Wood. Mugdock Wood is a landscape park with hiking trails, a botanical garden and barbecue areas.
The rest of the hike takes you over marshy ground. Soon, several large rocks appear, the Dumgoyach Standing Stones, which were probably used as a religious cult site in the past. Near the rocks, you will also have to cross the River Blane Water, which will remain close by for the rest of your stage. Tip: You can also visit the Glengoyne Distillery, an old whisky distillery. A little later, you will reach the villages of Dumgoyne and Gartness, where there is a pub and a café.
Stage 2: Drymen – Rowardennan (24km and 540m ascent)
The start of the stage is characterised by beautiful rolling hills, followed shortly afterwards by Garadhban Forest. The route then continues around Conic Hill, offering views over Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
After the forest, a path leads you through moorland, offering views of the hill, which is almost 350 metres high. In good weather, it is worth making a detour to the summit, where you can enjoy magnificent views of Loch Lomond and the surrounding national park.
After Conic Hill, the trail leads down a steep path towards the shore. You then walk along beautiful paths through sparse woodland, always following the shore, until you reach Rowardennan. Tip: If you stay in Rowardennan for an extra day, you can take a rewarding day trip to Ben Lomond.
Don't forget to take an emergency bivouac with you. It consists of an emergency blanket that is cold-resistant, a whistle and a mini compass. It should be in your rucksack on every hike anyway.
As the old Scottish saying goes: "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes!"
Stage 3: Rowardennan – Inverarnan (22km and 320m ascent)
On the third stage, you continue along the beautiful Loch Lomond. The route mostly runs close to the shore through moss-covered forests. The trail is often just a narrow path, and occasionally you have to negotiate a few small climbs over rocks.
After the youth hostel, you have two options for the rest of the route: the regular West Highland Way now runs above the lake on a wide forest road, where you can make comfortable and rapid progress. Alternatively, you can take the shore path – it offers more climbing fun, but is much more difficult and slippery in wet weather. Both paths meet again after a few kilometres.
A highlight of this stage is the waterfall at Inversnaid – ideal for a break. You can cross the water via a small bridge, and immediately afterwards you will reach the picturesque village of Inversnaid.
The rest of the way to Inverarnan is narrow again and strewn with rocks. Rob Roy's Cave – a small depression in the rock – is worth a short detour. After a few kilometres, a bothy appears right by the path – a very simple hut that offers shelter in bad weather or can also be used for overnight stays.
At some point, the West Highland Way finally leaves the shores of Loch Lomond and climbs up to a pass. After that, it is not far to Inverarnan.
Stage 4: Inverarnan – Tyndrum (21 km and 440 m ascent)
On the fourth stage, the hills and mountains gradually become higher and offer you beautiful views again and again. The paths are wide and comfortable, so you can make relatively quick progress.
The first part of the route runs along an old military road and follows the River Falloch. Along the way, you can marvel at a whole series of small waterfalls until you finally reach the larger Falls of Falloch – a real highlight.
After about 10 kilometres, you will reach a crossroads where you can turn off to the small village of Crianlarich – ideal for a rest or overnight stay. The regular route takes you further through forests and cattle pastures. Along the route there is also a small cemetery dating back to the 8th century – a quiet place steeped in history.
Further along the way, you will finally reach Tyndrum, where you can stock up on provisions, equipment or a warm meal.
Scotland is not exactly known for its sunshine – but I still had it all day sometimes. That's why, as always, I would like to recommend my beloved Piz Buin Mountain sun cream!
"The sun also shines behind the clouds." Quote from Karl Friedrich Wilhelm Wander
Stage 5: Tyndrum – Inveroran (14 km and 280 m ascent)
The fifth stage of the West Highland Way is the shortest of the entire trail. As it is exactly halfway along the route, this short stage is ideal for catching your breath and recharging your batteries. However, if you are feeling sporty, you can also combine it with the sixth stage and hike straight on to Kingshouse – you can then expect around 30 kilometres and about 580 metres of elevation gain.
Most of this stage of the West Highland Way runs along a gravel road. Nevertheless, the route is by no means monotonous – you will hike through an impressive valley framed by the mountains of Beinn Odhar, Beinn Dorain and Beinn Bhreac-liath.
You will reach your destination after crossing the small summit of Mam Carraigh – with a magnificent view of the surrounding mountain landscape.
Due to the long distance and the strenuous altitude difference, I would like to recommend my ultra-light hiking gear at this point:
I would also like to recommend my beloved Salewa trekking shoes because of the mountain and jungle landscape and the challenging mountain trails:
‘Give a woman the right shoes and she can conquer the world.’ Quote from Marilyn Monroe
Stage 6: Inveroran – Kingshouse (16 km and 300 m ascent)
On the sixth stage of the West Highland Way, you can expect magnificent, wild scenery. The trail takes you along Rannoch Moor, one of Scotland's largest and most remote moorlands. On the western side, you can marvel at the mountains and hills of the Highlands, while on the eastern side, a magnificent view opens up over the vast, open Rannoch Moor. Heather and moss grow everywhere – a unique panorama of vastness, wind and colour.
At around 15 kilometres, this stage is comparatively short. From the starting point, it is only about 300 metres of elevation gain to the highest point of the section, before a gentle descent to your destination for the day, the traditional Kingshouse Hotel.
Here, too, you have the option of combining this stage with the seventh stage. In this case, however, you can expect a daily distance of around 30 kilometres.
The Kingshouse Hotel is very busy during the summer months. There is only one other place to stay in the area, so if you want to spend the night here, you should make your reservation as early as possible.
If you are travelling with a tent, you can pitch it directly behind the hotel. Please note, however, that there are no sanitary facilities on the grounds and the use of the hotel toilets is not permitted.
Stage 7: Kingshouse – Kinlochleven (14 km and 360 m ascent)
On the seventh stage, you can expect narrow hiking trails, a steep climb and impressive panoramic views of the Glencoe Mountains. This section is considered the most challenging, but also the most rewarding and beautiful of the entire West Highland Way. The centrepiece is the famous Devil's Staircase – a steep serpentine path that takes you from around 280 metres to around 550 metres above sea level.
In principle, you are crossing a spectacular mountain pass, which also marks the highest point of the entire trail. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and the dramatic highland backdrop of the Scottish mountains.
After the pass, the trail gradually descends. The path remains narrow and rocky and runs along a ridge for several kilometres. After a partly steep descent of about 7 kilometres and around 550 metres in altitude, you finally reach the village of Kinlochleven.
Kinlochleven has good infrastructure: here you will find hotels, pubs, supermarkets and a bus connection to Fort William.
Stage 8: Kinlochleven – Fort William (25km and 550m ascent)
The eighth and final stage of the West Highland Way takes you from Kinlochleven along lonely highland paths and historic routes to the official end point in Fort William – a stage full of wide open spaces, farewell views and the proud feeling of having almost completed the trail.
Just beyond Kinlochleven, the trail climbs steeply at first – about 300 metres of elevation gain in the first few kilometres. You follow an old military road that winds its way out of the valley in wide curves. Once at the top, the landscape opens up: a vast plateau with open moorland and grass-covered slopes.
After about 15 kilometres, the descent through forests begins – gently at first, then via switchbacks through Nevis Forest. The trees thin out and you finally catch your first glimpse of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain at 1,345 metres.
Tip: Plan an extra day in Fort William – then you can take a tour of Ben Nevis. A worthwhile destination.
The last section takes you along wide paths to the town of Fort William. Shortly before your destination, you will pass the old Glen Nevis Visitor Centre before the last few metres through the town lead you directly to the official end of the West Highland Way – marked by a statue in Gordon Square.
If you have also reached your destination – congratulations! You have earned my utmost respect. It was not an easy journey, but it was unforgettably beautiful.
Great Glen Way
Extend your journey along the 117 km Great Glen Way to Inverness. The Great Glen Way is the natural extension of the West Highland Way. From its starting point in Fort William, the end point of the WHW, it runs 117 kilometres to Inverness. As the route is relatively flat, the Great Glen Way is also suitable for beginners. There is an airport in Inverness for your return flight. Alternatively, you can take a bus from there to Glasgow or Edinburgh.
West Highland Way best time
The best time for the West Highland Way is between May and October – with the most stable weather conditions usually in the months June to August. During this time, you can expect long days, mild temperatures and the best chances of clear views in the open moorland and mountain landscapes of the Highlands.
The months of May and June are ideal for those who want to enjoy the route with a little more peace and quiet. Nature shows its fresh side at this time of year: bright green foliage, flowering heather and the calls of lapwings and snipe accompany you on your way. From September onwards, the trail becomes quieter – the light softens, wisps of mist drift over Loch Lomond and Glencoe, and the landscape slowly takes on its autumnal colours. This is a particularly atmospheric time to experience the wild side of Scotland.
If you want to get a more accurate picture of the typical weather along the route, it's worth taking a look at historical weather data for places such as Drymen, Tyndrum or Fort William. This will give you a better idea of the temperature, probability of precipitation and hours of sunshine – and help you choose the right equipment.
West Highland Way – further information
Here you will find further important information about the West Highland Way!
Gas cartridge: You can find one at Mountain Warehouse in Glasgow. There are three branches in Glasgow.
Money: ATMs and credit cards are accepted in many places. Nevertheless, you should take enough cash with you on your trip.
Luggage transfer: Book your luggage transfer here! The cost is usually around £65 for the entire route, but may vary depending on the provider and the number of items of luggage.
Other providers:
Tent: There is a campsite at almost every stage. You can find them in the ‘Accommodation’ section.
Water: There are water sources at some points along the way, but they are not always reliable. I therefore recommend that you fill up your water supply at your accommodation before starting each day's stage. If you want to refill your water on the way, you should definitely filter or boil it to be on the safe side.
West Highland Way packing list
Here I recommend the most important hiking equipment that I own, have tested myself and have also bought myself. I pay a lot of attention to the weight and quality of my equipment. The equipment should simply feel good on longer tours and also be light. I can recommend the equipment for women because my wife uses it and it is basically the same as the equipment for men.
Note: Please keep in mind that the packing list is general and you will have to adapt it depending on the season and your needs!
Advertising note: These product links are affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, I will receive a small commission without you having to pay more. This is for the maintenance of my blog and you support me with my project, for which I am very grateful. Thank you very much!
Clothes
Hiking boots
Hiking shorts
Long hiking pants
Functional shirt
Hybridjacket
Fleece-jacket
Rain jacket
Functional underwear
Hiking socks
Other hiking equipment:
• Sun cap
Hiking backback (approx. 60 litres or as required)
by EXPED - unfortunately not available on Amazon.
• Backback - Ospray (was my old one and is also good)
Technology and orientation:
• Compass
• Headlamp
• GPS device or GPS watch if necessary
• Binoculars if necessary
Catering:
• Sweets to keep up morale :)
Health & first Aid:
• First Aid (small and light)
• Tape
• Bivouac
• Toilet paper
Other:
• Passport/Insurance certificate
• cash
• Gas cartridge
Film equipment:
• Camera
• Drone
• Tripod
• Clip
To prepare yourself optimally for your hikes, I recommend the workouts on my YouTube channel.
Long-distance hiking trails in Europe: 90 routes, all countries
Safety advice
West Highland Way map
Here you will find a map of the West Highland Way, which you can use to get a rough overview for planning purposes. For more detailed planning, I would recommend the maps from Outdooractive and Komoot.
Outdooractive: https://out.ac/3wrFXT
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/collection/3737356/-west-highland-way-guide-unterkuenfte-und-etappen
West Highland Way FAQ
Here you will find the most important questions and answers about the West Highland Way – concise, helpful and compiled from our own experience:
West Highland Way costs
The costs for the West Highland Way vary greatly – depending on whether you want to camp, stay in hostels or cosy B&Bs. If you are travelling with a tent and are self-sufficient, you can get by on around £150 for the entire tour. Campsites cost around £10–15 per night, and wild camping is permitted in many places in Scotland and is free of charge. If you stay in hostels or bed and breakfasts, you should expect to pay £30–80 per night. Add around £10–30 per day for food, depending on whether you shop or eat in pubs. Travel to and from the destination by bus or train costs around £30–70 in total. Allow for additional small expenses for snacks, entrance fees or toilets. Overall, the cost of a 7–8-day hike ranges from £150 (budget) to £500 (comfortable). If you are hiking in the high season, you should book accommodation well in advance.
West Highland Way with children
The West Highland Way is generally also feasible with children if they are experienced hikers and motivated. The ideal age is around 10 years and above, depending on fitness and stamina. It is important to plan the stages well with shorter daily distances (10–15 km), plenty of breaks and flexible accommodation. Highlights such as Loch Lomond, waterfalls and the Devil's Staircase make the trail exciting for children too. Camping is possible, but more comfortable accommodation makes the tour easier.
Starting point of the West Highland Way
The West Highland Way starts in Milngavie, a suburb of Glasgow. Milngavie is easily accessible from the city centre by train in about 25 minutes. The trail starts at the obelisk in the town centre, which is well signposted and right next to the train station.
West Highland Way GPX
Here you can easily download the GPX file for the West Highland Way – ideal for navigation on your hike.
West Highland Way elevation
The West Highland Way has a total elevation of around 3,200 metres – spread over approximately 154 kilometres. Most of the climbs are moderate, with the highest point being around 550 metres at Devil's Staircase.
West Highland Way camping
Camping on the West Highland Way is possible and popular. There are numerous official campsites along the route. Wild camping is generally permitted, but must be done responsibly – with consideration for nature, landowners and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Restrictions apply particularly around Loch Lomond, where you may need a camping permit.
West Highland Way length
The West Highland Way is approximately 154 kilometres (96 miles) long and runs from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands.
Hiking the West Highland Way
The West Highland Way is Scotland's most famous long-distance hiking trail – around 154 km long, mostly well marked and varied. It leads from Milngavie to Fort William through lakes, moorland and mountains. The tour takes about 7–8 days and is technically moderate but physically demanding.
West Highland Way Devil's Staircase
The Devil's Staircase is the highest and most challenging section of the West Highland Way. The steep, winding path climbs from around 280 to 550 metres and offers spectacular views of the surrounding Highlands.
West Highland Way September
September is a great time to travel the West Highland Way: most hikers are gone, the weather is often still mild, and the autumnal atmosphere makes the landscape particularly beautiful. However, the days can be shorter and the nights cooler.
West Highland Way most beautiful stages
The most beautiful stages of the Cumbria Way combine spectacular landscapes and real hiking highlights: from Coniston, the idyllic path along the lake with views of the Old Man awaits you, followed by the impressive Great Langdale Valley. The ascent over Stake Pass and the high route over High Pike with views stretching as far as the Scottish Lowlands are particularly rewarding. In valleys such as Borrowdale or on the shores of Derwent Water, charming villages and quiet paths invite you to enjoy yourself – long-distance hiking at its best.
West Highland Way Scotland
The West Highland Way in Scotland is a long-distance hiking trail approximately 154 km long that takes you through some of the most impressive landscapes in the Scottish Highlands. You can expect a breathtaking mix of tranquil lakes, vast moors, rolling hills and dramatic mountain panoramas. The trail is well signposted and suitable for hikers with moderate to good fitness levels – the daily stages can be flexibly arranged depending on your fitness and pace. Look forward to an unforgettable time in one of the most spectacular hiking regions in Great Britain – and good luck on your tour!
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You are also welcome to leave me a comment here.
Hello, I am Christian, the chief globetrotter of this Site and an enthusiastic adventurer, hiker and filmmaker. I love to explore new paths and inspire people with them, and I love to share my hiking knowledge with you! You can also find my videos on YouTube! On my blog you can find tips for beginners and professionals on the greatest and most beautiful hiking tours there are. I want to encourage people to explore the world as a hiker, whether in the countryside, through the forest or in the mountains. True to the motto: If you haven't hiked, you haven't seen the world,
On my blog, I also write about hiking gear, the right summit training and nature conservation, as well as tips and information about hiking.