Considered to be one of the most popular long-distance walking paths in Europe, completing the West Highland Way firmly sits on many bucket lists. With many miles of discovery lying in wait, the famous West Highland Way preserves Scotland’s national character and is a beautiful way to explore the enigmatic charm of the Scottish Highlands.
Typically completed from South to North, the route begins a few miles north of Glasgow in the town of Milngavie. From there, wild open landscapes will unfold before you to reveal a diverse array of scenery, including the shores of Loch Lomond with its majestic Munro, Ben Lomond, looming in the distance, and the infamous Devil’s Staircase climb which leads you up to the highest point of the route.
Setting off from the obelisk in the centre of Milngavie, the West Highland Way heads North past the Dumgoyach Standing Stones and onward to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, where many travellers spend their first night in Drymen.
From Drymen, the trail continues to Conic Hill where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Loch Lomond before descending into Balmaha. Hugging the shoreline of the loch, the next sleepover stop is Rowardennan which is also the starting point for the Ben Lomond Munro climb, an optional seven-mile walk which ascends nearly 1,000 metres to spectacular views of the Trossachs and surrounding valleys.
The route from Rowardennan stretches along the shoreline furthermore where the terrain can become a little more challenging. Along this section of the trail, you’ll come across a magnificent waterfall at Inversnaid, and may be welcomed by local wildlife such as wild goats and golden eagles.
The West Highland Way trail leaves the small hamlet of Inverarnan and plunges you deep into the wild glen as you stroll amidst the rolling mountains through which the River Falloch flows. With the Falls of Falloch cascading before you, the route winds through the glen and past St. Fillan’s Priory and burial ground before reaching Tyndrum.
Into the wild once more as the path leaves Tyndrum, you’ll traverse across the steep faces of Beinn Odhar and the pyramid of Beinn Dorain until you reach the Bridge of Orchy. A short descent followed by another climb leads you into Inveroran.
Leaving Inveroran behind you will pass through the Black Mount Estate, once home to the late James Bond author, Ian Fleming.
Rannoch Moor covers 50-square miles of boggy moorland through which the West Highland Way weaves. It’s wild and remote expanse offers an authentic taste of the Scottish Highlands, along with bleak and beautiful views to overwhelm the senses.
Buachaille Etive Mor is one of Scotland’s most popular Munros which towers over the trail with an elevation gain of 1,021 metres / 3,350 ft. The trail passes through Altnafeadh, the starting point for the Munro climb should you choose to tame her. The Devil’s Staircase sits around the corner, a weaving ascent which transports you to the highest point along the West Highland Way at 550 metres.
The final leg of the journey begins with a steep climb out of Kinlochleven, through woodlands and the glens surrounding Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain sitting 1,345 metres above sea level. As you walk through the valley floor of the glen, there are plenty of opportunities to scale the epic Munro should you choose to. The final descent into Fort William signifies the home stretch of the West Highland Way where you’ll make your way into the town centre for a perfect finisher’s photo with a bronze statue of a fellow walker at Gordon Square.
