West Highland Way: The Complete Guide
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The West Highland Way (WHW): Scotland’s most famous and arguably best multi-day hike. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of trails or a complete newbie, there’s something for everyone on Scotland’s oldest and most popular hiking route.
If you’re looking for some practical advice, guidance and a bit of inspiration for the WHW trail, you’re in luck. Based on a 7-day period (which is how long it takes most people to complete the walk) this guide has everything you need to know to get you on your way.
The Route in Numbers
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Days to complete
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Bothies
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Miles (154km)
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Lochs
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m
Total Ascent
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Towns
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Walkers P/Year
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Mountain Goats?
What to Expect
Gear
Full 7 days? You’ll have to pack trekking and camping gear, clothing, and other essentials.
MORE INFO
Transport
With several train stations and buses along the route, getting to and from the walk is fairly easy.
MORE INFO
Lodging & Camping
The route has plentiful options for lodgings, and there are many campsites too.
MORE INFO
Route & Terrain
Stunning glens, lochs, and rocky paths. The route varies from forest trails to mountain terrain.
MORE INFO
Baggage Transfer
There’s a few bag transfer services that can take your extra gear to pre-arranged locations every day.
MORE INFO
Climate & Weather
Between Apr – Oct is the ideal time for the walk. But always prepare for “4 seasons in one day”.
MORE INFO
7 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Milngavie to Drymen
- Start: Milngavie
- 12 miles / 19.5km
- B&Bs, Hostels +
- Campsites: 2
- Shops: 3
- Stations: 1
MORE INFO
Day 1: Milngavie to Drymen
Day2: Drymen to Rowardennan
- Start: Drymen
- 14.5 miles / 23km
- Lodges, Hostels +
- Campsites: 4
- Shops: 4
- Stations: 0
MORE INFO
Day2: Drymen to Rowardennan
Day 3: Rowerdennan to Inverarnan
- Start: Rowerdennan
- 14 miles / 22.5km
- B&Bs, Hostels +
- Campsites: 2
- Shops: 4
- Stations: 1
MORE INFO
Day 3: Rowerdennan to Inverarnan
Day 4: Inverarnan to Tyndrum
- Start: Inverarnan
- 12 miles / 19km
- B&Bs, Hostels +
- Campsites: 3
- Shops: 3
- Stations: 2
MORE INFO
Day 4: Inverarnan to Tyndrum
Day 5 Tyndrum to Kingshouse
- Start: Tyndrum
- 18.5 miles / 29.5km
- Hotels, Hostels +
- Campsites: 0
- Shops: 2
- Stations: 2
MORE INFO
Day 5 Tyndrum to Kingshouse
Day 6: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
- Start: Kingshouse
- 9 miles / 14km
- B&B, Hostels +
- Campsites: 3
- Shops: 1
- Stations: 0
MORE INFO
Day 6: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
Day 7: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
- Start: Kingshouse
- 15 miles / 24.5km
- Hostels, B&Bs +
- Campsites: 1
- Shops: 10+
- Stations: 1
MORE INFO
Day 7: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Travel Essentials
TRAVEL INSURANCE
FLIGHTS
ACCOMMODATION
TRAINS & BUSES
CAR RENTAL
GEAR
Route Lowdown
Route Map
Day 1: Milngavie to Drymen
Start:
Milngavie
End:
Drymen
Distance:
12 miles / 19.5km
Ascent:
210m
Country tracks & Forest trails
Day 1 is an easy introduction to the West Highland Way. You can stock up on supplies in Milngavie and head out into nature well prepared.
The trail is mostly flat throughout the day with no major climbs, passing various landscapes: woodland, fields, lochs, rivers, small villages, and more until leading you to the turn off point to Drymen.
Officially the route passes by Drymen and on to Balmaha but many hikers choose to end their first days hike in Drymen.
Lodging
The Winnock Hotel
Buchanen Arms Hotel
The Drymen Inn
More in Drymen (5+)
Shops
Tesco, Milngavie
M&S, Milngavie
SPAR, Drymen
Drymen Village Shop
Campsites
Gartness Campsite
Drumquhassle Farm
Drumquhassle Huts
Wild Camping
Eateries
Milngavie (10+)
Beach Tree, Dumgoyne
Clachan Inn, Drymen
Several in Drymen
Transport
Milngavie Station
Milngavie Bus
Milngavie Car Park
Drymen Bus
Highlights
Milngavie’s Bakery
Photo next to obelisk
Mugdock Castle ruins
Hot meal in Drymen
Day 1 Images






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Image credits: Hannah Grace
Day 2: Drymen to Rowardennan
Start:
Drymen
End:
Rowardennan
Distance:
14.5 miles / 23km
Ascent:
430m
Hill paths & Forest trails
The trail from Drymen picks up heading north through some rich woodland trails and after emerging from the trees you’ll glimpse your first site of Loch Lomond.
From here it’s up Conic Hill which sits on the boundary between the lowlands and highlands of Scotland. After taking in the stunning panoramic view (and probably a selfie) you descend down to eventually reach the quaint village of Balmaha.
Leaving Balmaha you’ll pass Loch Lomond’s beautiful shore and traverse through some ancient oak forest until ending up in Rowardennan.
Lodging
Balmaha (10+)
Rowardennan Lodge
Loch Lomond Lodges
Rowardennan Hotel
Shops
SPAR, Drymen
Village Shop, Drymen
Village Shop, Balmaha
Rowardennan Shop
Campsites
Garadbahn Campsite
Millarochy Bay
Cashel Campsite
Sallochy Bay
Eateries
Oak Tree Inn, Balmaha
St Mocha Coffee Shop
The Clansman Bar
Rowardennan Hotel
Transport
Drymen Bus
Balmaha Bus
Balmaha Car Park
Rowardennan Car Park
Highlights
Conic Hill summit
Loch Lomond views
Hearty meal in Balmaha
Thick forest trails
Day 2 Images








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Image credits: Hannah Grace, Peter Rowley, Mark, Tony Webster
Day 3: Rowardennan to Inverarnan
Start:
Rowardennan
End:
Inverarnan
Distance:
14 miles / 22.5km
Ascent:
475m
Rugged lochside & Forest trails
From Rowardennan, sitting in the shadow of Ben Lomond: Scotland’s most southerly Munro, the route heads into a stunning section of the walk which follows the shore of Loch Lomond on some craggy and bumpy trails.
Eventually you’ll come across the bridge to Inversnaid and the incredible Arklet Falls waterfall beneath. Another fantastic photo opportunity.
Next up is what some describe as the “toughest”part of the West Highland Way. You’ll go through a rocky trail with a lot of ups and downs, no doubt passing some wild mountain goats which you will likely smell before you see.
After this stretch you’ll leave Loch Lomond behind and continue on the much easier trek into Inverarnan where you’ll find Beinglas farm and the wonderful Drovers Inn.
Lodging
Inversnaid (x2)
Ardlui (x4)
Beinglas Farm
The Drovers Inn
Shops
Rowardennan Shop
Inversnaid Hotel
Ardlui Shop
Beinglas Camp Store
Campsites
Bothies (x2)
Ardlui Campsite
Beinglas Campsite
Wild camping
Eateries
Inversnaid Hotel
TB Bistro, Inversnaid
Drovers Inn
Beinglas Farm Bar
Transport
Ardlui Bus
Ardlui Station
Inverarnan Bus
Drovers Inn Parking
Highlights
Arklet Falls, Invesnaid
Loch Lomond views
Craggy lochside path
Drovers Inn visit
Day 3 Images






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Image credits: Hannah Grace, Peter Daniel
Day 4: Inverarnan to Tyndrum
Start:
Inverarnan
End:
Tyndrum
Distance:
12 miles / 19km
Ascent:
490m
Flat trails & paths through glens
Leaving Inverarnan you head north via an easy trail through Glen Falloch. Gently ascending you’ll head into open hillsides with some great views.
Reaching the old drovers road, you’ll follow a bumpy and slightly rocky meandering trail through beautiful glens until you end up in Tyndrum, where you should definitely have a steak pie at the Tyndrum Inn.
Lodging
Crianlarich (x3)
Ben Doran Hotel
By The Way Hostel
More in Tyndrum (5+)
Shops
Crianlarich Store
Auchtertyre Shop
Brodies Mini Mart
Green Welly Stop
Campsites
Auchtertyre Farm
Pines Campsite
By The Way Campsite
Wild Camping
Eateries
Beinglas Farm
Tea Room, Crianlarich
Country Mumkins Cafe
The Tyndrum Inn
Transport
Crianlarich Station
Crianlarich Bus
Tyndrum Station
Tyndrum Bus
Highlights
Falls of Falloch
Mountain views
Varied terrain
Steak pie in Tyndrum
Day 4 Images






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Image credits: Hannah Grace, Tom Parnell
Travel Essentials
TRAVEL INSURANCE
FLIGHTS
ACCOMMODATION
TRAINS & BUSES
CAR RENTAL
GEAR
Day 5: Tyndrum to Kingshouse
Start:
Tyndrum
End:
Kingshouse
Distance:
18.5 miles / 29.5km
Ascent:
644m
Open moorland & valley paths
Continuing north you’ll see more and more mountains as the lowlands of Scotland fade away into the distance and you find yourself surround by rugged mountain terrain and frost bitten peaks.
Eventually you’ll cross the river Orchy and go through a small area of woodland before ascending into the open expanse of the stunning Rannoch Moor.
The final of stage of this day’s trail takes you down into the equally beautiful and scenic area of Glencoe and the historically charming Kingshouse Hotel, which you should definitely check out.
NOTE: The Kingshouse is the only accommodation in the area. Many people call in a taxi from here to go and stay in the nearby Glencoe village. Which we recommend if you don’t want to wild camp.
Lodging
Bridge of Orchy
Inveroran Hotel
Kingshouse Hotel
Glencoe Village (5+)
Shops
Tyndrum (x2)
Glencoe Village Store
Campsites
Glencoe village (x3)
Wild camping
Eateries
Bridge of Orchy Hotel
Inveroran Hotel
Kingshouse Hotel
Glencoe Village (x4)
Transport
Tyndrum Station
Bridge of Orchy Bus
Bridge of Orchy Station
Kingshouse Bus
Highlights
Glen Orchy View
Rannoch Moor
Glencoe view
Deers of Kingshouse
Day 5 Images






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Image credits: Alan Weir, Joren De Groof, Alba Brian, Peter Daniel
Day 6: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
Start:
Kingshouse
End:
Kinlochleven
Distance:
9 miles / 14km
Ascent:
430m
Hill & mountain trails, moorland
This days trek is all about spectacular landscapes. Heading through Glencoe valley you’ll be surrounded by rugged mountain terrain which you’ll eventually head up into.
Next up is the infamous Devil’s staircase, which is much less daunting than the name suggests. Getting to the top gives you some stunning panoramic views of the surrounding highland landscape.
You’ll then descend down to the picturesque village of Kinlochleven to finish up the day.
Lodging
Blackwater Hostel
MacDonald Hotel
Tigh Na Cheo
More in Kinlochleven
Shops
Co-Op Kinlochleven
Campsites
Blackwater Campsite
MacDonald Campsite
Caolasnacon Campsite
Wild Camping
Eateries
Riverside Chippy
Harlequin
Bothy Bar
Kinlochleven (5+)
Transport
Kingshouse Bus
Kinlochleven Bus
Kinlochleven car park
Highlights
Hiking through Glencoe
Devil’s Staircase views
View over Kinlochleven
Hot meal and a beer
Day 6 Images






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Image credits: Bart Van Dorp, Hannah Grace, Stu Smith, Jacques Dufrenoy
Day 7: Kinlochleven to Fort William
Start:
Kinlochleven
End:
Fort William
Distance:
15 miles / 24.5km
Ascent:
475m
Hill paths & forest trails
The final stretch of the walk takes you the gorgeous landscape of Glen Nevis and past Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the United Kingdom.
You’ll eventually descend through some lush woodland and forest trails ending up at your final destination: Fort William. This marks the end of your hike and signals the time for a well earned beer, or two.
Lodging
Fort William Backpackers
Fort William Hotels
Fort William Hostels (x8)
Fort William B&Bs
Shops
Tesco, Fort William
Morrisons, Fort William
SPAR, Fort William
Several more
Campsites
Glen Nevis Campsite
Wild camping
Eateries
The Grog & Gruel
JD Wetherspoons
Crofter Bar
Many more
Transport
Fort William Station
Fort William Buses
Several car parks
Highlights
Glen Nevis view
Passing Ben Nevis
Reaching the end point
Well earned rest!
Day 7 Images







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Image credits: Mendhak, Andrew Boden, Graeme Darbyshire, Dineshraj Goomany, Dilettantiquity
Travel Essentials
TRAVEL INSURANCE
FLIGHTS
ACCOMMODATION
TRAINS & BUSES
CAR RENTAL
GEAR
What Gear to Bring (Essentials)
Backpacking
Backpack
Hiking boots
Hiking socks
Daypack
Map / Guide
GET THESE
Camping
Tent
Torch
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Inflatable pillow
GET THESE
Clothing
Rain jacket
Hiking trousers
Wicking t-shirts
Underwear
Beanie hat
GET THESE
Other
First aid kit
Camera
Food / Water
Mobile phone
Toiletries
GET THESE
Full Packing Checklist
We’ve gone and made it easy for you and with a free downloadable multi-day hiking packing checklist. To get it, chuck your email address into the form below.
Lodging & Camping
Plan your route properly so you know where you’ll be stopping each night. Book well in advance, especially for high season, as beds get booked up fast. You can book lodgings using the websites below:
BOOKING.COM
Go
HOSTELWORLD
Go
HOSTELS.COM
Go
EXPEDIA
Go
Wild camping is permitted in Scotland, including along much of the West Highland Way route.
However, one place where this is prohibited is the restricted zone along the east side of Loch Lomond. Use the designated zones there.
Apart from that you can wild camp for free all along the route.
Baggage Transfer
If you want to ease the strain on your back and body you can utilise one of the baggage transfer services. The way it works is someone will drive your extra gear to pre-arranged stop off points every day. Leaving you with a small backpack to carry everything you need for that day.
Trust us, walking without a big pack full of plenty of kgs makes the whole experience a lot more enjoyable. Plus it’s very affordable. We’ve used Ginger Routes several times and can’t recommend them enough! Below are all the services you can use:
GINGER ROUTES
AMS SCOTLAND
TRAVEL LITE
BAG FREEDOM
GO HAGGIS
Transport Options
There’s plenty of transport options going to and from Milngavie and various other points on the route. So whether you’re doing the walk from the start or from one the later points you shouldn’t have too many problems getting to that location.
Train stations on route:
Milngavie
Ardlui (Inverarnan)
Crianlarich
Tyndrum
Bridge of Orchy
Fort William
Buses go to and from here:
Milngavie
Drymen
Balmaha
Kingshouse, Glencoe
Kinlochleven
Fort William
DRIVING ROUTE
CAR SHARE
TRAIN TIMES
BUS TIMES
Route & Terrain
96 miles taking you from Glasgow right into the rugged wilderness of Rannoch Moor and up to Fort William.
Passing iconic and beautiful Scottish landscapes such as Loch Lomond and Glen Coe. Ending in Fort William, you’ll pass nearby Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the United Kingdom.
This remarkable trail offers everything from stunning glens, lochs, and forests to open moorland and mountain top views.
Climate & Weather
Obviously the weather will be different depending on what time of year you do the walk. However, since it’s Scotland, it’s safe to assume it will rain at some point so definitely bring your waterproofs.
Between April to October you’ll likely fin a mix of sunny, overcast, rainy and windy days. Sometimes all of that in one day. It can get quite windy, especially on more exposed parts of the walk such as Rannoch Moor.
Be prepared: The weather in Scotland can change really quickly. That’s all part of the challenge and fun though.
Wildlife
There are plenty of amazing and interesting creatures that you might happen to come across in the Scottish Highlands. Some much harder to find than others:
Commonly Seen
Highland Cow
Mountain Goat
Fallow Deer
Red Deer
Sometimes Seen
Red Squirrel
Otter
Buzzard
Adder
Rarely Seen
Capercaillie
Golden Eagle
Wildcat
Pine Marten
Special mentions for a couple of little blighters here: Midges and Ticks.
Midges are a tiny flying insects that typically form swarms near water or marshy areas. They are plentiful from late spring to late summer and can be a bit of a nuisance. If you do the hike during that time you will very likely meet them. Wear full coverage clothing and use insect spray to repel them.
Ticks are little bugs that feed on human and animal blood. When you’re hiking through foliage they will try and latch on to you. They’re bites are usually harmless but left untreated can cause Lyme’s disease. Always check yourself for them at some point during the day.
Travel Essentials
TRAVEL INSURANCE
FLIGHTS
ACCOMMODATION
TRAINS & BUSES
CAR RENTAL
GEAR
FAQs
How easy is it to navigate the West Highland Way?
The route is easy to follow and is very well signposted throughout. You’ll have no trouble finding your way.
Are there extra activities on or nearby the WHW route?
Glengoyne Distillery
Ben Nevis
Ben Lomond
Great Glen Way
Inchcailloch Island
How fit do I have to be to do the West Highland Way?
In healthy condition? Can walk a distance without getting out of breathe? Can carry a small backpack? You’ll be fine. Just have some practice walks with a pack to see how you feel.
What should I budget for the trip?
Hostels: £14 – £30 p/night
Hotels: £30 – £65 p/night
Pub meal: Around £15
Supplies: £10 – £15 p/day
Bag Transfer: Around £45
Clothes wash: Around £5
Train journey: £20 – £55
Bus journey: £3 – £15
When is the busiest time for the West Highland Way?
Between May and September it’s busy but especially in June, July and August.
How can I prepare for the West Highland Way?
Plan your daily route out before, book accommodation in advance to ensure good nights sleep. Have some practice walks. Most importantly, break in your footwear well in advance!
Best backpack for the West Highland Way?
Using a bag transfer service? Use a daypack: around 20l to 30l. Carrying all your gear with you? Get a backpack in the 50l to 80l range.
When is the best time to do the West Highland Way?
We always recommend May or September. Trail is a bit quieter, weather is good (but mixed), and the midges are yet to come out in full force (May) or they’re dying out (Sept).
Is it safe to drink from the rivers and streams?
You can but it’s not always safe e.g. animals like goats and sheep do their business near the rivers and streams. We recommend carrying the water you need each day. Or use a good water filter!
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