The West Highland Way, which runs through the heart of Scotland, is one of the UK’s most popular walking routes. It stretches from Milngavie, just outside Glasgow, pushes on upwards past impossibly pretty scenery around Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, before going full steam ahead towards the Highlands and a Fort William finish. The most common route totals 96 miles or 154 km and can be completed in a week. Most explorers launch themselves into it from a southern starting point, as the relative ease needed to conquer the opening sections helps to prepare the feet and the mind for what is to come later on, when things start to get a little steep!
Here’s everything you need to know to walk the famous path safely and with maximum enjoyment – we’ve thrown in tips and tricks to help you along the way.
Itinerary – the numbers game
Trekkers can tackle the task in any way they see fit; there are no set rules but there are plenty of options. Conventional wisdom is that it can’t be walked in its entirety in 7 or 8 days, but that’s not to stop hardcore ramblers setting out to do it in less, or for a more leisurely stroll some choose to break up the stretch into smaller walks and mini-breaks. Regardless of how far or how fast you want to pace it, it’s also worth considering where you’re going to overnight along the way, and that can help dictate your mileage and plan. 30,000 people descend on the paths every year, so accommodation gets booked up well in advance. There are also transport options all the way along if you need a helping hand or want to go off-piste slightly.
With all of that in mind, here are some suggested Itineraries from our friends at the official West Highland Way Management Group, all of which are popular and picturesque in equal measure:
What you’ll need with you – besides good company…
Those in the know suggest packing items as obscure as a trowel (can you guess what for?) and indeed the list of what you could take with you on this challenging trek is pretty exhaustive. You can run with your own ideas but for the sake of argument let’s try and distill everything down to the absolute essentials and a top ten:
- Map – always carry a traditional hard copy (choice of maps) or there are some fantastic OS map Apps out there
- First aid kit – make sure it includes pain killers, antihistamines, blister pads, plasters, bandages, scissors and anything else particular to you
- Waste bags – remember the trowel from earlier on? There will be waste of all kinds to consider, so have plenty of these handy
- Water – take enough to get you from point to point as the hours tick by
- Rucksack – the size and type of rucksack you’ll need will be decided by your chosen route and how many of the other essentials you’re packing. Choose wisely!
- Suitable clothing – Scotland can often show you the best and worst weather conditions in a single afternoon. Lightweight, waterproof clothing is essential, as are extra layers. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is a must for any dedicated walker too
- Whistle – even the most experienced outdoors aficionado can take a wrong turn or an unfortunate stumble. Having a whistle can help you in an emergency
- Torch – traditional, fancy head torch or mobile phone – make sure you take something along for the ride and have spare batteries at the ready
- Penknife – a pocket knife or multi-purpose tool can be used with all of the above and much more
- Midge repellent/midge net – top tip – during a brief period in the summer Scotland is alive with flying critters – a little provision will help you to avoid a plague
Where to stay – choice picks of where to pitch up
As we’ve already touched on, there are a number of ways to split up the journey to tailor it to your needs. There is also a large mix of accommodation options, ranging from creature comfort B and Bs with views of mountain ranges, to affordable campsites by the side of tranquil lochs. It’s all there. The popularity of the West Highland Way means that local companies will often offer a premium experience which includes baggage transfer – worth keeping in mind when planning where you’re going to sleep from night to night. Here’s a handy guide to some recommended B and Bs along the way, and for a night under the stars we’ve included an alternative list of campsites as recommended by the experts. Be sure to specify pet-friendly if you’re taking a canine friend along. By the time you reach the euphoric end stages, accommodation choices become rather limited – particularly up and around Fort William – leave plenty of time to secure a place at the Kingshouse Hotel: Hotel and Bunkhouse in Glencoe for some much-needed R and R and a celebratory single malt.
Other points of interest – if your mind isn’t quite made up…
How could we get this far without mentioning Scotland’s famous flora and fauna? The wildlife, the landscape, the terrain, the icons? Well, here we are. The wildlife is one of the main draws for people who dream of walking this well-trodden path, and it’s easy to see why. Take a deep breath and let’s list the best of the best: kestrels, buzzards, red grouse, common lizards, newts, red squirrels, Ospreys, Golden Eagles, red deer and their miniature roe deer cousins all call the Highlands their home. Your camera roll will be as full as your legs are exhausted. The diversity of Scotland’s woodlands and forests mean that there are more species of trees than you could hope to shake a (whittled) stick at. From towering giants to diminutive beauties, all of the following can be found piercing the skyline along the famous Highland path: pine, fir, conifer, spruce, ash, beech, hazel, as well as many more.
You’ve got the lowdown on the practicalities and the beauty spots, now let’s put it all together and make it happen for you.
Best Time Adventures – we’ll help you tackle the West Highland Way your way
Now you have the full picture, it’s all down to you. The walk which offers so much can also be approached in many different ways. It’s a challenging prospect, a grueling task of endurance, so let us make it as hassle-free as possible for you. By taking care of all of your needs, including baggage transfer, accommodation and anything else you may need, we will give you the platform to tackle the monster trek and reach the end with aplomb. And as our name suggests, we’re here to put some adventure back into hiking, so lace your boots up tight and be prepared for a once in a lifetime journey…