There are some restrictions in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park so it is important to check this out before you leave. There are also campsites at many convenient places on the Way, even if wild camping is not permitted where you want to overnight. The alternative that most people choose is to book with a company, such as us Macs Adventure! Spring and autumn are two of our favourite seasons for walking the WHW, when temperatures are fine for daily walking and days are often dry.
Be prepared for fickle Scottish weather, however. Legend has it that the midges are less present in May and September, so those months are very popular. If you are keen to walk the West Highland Way in May, you would be best advised to book as early as possible , because accommodation spaces fill up fast, and due to the remote nature of much of the trail, once it is full it is full!
Macs Adventure will always do what they can to find you a place to stay, and you can see example accommodation on our website itineraries. Summer is also a great time to walk the West Highland Way when days are longer and generally warmer, although you may be bothered by Scotland's favourite pests, the midges see below. Winter can be an amazing time to walk the WHW. The route will be far less busy and Scotland can experience some stunning days of clear skies and snowy landscapes. But be warned that snow, ice, rain and mist are common in Scotland in winter and if you plan to embark on the route in winter you should be highly skilled at navigation and remote winter hiking.
Macs Adventure does not offer walking holidays on the West Highland Way during winter, sorry. The West Highland Way is waymarked with clear signposts and marker posts. For the most part, these are easy to see and follow but a map and compass can be taken as a precaution, for times when you miss seeing signs or the weather becomes inclement. Macs Adventure offer a mobile phone app with maps and tracking via GPS too.
There are sections of the way that travel through remote landscapes that can be subject to snowdrifts, mist, heavy rain etc. However please be reassured that the route is very easy to follow, and chances are you'll only use your map for your own interest. If it is a complete walk of the route you are planning, unfortunately, Macs Adventure don't offer packages that accommodate dogs on the West Highland Way.
This is due to many of the accommodations not accepting dogs, and should transfers by taxi be needed, they also may not transport dogs. If you are planning to source accommodations, do make sure you check in advance. And of course, take into account your dog's fitness and age before embarking on the way, it's a long way for little paws! Dogs are permitted along the Way usually staying in tents with owners but in some places, they must be kept on a lead.
One section that can be closed to dogs in spring is on the east approach to Conic Hill, where there are two enclosed lambing fields.
There are plenty of accommodation providers along the WHW route but they fill up early, especially in the spring and summer months. To be sure that you are staying at trusted quality accommodation, book your West Highland Way as a walking holiday with a reputable operator, who will also have the knowledge to work out the perfect itinerary for you. There are ticks in Scotland and in areas along the West Highland Way, and some may carry Lyme disease, but the chances of being infected are very low.
It is a good idea to check your skin for ticks every day and to carry a tick removal device a little instrument freely available in most outdoor shops and stops along the West Highland Way with you as a precaution. If you do receive a tick bite that grows red or swells up or if you feel unwell you should seek medical advice.
You can drive or catch the train or bus from Glasgow to Milngavie. The train station in Milngavie is very close to the start of the trail, and most walkers arrive by train. There is no official parking for the trail in Milngavie, although there is on-street parking throughout the community. From Tyndrum, the route closely follows the railway and the road, although continues to maintain its own unique qualities. By this stage, you are firmly in the Scottish Highlands and the view will be spectacular from here, all the way to Fort William.
The path uses an old military road throughout this stage and continues right across Rannoch Moor. This is also the most exposed section of the route so far with little protection from the elements. Additional Info: 2. One of the more challenging stages of the WHW, the path climbs out of Bridge of Orchy through a coniferous forest, eventually providing lovely views across to Loch Tulla.
The path then passes the Inveroran Hotel, before the long stretch across the edge of the wild and eerily remote Rannoch Moor, passed the Glencoe Ski Centre and into the fabulous mountain range of Glencoe and the isolated Kings House Hotel.
The views from the top are spectacular. The track away from the staircase towards Kinlochleven signals an escape from the Glencoe Mountains and offers a long descent along excellent tracks all the way into the town. The climb out of Kinlochleven is a steep ascent through a beautiful little forest. The view from the top provides fabulous view down to Loch Leven and the village. The old military road then passes through a wide valley on the edge of Mamore mountain range, known as Lairigmor, before turning towards Glen Nevis through a variety of forested areas.
The path gradually descends as the way approaches Fort William, with a final stretch along the road into Fort William centre. For itineraries which feature a stop at Kingshouse, there is the option to stay at the Kingshouse Hotel or we can arrange a transfer to the villages of Glencoe and Ballachullish. The car journey through Glencoe takes you through the heart of this stunning mountain range, offering wonderful close up views of the towering mountains which dominate the surrounding landscape.
Individual preferences can be stipulated in the Holiday Booking Form. This package includes a one night stay in Fort William, however, additional nights at the end of the walk can be arranged to explore the highlands at your leisure, including a climb up Scotland's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Walkers must organise their own return transport to Glasgow and beyond.
Details of public transport services are available on request. If you would prefer to walk the West Highland Way using an alternative itinerary, please let us know using the Enquiry Form and we will do our utmost to tailor the holiday to your needs. Please click on each link for further details of our luggage partners.
The second section that makes this tough is the long mile day from Bridge of Orchy to Kinlochleven. The terrain over much of this part of the trip is pretty good, taking you over the relatively flat Rannoch Moor, however, before getting to Kinlochleven you have to tackle the Devils Staircase which can be pretty tough on fresh legs, never mind tired ones.
The Devils Staircase is the biggest climb that the whole walk has to offer and if you don't think you are up for it after a long days walk, then I would recommend the 7 Day Itinerary. The 7 walking days itinerary is the classic walk and by far the most popular trip that we sell here at Macs Adventure. The walking is nicely broken up on this itinerary and although there is still a mile day in there, it is between Tyndrum and Kingshouse which is a relatively flat section walking on time worn, solid paths.
You will find that most people are walking this trip and you will start to find familiar faces as you walk during the day or visit the restaurants and pubs at night.
It is a great trip for building up the outstanding camaraderie that long distance walking can offer. With the 8 day itinerary , we are starting to get more into holiday territory. The 8-day adventure allows you a little more time to take in the sights and sounds of the West Highland Way. The main differences with this trip are that the day walking over the Rannoch Moor is split in two, so rather than having the mile walk, which many people still find daunting, you have two 10 miles sections instead.
For this itinerary, we would try and accommodate you between Crianlarich and Tyndrum rather than in Tyndrum itself, just to even out the walking days and make the trip more enjoyable over all. This itinerary eases you in a bit more gently while allowing you to take more time on each section of the walk. The first few days are stretched out here to build up strength in your legs and let you get into the swing of things a little easier.
The Drymen to Rowardennan section which is on day 2 of the walk is split down into two sections. So rather than doing a straight 15 miles on your second day, it will be shared over two days with an 8 mile and a 7-mile day with an overnight stop in the charming Balmaha.
If you are not used to daily walking and are worried about how your legs will fare, then it may be an idea to choose this itinerary and break yourself into it. Will get to see the tip? Will you? Be sure to read the Scottish Outdoors Access Code for rules which include being respectful of locals and animals, picking your rubbish after you, not parking close to roads.
We talk extensively about this in our camping guide to the North Coast very popular road trip in Scotland. This means they collect in Milngavie and your bags arrive at your accommodation each day before you do usually. Many hikers do. Just keep in mind that there is limited drying space in some of the accommodation and if you are camping there could be nothing available. Another option is to do a callout in one of the many Europe backpackers Facebook groups, a Scotland tips Facebook group or the specific West Highland Way support group.
From June — August we see the worst of the swarms. There is every type of accommodation along the West Highland Way which makes the trek very inclusive of all budgets.
Hostels with drying rooms and kitchens can be booked at Balmaha, Tyndrum, Bridge of Orchy, Kingshouse and Kinlochleven. Hotels are also available throughout, naturally, these are pricier than the alternatives mentioned here. Read more Where we stayed on the West Highland Way.
Your packing list will depend on whether you are carrying your own bags or using a transfer company. Essentials include. You may also like Our full WHW packing list.
This West Highland Way route planner can be adapted to meet the needs of any hiker. Gemma is an award-winning blogger who loves to plan trips and publish travel guides and packing lists so you don't have to! Loves cities, road trips, skiing and karaoke. Hates coriander. This is such thorough advice.
What a trek! Very impressive. It was beautiful. My aim was to see more of Scotland before we left and it was a great way to do so! Aaah this is an awesome idea! I am loving these posts on the West Highland Way! I went on a tour of the Scottish Highlands over a year ago and heard about this trail.
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