Long-distance walk · Scotland
West Highland Way
Scotland's best-known trail, from the edge of Glasgow to the foot of Ben Nevis.
- Distance
- 152 km
- 94 miles
- Stages
- 8
- 6–8 days for most people
- Total ascent
- 3,114 m
- over the whole trail
- Highest point
- 549 m
About the West Highland Way
Scotland's first official long-distance route runs from Milngavie, on the edge of Glasgow, to Fort William. It follows the whole east shore of Loch Lomond, crosses the wide emptiness of Rannoch Moor on an old military road, and climbs the Devil's Staircase at the head of Glen Coe before dropping to Kinlochleven.
It's well waymarked and well served, with places to stay at the end of every stage and baggage-carrying services along the whole route. The busiest months are May and September.
Stages
The usual stages, ending where there's somewhere to stay. Times are by Naismith's rule, without stops.
| Stage | Route | Distance | Ascent | Time | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Milngavie to Drymen | 18.8 km | 171 m | 4 h | GPX for stage 1 |
| 2 | Drymen to Balmaha | 11.5 km | 333 m | 3 h | GPX for stage 2 |
| 3 | Balmaha to Rowardennan | 12.1 km | 185 m | 2½ h | GPX for stage 3 |
| 4 | Rowardennan to Inverarnan | 21.8 km | 505 m | 5 h | GPX for stage 4 |
| 5 | Inverarnan to Tyndrum | 19.3 km | 435 m | 4½ h | GPX for stage 5 |
| 6 | Tyndrum to Kingshouse | 29.9 km | 567 m | 7 h | GPX for stage 6 |
| 7 | Kingshouse to Kinlochleven | 14.0 km | 366 m | 3½ h | GPX for stage 7 |
| 8 | Kinlochleven to Fort William | 24.1 km | 557 m | 5½ h | GPX for stage 8 |
Walks along the way
Day walks that start near the trail, for a rest day or a detour.
Hard
·
New
Buachaille Etive Mòr: Stob Dearg and Stob na Bròige
Altnafeadh
14.3 km · 1160 m · 5.5–7 h
