Self Guided West Highland Way Walking Holiday Dossier


The 95 mile West Highland Way links Milngavie, just outside Glasgow, to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. It passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Britain, from lowland Scotland into the heart of the Highlands.

The following is intended to provide further information about the route. Please note that all distances and heights in this document are approximate and along with all the other information are provided as an aid to describe the route. Several guide books providing more detailed route descriptions and information are available.

Start of route
Milngavie

End of route
Fort William

Note it is possible to start or finish a self guided holiday in any village on the route if you would like to follow an alternative itinerary to those listed on our website.

Direction of walk
South to North

Grade
Generally this is a moderate route though some strenuous walking is encountered e.g. on Rannoch Moor (445m/1460ft), the Devils Staircase (548m/1797ft) and the Lairigmor (330m/1082ft).

Terrain
The terrain varies from lowland moors, woodland, rolling hills, to high mountainous regions in the Scottish Highlands.

Waymarking
The route is sensibly waymarked and generally easy to follow with the aid of a map.

Guide books and maps
A Trailblazer guide book and Harvey map are included. Additional guide books and maps are available for the route, please see our online shop. The Ordnance Survey Explorer maps covering the route and surrounding countryside are 348, 347, 364, 377, 384 and 392.

Luggage transfer
For the duration of the holiday your luggage is transferred from accommodation to accommodation by a luggage transfer agent. Luggage allowance is 1 bag/person weighing not more than 18kg (40lbs).

Accommodation description
Accommodation is booked in comfortable B&Bs, Guest Houses, small Hotels and Inns. Types and standards of accommodation vary from village to village, and room sizes and facilities vary within accommodation. Many properties are hundreds of years old, and although many rooms have been converted to ensuite it has not been possible to do so in some properties or rooms due to space limitations or buildings having listed status (i.e. a property preservation order). As an indication if you require double or twin occupancy you can expect to share a bathroom (i.e. have a non ensuite room) for one night of a full tour. For single occupancy rooms we aim to book at least 50% of the nights ensuite.

Meals
A full Scottish breakfast is included in the cost of your holiday (unless specified otherwise) and is served at your accommodation. Packed lunches (average cost £5) are available to buy from your accommodation or local shop, and evening meals (average cost £12) are available from local pubs.

Weather
The weather in Scotland is unpredictable. You should be prepared for all possibilities as weather, particularly in the mountains, can change quickly. Weather statistics are available from the Met Office at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/

Clothing
Good outdoor clothing and waterproofs are essential.

Footwear
Comfortable walking boots which provide good grip on multiple terrain and ankle support are recommended.

Equipment
A suggested equipment list will be sent to you.

Travel
For information on travelling to and from the route please click here



Route description


Milngavie (height above sea level 50m).
Set amidst beautiful countryside this busy town is just 7 miles northwest of Glasgow and is the official start point of the West highland Way.

Milngavie (50m) to Drymen (50m). Distance 12 miles
The official start of the West Highland Way is a granite obelisk in Douglas Street, Milngavie. The Way leaves the town centre and enters Mugdock Country Park. On leaving the park the route continues northwards on good paths through rolling farmland. On route to Drymen the Way passes through Dumgoyne village.

Drymen (50m) to Balmaha (20m). Distance 8 miles
The Way enters Garadhban Forest and follows a forest track for a few miles. Upon leaving the forest you can either follow the alternative route to Milton of Buchan and then the road to Balmaha, or follow the path as is climbs almost to the summit of Conic Hill (360m), on a clear day there are wonderful views over Loch Lomond. The Way then descends to Balmaha, and passes the National Park Centre.

Balmaha (20m) to Rowardennan (20m). Distance 7 miles
A woodland walk along good paths or tracks for most of the route but it can be twisty and undulating in places. The Way runs close to the eastern shore of Loch Lomond.

Rowardennan (20m) to Inverarnan (30m). Distance 14 miles
The Way follows a forestry track for approx 2 miles to Ptarmigan Lodge, 300m further on the Way divides. The right hand, higher path follows a forest track and is easier going. The lower route goes down steep stone steps toward the shoreline. It is hard going in places; sometimes steep above the loch and sometimes scrambling among boulders. The two paths run for 4 miles then converge and continue through pleasant woodland, for a further 3 miles to Inversnaid. The Way then continues along the side of the loch but the going is more difficult and the path for the next few miles is regarded as one of the toughest sections of the Way. Two miles before Inverarnan the going is much easier. The historic, and somewhat eccentric, Drovers’ Inn at Inverarnan is a great favourite with its range of good value meals and selection of beers and whiskies. It is well worth a visit, if only to see the collection of stuffed animals and birds.

Inverarnan (30m) to Crianlarich (180m). Distance 6 miles
The Way continues along good paths and tracks, much of which is an old military road. This is the gateway to the Highlands and the Way gains height as it leaves the Loch Lomond basin and rises to 250m.

Crianlarich (180m) to Tyndrum (225m). Distance 6 miles
Initially through a forest the way continues along good paths and tracks with some moderate descents and ascents.

Tyndrum (225m) to Inveroran (175m). Distance 9 miles
The Way continues for 7 miles along good paths and tracks following the line of an old military road to the Bridge of Orchy. The route crosses the bridge and climbs a small hillock (310m) with some superb views all-round.

Inveroran (175m) to Kingshouse (250m). Distance 10 miles
There is good going underfoot as you cross Rannoch Moor, one of Britains largest and wildest moors. The path climbs steadily to its high point at 450m before descending to Kingshouse. The scenery is spectacular but you are highly exposed and in bad weather this can be a very tough stage of the Way. Built in the 17th century, Kingshouse is believed to be one of Scotland's oldest licensed inns.

Kingshouse (250m) to Kinlochleven (20m). Distance 9 miles
The Way follows the route of an old military road. 3 miles beyond Kings House the Way climbs steeply up the Devils Staircase. At 550m this is the highest point on the Way. There is now a long descent into Kinlochleven. This again is a hard and exposed stage in bad weather.

Kinlochleven (20m) to Fort William (10m) Distance 14 miles
In the first mile the Way zigzags steeply up the hillside to meet an old military road (250m). The highest point on todays route is Lairigmor, the high pass (330m), though there are no more serious gradients as the route continues on good paths with high mountains on both sides. The final stretch is a bit of rough walking through Nevis Forest, with Ben Nevis (1344m) the highest mountain in the British Isles, visible through breaks in the trees. The Way descends into Glen Nevis and follows a road for the final 1.5miles to Nevis Bridge and the end of a wonderful route.

Fort William
Fort William is the largest town in the west Highlands of Scotland. It is surrounded by magnificent scenery and has an important history. There are high mountains, lochs, beautiful glens, forests and beaches in between. This is a huge outdoor playground which caters for a wide range of activities. Fort William is an excellent location to spend an extra day or more. There is a wealth of on land, and on water activities. Many people stay a day longer just to climb Ben Nevis. Please contact us if you require further information.