An overview of walking the West Highland Way including links to walking information, walking equipment, walking holidays, walking maps and travel related to walking

West Highland Way 152km / 95 miles 7 days part of the Walking on the Web guide to walking in Scotland

Maps Ordnance Survey Explorer 342, 347, 364, 377, 384 & 392

The first long distance footpath established in Scotland the West Highland Way travels south to north from Milngavie just outside Glasgow to the base of the highest mountain (Munro) in Scotland (and in Britain for that matter) and on into Fort William. The route goes along the side of the longest loch in Scotland Loch Lomond and crosses the great expanse of Rannoch Moor to boot following the old military road.

The National Trail spannered thistle is used to way mark the route.

The walk is usually completed in six to seven days weather permitting. Apart from the weather the only other obstacles I can envisage to enjoying this wonderful walk are the pests. Horse flies and sheep ticks will be encountered but these are surpassed in their ferocity by the midge, the all invasive midge, the midge that will drive you wild. Take as many precautions as you can especially in July & August. As this is a relatively low level route you will be far more susceptible to their onslaught especially on calm, warm and humid days and nights.

Legend
	Serviced accommodation
	Unserviced accommodation
	Bus route
	Shop for provisions
	Cafe / Restaurant
	First Aid / Pharmacy
	Train
	Airport
Grading
	gradual ascents or descents along well defined paths or tracks. Suitable for novice walkers
	considerable ascents and descents over moderate fell type terrain
	strenuous sometimes exposed routes requiring map reading and navigational skills

Calculating walking distances

Depart Milngavie Arrive Balmaha Total time hrs Distance 30km / 18.5 miles Altitude change Descent m Ascent m Difficulty Intersecting Routes   Map Ordnance Survey Explorer OL

Stratblane

Killearn

Drymen A long first day is rewarded by a view of Loch Lomond from Conic Hill and a pub and another view on the loch side at Balmaha 30km / 18.5 miles

Depart Balmaha   Arrive Inversnaid Total time hrs Distance 23.5km / 14.5 miles Altitude change Descent m Ascent m Difficulty Intersecting Routes   Map Ordnance Survey Explorer OL

Milarrochy

Cashel

Rowardennan Hotel and ferry and at Rowardennan Lodge a SYHA,

Inversnaid Hotel and ferry 01877 386223 23.5km / 14.5miles

Depart Inversnaid   Arrive Crainlarich Total time hrs Distance 23.5km / 14.5 miles Altitude change Descent m Ascent m Difficulty Intersecting Routes   Map Ordnance Survey Explorer OL

Inverarnan

Just below Ardleish the ferry takes you over to the Ardlui Hotel 01301 704243 and if you so wish, otherwise crack on to the Falls of Felloch and Crainlarich beyondSYHA, Hotel and Mountain Rescue Post 21km / 13 miles

Depart Crainlarich   Arrive Loch Tulla Total time hrs Distance 25.25km / 13.75 miles Altitude change Descent m Ascent m Difficulty Intersecting Routes   Map Ordnance Survey Explorer OL

Tyndrum

Bridge of OrchyHotel

Inveroran Hotel overlooking the eastern end of Loch Tulla 25.25km / 13.75 miles

Depart Loch Tulla   Arrive Kingshouse Hotel Total time hrs Distance 15.25km / 9.5 miles Altitude change Descent m Ascent m Difficulty Intersecting Routes   Map Ordnance Survey Explorer OL

Depart Kingshouse Hotel Arrive Kinlochleven Total time hrs Distance 14.5km / 9 miles Altitude change Descent m Ascent m Difficulty Intersecting Routes   Map Ordnance Survey Explorer OL

/

Depart Kinlochleven Arrive Fort William Total time hrs Distance 22.5km / 14 miles Altitude change Descent m Ascent m Difficulty Intersecting Routes   Map Ordnance Survey Explorer OL

Kinlochleven

Lundavra

Glen Nevis

Further information

Scottish Youth Hostels Association 7 Glebe Crescent, Stirling, FK8 2JA

Scot Rail Scottish Citylink

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