A Scottish long-distance route from the lowlands into the Highlands with lochs, heather, good infrastructure and a strong atmosphere.
West Highland Way is an accessible, well-marked and beautiful introduction to the world of British long-distance trekking. The main challenge comes from weather, wind, rain and trail surface.
Quick orientation of the route line, start, end and elevation profile.
Elevation data for stage points is indicative, derived from Copernicus DEM GLO-90 after geocoding stage locations via OSM; problematic points are manually verified from map or trail sources. Verify against the specific GPX/map before your trip.
Map data: OpenStreetMap contributors, displayed via Waymarked Trails.
Bunkhouses at £25–40/night are the most economical option. B&Bs at £50–80/night. Book Kinlochleven well in advance.
April–October. Best window: late May–June (good light, fewer midges, not yet overcrowded) and September (less insects, autumn colours). July–August: peak season and peak midges. Winter is possible but a shorter day and snow on Rannoch Moor requires experience.
A Scottish long-distance route from the outskirts of Glasgow to Fort William under Ben Nevis. The trek crosses Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe — the landscape shifts from gentle forests and lochs to wild open moors and dramatic mountain valleys. Well-waymarked and logistically simple, but Scottish weather and midges are a constant variable.
Hikers looking for their first British long-distance trek or a solid week-long trek with character, good infrastructure and a real landscape story. Suitable for hikers of average fitness.
6–8 days is a sensible planning frame. A shorter itinerary only makes sense with a lighter pack and confidence in daily pace.
Start at Milngavie (train from Glasgow Queen Street, 30 minutes). Finish at Fort William (train back to Glasgow or Edinburgh, Caledonian Sleeper to London). Baggage transfer available through several local operators — your bag moves to the next bunkhouse or hotel on its own. Book accommodation in advance, especially at Crianlarich, Bridge of Orchy and Kinlochleven.
Small purchases possible in Balmaha, Tyndrum (the excellent Real Food Cafe), Bridge of Orchy and Kinlochleven. Fort William as the end offers full resupply. No critical supply gap on the route — but the Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe stages have no shops.
No entry permits required. Scottish law allows camping almost anywhere on open land (Land Reform Act) — but keep away from private land and gardens. Camping at Loch Lomond within the LLTNP section falls under zoning rules; check current park regulations.
April–October. Best window: late May–June (good light, fewer midges, not yet overcrowded) and September (less insects, autumn colours). July–August: peak season and peak midges. Winter is possible but a shorter day and snow on Rannoch Moor requires experience.
West Highland Way is rated as Moderate. A Scottish long-distance route from the outskirts of Glasgow to Fort William under Ben Nevis. The trek crosses Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe — the landscape shifts from gentle forests and lochs to wild open moors and dramatic mountain valleys. Well-waymarked and logistically simple, but Scottish weather and midges are a constant variable.
West Highland Way usually takes 6–8 days. 6–8 days is a sensible planning frame. A shorter itinerary only makes sense with a lighter pack and confidence in daily pace.
No entry permits required. Scottish law allows camping almost anywhere on open land (Land Reform Act) — but keep away from private land and gardens. Camping at Loch Lomond within the LLTNP section falls under zoning rules; check current park regulations.
Small purchases possible in Balmaha, Tyndrum (the excellent Real Food Cafe), Bridge of Orchy and Kinlochleven. Fort William as the end offers full resupply. No critical supply gap on the route — but the Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe stages have no shops.
FISHCoastal & Island Treks
Alentejo a Algarve, Portugalsko
PEM
LAUG
MEN
SWCPCoastal & Island Treks
Anglie, Velká Británie
KUNBeginner Treks
Švédské Laponsko
Real shots from the trail by people who walked it — coming soon.