MARK West Highland Way
The West Highland Way is Scotland's most famous long-distance trail — a 154 km journey from the outskirts of Glasgow to the foot of Ben Nevis. It's a varied, atmospheric route through lochs, moorland, glens, and mountains, typically completed in 5–8 days.
The full trail guide — stats, the route day by day, what it really feels like, and the planning detail you need to walk it.
At a Glance
- Best Season: April–October
- Terrain: Lochan shores, moorland, glens, mountain passes
The Route
🏔️ Route Character
The West Highland Way builds steadily: gentle farmland out of Milngavie, the classic Conic Hill view over Loch Lomond, the rugged and rocky east shore of the loch, then open glens, old military roads, and the vast, wild crossing of Rannoch Moor before the Devil's Staircase and the long finish beneath Ben Nevis.
It's varied and atmospheric from day one — the perfect first long-distance trail for Scotland, with big scenery and genuinely wild sections balanced by easy walking.
🧰 Route Breakdown
- Day 1 — Milngavie → Drymen — Gentle farmland and woodland paths — a warm-up day with easy terrain.
- Day 2 — Drymen → Rowardennan — Conic Hill ascent and Loch Lomond views — the classic section with big scenery.
- Day 3 — Rowardennan → Inverarnan — The rugged, rocky Loch Lomond shoreline — slow going and one of the toughest sections.
- Day 4 — Inverarnan → Tyndrum — Open glens and old military roads — fast, scenic, and atmospheric.
- Day 5 — Tyndrum → Bridge of Orchy — Rolling terrain with big mountain views — a clean, structured day.
- Day 6 — Bridge of Orchy → Kingshouse — Crossing Rannoch Moor — remote, wild, and iconic.
- Day 7 — Kingshouse → Kinlochleven — The Devil's Staircase — steep but short, with huge views over Glen Coe.
- Day 8 — Kinlochleven → Fort William — Forest trails, open glens, and a finish beneath Ben Nevis — a superb final day.
Practical
⚠️ Difficulty & Hazards
- Navigation: Well-waymarked and easy to follow; carry a map and GPX for the wilder moorland sections.
- Terrain: Mix of easy tracks, rugged shoreline, and exposed mountain stretches.
- Fitness: Long days with sustained mileage — build up to it.
- Weather: Scottish conditions change fast; check MWIS and the Met Office daily.
- Accommodation: Hostels, B&Bs, campsites and bothies — book ahead in summer.
🌠️ Who This Route Suits
- First-time long-distance walkers
- Intermediate walkers
- Anyone wanting a varied Scottish multi-day route
- Walkers finishing beneath Ben Nevis
Not ideal for
- People wanting a fully waymarked city-to-city path (it's rural and remote in places)
📱 Parking & Logistics
- Getting there: Start at Milngavie, just north of Glasgow — easy by train or bus.
- Finish: Fort William has excellent transport links back to Glasgow.
- Resupply: Towns and villages along the route; plan food and water for Rannoch Moor.
🧰 GPX & Map Notes
On OS Landranger maps 57, 41, 50 and 41. The trail is well-waymarked, but a GPX helps for planning days and the remote moorland stretches.
⭐ MX Summary: The West Highland Way is Scotland's classic long-distance trail — lochs, moorland, glens, and a grand finish beneath Ben Nevis. Varied, atmospheric, and the perfect first big walk.