Discover how to walk the West Highland Way in 7 days with this practical guide to Scotland’s most iconic long distance trail. Stretching 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William, the West Highland Way offers stunning lochs, rugged mountains and classic Scottish scenery. If you’ve ever wondered where to start with planning the West Highland Way, this 7 day itinerary covers everything you need including the full route, a mix of wild camping and campsites, a bothy stay, top tips, where to stay and eat and essential stops along the way.
The West Highland Way at a glance
Difficulty: Moderate- some long days and tricky paths along Loch Lomond but the route is fully signposted with plenty of restock options, water taps and wide tracks and paths
Distance: 154km/96 miles
Total Ascent: 4100m
Est Time: This guide is 7 days but it can be done over more or less days, depending on your time available
Starting location: Free parking at Milngavie Train Station next to the start point
Facilities: Shops, restaurants, pubs and toilets on route - all details in the guide below
Dog friendly: If they can walk that far confidently then yes!
What is the West Highland Way?
The West Highland Way is Scotland’s most famous long-distance walking trail stretching approximately 96 miles (154 km) from Milngavie, just outside Glasgow, to Fort William in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Officially opened in 1980, it was the first long-distance footpath in Scotland and remains one of the most popular walking routes in the UK. It is walked by around 40,000 hikers every year so it’s unlikely you’ll get the trail to yourself!
The West Highland Way takes in some of the best scenery in Scotland including Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, The Devil’s Staircase and Ben Nevis. It also passes through several towns and villages including Drymen, Balmaha, Rowardennan, Crianlarich, Tyndrum, Bridge of Orchy, The Kingshouse Hotel and Kinlochleven, offering opportunities for rest, resupply, and accommodation options.
The West Highland Way - 7 day guide
This guide has been written based on my own personal experience over 7 days but you can of course do it over less, or even more days. When planning I used this West Highland Way guidebook and highly recommend it; it was SO helpful!
Day 1: Mingavie to Drymen Campsite (11 miles)
Your adventure begins at the official start of the West Highland Way in Milngavie just outside Glasgow. If you’re parking at the train station, it’s a short 3 minute walk to the official start on the main high street. From there, you pass under an arch and the path leads you from the town centre gently through wooded trails and rolling farmland. I found this part relatively uninspiring but knowing what was ahead of me over the next week made it feel more exciting.
Eventually the views open up into something a little prettier. It’s a relatively relaxed day with well-maintained paths making it a great introduction to long-distance hiking. Part way, you’ll pass the Beech Tree Cafe so depending on time, this is a great place to stop for a drink and a snack.
The route follows a few road sections but they’re always short and eventually you’ll reach Drymen Campsite, a peaceful spot just outside the village with excellent facilities including hot showers and a large area for cooking and eating. It’s the perfect place for your first night under the stars.
I recommend booking Drymen Campsite in advance to ensure you have secured a camping spot. If you don’t want to camp, they also offer a selection of pods you can stay in instead.
Download the route for Day 1 on OS here
Day 2 - Drymen to Rowchoish Bothy (20 miles)
After Drymen, the trail climbs up and over Conic Hill offering stunning views over Loch Lomond, one of the route’s most iconic hills. The path is a gentle incline all the way until you reach the top and the descent down into Balmaha starts. The path here is well maintained and easy to follow.
After reaching Balmaha, there is a shop to restock, a pub and a cafe so it’s worth stopping here for lunch and to rest a little. From there, the path hugs the rugged eastern shore of Loch Lomond. The terrain becomes tougher, more remote, and more atmospheric but you might find your progress slows a little here as you navigate the rough terrain.
The views are incredible along Loch Lomond and you'll also pass a very welcome honesty box packed full of drinks and snacks at Rowardennan.
A little bit further on you'll reach Rowchoish Bothy, your rustic home for the night.
Staying in a bothy is a great experience - they are very simple with no electricity or facilities. Rowchoish bothy is a well maintained bothy in the woodland on the shore of Loch Lomond and consists of an open fire, a wooden bench in a communal eating area and a platform to sleep on - no frills, just a true wild experience.
If staying in a bothy, it’s important to follow the bothy code:
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If you light the fire, leave wood for the next visitors and don’t cut down live trees
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Take ALL your rubbish home with you and at night tidy up and put your food away because there is a chance of resident mice who will take the opportunity to nibble through your food in the night
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If going to the toilet, always bury it far away from the bothy and nowhere near water sources
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The bothy is never full - always make space for people who turn up
If you don’t fancy staying in a bothy or the long walk to it, Rowardennan has an excellent youth hostel you can stay in but be sure to book in advance. This will make your walk slightly shorter which might be more suitable.
Download the route for Day 2 on OS here
Day 3 - Rowchoish Bothy to Beinglas Campsite (10 miles)
After your big day yesterday, you’ll be thankful for a shorter walk today. This section continues along the challenging but beautiful Loch Lomond shoreline, with rocky, undulating terrain and dense woodland.
You’ll reach Inversnaid Hotel which is a good place to refill water, rest and have lunch. Be sure to check out the waterfall there too; it’s very impressive! The path is a bit of a slog along this section but after passing the end of Loch Lomond, you’ll reach another bothy and then the path opens up once again with incredible views. You have now officially finished the Loch Lomond section!
Beinglas Farm Campsite near Inverarnan is your destination for the night. This is a popular campsite with good facilities, food, and a welcome place to recharge after a tough couple of days. I highly recommend the restaurant here; the food was delicious! You don't have to prebook camping pitches here but if you wanted to stay in one of their huts, tents or chalet rooms then you'll need to book these in advance.
Download the route for Day 3 on OS here
Day 4 Beinglas Campsite to Bridge of Orchy (19 miles)
Leaving Loch Lomond behind, the route now moves into the true Highlands, with long, open stretches and stunning mountain views. You’ll start to feel like you’re in a more remote area and after yesterday’s shorter hike your legs should be well rested for another big day. This is worth the effort as there is a stunning wild camping spot on the cards for this day.
At first, the path follows along the side of the River Falloch where there are some impressive waterfalls (worth a stop for a swim if the conditions allow) before opening out into a large valley as the path rises towards Crianlarch. Here, you’ll officially reach the half way point and if needed, you can detour down to Crianlarich to restock but if you have enough food and water, I recommend pushing on to Tyndrum, where you can stop for lunch and resupply if needed. Otherwise, expect to add on an additional 2.5km to your day.
After leaving Crianlarich behind, you’ll head up through a forestry section taking you to a scenic walk along old military roads toward Tyndrum. This section feels like a bit of a slog but there are some beautiful views along the way as well as some interesting history past the place where Robert the Bruce is believed to have lost his sword.
At Tyndrum, there are plenty of options for lunch (I recommend the fish and chips!) as well as a water tap to refill your bottles and a couple of shops to buy food for the next couple of days if needed. There is also plentiful accommodation in Tyndrum if you want to stop here for the night rather than carrying on to the wild camping spot.The next part of the trail is STUNNING. The start of rannoch Moor stretches out infront of you with mountains on both side as you wander through the valley.
Your final destination for the evening is Bridge of Orchy, where you wild camp by the river. There is a designated wild camping space here but when I passed through it was a bit grim. It had been raining and the ground was muddy with no flat spaces for pitching left. Instead, I walked a few more minutes down the road and there were more, flat sections for wild camping. This was a great decision as I had the area to myself with a gorgeous view of the river. There is a pub here but no other facilities so all Leave No Trace principles should be followed here if you decide to camp.
Download the route for Day 4 on OS here.
Day 5 Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse Hotel (12 miles)
Today is one of the most visually dramatic on the trail. After heading up the hill away from Bridge of Orchy, you’ll cross Rannoch Moor, a wild and desolate expanse. The scenery is vast with lochans around you and the mountains towering on the other side. It feels beautifully remote even though the main road isn’t too far away. Having a shorter day today allows you to enjoy the views so take your time because this is a really special area.
Glencoe Ski Resort is your next stop to refuel and most likely have a chat to other hikers on the same trail as you. They do lots of hearty meal options here and also offer camping or other overnight accommodation if you need it.
I recommend heading down to the Kingshouse Hotel in Glencoe though. It’s only a further 15 minutes down the road but this is an iconic stop in Glencoe. Walkers can wildcamp for free behind the hotel and enjoy a hot meal or drink inside as well as toilets that are left open overnight. Few places offer such a perfect blend of remoteness and hospitality.
As you snuggle down in your tent for the night, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of the Buchaille Etive Mor, the peaky Glencoe mountain everyone knows and loves. If you don’t want to camp, you can also book a bed in the Kingshouse bunkhouse.
Download the route for Day 5 on OS here.
Day 6 Kingshouse Hotel to Kinlochleven (9 miles)
This is a shorter day but by far my favourite. It’s not without challenge, especially with the climb up the Devil’s Staircase, the highest point on the trail.
As you leave the Kingshouse behind, the Buchaille dominates and the views are spectacular down Glencoe. It’s all over too quickly and before you know it, you’ll be ascending the zig zag path up the Devil’s Staircase. This feels much harder than it should with a heavy backpack on but the incline is only a few hundred metres and it is over with quickly.
From the summit, you leave Glencoe behind and it's a steady descent into Kinlochleven, along a remote path and down through the forest.
Kinlochleven is a friendly village with shops, pubs and a good campsite options. It’s a great place to rest up before the final push to Fort William. There are also some fabulous wild camping spots if you continue following the West Highland Way out of the town but I’ll let you discover those spots for yourself…
Download the route for Day 6 on OS here.
Day 7 & 8 Kinlochleven to Glen Nevis or Fort William (15 miles)
You can easily finish the trail in a day here by walking from Kinlochleven to Fort William but this will depend on your transport home and what your remaining time will allow.
Leaving Kinlochleven, you'll have one steep climb out of the village to join the Old Military Track. This is a wide, rough track that winds through the valley with The Mamores on one side.
The final leg takes you through a remote glen offering a true sense of wilderness before you descend into Glen Nevis, with Ben Nevis towering ahead. If detouring into Glen Nevis, the route is signposted but if not, the forestry track continues until you reach the road section which will take you into Fort William.
I chose to walk into Glen Nevis and spent the night at the campsite there on day 7 due to restrictions on public transport home. On the 8th day, it was a very short, 1 hour walk, into Fort William to get the train home.
The finish is marked by a sign and a bench with a statue of a walker at the far end of the high street. Conveniently, there is a Wetherspoons located right next to it so if you’re hungry after your 96 mile hike, you can definitely fuel up there!
Download the route for Day 7 on OS here.
If you have any questions on the West Highland Way, I'm happy to help! Just reach out on Instagram. I have also put videos of each section on there and have a whole highlights section on the West Highland Way. :)
The West Highland Way, full route
Download the Ordnance Survey route and map here.
Is there public transport to the start in Milngavie?
Yes, there is a train and bus station in Milngavie with direct routes from Glasgow.
Glasgow also has an international airport.
There are regular trains and buses from Fort William at the end point back to Glasgow but it’s a good idea to book these in advance during peak season.
When is the best time of year to do the West Highland Way?
The best time to hike the West Highland Way is typically between late April and mid October when the weather is most favorable and route services are fully operational.
One thing to factor in is that during the summer months (mid-May to early September) the midges will be out in force on the trail. If you get a breeze for the week, they probably won’t bother you too much but if not, be prepared for swarms of midges testing your patience.
I did the trail the second week of September and had a mix of rain and sunshine but luckily no midges.
Remember though, it’s Scotland so you need to be prepared for all weathers and conditions especially when you’re out in it for an extended time so go prepared and embrace it!
Can you walk the route from north to south?
Yes, you can walk the West Highland Way from north to south starting in Fort William and finishing in Milngavie but it’s much less common.
Pros of walking north to south include less crowds and the trail is less rugged further south so it’s an easier finish however you’ll start with the harder sections
How hard is the West Highland Way?
The West Highland Way is a moderate long distance hike suitable for most reasonably fit walkers. Covering 96 miles, it includes a mix of easy paths, rocky trails, and some challenging sections like Conic Hill and the path around Loch Lomond which is very rocky. While the trail doesn’t require technical skills, the distance, changeable Scottish weather and occasional steep climbs can be demanding. With good preparation, it’s a rewarding and achievable trek for beginners and experienced hikers alike.
The route is also fully signposted with plenty of places to stop and stay along the way.
Top tips for the West Highland Way
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Train Before You Go
Build up your stamina with back to back long walks and get used to carrying a heavy rucksack. Aim for 10-15 miles a day to simulate trail conditions and prevent injury or fatigue on the route. -
Use a Luggage Transfer Service
If you want to enjoy the hike without the strain of a heavy pack, book a luggage transfer. It’s affordable and lets you carry just a daypack and the company will transfer your luggage to your accommodation for you each day. This is obviously not possible if you’re wild camping! There are plenty of companies offering this service including AMS Scotland and travel-lite. -
Be Prepared for All Weather
Scottish weather is famously unpredictable. Pack for rain, wind, and sun - waterproofs, layers, and quick-dry clothing are essential even in summer. It can get cold camping at night and changing into a clean, dry pair of thermals like the My Urban Trail Thermals is a nice treat in the evening. -
Bring Midge Protection
From late spring to early autumn, midges can be relentless. Bring midge repellent and a head net, especially for camping or early morning starts. -
Book Accommodation Early
The West Highland Way is popular and places in smaller villages like Inverarnan or Kingshouse can book up fast especially in peak season (May–September). The campsite at Beinglass doesn’t take advance bookings but if you want to not camp and stay in accommodation along the way, book early. -
Carry Some Cash
Not all places along the hike accept cards particularly the honesty boxes so take some cash with you. -
Take Your Time & Enjoy the Scenery
Don’t rush. This walk is as much about the experience as the mileage. Take breaks, soak in the views and enjoy the hospitality along the way. -
Don't overpack
It’s tempting to prepare for every possible scenario, but overpacking is one of the most common mistakes on the West Highland Way. Remember, you’ll be carrying everything on your back (unless you're using a luggage transfer service) so every extra item adds up quickly. Stick to lightweight, multi-use gear and focus on essentials: quality layers, waterproofs, and blister care.
For additional UK outdoor adventures, wild swimming, hiking routes and more, check my other blog posts here on MY URBAN TRAIL and follow me @Wild_0utdoors on Instagram.
Happy adventuring!
Izzy