Spanning large swaths of wild terrain, the West Highland Way is a popular walking route that draws in visitors from around the world. Encompassing sweeping mountains, tranquil lochs, rolling hills, and lush valleys, this incredible trail offers the unique opportunity to see some of the most iconic landscapes in the Scottish Highlands. Whether you plan to travel the entire route or just a small portion of it, you’re sure to see sights that excite and inspire you!
The Route:
The West Highland Way travels between the towns of Milngavie and Fort William, passing through 155 kilometres of Scottish wilderness.
Though travel times may vary, the West Highland Way typically takes about eight days to complete, with designated stops at the following locations: Drymen Village, Rowardennan Village, Inverarnan Hamlet, Tyndrum Village, Inveroran Hotel, Kingshouse Hotel, and Kinlochleven Village.
Points of Interest:
While you’ll encounter a number of stunning landscapes and lookout points along the West Highland Way, these are some of the most popular points of interest:
● Conic Hill – Towering above Loch Lomond, this lookout point offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
● Loch Lomond – As Scotland’s largest loch, this lake is as beautiful as it is expansive.
● Falls of Falloch – Situated in the northern part of the Trossachs National Park, this 10-metre waterfall is famed for its beauty.
● Rannoch Moor – Vast, remote, and wild, this boggy moorland offers an authentic glimpse into the wilderness of the Scottish Highlands.
● Devil’s Staircase – As the highest point on the West Highland Way, this mountain ridge is home to impressive views of Glencoe Valley.
● Glen Nevis – Made famous by Hollywood’s “Braveheart,” this lush valley offers stunning views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain peak in the British Isles.
Useful Resources
- West Highland Way: https://www.westhighlandway.org/
- Hill Walk Tours: https://www.hillwalktours.com/walking-hiking-blog/west-highland-way-trail-highlights/
- Monkeys & Mountains: https://monkeysandmountains.com/hiking-west-highland-way-scotland/
- Watch Me See: https://watchmesee.com/blog/hiking-the-west-highland-way/