Walking the West Highland Way
The West Highland Way is Scotland's first and favourite long-distance route: 96 miles from Milngavie on Glasgow's edge, up Loch Lomond, across Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe to Fort William. Every year 36,000 people walk the whole thing — and understand immediately why.
The stages below are the classic overnight stops. Book beds early for May–September; this is the busiest trail in Scotland and the bunkhouses fill first.
The route
West Highland Way
🥾 Before you set out
Trail conditions, diversions and closures change — check the official trail site before you travel, carry a paper map for the remote sections, and book baggage transfer with your beds if you'd rather walk light.
Stage by stage
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1
Milngavie
The granite obelisk on the high street starts it all.
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2
Drymen
First night out, with Loch Lomond ahead.
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3
Balmaha
Conic Hill's summit puts the whole loch at your feet.
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4
Rowardennan
The long wooded lochside beneath Ben Lomond.
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5
Inverarnan
The head of the loch and the legendary Drovers Inn.
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6
Tyndrum
Into the big country — refuel here, the wilderness is next.
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7
Bridge of Orchy
Rannoch Moor's edge: the emptiest, most beautiful miles.
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8
Kingshouse (Glencoe)
Buachaille Etive Mòr fills the sky — then the Devil's Staircase.
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9
Kinlochleven
The last night before the final glen.
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10
Fort William
Finish at the sore-feet statue, with Ben Nevis waiting for the ambitious.
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Community notes
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Good to know
- How long does the West Highland Way take?
- Around 6–8 days for the full 96 miles — the stages on this page break it into real walking days, and every one works as a section walk too.
- Should I book accommodation ahead?
- Yes — beds along the popular trails go months ahead for summer. Each stage lists places to stay nearby so you can book the whole walk before you lace up.
- Can I get my bags carried?
- Baggage-transfer services operate on all the major trails, moving your bag between overnight stops so you walk with a daysack. Book it alongside your beds.
- Do I book through this site?
- No — every listing links straight to the holiday operator and you book with them at their live price. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.