5-day · Express
Longer daily stages for fit hikers.
Scotland
West Highland Way
Difficulty: Moderate · T2 How hard is it?
- 5–9 Days
- 154 km 95.7 mi Distance
- ↑4,200 m 13,800 ft Ascent
- ↓3,950 m 12,950 ft Descent
Planning your walk?
Do it on an interactive map — proven days, the places that matter.
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The trail
What is the West Highland Way?
The West Highland Way is Scotland's most popular long-distance walk: a week or so on foot between the edge of Glasgow and the Highlands. First-timers come for a clear path, not for a scramble. Most people start at Milngavie; the opposite direction starts under Ben Nevis.
- Distance 154 km · 95.7 mi Between Milngavie, just north of Glasgow, and Fort William beneath Ben Nevis.
- Days Most people take six to nine. We plan five to nine; seven is the usual start.
- Terrain Well waymarked paths. The hard part is the days, not scrambling.
- The walk Loch-side paths, open moor, and Ben Nevis at the Fort William end.
The route
Choose a proven itinerary
Pick a researched five- to nine-day plan. Open it on the map. Stays, food, and shops are already on the path. Then change nights to make it yours.
Most people walk this way: Milngavie to Fort William. Opposite direction is a choice when you open a plan.
6-day · Compact
Popular balance of mileage and rest. One fewer night on trail.
7-day · Classic
The standard pace. Our recommended default.
8-day · Relaxed
Shorter days with buffer for weather or side trips.
9-day · Leisurely
Maximum flexibility. Ideal for a first long-distance hike.
Frequently asked questions
The walk
How hard is it?
Moderate means well waymarked paths with no scrambling. T2 is a hill-path grade: rough tracks and some steep bits, but you do not need your hands. The real test is endurance: 154 km · 95.7 mi over several 20–30 km (12–19 mi) days. The north shore of Loch Lomond and the climb out of Kinlochleven are usually the hardest stages. If this is your first long-distance walk, take at least seven days.
How long does the West Highland Way take?
Most people walk it in six to nine days. We offer proven presets from a fast five-day schedule to a leisurely nine-day plan. The classic seven-day split is the most popular starting point. A four-day finish is a trail-running challenge. We do not recommend it as a walking itinerary.
When is the best time to walk?
May and September are the usual first-timer window: decent daylight, fewer midges than high summer, and slightly quieter than July and August. May is the busiest month for beds. Midges are worst on still, damp evenings from June to August, especially around Loch Lomond; carry repellent and a head net. The Way can be walked year-round, but winter needs proper hill skills.
Which direction should I walk?
Most people walk this way: Milngavie to Fort William. That is our default. The opposite direction is the same days, Fort William to Milngavie. Choose it in the itinerary picker or the planner.
Getting set
Do I need to book accommodation in advance?
Yes, and earlier than most people think. Book months ahead for May through September. Some overnight stops have very few rooms, so walkers often build the whole itinerary around what is left. If you can, avoid starting on a Saturday. Our planner shows a proven split so you know which nights to book; live booking links come later.
Can I get my bag transferred?
Yes. Several companies move a bag between your booked stays so you walk with a daypack. Services usually run from spring to mid-autumn and should be booked ahead in peak months. You still carry water, waterproofs, and a spare layer.
How do I get there and back?
Start at Milngavie: frequent trains from Glasgow take about 25 minutes. Finish in Fort William: trains and coaches run back to Glasgow. Add a night in Glasgow or Fort William if your travel day is tight.
This site & app
Is this the official West Highland Way website?
No. This site helps you plan days, stays, and a GPX. For trail notices, the Outdoor Access Code, and official advice, use the official West Highland Way website: westhighlandway.org
Do I need an account?
No. Open a plan and use it. If you want it back on another phone, enter your email and we send an edit link. Sharing with someone is a view link; they do not create an account either. Downloading a GPX does not need email.
Can I export my plan to my GPS app?
Yes. After customising your route in the planner, export full-trip or per-day GPX files for Gaia GPS, AllTrails, or your preferred navigation app.