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West Highland Way Walking Guide

The West Highland Way is a linear long-distance footpath in Scotland running 96 miles from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. The walk attracts about 15,000 walkers each year who complete the route. Many other people walk small sections of the WHW as part of shorter circular day walks.

West Highland Way

The West Highland Way follows the Old Military Road above Glen Falloch - photo by Chris Heaton

The usual approach is to walk from south to north in seven or eight days. The route leaves Milngavie and crosses open countryside using roads, paths and an old railway. The path continues over Conic Hill with its wonderful views and descends to the shore of Loch Lomond. The route stays on the isolated eastern shores of Loch Lomond.

Heading north the WHW heads through Glen Falloch to Crianlarich and then onto Tyndrum. After Tyndrum the route enters Glen Orchy before crossing the wild landscape of Rannoch Moor. A descent into Glen Coe is followed by a climb up the Devil's Staircase and a descent to sea level at Kinlochleven. The final part of the route crosses the flanks of the Mamores along an old Military Road before a final descent into Glen Nevis and the end of the route in Fort William.

Although the route does not include any mountain summits along the way there are opportunities to do this at several places along the way. For some an ascent of Ben Nevis at the end of the walk makes a perfect finish to the experience.

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