Walk from Milngavie to Fort William through the changing landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, following Loch Lomond before crossing Rannoch Moor and climbing towards Glencoe. It is a varied long-distance route with rough lochside sections, old military roads and a strong sense of journey.
Look across Loch Lomond and the islands marking the Highland Boundary Fault.
Follow woodland and rocky paths along the loch’s eastern shore.
Cross open, exposed moorland on an old military road.
Walk beneath its distinctive profile on the approach to Glencoe.
Climb the route’s highest point before descending towards Kinlochleven.
Cross the old pass before Ben Nevis appears above Glen Nevis.
Choose the West Highland Way if you want a long-distance walk that feels like a complete journey rather than a collection of day walks. Each stage leads naturally into the next, with villages and overnight stops spaced along the route. The trail is established and well used, but rough ground and exposed sections still give it substance.
The route begins on easy paths and tracks before climbing Conic Hill and reaching Loch Lomond. North of Inversnaid, the shore becomes rougher, with rocky and uneven sections. Beyond Tyndrum, old military roads lead across Rannoch Moor. The Devil’s Staircase brings the main climb before a final crossing through Lairigmor to Fort William.
Much of the northern route follows old military roads, estate tracks and earlier lines of travel through the Highlands. These broad, stony tracks shape the character of stages across Rannoch Moor and towards Glencoe. Ruined buildings, bridges and passes along the way show that this landscape has long been a corridor for movement, work and settlement.
“I began walking the West Highland Way regularly in the late 1950s, only it wasn’t the West Highland Way then; it was my route from home to school, 5 miles each way, there and back. Little could I imagine the WHW would be today one of the most popular walking trails in Europe.”
Not sure where to start? These are the ones we'd suggest first. You'll find every itinerary further down.
WHW0BEST FOR THE FULL PATH IN LESS TIME
Complete the West Highland Way from Milngavie to Fort William over six walking days, with longer daily stages for walkers who want to cover the full trail in less time.
WHW3BEST FOR A MORE MEASURED PACE
Walk the full route from Milngavie to Fort William over nine walking days, spreading the mileage across shorter stages and allowing more time each day.
WHW4BEST FOR THE HIGHLAND HIGHLIGHTS
Walk from Tyndrum to Fort William over four walking days, concentrating on the northern section of the West Highland Way without committing to the full trail.
Tell us what you're after in a sentence and we'll show you the itineraries that fit — out of all 8 we run on this path.
Not sure which?
Tell us when you would like to travel and the pace that suits you, and we’ll arrange the accommodation around your itinerary.
4.8/5 based on 103 reviews
"Helpful, flexible, thorough, proactive, responsive, first class!"
"My son and I enjoyed the walk, both felt we had achieved good exercise and got some stunning scenery. All well organised and the information pack was very comprehensive, with all we needed."
"Nice weather and the panorama's! The distances were perfect for older then 60 ."
"Incredible. I feel an amazing sense of achievement. I never stopped surprising myself in my abilities and I can't wait for my next walk. My face hurt from smiling more than my legs from walking."
"We really enjoyed this hike/walk. Very pleased with Celtic Trails (our fourth trip. The Scottish people we encountered were so kind and thoughtful, and we appreciated the hospitality. They don't want anything from you except to know that you are having a good time in their beautiful country."
"A walking holiday with Celtic Trails is the perfect way to travel. All I had to do was get up and walk each day, everything else was sorted out beautifully. I loved the clarity of purpose with this holiday. The only decisions I had to make was where to have a pint and a meal at the end of the day! I was walking on my own and felt safe and peaceful during the whole trip. I knew if there were any problems (which there weren't) I could count on Celtic Trails to help me out. I have been recommending this trip to everyone who says "wow, I could never do that!" - Yes, you could!"
"Organisation was perfect - all I needed to do was turn up"
"I was a decent walker before; post-West Highland Way I feel bulletproof! Most commonly asked question on my return was "What was the highlight?" Impossible to answer, 'cause that's not how it works. The "best part" was the way the whole experience stitched together, the rainy bits: sun (or absence of rain -- "This is Scotland!"), random conversations, solitary bits. Every moment key."
"It makes it a holiday - all of the hassle of booking and organising is taken care of by knowledgeable + friendly staff"
We seek out the best accommodation of its type available
Ben Nevis rises above the final approach through Glen Nevis towards Fort William. At 1,345 metres, it is Britain’s highest mountain and a defining presence at the end of the Way. The summit is not part of the West Highland Way itself. The Ben Nevis Visitor Centre sits in Glen Nevis nearby.
The West Highland Way follows Loch Lomond’s eastern shore from Balmaha north towards Inverarnan, through woodland and over rougher lochside paths. The loch sits within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, with Ben Lomond rising above the route. It is one of the longest and most distinctive sections of the walk.
Tell us when you would like to travel and the pace that suits you, and we’ll arrange the accommodation around your itinerary.
Tell us when you would like to travel and the pace that suits you, and we’ll arrange the accommodation around your itinerary.
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