The West Highland Way stretches 96 miles (154 km) from Milngavie to Fort William, taking in countryside parks, loch‑shore paths, open moorland and mountain scenery.
West Highland Way Guidebook
Most walkers complete the route south to north, using the gentler early stages as a warm‑up before the tougher Highland sections.
Stage lengths vary, so they shouldn’t always be treated as single‑day walks. Distances can be adapted to suit fitness, pace and the places you want to explore along the way.
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Distances
Milngavie to Drymen: 12 miles/19 km
Drymen to Rowardennan: 15 miles/24 km
Rowardennan to Inverarnan: 14 miles/22.5 km
Inverarnan to Tyndrum: 12 miles/19.5 km
Tyndrum to Inveroran: 9 miles/14.5 km
Inveroran to Kingshouse : 10 miles/16 km
Kingshouse to Kinlochleven: 9 miles/ 14.5 km
Kinlochleven to Fort William: 15 miles/24 km
Places to Stay Nearby
Milngavie to Drymen
The West Highland Way begins in Milngavie town centre, where you can pick up supplies before heading into Mugdock Country Park. This opening section is a gentle introduction to the route, with flat paths, small lochs and rivers, and early views towards the Highlands.
The official trail skirts around Drymen, but many walkers choose to end their first day here or stop in for food and supplies. From this point you enter Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
Camping note: From 1 March to 30 September, camping and fire‑lighting byelaws apply. Camping is only allowed in designated permit areas and campsites.
Drymen to Rowardennan
Leaving Drymen, the route climbs towards Conic Hill, offering one of the most iconic views on the entire West Highland Way. Below you, the islands of Loch Lomond mark the Highland Boundary Fault — the line between Lowlands and Highlands.
A descent leads into Balmaha, with food, refreshments and a National Park Visitor Centre. From here, walkers can visit Inchcailloch, a small island with a peaceful campsite.
The trail continues along the loch through ancient oak woodland, passing Cashel, Milarrochy and Sallochy campsites before reaching Rowardennan, the starting point for Ben Lomond.
Seasonal waterbuses run from Rowardennan to the western shore of Loch Lomond, offering alternative accommodation options.
Byelaw reminder: Camping restrictions apply between Drymen and Rowardennan from March–September.
Path note: During lambing or maintenance works, walkers may be diverted via Creityhall Road and the B837 into Balmaha instead of the Conic Hill path.
Rowardennan to Inverarnan
This is the wildest section of Loch Lomond, where the water reaches depths of 620 feet. The terrain becomes more technical, especially north of Inversnaid, with rocky paths and narrow sections requiring care. After heavy rain, some burn crossings may be impassable.
A highlight is the Inversnaid Waterfall, crossed by a footbridge with dramatic views. From here, waterbuses connect to Tarbet and Inveruglas on the western shore. Walkers staying at Ardlui can raise the marker buoy at Ardleish to signal the ferry.
Wild goats, Golden Eagles and Ospreys are often spotted along this stretch. The Inversnaid RSPB Reserve is a good stop for wildlife information.
Most walkers celebrate reaching Inverarnan with a visit to the historic Drovers Inn.
Byelaw reminder: Camping restrictions apply from March–September.
Inverarnan to Tyndrum
Leaving Loch Lomond behind, the landscape opens into glens and mountain scenery. The route follows the River Falloch, passing the Falls of Falloch, before reaching the halfway point at Crianlarich. The official trail skirts the village, but a spur path leads in for food, accommodation or supplies.
Beyond Crianlarich, the Way follows the River Fillan, passing St Fillan’s Priory and its graveyard at Kirkton Farm, before joining the River Cononish into Tyndrum.
Inveroran to Kingshouse
From Forest Lodge, the path rises onto the edge of Rannoch Moor, one of the last great wilderness areas in Europe. In good weather it’s straightforward, but in poor conditions it can feel exposed and challenging.
Ba Bridge marks the halfway point across the moor — a natural rest stop with wide views. Nearby, the ruins of Ba Cottage offer limited shelter.
The old military road continues past Glencoe Ski Centre, Black Rock Cottage, and towards the unmistakable pyramid shape of Buachaille Etive Mòr, one of Scotland’s most photographed mountains.
Pick a place to Rest Up
Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
Leaving Kingshouse brings you face to face with Buachaille Etive Mòr, one of Scotland’s most recognisable Munros. The route heads towards Altnafeadh, close to the foot of the mountain, before turning sharply for the Devil’s Staircase. This zig‑zag climb reaches the highest point of the West Highland Way at 550m, marked by a cairn with wide views back to the Buachaille and north to the Mamores.
From the top, the path eases across open moorland before descending into Kinlochleven. The village is home to the National Centre for Ice Climbing, a popular stop for anyone wanting to test their skills after 78 miles on the trail.
Kinlochleven to Fort William
The final stage begins with a steep climb out of Kinlochleven, rewarded with views back over Loch Leven. The route then enters Lairigmòr, a broad glen offering easy walking between steep mountain slopes. As the path bends north, it reaches woodland and continues towards Glen Nevis.
Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, soon comes into view. A short detour leads to the remains of Dun Deardail, an Iron Age fort overlooking the glen. The trail then descends into Fort William, finishing at the bronze statue of the weary walker in Gordon Square.
Well done!! — you’ve completed the 96‑mile West Highland Way from Milngavie to Fort William.
West Highland Way: Full Route Summary
The West Highland Way is a 96‑mile long‑distance trail running from Milngavie to Fort William, passing through:
- Mugdock Country Park
- Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
- Conic Hill
- Loch Lomond’s eastern shore
- Glen Falloch
- Crianlarich and Tyndrum
- Rannoch Moor
- Glencoe
- Lairigmòr
- Glen Nevis
The route combines loch‑shore paths, forest tracks, moorland crossings and mountain scenery, with each stage offering a different character. Most walkers complete it in 6–8 days, adjusting distances to suit fitness and accommodation options.
West Highland Way Tips
1. Walk south to north The terrain builds gradually, making the tougher Highland stages more manageable.
2. Book accommodation early Loch Lomond, Tyndrum, Kingshouse and Kinlochleven fill quickly in peak season.
3. Prepare for mixed terrain Expect rocky loch‑side paths, old military roads, moorland tracks and steep climbs.
4. Carry waterproofs Weather changes fast, especially on Rannoch Moor and the Devil’s Staircase.
5. Follow camping byelaws Between Drymen and Rowardennan, camping is only allowed in designated areas from March–September.
6. Use ferries if needed Waterbuses at Inversnaid and Ardleish help access accommodation on the western shore.
7. Plan food stops Long stretches (Rowardennan → Inverarnan, Inveroran → Kingshouse) have no shops.
8. Watch for wildlife Golden eagles, ospreys, red deer and wild goats are often seen along the route.
How long does the West Highland Way take?
Most walkers complete it in 6–8 days, depending on pace and stage length.
What is the hardest section?
The rocky loch‑side path north of Inversnaid and the climb up the Devil’s Staircase are often considered the toughest.
Can you wild camp on the West Highland Way?
Yes, except between Drymen and Rowardennan from 1 March to 30 September, where byelaws restrict camping to designated areas.
Is the route well waymarked?
Yes — the entire trail is marked with the West Highland Way thistle symbol.
When is the best time to walk it?
April–June and September offer good conditions, fewer midges and longer daylight.
Can you climb Ben Nevis at the end?
Yes — the main path starts in Glen Nevis, close to the final section of the Way.
Is there public transport at the start and finish?
Milngavie has direct trains from Glasgow, and Fort William has trains and buses back south.
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