Plan your West Highland Way Walk
2025 Planning Guide for Walking the West Highland Way
Welcome to a new guide for 2025, updated with a stack of tips and helpful information to set you up for an experience of a lifetime - walking the West Highland Way.
Walking the West Highland Way (WHW) is a dream adventure for many outdoor enthusiasts. This 96-mile-long trail takes you through some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes, from the rolling lowlands outside Glasgow to the towering peaks near Fort William. This guide covers the entire experience, not just the sections through Loch Lomond.
The West Highland Way is more than just a trail—it’s part of my daily life. Living in Drymen, one of the key stops on the route, I often walk sections of the trail, sometimes daily, and meet walkers from all over the world.
Let’s give you a West Highland Way vibe with a video I produced in 2020 for the Official West Highland Way featuring some highlights of the world-famous 96-mile trail.
The highlights of the 96-mile West Highland Way route.
Since working on the Official West Highland Way’s 40th-anniversary celebrations in 2020, I’ve been fortunate to work on many projects for the team, creating videos, capturing photographs, and producing content that celebrates this iconic journey. Last May, I took on the entire 96 miles with my brother-in-law, documenting the experience.
In this updated 2025 guide, I’ve included more examples of videos produced for the WHW, photographs from my projects and walk, and tips from my experience and readers of this See Loch Lomond blog. Feel free to share your tips and observations in the comments—I’d love to hear them!
The West Highland Way is a journey like no other. Whether you’re a seasoned walker or planning your first long-distance trail, this guide will help you prepare for an unforgettable adventure.
The WHW is more than just a hike; it’s a cultural and personal experience. From watching the sunrise over Loch Lomond to conquering the Devil’s Staircase, every step offers its rewards. Along the way, you’ll meet fellow walkers who become fast friends, share in the camaraderie of overnight stops, and experience the raw beauty of Scotland’s wild places.
A walker setting off on the West Highland Way at Milngavie
Deer at Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe
The West Highland Way: Top 10 Highlights
The WHW is brimming with memorable moments, and while it’s hard to narrow them down, here are ten of my favourites. These highlights celebrate what makes the trail so special.
1. The Views
Descending Conic Hill and looking out over Loch Lomond’s islands is one of Scotland’s most iconic vistas. I never tire of it. Other highlights include the expansive beauty of Rannoch Moor, the dramatic mountains of Glencoe, and countless hidden waterfalls along the way. Bring your camera/keep your phone handy; you’ll want to record these incredible views.
2. Wildlife
From ospreys near Balmaha to deer grazing near Kingshouse, wildlife is abundant on the WHW. Walking past Inversnaid’s RSPB reserve, you might be lucky to spot a golden eagle soaring above. Keep your eyes peeled—you never know what you’ll see.
3. The Villages
Drymen is often a walker’s first overnight stop, and living here, I love the buzz of walkers gathering in our pubs and restaurants. Balmaha, Rowardennan, and Tyndrum all offer their own charm and essential facilities for weary travellers.
4. Other Walkers
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the WHW is the camaraderie among walkers. Whether you’re swapping tips, comparing itineraries, or just sharing a laugh over a pint, the friendships formed on the trail are often as memorable as the walk itself.
5. Nature’s Beauty
From the bluebells on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond in spring to the golden hues of autumn on Rannoch Moor, the WHW offers an ever-changing palette of colours and textures.
6. Weather
Scotland’s weather is unpredictable but adds to the trail’s drama. On my walk last May, my brother-in-law and I experienced everything from bright sunshine to heavy downpours. It’s all part of the adventure. Embarrassingly, we got a bit burnt (we should have packed suncream) while walking across Rannoch Moor on one of 2024’s hottest days in Scotland!
7. Landmarks
The Tom Weir Statue (just past its 10th anniversary), the Devil’s Staircase, and the finish line in Fort William are just some of the landmarks worth celebrating. Each offers a perfect excuse for a photograph and a moment to reflect.
8. Travelling Light
Bag transport services make walking the WHW so much easier. Having your gear waiting for you at your overnight stop allows you to enjoy the trail unburdened.
9. The Accomplishment
Crossing the finish line in Fort William is an emotional experience. I still remember the pride my brother-in-law and I felt as we stood by the Sore Feet statue.
10. A Reward at Day’s End
The best pint of my life? The one I had after finishing the WHW. Whether it’s a cold drink or a hearty meal, the rewards at the end of each day are well-earned and deeply satisfying.
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Suggested 7-Day Itinerary
We chose a 7-day itinerary for our walk, and this itinerary is one of the most popular ways to tackle the West Highland Way, although the range can go from 4 to 10 days. A week offers a manageable pace, time to enjoy the highlights, and a sense of accomplishment as you complete each day. By the way, we used a baggage transfer company (AMS), which was fantastic; I highly recommend doing this, and you’ll find that most people opt for this and that the overnight stops have systems for storing the cases.
Here’s a suggested plan similar to the one we did:
Day 1: Milngavie to Drymen (12 miles)
The journey begins at the obelisk in Milngavie. Get a selfie, top up your water, and walk. Check our guide to the route/path - Milngavie to Drymen. The trail winds through Mugdock Country Park and offers views of the Campsie Fells before reaching Drymen, where you’ll find a warm welcome and plenty of good food. My food recommendations are Turnip the Beet (on the route by Killearn), then Drymen Bakery and The Clachan once you are in the village.
A film about the Gaelic origins of place names along the West Highland Way.
Featuring The Laurettes, and a song about The West Highland Way (filmed at Balmaha)
Day 2: Drymen to Rowardennan (14 miles)
Start the day with the climb up Conic Hill, where panoramic views of Loch Lomond await. Descend to Balmaha and follow the loch’s shoreline to Rowardennan. This stretch is one of my favourites for its stunning scenery. Stop at St Mocha Coffee Shop and/or The Oak Tree Inn in Balmaha and The Rowardennan Hotel. Note: If you wish to camp along the Eastern Shores of Loch Lomond, bylaws are in place for some months; read more and discover options at our Camping along East Loch Lomond guide.
In the video below, you can learn about the recent work invested to renew the path across Conic Hill, which has been eroded in recent years because of the high volume of walkers.
For a more detailed guide to the paths, read Drymen to Balmaha & Balmaha to Rowardennan.
A film about the 2023/4 repairs to Conic Hill
Ben’s Bakes Honesty Box, Rowardennan
Day 3: Rowardennan to Inverarnan (14 miles)
This section takes you along the rugged eastern shores of Loch Lomond, past waterfalls and ancient woodlands. It’s challenging but gratifying.
Top tip: Fill up with food, snacks and drinks at Ben’s Bakes, an incredible honesty shop near Ben Lomond at Rowardennan. You will struggle for other options later, so you have been warned. There is a facility to pay by card here.
We stopped at The Drover’s Inn, and there is also Beinglas Campsite (I had a good pint there), which has a drinking tap to fill your water bottle. If you are struggling to find accommodation on this leg, consider staying at the Ardlui Hotel, taking advantage of their on-demand ferry transfer from the path to the hotel on the western shores of Loch Lomond. The ferry has scheduled sailing times, but you must raise the buoy (pictured) to alert them that you wish to cross on one of the allocated times.
You can read about the route at Rowardennan to Inversnaid and Inversnaid to Inverarnan.
On-demand ferry service to Ardlui Hotel from the West Highland Way
Real Food Cafe, Tyndrum
Day 4: Inverarnan to Tyndrum (12 miles)
Pass through Glen Falloch and enjoy expansive views of Ben Lui and surrounding peaks. Tyndrum is a great spot to refuel with excellent cafes and restaurants, especially as, once again, there aren’t many options along the way. A shout out to The Real Food Cafe at Tyndrum, great food, plus a boot washer!
Day 5: Tyndrum to Kingshouse (19 miles)
Cross the wild, desolate beauty of Rannoch Moor, one of the most remote sections of the trail. Kingshouse, with its stunning mountain backdrop, is a memorable overnight stop. This hotel was a splurge, the most expensive accommodation of the week, but it was outstanding a much-needed break.
Day 6: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven (9 miles)
Climb the Devil’s Staircase for breathtaking views before descending into the picturesque village of Kinlochleven. This section is challenging but immensely satisfying. It’s an especially long slog into Kinclochleven.
A walker stops to play guitar on The Devil’s Staircase
Day 7: Kinlochleven to Fort William (15 miles)
The final stretch takes you through Lairigmor and Glen Nevis before arriving at Fort William. Standing at the finish line is an emotional and triumphant moment. Consider taking the train back south. The West Highland Line is outstanding, and you will have incredible views along the journey.
Tips for Walking the West Highland Way
Recently, we asked See Loch Lomond readers to submit some tips to share; here are some of them, with the last two from me.
Carry some change for honesty boxes along the way. Julie Cain from Greenock shared this tip, and I agree—it’s a lovely way to support the locals who maintain the trail.
Rest your feet regularly. Gail Steel from Biggar advises removing your shoes and socks every two hours to let your feet dry and reduce the risk of blisters. I didn’t do this as I think that if you go to no.10, that will solve this problem. Thanks for your suggestion, Gail.
Pack flip-flops or lightweight evening footwear. Stuart McCaw from Ayr recommended this for post-walk comfort. Bizarrely, we saw someone walking across Rannoch Moor in flip-flops, and I wouldn’t recommend that!
Stay safe by keeping your mobile charged and informing someone of your route. Pete Proff from Inverness highlights the importance of preparation and communication in emergencies.
Use Avon Skin So Soft Spray as a midge repellent. Em Malcolm from Fort William shared this tip, and it’s a lifesaver during midge season.
Always remember to look back. Ainslie Aitken from Irvine reminds us that some of the best views are behind you.
Bring layers and waterproofs. Scotland’s weather can change in minutes, so be prepared for everything from sunshine to storms.
A few people said to take time to savour the journey. Whether pausing to photograph a waterfall or chatting with a fellow walker, the moments you create along the way are just as important as reaching the finish line.
I can’t stress this enough: make sure you book your accommodation as far in advance as possible. Also, ensure you’ve booked evening meals in the villages along the way.
Make sure your boots are well-worn before you set off. I’ve seen some people in agony as they haven’t done this, and those shiny new boots turn into their biggest enemy.
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Support the West Highland Way
2025 is a pivotal year in the history of the West Highland Way as this year it will become a registered charity, raising funds to ensure the upkeep of the trail. As you can see in the video I produced above this work is crucial for ensuring the continuity of the path, and as you will discover there are some good initiatives support this, like the one described here by Macs Adventures.
Consider donating, or raising money for the Official West Highland Way when walking the trail. Visit their website to find out more at the link below.
On the West Highland Way by Loch Lomond
Reflections and Inspiration
Working with the West Highland Way team has given me a deep appreciation for the trail and the people who walk it. From filming at iconic locations to hearing personal stories from walkers, I’ve seen firsthand how much the WHW means to people.
Last year, my brother-in-law and I decided to take on the full 96 miles together. It was an unforgettable experience, filled with laughter, challenges, and moments of awe. One highlight was standing atop the Devil’s Staircase, looking out at the mountains stretching into the distance. Another was the sheer joy of reaching Fort William after seven days on the trail.
If you’re planning to walk the West Highland Way in 2025, I hope this guide inspires and equips you for an incredible journey. The WHW is more than just a walk—it’s a story you’ll carry with you forever. I’d love to hear your tips, experiences, and reflections in the comments. Happy walking!
Thanks for reading
Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.
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