Why I’m Excited to Walk the West Highland Way in Scotland

Scotland is Full of Surprises 

A few months ago, I had no idea I’d be writing about why I’m excited to walk the West Highland Way, let alone planning to hike Scotland’s most famous long-distance trail myself. But after traveling around the country, meeting walkers, and exploring its nature, I realized there was no way I could leave without walking the West Highland Way.

And now, with less than a week until I start my hike, the excitement is really setting in.

Sure, when you think of Scotland, you probably picture whisky, bagpipes, moody weather, the Loch Ness Monster, and castles—and you wouldn’t be wrong. But something I didn’t expect when I arrived here was just how incredible the hiking is. From the rugged peaks of the Cairngorms to the dramatic ridges of the Isle of Skye and the remote wilderness of the Highlands, Scotland’s landscapes are made for adventure.

And the more time I’ve spent here, the more I’ve realized there’s one trail that stands out above the rest—the West Highland Way.

While I haven’t hiked it yet, I’ve been in full research mode, gathering all the essential details about The West Highland Way. So in this blog, I’m sharing why I’m excited to walk the West Highland Way, what I’ve learned so far, and what makes Scotland such a unique and special place for hiking.

Scotland’s Hiking Scene 

Scotland has long been a bucket-list destination for hikers, and the more I’ve explored, the more I understand why. From winding trails along saltwater and freshwater lochs to hidden glens and remote bothies tucked away in the Highlands, there’s so much variety in the landscapes here.

And while researching Scotland’s folklore, I came across something fun—there’s a belief that fairies, or “wee folk,” live in the forests. So if I find myself alone on a misty stretch of trail, I might just start wondering if something (or someone) is watching from the trees!

Over the past three months in Scotland, I’ve been soaking in the country’s outdoor culture, meeting walkers, learning about its unique trails, and piecing together my own hiking plans.

Now, I can’t wait to experience it firsthand.

Why I’m Excited to Walk the West Highland Way: A 96-Mile Trail

Part of why I’m excited to walk the West Highland Way is the chance to experience this 96-mile (154 km) trail that winds through some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes, from Loch Lomond to the foot of Ben Nevis. This trail starts in Milngavie (just outside Glasgow) and finishes in Fort William, right at the base of Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest peak.

Oh, and by the way—Milngavie is pronounced ‘Mill-guy! This is just one of the Gaelic names that people write and pronounce in completely different ways.

With my hike starting in just a few days, I’ve been deep in planning mode. Here’s what I’ve learned while preparing for this 96-mile journey through the Scottish Highlands.

West Highland Way Highlights I Can’t Wait For

The more I researched, the more excited I got. There are some incredible highlights along this trail, and these are a few that I’m especially looking forward to:

1. The Devil’s Staircase

This is the highest point of the trail (1581 ft or 482m). I’ve heard it’s challenging but rewarding. The views from the top are supposed to be absolutely breathtaking, and I can’t wait to take it all in. I’m crossing my fingers for clear blue skies at the top, but this is Scotland—I know better than to get my hopes up!

2. Visiting the Historic Inns

The West Highland Way isn’t just about hiking—it’s also about the places you stop along the way. I’m excited to stay at places like Drovers Inn (a haunted 300-year-old pub!) and Clachan Inn (Scotland’s oldest licensed pub, est. 1734). A cold pint at the end of a long hiking day in a pub from 1734? Yes, please.

3. Exploring Glen Coe

Glen Coe looks absolutely breathtaking in photos, and I can’t wait to experience it in person. It’s a place full of history, too—in 1692, 38 members of the MacDonald clan were massacred here by government forces. Since I want to fully explore the area, I’ve decided to take a zero day here and will be staying at the Clachaig Inn.

4. Luxury Hiking

This will be a very different hiking experience compared to my Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike in 2023, where I was carrying everything I needed on my back and sleeping outside for six months. This time, I’ll be staying in cozy accommodations each night, enjoying warm meals, and hiking with a super light backpack. Honestly? I’m really looking forward to it!

5. Ending at Ben Nevis

The trail finishes in Fort William, right at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. I’m hoping to summit it the day after finishing the WHW, as a way to cap off the adventure.

I’m just so excited to dive deeper into Scottish culture and explore its mountains and stunning landscapes. The Scottish Highlands have always felt magical and special to me, and it honestly feels like a dream that I’ll be hiking through them for the next 10 days straight.

West Highland Way Woes 

Of course, not everything will be easy. The weather is my biggest concern. As I’m writing this blog, I can hear endless rain pattering against the roof. Since I’m hiking in mid-March, I’ll definitely be dealing with rain, cold temps, and possibly even snow.

I’d also love to bag a Munro or two while I’m on the trail, but since I don’t have microspikes, I’ll have to see how conditions are and play it by ear.

Camping & Accommodation on the WHW 

From my research, I’ve found that when it comes to lodging on the West Highland Way, you have two main options: camping or staying in accommodations. Of course, your choice will depend on your comfort level, budget, and how much weight you want to carry..

1. Camping on the WHW

For those who love sleeping outdoors, wild camping is legal along most of the trail, thanks to Scotland’s Right to Roam Act. This means you can pitch your tent almost anywhere, as long as you follow Leave No Trace principles and stay respectful of the land.

But, I have found a few exceptions:

• Loch Lomond has restrictions from March to September due to overuse. If you’re camping in this area, it seems like you’re only option is to camp in designated campsites (not free).
• These designated campsites along the route offer showers, laundry facilities, and maybe even onsite pubs. This seems like a great option if you want a bit of comfort while still keeping it budget-friendly.

2. B&Bs & Inns Along the WHW

If you don’t want to carry a tent or just want a different experience, the WHW also has plenty of accommodations along the route. These can range from B&Bs and guesthouses to historic inns and hotels. If you prefer a warm bed, a hearty breakfast, and a lighter pack – this is the way to go. 

Since this is a spontaneous last-minute trip (I mean, how could I travel around Scotland and NOT walk the Highland Way?!), I don’t have my camping gear with me. So, I’m embracing luxury hiking, staying in B&Bs along the way—and honestly, a lighter pack sounds like a dream! More space for a wee dram of whisky? I won’t say no to that! 

Also, an extra bonus to staying in B&Bs is that most serve a full Scottish breakfast to their residents, which includes haggis, black pudding, lorne sausages, tattie scones, and eggs—the ultimate fuel for hiking the Highlands! 

Since this is a popular trail, it’s best to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak season, when rooms fill up fast. Whether you choose to camp or stay in B&Bs, the West Highland Way offers plenty of options to suit every hiking style!

Here’s My WHW Accommodation List:

• West Highland Way Rooms – £74.00 (Milngavie)
• Kip in the Kirk – £90.00 (Drymen) 
• Rowardennan Hotel – £104.00 (Rowardennan)
• Garrison of Inversnaid Farm – £160.00 (Inversnaid)
• Drovers Inn – £80.00 (Inverarnan)
• Bridge of Orchy Hotel – £105.00 (Bridge of Orchy)
• Clachaig Inn – £130.00 (Glencoe)
• Bankhouse B&B – £95.00 (Kinlochleven)
• Guisachan Guesthouse – £105.00 (Fort William)

Interested in how much I’ll be spending on this 11-day West Highland Way hike? Stay tuned, as I’ll be tracking all my expenses and share an article with you after my hike! 

My West Highland Way Itinerary: Taking It Slow & Soaking It In

This is, without a doubt, the most organized hike I’ve ever done. On the Pacific Crest Trail, I’d usually book a motel the night before rolling into town—very last-minute, very flexible. But for the West Highland Way, I had to book every hotel in advance, which was a whole new experience for me. It took me about a full week to finalize my itinerary and lock in all my bookings—it was a lot of work!

One thing that made trip planning so much easier was seeing that the West Highland Way is on the FarOut app (formerly Guthook). If you’ve thru-hiked before, you already know how much of a game-changer this app is for navigation and logistics!

The WHW map costs $9.99 and gives you offline maps, waypoints for water sources and campsites, and my favorite feature—live comments from other hikers! I always find it incredibly useful (and fun) to receive real-time trail updates, whether it’s about weather, tricky sections, or just great places to stop for food. Those comments always make me feel connected to a larger hiking community.

A Quick Look at My West Highland Way Itinerary

Day 1: 12 miles from Milngavie to Drymen

Day 2: 15 miles from Drymen to Rowardennan 

Day 3: zero day & climb Ben Lomond 

Day 4: 7.5 miles from Rowardennan to Inversnaid

Day 5: 6.5 miles from Inversnaid to Inverarnan 

Day 6: 19 miles from Inverarnan to Bridge of Orchy

Day 7: 12 miles from Bridge of Orchy to Glencoe 

Day 8: zero day to explore Glencoe & MacDonald clan history 

Day 9: 9 miles from Glencoe to Kinlochleven 

Day 10: 15 miles from Kinlochleven to Fort William! 

Day 11: Hang out in Fort William to summit Ben Nevis (tallest peak in the UK) 

My biggest takeaway for my research is that it felt like a lot of people rush through the WHW and don’t take enough time to enjoy the surroundings. 

So, I’ve built in two zero days across 96 miles, giving me around 10 days on trail with an average of 9.5 miles per day (though the mileage varies significantly day to day). I wanted to make sure I had time to take it all in, explore historical sites, and fully enjoy the experience. Because let’s be honest, when else will I get to hike through the Scottish Highlands like this?

My Gear List for the West Highland Way

Okay okay, enough talking. Let’s get down to the real business. I’m sure you’re asking: What are you bringing with you? What’s your gear list?

Since this is a last-minute trip, I don’t have my typical thru-hiking setup with me. So I’ve been getting creative, and it’s been a fun challenge! Instead of buying all-new gear, I’ve embraced Scotland’s charity shops and pieced together what I need—making this one of my most budget-friendly and sustainable gear lists ever.

Here’s what I’m bringing:

• Trail runners: Hoka Speedgoats (found second-hand, but barely worn!)
• Backpack: Gossamer Gear G4-20 (previously used on the Colorado Trail)
• Rain gear: North66 rain jacket & second-hand rain pants (purchased for £3 at a charity shop!)
• Warm layers: Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody & a cute thrifted beanie
• Wind jacket: Another £1 charity shop find (seriously, a steal!)
• Socks & underwear: 3 pairs of Darn Tough & 2 pairs of Smartwool
• Camera gear: Sony ZV1 + Anker portable battery

I love that most of my gear is second-hand—it makes the trip feel even more low-key and spontaneous. Honestly, I love a good thrift find!

I have no idea what the trail will throw at me—rain, snow, midges (hopefully not), unpredictable Scottish weather—but that’s all part of the adventure. And that’s exactly why I’m so excited to walk it.

Have you walked the West Highland Way or any Scottish trails? I’d love to hear about your experiences! Let me know in the comments!