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Distance
96 miles / 154 km
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Duration
5–8 days
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Route
Milngavie → Fort William
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Difficulty
Moderate
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Best Season
April – October
Let us take the weight off your shoulders.
We carry the heavy bags. You carry only what you need for the day — giving your body and mind the space to actually enjoy the Highlands.
- Walk with a light daypack only (water, layers, snacks).
- No heavy tents or gear to haul over Conic Hill.
- Flexible, personal itineraries built for your pace.
Baggage Transfer Rules
Max 20kg per bag • Ready by 9am • Delivered by 4pm
Walk with a light daypack
Carry only essentials — water, snacks, and waterproofs.
No tents, no heavy gear
Your luggage arrives at each accommodation before you do.
Flexible, personal itineraries
Choose a pace that works for you — we adapt to your needs.
Local support when you need it
Our Highland team is always available if you need assistance.
Walk the West Highland Way
The West Highland Way is Scotland’s most iconic long-distance walking route. Spanning 96 miles from the edge of Glasgow to the Scottish Highlands, this classic trail delivers ever-changing scenery — from gentle parkland and lochs to dramatic moorland and mountain views.
It’s ideal for a self-guided, multi-day walking holiday, and equally popular with runners and cyclists looking for an unforgettable journey through Scotland’s wild heart.
Route Stops
- 1 Milngavie (Start)
- 2 Drymen
- 3 Balmaha
- 4 Rowardennan
- 5 Inverarnan
- 6 Crianlarich
- 7 Tyndrum
- 8 Bridge of Orchy
- 9 Kingshouse
- 10 Kinlochleven
- 11 Fort William (Finish)
Milngavie
Gateway to the West Highland Way
Milngavie marks the official starting point of the West Highland Way. Just a short train ride from Glasgow, this leafy town offers an easy, well-connected start — perfect for easing into the adventure ahead. The trail begins gently, winding through peaceful parkland and open countryside beneath the Campsie Fells.
ExploreMilngavie is an ideal place to stay the night before your walk, giving you a fresh and stress-free start on day one.
12 miles / 19 km
Interactive Route
West Highland Way Route Map
Tap each stop to see distances, terrain & accommodation zones.
Packages & Journeys
Your Next Unforgettable Adventure
Discover breathtaking landscapes and curated experiences crafted for the modern explorer.
The 2026 season runs from 22 March to 19 October.
offering self-guided walking and cycling holidays.
Want something different?
We design custom walking & cycling adventures across the Scotland — built around your pace, preferences, and dates.
Reliable Baggage Transfers Along the West Highland Way
You don’t need a full package to enjoy the West Highland Way at its best. If you already have accommodation booked, Highland Transfers’ baggage-only service lets you walk the trail with nothing more than a light daypack — while we move your luggage safely from stop to stop.
Each morning, leave your bag with your host. Each afternoon, arrive to find it waiting for you at your next accommodation. No heavy packs. No logistical stress. Just steady progress and space to enjoy the journey.
Our baggage transfer service is trusted by thousands of walkers every season and is designed to work seamlessly across the full route or selected stages.
Day-by-Day Walking Plan
Select your preferred itinerary to see what each day has in store.
Select a package above to see your detailed itinerary
Alasdair Henderson 5-Day West Highland Way
A more relaxed, immersive experience
- Start your journey at the granite obelisk in Milngavie town centre, heading north through Mugdock Country Park.
- Pass the peaceful Craigallian and Carbeth Lochs, where you can see the reflection of the hills on the water.
- Climb Conic Hill (361m) for your first true Highland view, crossing the geological fault line from the Lowlands.
- Hike north along the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, starting with gentle forest tracks and scenic bays.
- Enter the toughest section beyond Rowardennan, where the trail narrows and follows a rough path of roots and rocks.
- Navigate the arduous stretch past Inversnaid, which requires scrambling over boulders and careful foot placement.
- Follow the River Falloch upstream through a gentle valley that offers a psychological reset after the technical lochside.
- Pass Beinglas Falls and enjoy increasingly grand views of peaks like Ben More as you head toward Crianlarich.
- Walk through the settlement of Tyndrum, an excellent spot to refuel at the café or local shop.
- Cross the historic stone bridge and ascend toward Rannoch Moor, one of the wildest and most remote parts of the trail.
- Tackle the Devil’s Staircase, a zigzag climb that leads to the route’s highest summit at 550m.
- Enjoy views of Buachaille Etive Mòr and the full breadth of the dramatic Glencoe landscape.
- Climb steeply through pine forests to enter the Lairigmor (the Great Pass), a wild and empty ancient valley.
- Traverse this completely remote stretch—ensure you are fully stocked with food and water as there are no facilities until the finish.
- Catch your first glimpse of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, as you descend through the Nevis Forest.
Benedict Lunsmann 7-Day West Highland Way
- Start your journey in Milngavie, hiking north along the West Highland Way through pedestrianized town centers and peaceful parkland.
- Pass by Craigallian and Carbeth Lochs, enjoying views of the surrounding hills reflected on the water.
- Skirt the western flanks of the Campsie Fells, transitioning steadily from the lowlands toward the Highlands.
- The trail leaves Drymen and passes through Garadhban Forest, a scenic section of pine woodland.
- Choose to climb Conic Hill (361m) for breathtaking views over Loch Lomond or take the low-level alternative path.
- Cross the Highland Boundary Fault, marking your official entry into the Highlands as you descend into Balmaha.
- Follow the remote north-eastern shoreline of Loch Lomond on a rough, narrow path weaving over gnarly roots and boulders.
- Navigate technical sections past Inversnaid that may require occasional scrambling over rockfaces.
- Experience the dramatic transition as the landscape shifts from the lochside into the heart of the Highlands at Glen Falloch.
- Follow a historic drover’s route through the beauty of Glen Falloch, leaving the lowlands behind.
- Walk on old military roads once used for moving cattle, with rugged peaks like Ben More framing the glen.
- Follow the West Highland Line railway, adding Victorian-era charm to the expansive mountain views.
- Enjoy an easier day as the mountains gather in scale and the scenery transforms to stark Highland landscapes.
- Climb out of Tyndrum with the trail running parallel to the West Highland Railway line.
- Marvel at the sweeping flanks of Beinn Dorain, which dominates the view at the top of the pass.
- Cross the wild and exposed Rannoch Moor, one of the most remote and awe-inspiring parts of the entire route.
- Tackle the Devil’s Staircase, a steep zigzag climb leading to the highest point of the West Highland Way.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Glencoe and Loch Leven from the summit before starting the long descent.
- Climb steeply out of Kinlochleven into Lairigmor (the Great Pass), an ancient valley used by Highland clans.
- Important: This stretch is completely remote with no facilities; ensure you are fully stocked with food and water.
- Catch your first thrilling glimpse of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, as you descend through Nevis Forest.
Kalmar Eitan 8 – Day West Highland Way
A more relaxed, immersive experience
- Start your journey in Milngavie, hiking north along the West Highland Way passing Craigallian and Carbeth Lochs.
- Skirt the western flanks of the Campsie Fells, where many local mountaineers enjoyed their first outings.
- Reach your first night’s accommodation in the village of Drymen at the south-eastern corner of Loch Lomond.
- The trail leaves Drymen and passes through the Garadhban Forest.
- Choose to climb Conic Hill for great views over Loch Lomond or take a low-level alternative path that skirts below the hill.
- Reach the eastern banks of Loch Lomond at Balmaha and follow the shore through forestry.
- Follow the remote north-eastern shoreline of Loch Lomond on a rough, undulating trail.
- Navigate a narrow path that picks its way over gnarly roots and boulders as it traces the shore.
- Experience the transition as the Loch is left behind and the Way heads north into Glen Falloch.
- Take a ferry in the morning to return to the West Highland Way before heading north into Glen Falloch.
- Watch the mountains gather in scale, transforming from lush Alpine scenery to starker landscapes with Scots Pine and oak.
- Enjoy the views across Loch Lomond as you come to the end of the loch.
- Leave Tyndrum with a climb out, following the trail as it runs next to the West Highland Railway line.
- Navigate a small rocky section approximately 4 miles out where you descend through a tunnel under the railway.
- Walk in the shadow of the stunning Beinn Dorain that dominates the view.
- Leave Bridge of Orchy with a short but steep climb that brings you down to the Inveroran Hotel.
- Follow the Way across the wild and open Rannoch Moor, which is highly exposed to the elements.
- Pass the Black Mount peaks to the west and view the moor stretching into the distance.
- Depart the hotel and quickly take on the Devil’s Staircase, the highest ascent on the West Highland Way.
- Don’t be deterred by the name; the climb is manageable despite the initial ascent.
- Begin a long descent to Kinlochleven, which can be tough on the knees and legs.
- Climb over a final pass and be rewarded with views across to Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland.
- Head down the trail into Glen Nevis and toward the end of the route in Fort William.
- Ensure you fill up with food and fluids before leaving Kinlochleven, as there are no stops until the finish.
About Highland transfers
Why Travellers
Trust Highland Transfers
We offer carefully curated destinations and tours that capture
the true essence of location, ensuring you experience.
12K+
Bags moved every season
Experts of Scotlands Trails
Carbon-Conscious Company
Hundreds of 5-star Reviews
15+Years
Experience in Scottish routes
Effortless Luggage Transfers
Support When You Need It
Accommodation Planning
The Route at a Glance
The walk begins in Milngavie, a leafy suburb just north of Glasgow, easing you into the adventure through peaceful country parkland and along the rolling Campsie Fells. Early highlights include passing close to Glengoyne Distillery — well worth a visit.
As the trail continues north, the landscapes grow bigger and bolder. You’ll pass through charming villages, walk beside Loch Lomond under the shadow of Ben Lomond, and continue through Glen Falloch, Strathfillan, Rannoch Moor, and Glencoe.
Top Tip :
In Fort William, don’t miss a photo at the iconic “Sore Feet” statue — the traditional finish-line moment of the West Highland Way.
Trusted by Walkers & Cyclists Worldwide
Your adventure matters — that’s why we handle the details, support you on the
journey, and make exploring Scotland simple, safe and unforgettable.
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Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the West Highland Way?
The West Highland Way is Scotland’s most famous long-distance walking route, stretching approximately 96 miles (154 km) from Milngavie to Fort William. It passes through stunning landscapes including Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and Glencoe.
How many days does it take to walk the West Highland Way?
Most walkers complete the route in 5 to 7 days, depending on fitness and pace. We offer multiple itinerary options, and shorter or custom schedules can also be arranged.
Do you provide luggage transfer on the West Highland Way?
Yes. Our daily luggage transfer service allows you to walk with just a daypack. We collect your bag each morning and deliver it safely to your next accommodation.
Can I book luggage transfer only for the West Highland Way?
Yes. We offer luggage-only transfer services for the West Highland Way if you’ve already booked your own accommodation.
If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out!
