Scotland’s first officially designated long-distance route
The West Highland Way was established as Scotland’s first officially designated long-distance route. Opened on 6th October 1980, the 96 mile route stretches from Scotland’s largest city to itshighest mountain via its largest loch.
The route takes walkers and runners through diverse landscapes, including rolling lowlands, tranquil lochs, rugged mountains, and vast moorlands.
The route can be broken down in to 8 key stages were walkers often spend the night at the end of each stage:
Here’s a breakdown of the key stages:
Milngavie to Drymen (12 miles / 19 km): Starts in a suburban area, with easier walking through woodlands and farmland.
Drymen to Rowardennan (15 miles / 24 km): Passes through Conic Hill, offering views of Loch Lomond, before descending to the loch side.
Rowardennan to Inverarnan (14 miles / 22.5 km): Follows the eastern shore of Loch Lomond with a remote feel, rugged terrain and forested paths.
Inverarnan to Tyndrum (12 miles / 19 km): Enters the Highlands proper, with open moorland and views of mountains.
Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy (7 miles / 11 km): An easier stage, with beautiful mountain scenery.
Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse (12 miles / 19 km): Crosses Rannoch Moor, a vast and desolate landscape, often considered the most remote part of the trail.
Kingshouse to Kinlochleven (9 miles / 14.5 km): Climbs the Devil's Staircase, the highest point of the route, before descending into the village.
Kinlochleven to Fort William (15 miles / 24 km): Passes through forested paths and open hills before reaching the foot of Ben Nevis in Fort William.
There are also a number of Ultra Marathons which cover the route, including the West Highland Way Race. Since 1985, every year this race takes place challenging runners to complete the route within 35 hours.
Earlier in 2024 we provided youtuber Stephen J Reid with an Ultra 3R sleeping mat, Ultra 0 sleeping bag and an Ultra Pillow who filmed his experience of the route with its ups and downs, human impact on the route, and the inevitable Scottish weather.
To find out more about the route click here.
