5 Day West Highland Way Itinerary
The West Highland Way route is well-marked and gradually transitions from gentle farmland and peaceful lochs to remote glens and dramatic mountain scenery. This 96 mile hiking trail offers a true taste of Scotland’s wild landscapes, but without being too difficult to access. Read on for my detailed West Highland Way itinerary: how we planned each day, what there is to see along the way, and where to stay.
I’ve also written a separate West Highland Way Packing List if you need help deciding what to bring.
The West Highland Way Route
This iconic long-distance trail passes through some beautiful areas of the both the Scottish Lowlands and Highlands such as Glencoe and Bridge of Orchy. You’ll walk though dappled woodlands and exposed mountain passes, past picturesque lochs and over moorlands.
There are several options for walking the West Highland Way. Most people opt for South to North, but some choose to do the walk in reverse from North to South. You can carry tents with you and camp, or do what we did and stay in local BnBs along the route (make sure to book in advance), which is also a great option for trying out some local food (and you’ll definitely be hungry!).
How Long Does it Take to Walk the West Highland Way
We chose to do the 96 miles in 5 days, which was fine but pretty intense and if I did it again I’d maybe consider adding in an extra night somewhere. If you’re on a longer holiday it could be nice to spend more than one night at some of the stopping points. If you’re pressed for time you can choose to walk just one section.
Is Walking the West Highland Way Difficult?
You do need to be in decent shape to walk the West Highland Way, but it is a beginner trek. Walking the West Highland Way does not require any technical knowledge. You can choose to either carry a backpack or opt to have your luggage transferred between stops and just carry a day bag.
I found that day 2 was the worst day, as although there’s not really any elevation gain, the route along the side of Loch Lomond absolutely destroys your legs. You have to keep going up and down over tree roots, so my legs were aching after that day. If you want a shorter and easier hike but want to still see all the best bits, start at Inversnaid instead and just head North from there.
