Scotland West Highland Way: A 9-Day Hiking

• Insect repellent is a must—midges are everywhere!
• Towels and toiletries. We encourage reducing single-use items as much as possible to support eco-friendly travel.
• Water bottle (Recommended daily intake = body weight × 30 ml), plus energy bars or other high-calorie snacks.
• Personal medication, a small first-aid kit, and your cosmetics/skincare essentials.
• A trash bag to pack out any waste and keep the beautiful trails clean.
• Phone, camera, and chargers. 
• Optional but very useful items: trekking poles, Swiss army knife, headlamp.
• Bring some cash, but the amount is up to you. Avoid carrying unnecessary valuables.
• And don’t forget your passport and visa (if required).

Milngavie is located in the suburbs of Glasgow and serves as the official starting point of the West Highland Way.

Transportation & Location

• From Edinburgh Airport: Approximately 1.5 hours drive.
• From Glasgow Airport: Approximately 45 minutes drive.

Options: You can choose to travel by bus or train from either airport to Milngavie.

Today, you officially begin your journey on the West Highland Way from Milngavie. Consider this leg as your warm-up for the adventure ahead!

Parks and Prehistoric Sites
Mugdock Country Park: You will pass through this park, home to the ruins of Mugdock Castle and Craigend Castle.

Dumgoyach Standing Stones: Look out for this group of stones standing atop a hill. These intentionally erected stones are speculated to have once been part of an ancient temple.

A Taste of Scotland: Glengoyne Distillery
Glengoyne Distillery is located nearby. Scotland is renowned for its whisky, and Glengoyne maintains tradition by using air-dried barley, employing slow distillation, and aging its spirit in Sherry oak casks. Patience and a commitment to traditional quality are the secrets to Glengoyne Whisky's smooth richness.

Highly Recommended! Take a break here to tour the distillery and celebrate the start of your trek with a dram of whisky (tasting at your own expense).

Entering the National Park
After your rest, you will continue your walk and enter the beautiful Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Drymen: You will spend the night in this charming small town, which historically served as a central trading point for Highland cattle. Its main attraction is the nearby Buchanan Castle.

Conquering Conic Hill
Today begins with the ascent of Conic Hill. While this section features a more significant incline, the stunning views of Loch Lomond from the summit will prove that every effort is truly worthwhile!

Loch Lomond is Britain’s largest freshwater lake, containing over 30 islands that emerge and subside with the changing water levels.

On a clear day, you might even spot Goat Fell, the highest point on the Isle of Arran, in the distance.

The Legend of Goat Fell
The origins of the mountain's intriguing name, Goat Fell, are subject to various theories. The most common belief is that the name derived from the Old Norse word geita, meaning Goat Mountain.

While traversing this small, oval-shaped hill, you might encounter wildlife such as nuthatches, buzzards, and deer—please be mindful not to disturb them!

Rest and Refuel
After soaking in the magnificent views, the descent will take you through the small village of Balmaha and its Visitor Centre.

This is a perfect opportunity for a short break to refuel before continuing with your afternoon walk.

Lakeside Stroll to Rowardennan
The afternoon trek follows a lakeside oak path toward your accommodation in Rowardennan.

Along the shore, keep an eye out for ospreys hunting for fish over the water as you enjoy the beautiful coastal views.

Today, your walk continues along the tranquil shores of Loch Lomond, deepening your immersion within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Forest Trails and Wildlife
You will traverse rushing streams and lush, verdant forests. In May, the banks of Loch Lomond are carpeted with bluebells.

Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife such as black grouse, ospreys, red squirrels, and otters. Who knows what small creatures you might spot today?

Waterfalls and Outlaws
A highlight of this section is the Falls of Inversnaid (Inversnaid Waterfall).

You will also pass Rob Roy’s Cave. Rob Roy MacGregor was an 18th-century outlaw who was active in the Scottish Highlands between 1712 and 1722, earning him the nickname, "The Scottish Robin Hood," for his acts of taking from the rich to help the poor.

Overnight in Inverarnan
You will spend the evening in Inverarnan. This small village is famous for The Drovers Inn, a historic, century-old coaching inn known for its numerous ghost stories.

The Inn serves traditional Scottish cuisine and often features live band performances on weekends.

Highland Peaks and Forest Paths
The trail today ascends from Inverarnan, following the River Falloch toward Crianlarich.

Your walk is set against the dramatic backdrop of the majestic mountains Ben More and Stob Binnean, while the views overlooking Loch Lomond are second to none.

After Crianlarich, you will enjoy a secluded forest walk before descending back to the valley floor, passing through farmland surrounded by towering Highland scenery.

Tyndrum: House on the Ridge
Tyndrum (whose Gaelic name translates to "House on the Ridge") has a rich history.

It was once an active gold mining area and was historically linked to several ancient trade routes.

The village holds a few ancient remains and historic buildings that are certainly worth exploring.

The scenery as you leave Tyndrum is stunning, and as you settle into your pace, you will love the feeling of covering ground quickly on the military road. Initially, you will follow the river valley towards Bridge of Orchy, with the magnificent Beinn Dorain standing before you and the railway to your right.

There is a steep climb out of Bridge of Orchy, but you will be rewarded with the sight of one of Scotland's most beautiful views, making it well worth the effort. After a brief descent, you will reach the isolated Inveroran Hotel.

The next section is arguably the most scenic part of the West Highland Way; leaving Inveroran, you skirt around Loch Tulla before joining the path across Rannoch Moor—a beautiful, solitary, and exposed place that was once covered by a massive ice sheet and is now blanketed in bogland. There is no shelter here, and it can feel exposed in bad weather; but on a clear day, Rannoch Moor is incredibly exhilarating. The 17th-century Kingshouse Hotel boasts the best views of Buachaille Etive Mor, Scotland's most photographed mountain.

Rannoch Moor is also one of the filming locations for the series Outlander. The most famous feature in the wilderness area is the Lonely Tree, which has a sign saying, "I'm lonely, please hug me." Stop and give it a hug!

You then arrive at today’s destination, Kingshouse.

Accommodation Options

• Kingshouse : If you choose to stay at Kingshouse, an additional supplement may apply, depending on the season and day of the week.
• Glencoe : If you choose to stay in Glencoe, a scenic transfer will be provided through the beautiful Glencoe valley to your accommodation in Glencoe or Ballachulish (returning to Kingshouse the next day).

Today, you finally reach the climax of the entire journey!

The section from Kingshouse to Altnafeadh was originally a military route. Here, you can admire the magnificent Glen Coe valley, which has been featured in films such as James Bond: Skyfall and Harry Potter. Due to its tragic historical background, it is also known as the Weeping Glens.

Next, you will climb the mountain pass known as the Devil's Staircase—the highest point on the entire West Highland Way route. As you gain elevation, Ben Nevis comes into view right before your eyes! This extinct volcano is the highest mountain on the British Isles.

After descending the Devil's Staircase, you will enter the beautiful small town of Kinlochleven. The town is home to the Ice Factor National Ice Climbing Center, where beginners and experts can enjoy the fun of indoor climbing, complete with a bar and sauna. Kinlochleven is also a good place to spot wildlife like owls, sea eagles, and stags.

Today, you pass through serene pine forests and enter Glen Nevis (Nevis Valley). This area is home to Steall Waterfall, one of Scotland's three great waterfalls. As you walk through the valley, Ben Nevis will come into view directly opposite you.

A little further on, passing the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, you finally arrive at Fort William!

The West Highland Way journey finally comes to a perfect close. Walking through the main street, you will reach the official endpoint of the entire hiking route at Gordon Square. Be sure to take a picture with the statue of the tired hiker rubbing his feet in the square.

After breakfast, you may continue your European journey or return to Taiwan.

While in Fort William, you can visit the West Highland Museum to learn about the area's history. Alternatively, you can visit Old Inverlochy Castle, a ruin that played a significant role in the British Civil Wars.

If you are a fan of Harry Potter, you have the option of taking the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William, or waiting for the train at the best photography spot, which is a 20-minute walk from the Glenfinnan train station. Please note that this train cannot be ridden using a BritRail Pass and requires a separate ticket purchase.