West Highland Way
Introduction
154km, 3,155m ascent
This fabulous route takes you through the West Highlands from Milngavie to Fort William. The easiest way to get to the start is to fly to Glasgow, take a bus to the city centre and then a train to Milngavie.
Day 1 Milngavie to Drymen
20kms, 255m ascent, 257m descent, 6hrs
Day 1 is a gentle introduction to the West Highland Way with very little noticeable ascent. However it is an easy day to do after travelling to the start. Drymen Campsite is 30 mins before the town of Drymen. It has the cleanest showers I have ever found on a campsite - huge locked cubicle, sparkling white with lashings of hot water. The WHW turns off before the town itself so if you have all the supplies you need you can avoid it.
Day 2 Drymen to Rowardennan
24kms, 638m ascent, 635m descent, 7 hrs
The hike up Conic Hill is rewarded with fabulous views of Loch Lomond. Lunch in Balmaha then wind your way up Loch Lomond. Recommending camping as close to Rowardennan as possible to ease day 3.
Day 3 Rowardennan to Inverarnan
24kms, 670m ascent, 663m descent, 7hrs
The stats for this day are misleading. The route alongside Loch Lomond is narrow, windy and slow as you have to pick your steps carefully. In one section we were down to 2km/hour. Beinglas Farm campsite is in a lovely location with great facilities
Day 4 Inverarnan to Bridge of Orchy
30kms, 807m ascent, 630m descent, 8hrs
Lovely morning from highlands to forest. Stunning 360o views approaching Tyndrum and Strathfillan wigwams the perfect spot to enjoy the views with a cup of tea and cake.
Day 5 Bridge of Orchy to Glencoe
20kms, 493m ascent, 407m descent, 6 hrs
Today's route crosses Rannoch Moor which has been described as magical and having an other worldly beauty but the day I crossed it was raining heavily and it wild and forbidding but the path is good andI enjoyed the remoteness.
Day 6 Glencoe to Kinlochlevan
14.5kms, 465m ascent, 463m descent, 5hrs
On leaving Glencoe the route leads you through the glen with majestic mountains all around you providing stunning photo opportunities. Within 30 minutes you will arrive at the Devil's staircase for a short sharp climb up onto exposed moorland and then a long descent into Kinlochleven
Day 7 Kinlochlevan to Fort William
22km, 710m ascent, 710m descent, 7hrs
On leaving Kinlochlevan there is a steep ascent through woods and then a stony path leads through glens with majestic mountains all around. Finally you will be rewarded with glimpses of Ben Nevis until you clear the forest and there it is right in front of you. You will have worked hard, Fort William isn't far but you this hike will leave you wanting to discover more of Scotland.