The West Highland Way takes walkers from Milngavie, on the outskirts of Glasgow, through some of Scotland’s most spectacular countryside before finishing in Fort William.
Covering around 95 miles, the route passes through constantly changing landscapes as it makes its way north into the Highlands. Whether you’re completing the entire route or walking individual sections, it’s an unforgettable way to experience this part of Scotland on foot.
Tyndrum sits just over halfway along the West Highland Way, making it a natural place to stop, rest and prepare for the second half of your journey.
ByTheWay is ideally placed for walkers passing through the village, with a choice of accommodation and useful facilities for those spending their days on the trail.
Stay overnight before continuing north, or give your legs a well-earned break and spend an extra day in Tyndrum before taking on the next stage.
Good planning can make a huge difference to your experience on the West Highland Way. Trying to cover too much distance each day, carrying an unnecessarily heavy rucksack or setting off without adequate preparation can quickly make the walk more difficult than it needs to be.
If you’re not an experienced long-distance walker, spreading the route across around seven days allows for more manageable daily distances. Remember that walking day after day is very different from completing a single long walk, so give yourself enough time to rest and recover along the way.
Luggage transfer services are also available along the West Highland Way for walkers who would rather explore with a lighter pack.
The West Highland Way stretches 96 miles (154 km) from Milngavie to Fort William. Traditionally walked from south to north, the route gradually takes you from the gentler southern sections into the more demanding landscapes of the Highlands.
The official route is divided into eight sections. These provide a useful way to understand and plan the journey, although each section doesn’t necessarily need to represent a full day’s walk.
The journey begins in Milngavie and heads north towards Drymen, marking the first stage of the West Highland Way.
Continue towards Loch Lomond, crossing Conic Hill before descending towards Balmaha and following the lochside north to Rowardennan.
Follow the more remote eastern shore of Loch Lomond, passing Inversnaid before continuing towards Inverarnan at the northern end of the loch.
Leave Loch Lomond behind and follow the route through changing Highland scenery, passing Crianlarich before continuing towards Tyndrum.
From Tyndrum, the Way continues towards Bridge of Orchy before following the Old Military Road towards Inveroran, with views across Loch Tulla and the surrounding mountains.
Cross the exposed landscape of Rannoch Moor along the old road before continuing towards Kingshouse and the dramatic scenery surrounding Glencoe.
Pass beneath Buachaille Etive Mòr before climbing the Devil’s Staircase, the highest point on the West Highland Way, and descending towards Kinlochleven.
The final section climbs out of Kinlochleven and passes through Lairigmor towards Glen Nevis, before completing the journey in Fort William.
