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    West Highland Way

    Scotland · Scottish Highlands
    Hilly

    Scotland's most popular long-distance walking route, running 153km from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis. The trail passes along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, crosses the vast and exposed Rannoch Moor, and climbs the Devil's Staircase with stunning views of Glencoe. Expect well-maintained paths, a good network of accommodation and campsites, and a sociable atmosphere — though midges can be fierce in summer. A perfect first long-distance hike.

    Itinerary Planner AvailablePlan your West Highland Way day-by-day — choose your pace, get daily distances & times, download PDF & GPX.
    Distance
    153 km
    Duration
    6–8 days
    Total Ascent
    3,122 m
    Total Descent
    3,168 m
    Elevation Range
    5–548 m
    Region
    Scottish Highlands
    Midge Season: Late May – Mid September

    Highland midges can be a serious nuisance on this trail from late May through August in still, damp conditions. The first three weeks of May are generally midge-free. Midges start to decline from mid-September. Consider carrying a head-net and repellent if hiking from late May onwards.

    Check the live midge forecast

    Monthly Trail Rating

    Based on passability window, temperature, precipitation patterns, daylight hours, and midge season.

    Jan
    Poor
    Feb
    Poor
    Mar
    Poor
    Apr
    Good
    May
    Good
    Jun
    Fair
    Jul
    Fair
    Aug
    Fair
    Sep
    Good
    Oct
    Fair
    Nov
    Poor
    Dec
    Poor
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