West Highland Way - 7 Days & 6 Nights
- Complete Scotland's most famous long distance trail from Milngavie to Fort William
- Enjoy camaraderie on the trail as you meet fellow walkers from around the world
- Walk from the 'bonnie banks' of Loch Lomond to the remote Rannoch Moor
- Stay at Kingshouse Hotel or in iconic Glencoe, surrounded by spectacular scenery
- Make your proud final steps into Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Milngavie, walk to Drymen 12 miles / 19.5 kmIf you are not staying in Milngavie on the previous night, you will meet our luggage carriers at the train station between 8:30-9:00am, ready to collect your bags and whisk them off to your accommodation for the night.
After setting off from Milngavie today’s route runs through the ancient earldom of Lennox between the Campsie Fells and Blane Water. Follow a series of good paths through beautiful rural scenery to Drymen, a small and charming village. A recommended stop is the Glengoyne Distillery, where you can take a tour and enjoy a wee dram to send you on your way. Also en route is the Beech Tree Inn, complete with beer garden and delicious fare.
Ascent/Descent: +130m/-120m
Ashbank B&B is a family-run accommodation offering superior rooms in the heart of the village. Ashbank was once the home of the famous Olympian Eric Liddel whose story was depicted in the Oscar winning film Chariots of Fire.
Braeside Guest House is situated in the centre of the village, close to all local amenities. All rooms are En-suite and have WiFi, TV, Tea & Coffee facilities with fresh milk. The gardens are perfect to relax in after your walk, there is also a BBQ available to guests. Hosts Chris and Fiona have extensive local knowledge and are always on hand to offer any assistance you may require
Green Shadows is an exceptionally situated 4-star country house B&B that sits in the shadows of the ruins of Buchanan Castle just over a mile from the idyllic village of Drymen. All of their rooms feature stylishly designed en-suite or private adjoining facilities and all are equipped with flat screen colour televisions, and tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryers and ironing facilities. You'll also enjoy one of their hearty breakfasts in their very elegant dining area.
Leave Drymen and walk through a forest plantation before the ascent of Conic Hill, which sits astride the Great Divide separating the highlands and lowlands of Scotland. The climb is fairly steep but on reaching the summit you can enjoy fantastic views over Loch Lomond, Britain’s largest body of fresh water covering 27 square miles. You will descend a steep path towards Balmaha, a small village nestling in a protected bay on the shores of bonnie Loch Lomond.
From Balmaha the path alternates between the loch shore, natural forest, and headlands. There are numerous short steep climbs along this section of the route. The scenery, forest, and birdlife between Balmaha and Rowardennan are outstanding.
During peak months, all accommodation at Rowardennan fills up well in advance. If there is no availability on the date requested, you will automatically be booked into alternative accommodation in Balmaha or Drymen. To get to/from the West Highland Way, a short return transfer will be arranged and a small supplement charge to cover the transfers will be added to your booking.
Ascent/Descent: +460/-489m
Situated on the rugged eastern shores of Loch Lomond, in the magnificent Queen Elizabeth Forest, the Rowardennan Hotel has breathtaking views of Ben Lomond, Loch Lomond and the mountains to the north. The hotel is a simple walker’s style property, many rooms have stunning views across the Loch.
Situated on the rugged Eastern Shore of Loch Lomond in the magnificent Queen Elizabeth Forest, the Rowardennan Hotel has breath-taking views of Ben Lomond, Loch Lomond Loch Lomond and the mountains to the North. The lodges are situated in the gardens adjoining the Hotel and within each you have all that you require to enjoy a comfortable stay. In the evening you can enjoy a wee dram in the Clansman bar, watching the glorious views from the marvellous beer garden, and enjoy quality hot food, also served in the bar, and made using local ingredients, and designed to give you a filling meal after a long days walk. Wifi available in hotel.
Located in the quaint village of Balmaha, in the shade of a magnificent 500-year-old oak tree, this unique country Inn which was constructed from locally quarried slate. Each room has its own individual character and all of the deluxe rooms in the cottages have views towards the loch. All rooms are en-suite and are well equipped to make your stay with them comfortable and enjoyable.
Leaving Rowardennan, the West Highland Way follows forestry roads and gently climbs high up above Loch Lomond, giving fantastic views over the water and towards the peaks of the Arrochar Alps. As you close in on Inversnaid the path narrows and becomes more undulating, passing over a spectacular bridge and waterfall as you arrive at Inversnaid Hotel.
The path from Inversnaid to the head of the loch is undulating with a generally rough surface. After passing Doune Bothy the path improves but it may seem a long two miles from Ardleish to Inverarnan.
The Way climbs out of Inverarnan beside River Falloch towards Crianlarich. Mighty Ben More and Stob Binnean provide a fantastic backdrop to your walk, and the views back down Loch Lomond are first class. The way bypasses Crianlarich, but if you need any supplies or are staying in Crianlarich, then follow the signs down to the town.
Ascent/Descent: +447m/-237m
The Crianlarich Hotel is a comfortable and well-appointed 3-star hotel built in Victorian times. Each room has en-suite facilities and luxurious feather-and-down duvets with cotton bed linen and generous fluffy white towels.
Glenardran House is a 3 star Visit Scotland approved guesthouse offering B&B accommodation. Resident owners Rod and Andrea Salt bought the house in 2016 and will ensure you receive a warm welcome and both a comfortable and pleasurable stay.
Craigbank is a friendly family-run guesthouse, nestling near the foot of mighty Ben More, and ideally situated in the centre of Crianlarich village. The house, which dates from the late 1800s, has been recently refurbished by the new owners and has been sympathetically modernised throughout.
After Crianlarich you enjoy a section of secluded woodland walking before making your way back to the valley floor and through farmland surrounded by towering mountains.
The scenery is stunning, and now that you are getting into your stride you will love the fast-going on military roads. After leaving Tyndrum follow the valley to Bridge of Orchy with the magnificent Beinn Dorain ahead of you and the railway on your right.
Ascent/Descent: +253m/-325m
The Bridge of Orchy hotel welcomes guests with personalised service, imaginative Scottish cuisine and an intimate atmosphere. The hotel’s personalised service and ‘can do’ approach is seen in their bedrooms and throughout the hotel and a real home-from-home feel is their priority.
Greenstone Lodge is a remote, 100% plant-based bed and breakfast located in Bridge of Orchy on the West Highland Way. This lodge offers a choice between a cosy double or twin ensuite, and offers two car parking spaces onsite.
There is a steep climb as you leave Bridge of Orchy, but you are rewarded with some of the best views in Scotland (in our humble opinion). A short descent brings you to the isolated Inveroran Hotel.
This is our favourite section of the West Highland Way. Leaving Inveroran skirt Loch Tulla and join the military road across the Rannoch Moor, a wonderful, lonely and exposed place that was once covered by a giant icecap and is today covered in a bog. There is no shelter and in bad weather, it can be exposed, whilst in good weather, Rannoch Moor is simply inspiring. The original 17th century hotel at Kingshouse has now been replaced with a refurbished hotel, which provides unrivalled views of Buachaille Etive Mor, perhaps Scotland’s most photographed mountain.
From Kingshouse follow a track to Altnafeadh, which reveals great views of the famous ‘weeping glen’ and site of the Glencoe Massacre in 1692. Zig-zag up the 'Devil’s Staircase' to the highpoint of the West Highland Way at 548m, from where you'll be treated to views towards Ben Nevis in clear weather. Finally, wind your way down into the small town of Kinlochleven.
Ascent/Descent: +790m/-950m
Alt-Na-Leven guest house is well situated in the centre of Kinlochleven.
The Highland Getaway has wonderful accommodation that is clean, comfortable and perfect for relaxing after an adventurous day on the West Highland Way. The Highland Getaway Restaurant is the perfect place to start your day with a hearty breakfast or to unwind in the evening with a tasty meal or nightcap after a day of exploring the highlands.
The guest house is located at the head of Loch Leven, just 3 minutes’ walk from Kinlochleven village centre. All the rooms are en-suite and with mountain views. The whole guesthouse including all rooms is strictly non-smoking. A wonderful accommodation and you are assured a very warm welcome.
The initial sharp climb out of Kinlochleven is worth it for the fantastic views it brings, and once over the top, you follow a wonderfully remote valley past deserted sheilings towards Fort William. Enter a beautiful area of cultivated forest and follow a narrow winding track into Glen Nevis. Towering ahead is Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, and you follow a wide forestry road down to the Visitor Centre. The final two miles are along the Glen Nevis road, bringing you to the official end of the West Highland Way at the main street of Fort William, where your adventure comes to a close.
Ascent/Descent: +504m/-509m
Dora welcomes you with open arms to her lovely guest house, Myrtle Bank. Overlooking Loch Linnhe and just a short stroll from the town centre and its selection of shops, pubs and restaurants, this is the perfect place to relax after a day of exploration.
A warm welcome awaits you at Guisachan House, a family run private guest house. They are situated in an elevated position off the main road with views over Loch Linnhe and surrounding hills only 5 minutes walking distance from Fort William town centre. They have 17 bedrooms and a guest lounge and bar offering wine, beer, spirits and malt whiskey. Wireless Internet is available for the guests. There is some photography dotted around the guest house taken by Phil, one of the owners.
Located in a prime residential area overlooking Loch Linnhe, the guest house is only 5 minutes walk from the shops and restaurants in Fort William town centre. You are assured a warm welcome at this splendid property and all rooms are en-suite with central heating, flat screen televisions and tea/coffee making facilities. There is free WiFi.
After breakfast your walking holiday will come to an end. See the Travel Info section for some useful details for your onward travel.
This trip has a carbon score of 6kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 6kg is equivalent to 4.5 ham and cheese sandwiches from the store. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?This is a stunning long-distance walk, showcasing some of the best scenery that Scotland has to offer. It can be pretty tough going, with some challenging terrain, but there is always the option to do it over 10 days and make it into more of a leisurely hike. A great one for boasting about to friends!
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
The West Highland Way can be enjoyed by walkers with various levels of experience. Depending on your levels of physical fitness and personal preference, the route difficulty can vary from “easy to moderate” to “moderate” and “moderate to strenuous”:
- Our best-selling trips are graded as “moderate” walking experiences: the 8-day and 9-day itineraries.
- For a more laid-back experience, we offer “easy to moderate” trips: the 10-day and 11-day itineraries.
- Experienced walkers can undertake our “moderate to strenuous” walking trips: the 7-day, and 6-day itineraries.
Some walking days will be more demanding than others. While the terrain is a combination of good walking trails and some rugged footpaths that may be uneven underfoot, the route does not require any technical skills. There are sections of both ascents and descents, with the Devil’s Staircase being the highest point at 550m above sea level.
This route is suitable for most regular walkers and the higher your level of physical fitness the more you will enjoy the experience. We suggest walking regularly and hitting a few hills before your trip, keeping in mind the daily distances and changes in elevation in your daily itinerary.
Our West Highland Way holidays include overnight accommodation in a mixture of country inns, small hotels, guest houses and B&B’s. We have worked with many of our accommodation partners for over 10 years and have great relationships with them ensuring you receive the best attention from the moment you check in.
We carefully select your accommodation to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay and all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food.
We book en suite rooms as standard. If there are no en suite rooms available in an overnight location, we may book a room with shared facilities, but we will always inform you in advance if this was the case.
Accommodation Location
We will always try and accommodate you at the locations detailed in your itinerary. Occasionally, due to limited availability, there may be the possibility that you will be accommodated at an alternative location in order to confirm your booking. If you are staying the night in Inverarnan on your itinerary, you may need to spend 2 nights in either Tyndrum, Crianlarich, or Bridge of Orchy, depending on which itinerary you have chosen. We will include transfers to and from these locations from and to Inverarnan, and they will be included in the cost of your tour (the exception to this is the 6 Days & 5 Nights itinerary where we find a suitable alternative but you will need to pay a supplement). However, there maybe other locations where you may have to stay at an alternative location, which you may have to pay a supplement for, but we will always ask you about this in advance.
The Kingshouse Hotel
During busy booking times a supplement may have to be paid when staying at the Kingshouse Hotel. Unfortunately, this cannot be avoided due to this hotel increasing their costs on certain dates of the year. If you do not want to stay at the Kingshouse, there would be no supplement to stay in Glencoe or Ballaculish which is our usual alternative.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
This holiday is available to solo walkers, although a supplement is payable. If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate your request, although it is not generally possible to secure more than three single rooms in a party. A single room supplement is payable.
Meals
Breakfast is included each morning while lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Your accommodation may be able to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked and paid for on arrival. Alternatively, the Macs Adventure App will point out any recommended lunch spots along the way. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or at nearby pubs and restaurants.
Additional Nights
You may wish to take some extra nights along the route, either to rest or for those with plenty of energy to explore some of the other walking opportunities nearby. We recommend extra nights at:
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Rowardennan - for climbing Ben Lomond, a Munro with commanding views over Loch Lomond.
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Crianlarich - a halfway stop with options for visiting the seaside town of Oban, complete with whisky distillery, via the local train service (1hr 15 mins each way).
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Fort William - for climbing Ben Nevis (the UK's highest mountain).
The route is well-waymarked throughout and easy to follow. Navigation is straightforward as you can use the Macs Adventure Smartphone App which has maps, GPS tracks, and daily route information. Simply download the GPS tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation will be simple, and you can’t get lost. You will find more information on downloading the app in your Macs Adventure Account.
Recommended Reading
Although not essential, if you would like more information on the route please see our recommendation below:
- West Highland Way: Milngavie to Fort William (British Walking Guide). Trailblazers
- 6 Nights in hand-picked B&B’s, small hotels & guesthouses
- 6 Breakfasts
- Baggage transfer
- We include an overnight in Fort William at the end of your trip as standard
- Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
- All your trip documents provided digitally through your online Macs “My Account”
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our UK office
- Travel to Milngavie / from Fort William
- Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage
- Lunches, dinners, snacks & drinks
- Personal equipment
- Travel insurance (required)
- Additional nights along the route
- Pre-tour accommodation in Glasgow / Milngavie
This trip is available from the end of March to mid-October. We suggest booking as soon as your plans are finalised as the West Highland Way is extremely popular and will sell out quickly (especially over April/May and July/August). We will always try our best to book your preferred dates, and having some flexibility in your travel dates improves our chances of confirming your booking.
Busy times in Kinlochleven are at the end of April and the beginning of May. This is because the "Pre-65 Scottish Motorcycle Trials" are held here during that time. There is also a busy time in Fort William at the end of April for a week because of the "Scottish 6 Days Trial Event". We have blocked start dates accordingly due to these events as availability is extra tight on these particular dates.
A supplement may apply when staying at the Kingshouse Hotel. Unfortunately, this can’t be avoided due to the hotel’s increasing costs on certain dates of the year. If you do not want to stay at the Kingshouse, there will be no supplement and you can stay in Glencoe or Ballachulish as an alternative.
Scotland's climate is notoriously changeable! Expect some amounts of both sunshine and rain regardless of the time of year, so always pack both waterproofs and sunscreen. July and August are usually warmest with average temperatures around 14 degrees centigrate, and highs of up to mid-twenties. Some snow may remain or even fall on the higher parts of the route in March & April, and even beyond. May has the least rainfall on average, but you would still expect some wetter days, and each year can vary greatly.
By Air:
Glasgow Airport: Located 8 miles west of the city, the airport is served by numerous domestic and international airlines. A regular Citylink bus service operates between the airport and the city centre. Alternatively, you can also book taxis at a fixed rate from the airport to your accommodation in Glasgow, or to Glasgow Central train station.
Prestwick Airport: Located 30 miles south of Glasgow, Prestwick is primarily served by the budget airline Ryanair. A train service operates from Prestwick to Glasgow city centre, taking approx. 50 mins.
Edinburgh Airport: Located 45 miles east of Glasgow, Edinburgh Airport is served by numerous domestic and international airlines. A regular Citylink bus service operates between the airport and Glasgow's Buchanan Street Bus Station in the city centre (approx. 60 mins). Alternatively, you could take the tram towards Edinburgh city centre and connect with the train from Edinburgh Haymarket train station to Glasgow Queen Street station.
By Rail: Glasgow is well-served by rail from across the UK. Booking in advance secures the best fares. For information on all routes visit Scotrail or National Rail.
By Car: Glasgow is served by a motorway network. Long term parking is generally not available in the city centre, but parking (not secured) is available in Milngavie, at the start of the walk. A useful website for directions and parking is the RAC Route Planner.
By Bus: Services from UK destinations are operated by National Express. Services from Scottish destinations are operated by Scottish Citylink.
Getting to Milngavie from Glasgow
Milngavie is most easily accessed by train from Glasgow Queen Street train station on a regular Scotrail service taking approx. 25 mins.
By Rail: Onward travel to Inverness or Mallaig (then onto Skye by ferry) is possible by Scotrail train. Alternatively, return to Glasgow on the West Highland Line railway line (approx. 4 hours) - one of the UK's most scenic rail journeys.
By Bus: Onward travel directly to Skye is possible with the Citylink bus service. From Fort William you can take direct Citylink buses directly to Glasgow (3 hours 15 mins), Edinbugh city centre (5 hours 20 mins) or to Edinburgh airport (5 hours).
Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.
The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
Online Documents
At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.
On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
At 98 Miles the West Highland Way is a fair distance and the higher your level of fitness the more you will enjoy the experience. Most of our itineraries involve between 5 and 10 hours walking daily so you should be comfortable walking on good tracks and paths over undulating terrain for at least 6 to 7 hours. If you currently don’t enjoy that level of fitness regular walking in hilly terrain supplemented by cardiovascular exercise for at least 6 months prior to your walk is recommended. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.
If you don't overnight in Glasgow or Milngavie before beginning the West Highland Way meet our baggage transfer partners at Milngavie Rail Station at 0830-0900. They will check you in and take your bags, which will magically appear in your next overnight accommodation. Each morning, just leave your bags in the reception area and we will have them transferred to the next location. Please limit the weight of your luggage to 20 kg per bag (one piece per person).
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the West Highland Way is extremely popular especially over April/May and July/August. However, we will always try and accommodate your plans.
You will need good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc. Our information pack has a list of all the equipment you will need, along with some helpful suggestions.
Traditionally May has always been the most popular time of year because, the theory goes, that the weather is better and the midges have not yet appeared. Although having walked the way in every summer month we believe any time between late March and October offers a wonderful experience.
Midges are small biting insects (much like North American gnats) which are prevalent in the summer months. They are particularly bad on still, overcast days but do not bother you if you are moving, the wind is blowing, sun is shining, it’s raining, or you are inside so as long as you carry repellent for the odd occasion you may need it they shouldn’t have any impact on your experience.
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets and several sections of the way are closed to dogs as they are permissive paths through farmland.
You can use public transport and local taxis to reach your next overnight stop. Full details are included in your info pack or you can call us for assistance in making arrangements.
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West Highland Way
The West Highland Way is the first trip Macs Adventure operated back in 2003 and remains one of our favourite trips today. For a taste of the experience, watch this short feature about a West Highland Way father and daughter adventure.
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West Highland Way Video Diary
Dan, our resident wildlife expert, took to the West Highland Way and recorded his whole journey. This video shows you the full route, from the starting point in Milngavie, through all the points of interest, to the finish in Fort William. Dan points out some interesting things along the route that you shouldnt miss, but this is not a video laden with spoilers. Every journey on the West Highland Way is different, dictated by the weather, the people you meet and the chance encounters with wildlife (human and otherwise!) Get a taste of what is in store on the West Highland Way with Dan.
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The West Highland Way
For an oversight of the West Highland Way, its history, its logistics and how it feels to walk, this is the video for you. Ewan discusses some of the finer points of walking the route, with the background of Loch Lomond, shows how the baggage transfer works and how easy Macs Adventure make walking the West Highland Way.
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West Highland WayWildlife on the West Highland WayRead More5 Min Read13 May 2019
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WalkingAdventure of the Week: West Highland Line - Rail & HikeRead More3 Min Read16 January 2019
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West Highland WayAdventure of the Week: The West Highland WayRead More4 Min Read09 January 2019
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WalkingBest time to go walking in ScotlandRead More4 Min Read22 October 2018
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West Highland WayAll the most-asked questions on the West Highland WayRead More8 Min Read27 October 2021
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West Highland WayTravel to the Start of the West Highland Way in MilngavieRead More1 Min Read08 February 2018
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West Highland Way10 Top Tips for the West Highland WayRead More2 Min Read30 January 2018
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Food & DrinkWhere to Eat on the West Highland WayRead More5 Min Read24 November 2017
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West Highland WayHighlights of the West Highland WayRead More3 Min Read16 November 2017
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West Highland WayHow Many Days to Walk the West Highland Way?Read More3 Min Read04 September 2017
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West Highland WayWhat to Pack to Walk the West Highland WayRead More4 Min Read13 March 2017
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West Highland WaySore Feet: Proud Walkers of the West Highland WayRead More1 Min Read11 November 2015
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Tips & AdviceHow to get rid of midges in Scotland: Best midge repellent and protectionRead More3 Min Read24 June 2014
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West Highland WayWhat to Pack for the West Highland Way?Read More4 Min Read13 January 2011
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West Highland WaySkipping a Section on the West Highland WayRead More4 Min Read13 January 2011
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West Highland WayOne "Appy" Macs Customer!Read More4 Min Read01 July 2019
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WalkingAdventure Of The Week: The West Highland WaheyRead More6 Min Read07 August 2019
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Walking40 Miles In One Day For Glasgow Children's HospitalRead More3 Min Read26 July 2019
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Walking the West Highland Way After CoronavirusRead More4 Min Read07 August 2020
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West Highland WayA Poetic Review of the West Highland WayRead More1 Min Read14 April 2021
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Meeting the people behind the scenery - Minna & Classic RoutesRead More2 Min Read01 February 2023