West Highland Way Guide | Macs Adventure

Your Ultimate Guide to Hiking the West Highland Way

The West Highland Way (WHW) is a must-do for hikers and outdoor lovers around the world. This 96-mile (154 km) trail takes you through some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes—think rugged mountains, peaceful lochs (lakes), and rolling glens. It’s the ultimate adventure for anyone who loves the great outdoors.

Thinking about tackling Scotland’s most famous hiking route? You’re in the right place. This guide has everything you need - from planning tips to packing essentials and even some advice on enjoying Scotland’s amazing food along the way. Ready to hit the trail? Let’s go!

Two people at the top of a hill, looking at the view of sea and islands on a sunny day

The Best Time to Hike the West Highland Way

Scotland’s weather can be famously unpredictable, so timing matters. The best months for hiking the West Highland Way are April through September. During this period, you’ll enjoy longer daylight hours, milder weather, and relatively drier conditions (by Scottish standards). May and June stand out as particularly good months, as while midges - tiny, biting insects common in Scotland’s countryside - will still make an appearance, they’re far less troublesome than during the peak of summer in July and August.

Looking for a comprehensive breakdown of seasonal weather and trail conditions? Don’t miss our Best Time to Hike the West Highland Way blog for detailed insights.

How Long Does It Take to Hike the West Highland Way?

One of the first questions hikers ask is, “How long is the West Highland Way?” Well, it’s about 96 miles (154 km) long and usually takes anywhere from 6 to 11 days to finish, depending on your pace and how much time you have.

Curious to know more? Check out our blog: How many days to walk the West Highland Way?

Getting to the Start of the West Highland Way

The adventure begins in Milngavie (pronounced mull-guy), a small town 8 miles north-west of Glasgow and pretty easy to get to. Once you've reached Milngavie, just drop your bags off at the train station with our reliable transfer partners. They’ll handle getting your luggage to your overnight stop, so you can relax and focus on the adventure ahead.

Here’s how to get to Milngavie:

From Glasgow City Centre: (15 - 40 minutes)

By Taxi: Call a cab from your hotel or use Uber. The journey takes about 30 mins.

By Train: The best and easiest option. Trains run every 30 mins from Glasgow Central. The journey takes 23 minutes and costs around £4.50.

By Bus: You can hop on the X10 or X10A bus from Buchanan bus station for about £6 per person. They depart every 30 mins and take just under an hour.

From Glasgow International Airport: (20 to 80 minutes)

By Taxi: The quickest and easiest option! Take a 25-minute taxi journey from the airport straight to Milngavie.

By Bus/Train: Take one of the frequent 500 Airport Express airport shuttle buses from the airport to Glasgow Central Station. Walk 10 mins to Glasgow Queen St train station, then take the train to Milngavie as mentioned above.

From Edinburgh Airport: (approx. 2hrs 15mins)

This trip will cost you about £30, depending on when you’re traveling. From Edinburgh Airport, you’ll need to catch the bus or tram to Edinburgh Park. Once you’re there, just hop on a train to Anniesland, then switch to another train to Milngavie.

From Manchester Airport: (approx. 5 hours)

The train is the quickest way to get from Manchester Airport to Milngavie. Depending on when your flight lands, you’ll have two options—a route with one change or two:

One change: Catch the train from Manchester Airport straight to Glasgow Central. Once there, switch to the train heading to Milngavie.

Two changes: First, take the train from Manchester Airport to Lancaster. At Lancaster, change to a train bound for Glasgow Central. Then, hop on the train to Milngavie. Simple as that!

Getting from the End of the West Highland Way

Getting from Fort William to Major Airports

If you're traveling from Fort William and need to get to Glasgow or Edinburgh Airport, Manchester Airport, or any of the London airports, here are your options:

To Glasgow Airport: (approx. 4.5 hrs)

Take a direct train from Fort William to Glasgow Queen Street. Once there, simply hop on the Glasgow Airport Express bus service (Route 500), which departs regularly from the city center and gets you to the airport in around 15 minutes.

To Edinburgh Airport: (approx. 5.5 hrs)

Take a direct train from Fort William to Glasgow Queen Street. Once there, walk to Glasgow Central, where you can take a train to Edinburgh Waverley station. From there, you can catch the Airlink 100 bus or a tram directly to Edinburgh Airport. The bus and tram services are frequent and take around 30 minutes.

To Manchester Airport: (approx. 8 hrs)

From Fort William, take the train to Glasgow Queen Street. Once in Glasgow, walk or take a short taxi ride to Glasgow Central Station, where you can catch a train to Lancaster Station or Preston Station. You'll then need to take the direct train to Manchester Airport.

To London Airports: (approx. 12 hrs)

Our top recommendation is to take the Caledonian Sleeper from Fort William direct to London Euston. What a way to end your Scottish adventure! You'll set off in the Scottish Highlands and wake up in bustling London Euston. From there, you can take the tube to reach the main London airports. For Heathrow, take the Northern Line to Tottenham Court Road, then transfer to the Elizabeth Line. For Gatwick, take the Victoria Line to Victoria Station and transfer to the Gatwick Express. For Stansted, take the Victoria Line to Tottenham Hale and transfer to the Stansted Express.

What to Pack for Hiking in Scotland

Packing smart is crucial for a successful hike. Key essentials include:

Waterproof gear (jacket, pants, backpack cover)
Sturdy hiking boots
A daypack with hydration bladder
Layers—Scotland’s weather can change in minutes!
Snacks and a lightweight first-aid kit

Need a complete checklist? Check out our West Highland Way packing guide for all the essentials.

Person carrying small backpack and large duffel bag out of boot of van.

Must-See Sights Along the West Highland Way

The West Highland Way offers countless impressive stops that you won’t want to miss:

Conic Hill: A short climb that rewards hikers with panoramic views of Loch Lomond. The trail takes you this way, so there's no detour necessary!
Rannoch Moor: A hauntingly beautiful stretch of wilderness that was once covered by a giant icecap.
Devil’s Staircase: A rewarding challenge to the highpoint of the West Highland Way at 548m (1,800 ft), with extraordinary mountain vistas.

For a full list of must-see spots, read our Must-See Sights Along the West Highland Way.

Wildlife on the Trail

Keep an eye out for the variety of wildlife along the trail! You might spot red deer, golden eagles, playful otters in nearby streams, or even the characterful faces of an occasional Highland Coo. Want to learn more about what creatures to look out for? Visit our Wildlife on the West Highland Way article for a detailed guide.

What to Eat and Drink

A hike through Scotland wouldn't be complete without indulging in some traditional treats. Make sure to try:

Scottish Shortbread: A buttery snack perfect for the trail.
Haggis: A hearty and flavorful dish.
Local Ales and Whisky: Unwind after a long hike at a welcoming pub.

A half-full bottle of whisky sitting on a stone wall with three small sampling glasses next to it,

Pro Tip!

Did you know that Scottish whisky is always spelt without an 'e'? The same goes for Canadian and Japanese whisky, which also follow this spelling tradition. Unlike the "whiskey" you’ll find in Ireland or the United States, these countries stick to "whisky," reflecting their proud heritage and traditions. Keep an eye out for this distinction when visiting distilleries or picking up a bottle as a souvenir. Cheers!

For a full culinary guide, explore our What to Eat Along the West Highland Way blog.

Top Tips for Hiking the West Highland Way

Before you hit the trails, here are a few practical tips:

Plan for Scotland’s midges—pack midge spray and use a midge head net if hiking in summer.
Stay hydrated and carry enough snacks for energy boosts throughout the day.
Take your time and don’t rush the experience—it’s as much about the views as it is the miles.

Looking for more advice? Read our Top Tips for Hiking the West Highland Way, and learn how to outsmart Scotland’s infamous midges with our Midges Survival Guide.

Woman sitting on a rock, looking out to a view of hills and a clear blue sky

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about the West Highland Way? We’ve got you covered! Our West Highland Way FAQs blog answers common queries, from "Where is the West Highland Way?" to “Should I take hiking poles?”

Essential Scotland Travel Tips

To make the most of your trip, keep these tips in mind:

Pack layers and always be prepared for rain, even on sunny days.

A woman in a bright orange jacket, standing next to a statue in the pouring rain.

Use Scotland’s well-connected public transport system to access key locations.

Respect the natural environment - leave no trace and follow local guidelines.

Bring a power bank/portable phone charger - you'll be using our navigational app on your phone, so don't let your device run out of juice.

Tipping in Scotland is appreciated but not mandatory; a 10-15% tip in restaurants is considered polite if the service was good.

Head to our West Highland Way top tips page for more!

Why Book with Macs Adventure?

At Macs Adventure, we’re here to make your hiking trip easy, enjoyable, and unforgettable. Here’s why hikers love booking with us:

Self-Guided Expertise: Take control of your adventure without the hassle.
Local Support: 24/7 assistance and carefully vetted accommodations.
Seamless Planning: We handle the logistics, from luggage transfers to GPS route mapping.

Don’t just take our word for it - join over 40,000 travelers heading out with Macs Adventure each year, including thousands taking on the West Highland Way.