Fuel your hike with hearty Scottish fare, honesty boxes, and cozy pub meals

Walking the West Highland Way is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and while the scenery is undeniably the star, the food along the trail plays a delicious supporting role. From cozy pubs to fresh food cafes and surprise honesty boxes (an unmanned payment system where walkers can buy snacks or goods and leave the correct money, relying on trust and community spirit), Scotland serves up sustenance with character and charm. This guide breaks down the best places to eat on the West Highland Way, including lunch stops, dinner spots, and snack options at each stage. We’ve also included dietary notes for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free hikers, and a handy section on must-try Scottish dishes. 

What to Eat in Scotland: Must-Try Dishes on the West Highland Way

Before we dive into the route, here are some classic Scottish bites to look out for: 

• Haggis, Neeps & Tatties – Scotland’s national dish along with mashed turnips and potatoes. Vegetarian and vegan haggis is widely available. 
• Cullen Skink – A creamy smoked haddock soup, perfect on a chilly day. 
• Scotch Pie – A meat or veggie-filled pie, great for packed lunches. 
• Tablet – A sweet treat made from condensed milk and sugar (think Scottish fudge). 
• Cranachan – Whipped cream, raspberries, oats, and whisky—ideal dessert after a day’s walk. 
• Locally sourced salmon, venison or beef – Often on menus in more rural areas. 

Many eateries along the West Highland Way now offer vegan, vegetarian, and celiac-friendly options—just be sure to mention your dietary needs when booking or ordering. 

Dining Etiquette on the West Highland Way: Reservations & Tipping 

Do I Need to Make Reservations? 

In short - yes, whenever you can. While the West Highland Way passes through rural and remote areas, the popularity of the trail means dining options can fill up fast, especially between April and October. Here's what to keep in mind: 

• Book dinner in advance at your accommodation or nearby pub, especially in smaller villages like Inversnaid, Inverarnan, Kingshouse, and Bridge of Orchy, where options are limited. 
• In towns like Tyndrum, Kinlochleven, and Fort William, it’s still a good idea to reserve a table, particularly on weekends. 
• Lunch spots and cafés generally don’t require booking, but some seasonal cafés may have shorter hours, so check ahead if possible. 

Explore more tips for hiking the West Highland Way >

Stage-by-Stage Food Guide: West Highland Way 

Milngavie (Start Point) 

• The Honeybee Bakery - This charming artisan bakery offers freshly baked bread and cakes to pair with your tea or coffee. 
• Andiamo Milngavie - Offers modern Italian fare like penne arrabbiata, crispy calamari, and stone-baked pizzas in a stylish space with leather booths and a sleek bar. 
• Garvie & Co. - Serves locally inspired dishes such as haggis bon bons and Josper-grilled steaks in a beautifully restored 18th-century coaching inn. 

Drymen 

• En route from Milngavie to Drymen you have a couple of lunch spot options. You can find hearty comfort food like burgers and seasonal specials, with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options at Beech Tree Cafe Bar. Turnip the Beet is a vibrant deli and café serving global-inspired dishes such as homemade curries, fresh sandwiches, and baked goods, alongside specialty coffees. 
• The Clachan Inn – One of Scotland’s oldest pubs, serving hearty Scottish meals with vegetarian options. 
• Skoosh – A relaxed café ideal for lunch or a coffee and cake break. And with gluten-free options available, everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. 
• The Drymen Inn – A solid dinner option with both classic and contemporary dishes, including veggie and celiac-friendly menus. 

Balmaha 

• Oak Tree Inn – Known for excellent food and beautiful lochside views. Extensive menu includes vegetarian haggis, vegan burgers, and GF options. 
• St Mocha Coffee Shop – A sweet little café for coffee, paninis, and ice cream. 
• Balmaha honesty boxes – You’ll find a few along this section, stocked with flapjacks, soft drinks, and homemade fudge. 

Rowardennan 

• Rowardennan Hotel Bar & Restaurant – Enjoy loch views with a Scottish ale and meal. Good range of vegan and GF options. 
• Pack a picnic – Services are limited here, so stock up in Balmaha or Drymen. 
• Ben’s Bakes – An honesty box that can’t be missed en route to Rowardennan! The bright pink phone booth has developed quite the reputation as a hotspot for delicious bakes to get you on your way to your next accommodation. 
• The Clansman Bar – no frills food that’s delicious and hearty - served in a stone and beamed building - after a day on the trails.  

Inversnaid 

• Inversnaid Hotel (seasonal) – Afternoon tea or soup and sandwiches with a view.  
• Snack suggestion: This stretch is remote, so bring snacks or sandwiches. 

Inverarnan 

• The Drovers Inn – Legendary 300-year-old pub with atmosphere to spare. Try the haggis, or their extensive veggie/vegan menu or gluten-free dishes. 
• Honesty boxes nearby – Keep an eye out for local treats and drinks tucked in garden sheds. 
• Ardlui Hotel Bar & Lounge – perched on the shores of Loch Lomond, expect stunning views, a welcoming atmosphere, hearty meals and refreshing drinks. 

Tyndrum 

• The Real Food Café – A must-stop. Award-winning fish & chips, vegan haggis, and excellent GF fish batter. They even have a wee gluten-free bakery section! 
• Tyndrum Inn - A welcoming Highland inn offering hearty pub classics, with options for vegetarians and gluten-free diets. 
• Ben Lui – Neighboring the Real Food Cafe, the menu offers carefully crafted meals and a delicious variety of Scottish favorites to refuel after a day on the trail! 

Bridge of Orchy 

• Bridge of Orchy Hotel – From fresh Scottish seafood to locally-reared meats like venison. They offer both classic plates and a twist on the traditional. Don’t worry, they cater to vegans and veggies too. 
• Pack a lunch – Services are limited, so pick something up in Tyndrum. 

Kingshouse 

• Kingshouse Hotel – Epic mountain views paired with traditional Highland cuisine. A great place to try venison or locally caught fish. Gluten-free and vegan options available. This is the only spot around, so make sure to book in advance. 

Kinlochleven 

• The Bothy Bar at MacDonald Hotel – Classic cozy pub grub with a view over the loch. Load up on carbs before the final push on the West Highland Way. 
• Tailrace Inn – Welcoming pub serving a fusion of cuisines. From British fare to Italian flavors and Mexican chilli, whatever you’re craving, they’ve got you! 
• The Highland Getaway - Fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a cozy atmosphere to unwind after a day on the trails. Just be sure to book your reservation in advance to secure your spot! 

Fort William (Finish Line!) 

• Crannog Seafood Restaurant – Treat yourself to local seafood on the waterfront. Celiac-safe prep and veggie options are available here. 
• The Ben Nevis Bar – Tuck into hearty Scottish dishes like classic haggis, neeps, and tatties, fresh seafood, and burgers, all made with locally sourced ingredients. 
• The Wildcat Café – A fully vegan café and deli offering healthy meals, coffee, and cakes. 
• The Geographer - Serving globally inspired street food using local ingredients, with dishes like fish and chips, vegetarian curries, and daily shellfish specials.  
• Black Isle Bar - Nestled right at the trail's endpoint, behind the iconic statue of the man with the sore feet, this bar is the perfect spot for a celebratory drink! 

Final Tips for Food on the Trail 

• Book Ahead: Dinner spots, especially in rural locations, can fill up quickly during peak season. 
• Carry Cash: Many honesty boxes are cash-only and trust-based - leave change and take what you need. 
• Pack Smart Snacks: Dried fruit, energy bars, oatcakes, and nuts are great for the longer legs. 
• Let Hosts Know: Most accommodations are happy to cater to dietary needs if told in advance. 

Taste Your Way Through the West Highland Way 

From trail-side honesty boxes to old-world inns and fresh local seafood, the West Highland Way isn’t just a walk through Scotland’s landscapes - it’s a journey through its flavors. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or just hungry after 15 miles of hiking, you’ll find delicious options to fuel every leg of your adventure. 

Ready to walk and eat your way through Scotland? Book your self-guided West Highland Way adventure with Macs Adventure and let the trail - and the table - guide you. 

Head to our Guide to hiking the West Highland Way for more info on this route.