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Distance: | 95 miles |
| Difficulty: | Moderate to More Difficult |
| Way-marking: | Very good. |
Trails:
| Follows a mostly low-level stage route mostly on dirt roads.
| | Lodging Styles: | Scottish B&Bs
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| Best Season: | Late Spring and early Fall
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Highlights:
| Ending at Ben Nevis and Fort Morgan was great. Take the short train ride north for a well-deserved treat.
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The West Highland Way, the first officially designated long-distance footpath in Scotland,  runs north for 95 miles through some of the most exceptional scenery that Scotland has to offer.
At it’s beginning, outside of the city of Glasgow, the route begins amidst gentle countryside reminiscent of northern England. But one thing will soon become apparent– this is not England. Following the route from south to north the scenery builds in wild, stark beauty with every passing step.
The West Highland Way passes along the banks of Scotland’s largest loch, Loch Lomond. It then crosses the Rannoch Moor; bleak, remote and beautiful in it’s own Scottish way. Further north you enter the valley of Glencoe. This was the site of the Macdonald massacre in 1692 and even today in poor weather it is said “there is an unmistakable aura of doom”. And then as if all this isn’t enough, the route reaches it’s grand finale at Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest peak.
As long-distance paths go, the West Highland Way is easier  to follow than most. It is well-marked and follows a rather low-level route along many of the old stage routes with easy footing underneath.
It’s important to pack your raingear, as it’s been said of Scotland, “when the weather is good, no other country compares. When the weather is bad…….Siberia would be preferable.”
Most of the towns on the route are small, so booking your lodging ahead is recommended.
All in all, this is a beautiful and varied route and seeing Scotland by foot……..well, is there any other way?
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