West Highland Way in 10 days

The first day of your West Highland Way adventure is all about getting to your starting point. It's easiest to do this in the Scottish city of Glasgow, which has fantastic transport links. We recommend arriving in plenty of time to get to know the streets of Glasgow. Among the many wonders of the city, we recommend you pay special attention to its Victorian and Modernist architecture (by the famous architect and painter Mackintosh) or try its wonderful beer in one of its traditional pubs. But be careful... they are too easy to drink and you will still have to get to Milngavie, where you will start your first stage! Luckily, Milngavie is very well connected to the city centre.

Standard accommodation: Premier Inn or similar

Distance: 19 km
Difficulty: ●○○○○
Accommodation: Drymen

The West Highland Way starts in the centre of Milngavie, where you can pick up last minute supplies and get your bearings before setting off on the first leg into Mugdock Country Park. The section from Milngavie to Drymen is a good warm-up for the rest of the route. It is a relatively flat section that provides an introduction to the diverse landscapes that will be encountered over the next 96 miles. Along the way, some small lakes and rivers can be seen, and the views open up to reveal the upland landscape beyond Drymen.

Standard accommodation: The Drymen Inn or similar

Distance: 24 km
Difficulty: ●●○○○
Accommodation: Rowardennan

On our second stage, we leave Drymen behind and continue along the West Highland Way towards Conic Hill. The views from Conic Hill are first class and the first taste of the epic landscapes we will experience on this route, starting with the immense Loch Lomond, which will be with us for the rest of the day and beyond. Emerging from its waters, the chain of islands that we will see from the top of Conic Hill divides the highlands from the lowlands of Scotland. We then descend to the small village of Balmaha, where we enjoy a hearty meal and refreshments, before continuing along the great loch towards Rowardennan, our stage finish and the starting point for anyone intending to climb Mount Ben Lomond.

Standard accommodation: Rowardennan Hotel or similar

Distance: 22.5 km
Difficulty: ●●○○○
Accommodation: Inverarnan

This section runs along the northern and most remote stretch of Loch Lomond, where the waters reach a depth of 620 feet (188m). Be aware that the terrain is difficult, especially north of Inversnaid, but the sense of wilderness and high mountains are worth the extra care and attention. The highlight of this section is the spectacular Inversnaid waterfall. You'll be able to get close to it, as the route passes over a footbridge over the waterfall that cascades into Loch Lomond.

Standard accommodation: The Crianlarich Hotel or similar

Distance: 19 km
Difficulty: ●●●○○
AccommodationTyndrum

The West Highland Way leaves the shores of Loch Lomond and takes us into a different landscape of high mountains and gentle glens. Following the River Falloch we can see its waterfalls before reaching the halfway point, Crianlarich. Although the road skirts the village, it is possible to pop in for a rest and a bite to eat before continuing our hilly walk towards Tyndrum.

Standard accommodation: Muthu Ben Doran Hotel or similar

Distance: 14.5 km
Difficulty: ●●○○○
Accommodation: Inveroran

This is the fifth stage and a slightly shorter section than the previous ones, following the same mountainous scenery. Shortly after leaving Tyndrum, we will find ourselves skirting the steep slopes of Beinn Odhar and the pyramid of Beinn Dorain, whose silhouette will accompany us all along the glen until we reach Bridge of Orchy. This little village is built around its 18th century bridge, built to allow military passage during the Jacobite Wars. A short climb up the hill offers a spectacular viewpoint over Loch Tulla, the Black Mount and, beyond Inveroran, the spectacular moorland of Rannoch Moor.

Standard accommodation: Inveroran Hotel or similar

Distance: 16 km
Difficulty: ●●○○○
Accommodation: Inveroran

This sixth stage on the West Highland Way leaves Inveroran, climbing slowly from Forest Lodge to the edge of Rannoch Moor. This is a wild and remote stretch of the West Highland Way and one of the last great wilderness areas in Europe. Ba's Bridge is halfway across the moor and shortly afterwards, on the left, the ruins of Ba's hut can offer a slight shelter or a lovely place for lunch. Further on, before the end of the stage at Kingshouse, we will find ourselves at the foot of the famous and much photographed Buachaille Etive Mòr mountain, in the vicinity of which there are herds of reindeer that, if we are lucky, can be seen at close quarters. At Kingshouse we will take our transport back to Inveroran for an overnight stay (cost included).

Standard accommodation: Inveroran Hotel or similar

Distance: 14.5 km
Difficulty: ●●●○○
AccommodationKinlochleven

Day 8 of our journey through the Scottish Highlands begins with a drive back to Kingshouse, from where we continue on foot under the watchful gaze of the summit of Buachaille Etive Mor, one of the most famous and most beautiful of the Scottish Highlands. munros Scotland's most famous. The road takes us towards Altnafeadh, at its foot, before turning sharply right towards the Devil's Staircase, the dramatic name given by the British soldiers who built the road. This zigzag climb will take us to the highest point of the West Highland Way, 550m above sea level, with stunning views of the Buachaille and, to the north, the Mamores mountain range. The end of the day will be at Kinlochleven, a spectacular place to regain our strength before the final stage of the West Highland Way the following day.

Standard accommodation: Highland Getaway or similar

Distance: 24 km
Difficulty: ●●●○○
Accommodation: Fort William

The last stretch of the West Highland Way to reach its northern end. The journey begins with a steep climb from Kinlochleven, which eventually eases off and gives you magnificent views of Loch Leven. The path then takes you over Lairigmor (the big pass), which offers an easy walk between steep and grandiose mountains, turning north and reaching beautiful woodland before heading into Glen Nevis. The forests give way to forestry plantations and the silhouette of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. At this point we are on the final stretch of the West Highland Way, where Fort William awaits. A photo with the bronze statue of a fellow walker in Gordon Square is a nice tradition to end the walk.

Standard accommodation: Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club or similar

The last day of the journey to the Scottish Highlands is to leave its vast landscapes behind us and set off for home. In our memories we will carry the vast expanses of the lonely Highlands and a beautiful story to remember and tell.