West Highland Way Hike (Expert Guide)

You'll begin the hike by walking from Milngavie to Drymen.

This takes you away from the urban landscape and into the Lowlands where you'll pass various lochs, woodlands and the Campsies Fells.

The pathway is good and flat to ease you into the long-distance hike.

After Drymen, you'll wander through a forested area before reaching Conic Hill - the divider between the Lowlands and the Highlands.

Unless the weather is particularly bad, you'll travel over Conic Hill and enjoy some spectacular views of Loch Lomond and the striking Highlands landscape.

After you descend from Conic Hill you'll follow the meandering trail along the Loch's shoreline until you reach Rowardennan. This last section is very scenic with plenty of gorgeous viewpoints of the Loch.

This is where the hike starts to get more challenging as there are many ups and downs which can be very tiring.

You'll continue travelling alongside the beautiful Loch Lomond on the undulating trail which passes through some forested areas which obstruct the views for brief sections.

There is quite a steep climb along the trail to Rob Roy's cave, which descends with a series of stone steps. This is probably the most strenuous portion of the route.

Finally you'll start journeying further into the grassy hills and away from the Loch until you reach Inverarnan.

The trail from Inverarnan to Tyndrum is much easier and less strenuous then the last section - giving you a chance to take it easy.

You'll travel through woodland, farmland and forest, passing through a riverside section at one point where you'll find some lovely little waterfalls.

Just before you reach Tyndrum, you'll find a barren area where past industrial mining activities have left the land inhospitable.

The pathways are mostly good and well maintained along this section of the route and provides a slow ascent into the Highlands.

This is quite a short and easy section of the route, which passes through the desolate, but strangely beautiful, moorlands.

This is one of the most quiet and remote sections of the route with very little signs of civilization along the way.

The journey to Kingshouse follows an old Parliamentary road, which was built to replace a military road. The road gradually ascends into the isolated wilderness of Rannoch Moor.

You'll wander through the vast moorland and make your way onto the original military road which offers spectacular views of the Moor from its high placement.

You'll descend with exquisite views of the famous Buachaille Etive Mor Mountain and follow the trail to Kingshouse.

This section of the trail is one of the shortest, yet most dramatic, sections as it includes climbing to the highest point of the West Highland Way where you'll find breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

The path is easy to follow, still along the old Military Road, and leads you to the 'Devil's Staircase' path up the.

 While it's name might sound scary, the 'Devil's Staircase' is a clear, winding pathway, that leads across the Aonach Eagach ridge.

You'll reach the highest point at 1800 feet (550 meters) and be in awe of the glorious view. You'll then gradually descend along the trail to Kinlochleven.

The last stretch of the West Highland Way hike is also the longest.

It starts with a steep ascent out of Kinlochleven and follows the contours of the Mamore Mountains into a beautiful and scenic forested area.

You'll continue along the old Military Road over the rises and falls of the land until you reach Glen Nevis, which you'll pass through to get to Fort William.

This concludes the amazing journey that is the West Highland Way hike.

The most essential items to pack include a map or guidebook of the West Highland Way, a bag for your rubbish, a trowel since you aren't always going to be near a toilet, a whistle, sunglasses, sun cream, torch, water bottle, multi-tool and a First Aid Kit.

Packing some midge repellant is also highly recommended, especially if you're travelling during the summer. 

You could also take along a pair of hiking poles to take some strain off your knees and help you balance during sharp descents.

If you're planning on camping along the trail, you'll need a suitable tent, sleeping bag and cooking equipment.

Due to the unpredictable nature of Scotland's weather, it's a good idea to pack for all types of conditions. Lightweight, wind resistant trousers are a good choice and pack an extra pair of waterproof trousers as well.

Pack multiple light layers that you can put on or take off as the temperature changes and be sure to pack a wind and waterproof outer layer. A warm hat and gloves are essential in the winter, while a sun hat, sun cream and possibly a midge net are important for the summer.

The most important item is your pair of walking shoes or boots. It's essential that you get a good quality pair of hiking boots that are waterproof and provide ankle support. It's vital that you wear them in before you take on the trail so that your feet are comfortable throughout the journey.

Wild camping is allowed along the West Highland Way. However, you need to ensure that you leave no trace behind. Many of the villages and towns along the way have camping sites close by so you can follow the standard itinerary of the trail.

Be sure to check beforehand if you can camp in certain areas as the rules can change during different times of the year. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code website has more information about this.

Yes, you can cycle along the route but keep in mind that it was made as a long-distance walking trail so certain sections are very difficult to get through on a bicycle.

There are narrow sections that will require you to dismount and other sections that require advanced skill on a mountain bike. If you do choose to cycle then be courteous to walkers and try not to disturb the wildlife.

Yes, dogs are allowed along the West Highland Way trail but you must adhere to the rules and make sure your dog is kept under control. Some places, such as Conic Hill, may prohibit dogs during certain times of the year, so be sure to check in advance.

You will also need to make sure the accommodation you book is dog-friendly. If you do want to take your dog with you, then please take into account your dog's age and fitness level to make sure they'll manage the long walks each day.

While there aren't that many big mammals found in the Highlands, you may encounter roe deer, otters, red deer and plenty of diverse bird species. Be sure to keep an eye out for the majestic golden eagles that live in the mountains.