Scotland’s first official long distance route links
Milngavie to Fort William - a distance of 154km (96 miles) -
from Milngavie in East Dunbartonshire to the foot of Ben Nevis
at Fort William.
The route passes through Mugdock Country Park, follows the
shores of Loch Lomond, passing Ben Lomond, through Glen Falloch and
Strathfillan, crossing Rannoch Moor, past Buachaille Etive Mor to
the head of Glencoe, climbing the Devil’s Staircase, descending to
sea level to cross the River Leven at the head of Loch Leven before
entering Lairigmor and Glen Nevis.
The terrain ranges from lowland moors, dense woodland and
rolling hills, to high mountainous regions in the Scottish
Highlands.
Much of the Way follows ancient and historic routes of
communication and makes use of:
- the drove roads along which highlanders herded their cattle and
sheep to market in the lowlands
- military roads build by troops to help control the Jacobite
Clans
- old coaching roads and disused railway lines from the more
recent past.
If you are lucky, whilst walking the Way, you may also see
some of the wildlife of the area. The feral goats left behind
following the clearances, the magnificent red deer and, away over
the high tops, soaring golden eagles.
The West Highland Way is marked throughout its length using a
white thistle footpath symbol. There are also several guides
available to make your walk more enjoyable.
The official West Highland Way guide is available from book
shops, Tourist Information Centres or from the West Highland
Way online shop. All proceeds from the West Highland Way
online sales go back into maintaining the route.
The guide provides well-illustrated descriptions of the route
with detailed information on the historical, cultural,
archaeological and wildlife interest along the Way.
The West Highland Way begins at an obelisk in Douglas Street,
Milngavie G62 NPD. Milngavie Railway Station, nearby, is
linked by rail service to Glasgow City Centre.
Mileage chart map (pdf) (72Kb)