The West Highland Way celebrated its 40th anniversary on 6 October 2020 with the launch of a specially created online exhibition, as part of a wider project drawing in investment to support the future of the route for years to come.
The route is completed by over 40,000 walkers every year and the figure is more than doubled by those that also enjoy walking short sections. To celebrate its milestone birthday, the public has been contributing to the content of the exhibition by sending in stories, photos, videos and heart-felt moments from their time spent on Scotland’s most popular long-distance route.
The virtual exhibition covers the 96-mile route, looking at milestone moments over the last 40 years. Walkers, runners, cyclists, charity fundraisers and the route’s fans from across the world have contributed their stories. There are memories from those who walked the route in the early 1980s and adventurers who have tried to beat time and speed records right through to children as young as seven who have walked it this year.
Jimmie Macgregor, now in his 90th year and who inspired many people to walk the West Highland Way through his radio and TV programmes, plus spin-off books, during the 1980s and 1990s, has given an exclusive interview and provides the welcome to the exhibition.
Features also include stories of marriage proposals, charity events in memory of loved ones and people who have enjoyed the route multiple times. The West Highland Way has attracted painters, poets and musicians too and the exhibition attempts to capture a flavour from all those who have found it inspirational.
The celebration is part of a wider West Highland Way project, funded by the Scottish Government’s LEADER programme
, to support the future upkeep of the popular route by drawing in further investment and exploring income generation opportunities. The project aims to ensure the long-term economic sustainability of the West Highland Way, in its anniversary year, and the rural businesses and communities that depend on it.
Kenny Auld, Chair of the West Highland Way Management Group, said: "The online exhibition and film captures the spirit of 40 years of the West Highland Way. You can sit back and enjoy the show from the comfort of your home and be inspired by the many people who have walked the 96-mile route. See the changing weather, enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife, read the personal stories behind the walk and hear about the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into individual experiences, from the early 1980s to the present day.
“The exhibition may encourage you to plan your own West Highland Way adventure. Some people start by walking short sections and develop the confidence to walk the entire route to feel the exhilaration of completing a challenge. The health and well-being benefits that the Way has brought many over 40 years cannot be over-estimated and the quality and variety of the landscape brings people back year after year.
“As well as celebrating its popularity over the year, the 40th anniversary is also a chance to draw in future support and investment in Scotland's first long-distance route and ensure it remains an experience that can be enjoyed by future generations."
The online exhibition, also featuring a short 40th anniversary film, is accessible via the website from 6 October. Later this year, a few touring exhibits will be shown at various locations along the West Highland Way between Milngavie and Fort William until spring 2021 to enable even more people to be inspired by this iconic route.
For further details and access to the 40th anniversary exhibition, please visit www.westhighlandway.org
Councillor Andrew Polson, Joint Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, said: "We have been delighted to support superb efforts to create an online exhibition celebrating the 40th anniversary of the wonderful West Highland Way. Thousands of people - of all ages - regularly visit East Dunbartonshire because of the route, one of the jewels in Scotland's crown, and it occupies a special place in the hearts of many. We're keen to continue the collaborative work to ensure it goes from strength to strength."
Councillor Vaughan Moody, Joint Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, added: "We have been working with Milngavie Business Improvement District to support the town as a key location - with many embarking on their own West Highland Way adventure from the town centre. I hope people continue to treasure this remarkable route in the years and decades to come, and that they enjoy a stroll down memory lane thanks to the new online exhibition from 6 October - www.westhighlandway.org."
Bridget Jones, NatureScot Strategic Paths Manager, said: “When our predecessor organisation, the Countryside Commission for Scotland, established the West Highland Way 40 years ago it was hard to think that it would become such an iconic and internationally-renowned route, helping millions of people from all walks of life to experience, enjoy and connect with some of Scotland’s best landscapes and nature over the decades.
“As the most popular and well known of Scotland’s 29 Great Trails, and the first of Scotland’s Long Distance Routes, it is great to have the opportunity to support the 40th anniversary celebrations.”
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