Milngavie → Fort William · 96 miles
Walk the West Highland Way
Scotland's first official long-distance route: 96 miles from Milngavie, on the edge of Glasgow, to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis. Plan it with a free guide to all 8 stages, offline maps and your own AI trip planner.
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Plan My West Highland Way
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Scotland's first long-distance route
Opened in 1980 as Scotland's first officially designated long-distance footpath, the West Highland Way runs 96 miles (154 km) from Milngavie, north of Glasgow, to Fort William. It follows the east shore of Loch Lomond, climbs Glen Falloch to Tyndrum, crosses Rannoch Moor on an old military road, goes up the Devil's Staircase above Glen Coe and finishes through the Lairigmor pass, below Ben Nevis.
Most people walk it south to north, so the gentler southern stages come first. This is an independent guide and app to help you plan and walk it: every stage broken down, when to go, how to get there, and offline maps in your pocket.
The whole walk, on one map
All 8 stages from Milngavie to Fort William — tap a stage to open its guide.
The route, in three parts
From the loch shore to the Highlands — see the full 8-stage guide.
From the Lowlands to the Highlands
96 miles · 8 stages · Milngavie → Fort William
From hikers on the trail
Latest photos from the trail
Taken on the path and shared from the app, stage by stage. Add yours from the app camera.
Everything you need on the trail
The free West Highland Way Walk app turns your phone into a guide that works with no signal.
Offline GPS maps
Download each stage and navigate with full GPS even where there's no signal — on Rannoch Moor and through the Lairigmor.
Elevation for every stage
See every climb and descent before you set off, from Conic Hill to the Devil's Staircase.
Progress tracking
Tick off stages, log your hikes, and watch your progress build from Milngavie to Fort William.
Find a walking partner
The buddy finder helps you meet other walkers heading the same way on your dates.
Plan & pack
Build a day-by-day itinerary and a kit checklist for the whole walk.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the West Highland Way take to walk?
Most walkers take seven or eight days for the 96 miles (154 km), in eight stages from Milngavie to Fort William. A stage is not necessarily one day: plan your days around your own pace.
Which direction should I walk it?
South to north, from Milngavie to Fort William. The southern stages are easier, and they prepare you for the more demanding ones further north.
When is the best time to walk?
April, May, September and October. May is the most popular month, so book accommodation early and, at busy times, avoid starting on a Saturday. Midges are usually at their worst from June to August, and from November to March you should expect winter conditions.
How do I get to the start, and home from the end?
Regular trains and buses run from Glasgow to Milngavie, where the Way starts at the obelisk on Douglas Street. From Fort William, trains and Citylink coaches run back to Glasgow.
Can I camp along the way?
Yes, but from 1 March to 30 September the camping byelaws around Loch Lomond apply from Drymen onwards: you may camp only at campsites or in permit areas.
Which are the hardest sections?
The rough, rocky lochside path north of Inversnaid, where some burns can be impassable after heavy rain; the exposed crossing of Rannoch Moor, with no shelter before the Glencoe Ski Centre; and the climb up the Devil's Staircase, the highest point of the Way at 550 m.
Is there anywhere to buy supplies?
Tyndrum is the last place to stock up before Kinlochleven, 28 miles further on. The official guide lists cash machines at Milngavie, Drymen, Crianlarich, Tyndrum, Kinlochleven and Fort William.
Ready to walk the West Highland Way?
Start with the stage-by-stage guide, then take the app with you on the trail.