West Highland Way: Milngavie to Fort William

Milngavie to Fort William in six days

This version of the West Highland Way covers the whole 95 mile route in just six days, so it suits serious walkers. If you're fit and your main aim is to complete the Way, this is the itinerary to look at.

The Way starts in Milngavie, a suburb of Glasgow, and crosses rolling hills and lowland plains. The first stretch is an easy, pleasant walk along the valleys of Blane and Endrick, with good views of the hills. Next come good woodland paths, hillside tracks and moderate gradients on Conic Hill, and the approach to Loch Lomond is very picturesque. The walking along the loch side is rugged, over rocks and tree roots with some scrambling. North of Inversnaid it can be wild and demanding.

Into the Highlands

Beyond the loch you're walking through glens and over low passes. The ascents and descents are moderate, the paths and tracks are mostly well surfaced, and there are many fine mountain views. A moderate to hard day follows, with great scenery. It's mostly good underfoot but very exposed, and it can be difficult in bad weather, so go prepared. The last day starts with a steep climb out of Kinlochleven, then rough paths through Nevis Forest, and ends with a gentle descent into Fort William.

What to expect on the trail

Thousands of walkers complete the Way every year, but it's a challenging route through increasingly remote, mountainous country. Some days are long, and it's best suited to experienced walkers. The terrain runs from lowland meadows and foothills to loch sides, remote moorland and high mountain passes. The path is generally well kept, but some sections are rougher and others can get muddy. The side of Loch Lomond is known for its awkward tree roots.

In total there's over 13,000 feet (4,000m) of ascent, with climbs of 1,000 to 1,650 feet (300 to 500m) on most days. The two biggest climbs come on the last two days: 1,650 feet (500m) up the Devil's Staircase and 2,300 feet (700m) out of Kinlochleven.

Navigation and weather

The route is well signposted and follows clear paths, so it's not hard to follow. Even so, Rannoch Moor is remote wilderness, and on the higher ground you may be in mist on a bad day, so you need to be able to navigate. Some people walk the whole route in fine weather, but most get at least some rain, and there may be hill fog up high. Early or late in the season, hail or snow are possible. Good clothing and waterproofs are essential, even if you don't end up needing them often.