Hike the West Highland Way

We returned from our West Highland Way trip yesterday and I’m still buzzing. We were incredibly lucky with the weather – a few overcast days, but no rain and lots of sunshine, which meant great views. We took the easy option, hiking over 8 days and staying in B&Bs/hotels with luggage transported for us. Some of the places we visited were fantastic with outstanding hosts and we met loads of people along the way. Physically, it wasn’t hugely challenging, but it wasn’t a gentle stroll either – I’m glad we put the training in beforehand. Highlights, for me, included crossing Rannoch Moor under clear blue skies, and eating a picnic by Rob Roy’s cave on the shores of Loch Lomond. I’d recommend this route to anyone, but it’s best to go in April/May to avoid the midgies. We managed to do the whole trip insect-free. Result! 9 months ago

Decided to go independent in the end and have sorted out our own accom and tickets. As well as being considerably cheaper, it’s also allowed me to rake through Tripadvisor and select hotels/B&Bs with good ratings. I’m a bit of a stickler when it comes to holidays.

We won’t have chance to climb Ben Nevis this time, but it’s kind of nice to think that there will be other challenges beyond this one. Now for the training… 11 months ago

I attempted this in June just gone – managed 25 miles but noisy camping neighbours and a dicky tummy got the better of me.

Next time I’ll be a little more prepared for what’s a head. 13 months ago

Sure the WHW is great, but it’s a bit of a slog and at times very busy. I did it with a friend about 20 years ago and enjoyed it except when the rain came out. Which it mostly did. In August.

My tip would be to take your time – plan lots of stops at towns, hotels etc to chill out (take some clean clothes as they don’t all like muddy, sweaty hikers) and enjoy the time rather than just tick it off the list. Climb a few mountains along the way (the walk itself is flat and can be (whisper it) quite dull at times. Take a friend, some good books and enjoy yourself. 2 years ago

i intend to walk the w.h.way in may and do it in a 1 week period as i want to take in the views and absorbe tthe whole experience,i dont intend to use any hostels or b&b’s as this in my book is not really wot being in the big outdoors is about,i will be camping out with my bivvie & a fire as i have done before,i am also opening the invitation 2 anyone who is also interested in joining me 4 1 week in may.
any inquiries email-sama10419@gmail.com/447500147585(sam)
previous experience in hill walking or climbing preferred & if any, experience in adventure training aswell,though not necessary. 2 years ago

If Plan A doesn’t work, then this is very much on the cards for next Spring. Would love to tie in Glasgow and round it off with a climb up Ben Nevis. Training could definitely include the 3 peaks.

We’ll have more of an idea by Xmas,so going to book late Dec if it’s a goer. 2 years ago

A has agreed that we can do this next year. Hopefully we can also climb Ben Nevis on the same trip as well. 3 years ago

I cycled the Great Glen Way last summer so this summer I’m aiming to do the West Highland Way! 4 years ago

There is this bit of trail going from Rowerdennan to Inversnaid in which the trail divides into two and meets up again. DO NOT TAKE THE PATH THAT GOES ALONG LOCH LOMOND!!! My dad, my bro and I thought it’d be easier, but the path was closed for around ten years for being too dangerous for the public. We didn’t know at the time, since there were no signs telling us not to enter. But that section was truly hell. There is barely any path at all and there are several times when you must walk along dangerous drops. Huge boulders constantly block the path, and if its been raining any time in the past week, the rocks will be slippery and easy to trip on. Incredibly muddy, too. It was a miracle none of us twisted an ankle

But besides that, I loved the whole trip! We did it in 7 days. If going from Milngavie to Fort William, you’ll notice that the further you go, the less people you’ll see on the trail.

Also, be sure not to be frugal about good waterproof clothing. We were incredibly lucky that it only rained on the last day of our hike, but I heard that it rained for a week in Southern Scotland starting after our last day. But we brought some crappy cheapo hiking bags and jackets that couldn’t withstand 12 hours of continuous rain. Everything we owned got wet.

Go with people who you know won’t bitch about it, cause my bro was really annoying at times with his complaining :) 4 years ago

Finished it. Took me six days.

There’s a couple of tough bits but it’s pretty easy overall, just long distances really.

You get some really good views so make sure you take your camera. 4 years ago

Driving up to Glasgow tomorrow morning. Starting the walk on sunday morning. Should take about a week. Will post some pictures online when I get back. And hopefully tick this thing off as complete. 4 years ago

I walked 33 miles last Saturday. That’s twice as far as any of the days on the Highland Way, so I’m confident now I’l be able to do it. 4 years ago

I walked 14 miles on sunday and felt okay afterwards. Feeling a bit better about making it up the way this summer 4 years ago

Leaving home (Cambridge) on the 9th of July to go do this. Allowing just over a week, including walking ben nevis at the end of it.

Going to be staying in guesthouses. Which I know isn’t very hard core, but beat carrying camping equipment on my back the whole time. Going with a couple of family members so hopefully my sanity will hold out, I am still taking a full MP3 player though. 4 years ago

looking forward to fresh air and the english language. 4 years ago

I live here. It would be a travesty not to do it at least once in my life 4 years ago

i’m walking it this year, in aid of the terrence higgins trust. if any of you feel like sponsoring someone random for doing something random click here http://www.justgiving.com/georgiathomson

thanks 4 years ago

It’s one of those things that you’re glad to have done, but during it often think “why the hell am i doing this?”, and afterwards wouldn’t really consider repeating the experience.
I was a bit unlucky with the weather though; gale force winds and torential rain, reaching it’s height as I crossed the exposed Ranoch Moor. But whilst walking I do remember thinking “this would be so nice if only I could see anything through the fog/rain/clouds”. For about 70% of the walk my eyes were fixed on the ground in front of me. Therefore the scenery I remember most are the various types of gravel, dirt, woodchips, and tarmac.
But after my whinge…i’ll still recommend it. 5 years ago

I stay just a few miles from the start point so i’m really the only resaon why i haven’t done it before is fitness and oreinteering skills lol (not much then)

but i’m working on it! 5 years ago

Firstly I don’t have time to do this this year, so I might as well have the space, and secondly it would be nice to do it with some other people which would require friends who actually find movement fun… 5 years ago

First time solo in 1985, then with my furure wife in 1990. I last visited Scotland in 2005, and I can see much has changed along the Way. I’m looing forward to doing it at least one more time with my children in a few years time. Hope you all enjoy! 6 years ago