Refreshment stops and a variety of types of accommodation can be found in most areas. A flask of a hot beverage on a bad weather day can make a huge difference to how you feel and your performance, don’t underestimate! Most people take 7 days … Bring cold drinks be they water or juice. You would then get a train back to Glasgow or Edinburgh from Fort William. If you are looking for the right itinerary for you, here you can find all our West Highland Way itineraries. The West Highland Way is Scotland's most popular long-distance walking trail, quite possibly because it runs through some of the most iconic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. I’d love to do it someday, I’ll keep this in mind! 40 years on since it was opened in 1980 by Kirstin’s great Uncle Tom Hunter and his wife Margaret, who waved us off at the start in Milngavie. I went on a tour of the Scottish Highlands over a year ago and heard about this trail. The baggage transfer is included on our West Highland Way treks. Do you need help planning your West Highland Way trek? Not sure what you mean by pay? Find the perfect fit for you here! Start a blog, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases [U.K + U.S]. Here a small passenger ferry runs to the opposite side of the loch for non-hikers. We were walking WHW last summer and it was awesome. West Highland Way in 5 days. I wanted to do three of the nights on this trail, and would like your recommendation for a 3 night itinerary. Bussed to the top of Sky (stopping at Portree to stock up). Day 1 Arrival in Crianlarich. This West Highland Way route planner can be adapted to meet the needs of any hiker. Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ac43c2b698770e8ae59c76ce53b60333" );document.getElementById("eba87cff07").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Contact us Hostels with drying rooms and kitchens can be booked at Balmaha, Tyndrum, Bridge of Orchy, Kingshouse and Kinlochleven. Read more | Where we stayed on the West Highland Way, Your packing list will depend on whether you are carrying your own bags or using a transfer company. Snacks, sandwiches, treats – you’re going to need them as there are some long days on the West Highland Way. On this... We have prepared this 5-day trek for those trekkers who are experienced and are used to walking several hours a day. Quick question, how in shape do you have to be to do this trail? As always scotland, it’s been tough, but a pleasure." From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we … Here you will find all our trekking options, including the West Highland Way. I’ve never been to Scotland so as much as I love to hike, if I am coming all the way from Los Angeles there are other places I want to visit. There is no strict way of planning your West Highland Way hike but all routes begin in Milngavie. The West Highland Way is commonly travelled from South to North which eases you in with the flatter and more gentle southern sections before the trail gradually becomes more demanding as you journey towards the northern regions. Looking for a trekking adventure in Scotland? The next stage is on to Conic Hill, which is a little trickier to find. Essentials include, You may also like | Our full WHW packing list. Like all of my articles, I don’t hold back any information but in a nutshell, my biggest tips are, Here’s our lightweight hiking book comparison guide. Be sure to read the Scottish Outdoors Access Code for rules which include being respectful of locals and animals, picking your rubbish after you, not parking close to roads. Let me know if you need any advice. Join our mailing list, Save £20K to travel I would recommend taking the bus from Glasgow to Bridge of Orchy and completing our day 4, day 5 and day 6? The weather was as to be expected. Hello, We are a short trip to Scotland planned from June 30th – July 4th. During the peak months, the route is like M9, busy! Our itinerary is actually generous as keen long distance walkers comfortably knock off the West Highland Way in as few as 4 days. This is perfect! The day of doom – Achilles pain ruins the day, Break in your shoes/boots months before attempting the West Highland Way trail, Train – attempt as many 20-mile day hikes as you can. Because revellers trek through the rolling hills and by the calm lochs of the west coast of Scotland which is deemed to be one of the most beautiful areas in the country. @michaelstopfordphotography - "5 days, 102 miles, 13kg backpack, lots of rain and wind and we have completed the West Highland Way! The West Highland Way is a 153km (95 miles) footpath connecting Milngavie in East Dumbartonshire with Fort William in Highland, Scotland. Two twenty somethings on a 6 month travel bonanza through Europe, they had heard about the West Highland Way from some dude in a pub in Bulgaria, and decided they would go and have a look. The West Highland Way to the north is reserved only for true adventurers who are not afraid of long hours of walking as they tour Scotland's mountainous region, one of the most picturesque and splendid landscapes in Europe.. If you would prefer to carry your own bag, that’s perfectly fine. I just hiked a portion of the Haute Route in Switzerland picking and choosing only certain segments and it was ideal for me. Would love a partner, but now know it’s busy enough to do solo and not worry about being alone. They were great fun. The West Highland Way is the first official long-distance walking route in Scotland and by far the most famous. This is a faster version of the Great Glen Way for those who are trainned and experience trekkers and can walk longer distances. Aaah this is an awesome idea! I bet the freedom is exhilarating! An Ozzie couple who we had been trailing for the last few days, had ditched their packs and were out the door before us. The hike is 96 miles starting at Milngavie and ends in Fort William. A. These groups have developed into great wee communities for those looking for support and ideas. It’s such a great walk, looking forward to doing it again in the future! I’d like to hike for 5 days but try and keep hiking to 15 miles a day. This guide includes routes, accommodation and packing tips. Read more | The day of doom – Achilles pain ruins the day. The West Highland Way is a 155km (96 mile) long route, running from Milngavie to Fort William. Just keep in mind that there is limited drying space in some of the accommodation and if you are camping there could be nothing available. West Highland Way in 5 days. We did it in 8 plus one day to hike Ben Nevis. The West Highland Way should only be tackled if you are a fit walker with well worn in boots and this itinerary allows you a more leisurely walk meaning that the longest day you will trek is 15 miles/24 km. If you prefer a faster option, car transfers to Glasgow take about 2 hours and cost GBP 35,- per person. How I make money I’d say the vital thing is to have walking boots / shoes that are well worn in, I learnt the hard way and damaged my Achilles! We did it in 6 [I do say that in the guide :)] 5 seems to be the most searched for term though, I think people are over ambitious. I took a bus tour around the Highlands last autumn, and I’m dying to do this! HA! Some more fit hikers can do it in 3-5 days. Invest in an Osprey bag cover US / UK to keep your belongings dry. Your email address will not be published. The record lies somewhere around 35 hours and has been achieved during the annual WHW race. Only for the very fit, this is a challenging walk. Sounds exciting! While we’ve divided the route into 8 sections, that doesn’t mean that you have to walk it in 8 days. We’re actually heading to the Isle of Lewis and Harris next week – dream trip. Unfortunately, one member of our group could not go on at this stage and was picked up in Balmaha (she rejoined us at Bridge of Orchy). Whether you want to discover the Inca Trail or climb the Kilimanjaro, Bookatrekking.com offers a wide and varied range of services. Walking the West Highland Way can take as little or as long as you would like – make it your own Way! My aim was to see more of Scotland before we left and it was a great way to do so! Definitely going on the bucket list, and hopefully I’ll be consulting your myriad of lists and advice very soon xx. This fantastic day begins with a climb out of Tyndrum, with the trail running next to the West Highland Railway line. This trek, however, is one of the most demanding ones. Hello guys, This is my 1st time on your great site so I hope I am on the right forum for this question. Two Scots who love to wear tartan, travel, write. Immediately after finishing the WHW we took the Jackobite (Harry Potter Steam Train) to Mallaig then ferry to Sky. There are companies which help you transit with their West Highland Way baggage transfer options. Found this website really useful as having just recently completed the WHW, the walks and scenery are truly amazing for anyone thinking of doing in just go – We plan our trip in one week and just left! When planning your journey along the West Highland Way, there are a few things that you need to consider. From June – August we see the worst of the swarms. Wild camping keeps costs down and campsites throughout the route offer basic facilities. Compared with our previous long distance hikes, we haven’t allowed for any ‘zero’ hiking days, giving ourselves 8 days to complete the West Highland Way. Shout me if you need any questions answered! Work with us Morning Steve, yeah we don’t have the public transport up in the Highlands that Switzerland has! Here you can find all our trekking options including the accommodation. Let's not beat about the bush, the West Highland way is a big ol' challenge. Any recommendations on certain legs that can be skipped by taking bus/train/boat? This is intense! West Highland Way in 5 days - Itinerary One of the most popular itineraries for the WHW is the 5-day trek. Others may continue on to Bridge of Orchy which has one hotel and a couple of guest houses. This article has links to products and services we love, which we may make commission from. This means they collect in Milngavie and your bags arrive at your accommodation each day before you do (usually). I tried a couple years ago but my hiking buddy bailed after three days and I had to go with. Everything you need to know about... At Bookatrekking.com you'll find the treks that will make your life unforgettable. Hotels are also available throughout, naturally, these are pricier than the alternatives mentioned here. West Highland Way – 5 days Route The longest day of the 5-day route is 22.5 miles with the shortest being the last (15 miles). Purchase Avon Skin So Soft US / UK to ward them off. Why? The way back to Glasgow is quite simple since there are direct trains and buses (lines 915 and 916) from Fort William to Glasgow's city center. Here, no false promises are made, prices are transparent and every booking is confirmed immediately. How Long Does Walking the West Highland Way Take? Required fields are marked *. Day 5 – North to Glencoe. Will you? You can take the bus from Glasgow to Bridge of Orchy and start from there. The west coast can be especially wet. As you head towards Fort William, views of Ben Nevis which become apparent. Bed and breakfast guest houses are very popular in Scotland and found at each stop of the Way. West Highland Way: West Highland way in 5 days - spectacular - See 418 traveller reviews, 555 candid photos, and great deals for Scottish Highlands, UK, at Tripadvisor. The village also has a train station. Read about WHW accommodation options in detail, here. Some even hike the West Highland Way in 5 days, but that requires a very fast pace and many long days on the trail. Wild camping is legal in Scotland which is great for those looking to keep costs down. Baggage transfer is a great idea but we agree to carry our own packs and looking back glad we did as made it more of a challenge! Personally, I found this leg relatively easy, hopes were high and the weather was dry! The first leg takes you through farmland and on to Strathfillan (refreshment stop/small shop) then easier terrain to Tyndrum for the famous touristic Green Welly Stop serves food and snacks. On the West Highland Way, being prepared for the changing weather is paramount. [Disclaimer] [Privacy], Plan a trip Most people spend 7 days hiking the West Highland Way. We got hitched! This day includes walking over Rannoch Moor which can be brutal if the weather is poor (no coverage) and then on to visit the friendly deer at Kings House (refreshment stop). West Highland Way: West Highland way in 5 days - spectacular - See 418 traveler reviews, 555 candid photos, and great deals for Scottish Highlands, UK, at Tripadvisor. With this in mind, it’s essential to pack clothing, footwear, and accessories suitable for changing weather conditions. Staying in B&B is a really pleasant way to do the WHW as you get to meet locals and enjoy a hearty breakfast before you trek again. The route is 96 miles long, which is equivalent to 154 kilome... Scotland is a hikers' paradise! Used all of the sections to great effect – From the suggested breakdown of days to packing list i read throughout and took most of the advice given – FYI the freeze spray was a new addition to the first aid pack, but would also highly recommend taking. Find this and other itineraries here. Where else are you going? Having recently walked the trail in five days ourselves we can certainly provide testimony to it being achievable, however, it is a challenge especially in adverse weather conditions. Refreshment stops and a variety of types of accommodation can be found in most areas. The Next Adventure: 5-days on the West Highland Way September 22, 2016 Scotland- the land of kilts, whiskey, ruddy-faced men and a dish called haggis. OUR GENTLE HIKES | Average Daily Hike: 12-15km (7.5-9 miles) - 3-5 hours We chose October for fall colors, cooler temperatures, fewer hikers, and fewer midges. Scotland has a very diverse climate and you may experience all four seasons in one day! I had the pleasure of hiking it over six-days with friends to celebrate a year of 30th birthdays. Save for later! “Two Scots Abroad are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.”, Hiya! This 96-mile hike starts just outside of Scotland’s friendliest city, Glasgow at the town of Milngavie (pronounced Mill-guy) and ends at the outdoor capital, Fort William. What hike do you think you’ll do next? It was beautiful. This is the longest day of the West Highland Way hike and if it is raining you really can suffer. Then spent another 8 days hiking the entire Sky Trail The WHW is beautiful but Sky is stunning!! We very much enjoyed it …however…in 5 days you say!! Are you looking for the perfect itinerary for the West Highland Way? As I won’t need the facilities. Go plastic-free Many hikers do. Use the guide and supporting articles to work out how many miles you would want to do on each day. Frequently Asked Questions About the West Highland Way. It was intense but loved it. I wear Salomon Quest boots, A good quality waterproof coat, I wear Mountain Equipment Rupal jacket, Walking sticks (optional, saved me on day three). When’s the Best Time to Hike the West Highland Way? You can split the route down easily into 15 sections which have practical start/end points as outlined below with a link to … West Highland Way Itineraries Read More » Do you need help arranging your West Highland Way accommodation? Flirting with 40 and let loose on the world! Two Scots Abroad | Creating ridiculously useful travel guides + packing lists since 2014. There’s a hot tub and the breakfast is superb. Very impressive. 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