{"id":24405,"date":"2018-06-12T10:52:39","date_gmt":"2018-06-12T01:22:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=24405"},"modified":"2022-11-07T13:31:09","modified_gmt":"2022-11-07T03:01:09","slug":"west-highland-way-scotland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/west-highland-way-scotland\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Scotland’s West Highland Way Route"},"content":{"rendered":"

The West Highland Way is one of the world\u2019s most popular long-distance walks and is approximately 154 kilometres (95 miles) long. It starts its journey in the town of Milngavie (Mul-guy)<\/em> and winds its way north through the countryside, past lochs and over moorlands. Along with old rail-lines and through Scottish villages and past farmlands with the famous Highland cattle.<\/p>\n

You will finish your way in the town of Fort William that sits in the shadows of UK\u2019s highest mountain, the famous Ben Nevis. The end of the way isn\u2019t necessarily the end of the walk as from here you can continue your journey north walking the Great Glen Way.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

A view of the\u00a0Buachaille Etive M\u00f2r mountain on our trip.<\/em><\/p>\n

History of the area<\/h2>\n

Many of these distance walks throughout the UK and Europe have evolved from pathways used before the time of the motor vehicle when the only way to get from one land to the next was by walking. Much of the West Highland Way (WHW) is made up of such pathways and it is steeped in history that goes right back to the 13th<\/sup> century of the McDougall Clan, as well as the Jacobite rebellion in the 17th<\/sup> and 18th<\/sup> centuries.<\/p>\n

This was a time of major uprising and many of the old military roads were built for the British troops to quell the Jacobite rebellion. You will also be travelling along old drover\u2019s roads the local farmers used to herd their livestock to town and there are also the old railway lines and coach roads.<\/p>\n

The West Highland Way as a walking route is not so old, although its origins show it first being identified back in the 1930s and 40s. The official pathway did not open until October 1980.<\/p>\n

\"Highland<\/p>\n

You’ll likely pass herds of Highland cattle grazing along the walk.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Distance to hike the WHW <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Walking the WHW takes around 7 days, but this depends on what you want to experience along the way as there are plenty of side trips to be explored. It is common to walk this trail from the south to north staying in the quaint country towns.<\/p>\n

Although overall, the route isn\u2019t one that is of any great difficulty, there are some sections of ups and downs and there is the element of weather that can add more of a challenge.<\/p>\n

\"Hikers<\/p>\n

If you walk this route, it should take you around a week.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Our trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n

We chose to walk the WHW at the end of our hiking trip in Europe where we had walked 645km (400 miles) of the St. Olav Way in Norway. It was a great way to end our journey especially as we had some dear friends meet and walk with us in Scotland. We chose to take 7 days for this trip as we had very little time left on our holiday, but now in writing this I really wish we had more time to see what Scotland has to offer.<\/p>\n

For this journey, we had pre-booked our accommodation before leaving Australia, so we knew that each night we had a place to stay. Though upon arriving, we realised that this wasn\u2019t necessary but still a good idea if you go during peak season.<\/p>\n

\"Four<\/p>\n

Us at the start of our Scottish Highland journey.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Maps and guidebooks <\/strong><\/h2>\n

These can be easily obtained online or even from any of the tourist centres or outdoor stores once you arrive.<\/p>\n

Terrain<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The terrain is not technically difficult, but you will be ascending and descending a fair bit in sections. Expect mud, rocky paths, as well as country laneways and valley walks.<\/p>\n

\"Walking<\/p>\n

You can expect some rocky paths on this walk – so trekking poles are worth taking.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Accommodation<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There is a variety of accommodation types you can expect on this route from hotels\/Inns, B&B\u2019s to hostels. You can also book a package service with one of the many tour companies who arrange everything for you from the accommodation, luggage transfers and even packed lunches.<\/p>\n

Camping<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you want to get the wild camping experience, it is possible, though it\u2019s best to check the \u2018bylaws\u2019 throughout the National Park areas. There are also dotted campgrounds along the way. Remember to respect the land you are camping on and leave no trace<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t camp within paddocks and crop fields and stay clear of buildings and historic sites. For more information, check the Scottish outdoor access code site here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Driveway<\/p>\n

Rowardennan hostel is just one of the places we stayed in.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Choosing one of the many tour companies<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are many companies to choose from to help you with your journey. From organising the whole trip, including accommodation to luggage transfer and meals, to others that are happy just to carry your luggage. Do some research and read reviews about other people’s experiences, and pick one based on what is going to work best for you.<\/p>\n

The best time to visit<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This is a trail that can be walked at any time of the year, but the best time is during spring or autumn. Do be aware that May is the peak season of the WHW and accommodation can be difficult to get. Another tip to remember is to avoid starting on a Saturday, as this is the favourite day to start and the accommodation could be tight.<\/p>\n

\"Beautiful<\/p>\n

If you want to enjoy your time, then walk the WHW in the spring or autumn.<\/em><\/p>\n

What conditions you can expect<\/strong><\/h2>\n

On any hiking journey, you must be prepared for whatever nature throws out and Scotland is no exception. Even though you will not be climbing any great heights, you are at the mercy of the Scottish weather and believe me she can give it all to you. So, whether you are carrying a day bag (and having your luggage transported) or carrying all your gear, be prepared for all weather conditions.<\/p>\n

When that wind and rain rips through the moorlands you will feel it, so be sure to have good waterproof and warm clothes like thermals. Always check your guidebook for towns along the way to refuel with food and water, as there will be times you might need to carry a packed lunch and snacks.<\/p>\n

You should also carry at least 2 litres of water per day. Be sure to also have your map and guidebook in your day bag rather than left in your luggage – it is no use to you there!<\/p>\n

\"Old<\/p>\n

Don’t underestimate how cold it can get in Scotland, even in the warmer season.<\/em><\/p>\n

Packing for the West Highland Way <\/strong><\/h2>\n

To pack for the WHW, just remember it is Scotland and can be wetter and windier, with the average temperature lower than the rest of the UK. May, June and July are their sunniest months with the days being the longest of the year with the lowest rainfall.<\/p>\n

In the Highlands, they have an average of 250 days of rain per year. The average maximum temperature during these 3 months is 15-17C (59-63F), remembering wind chill factor is a lot colder. Keep this in mind when packing for this walk and ensure that your clothes are going to be warm enough for the trip.<\/p>\n

Also, If you have chosen a company to transport your luggage, then be sure to check with them the maximum weight allowance as well.<\/p>\n

\"Man<\/p>\n

Factor in the weather when packing for this trip.<\/em><\/p>\n

Packing list for the WHW<\/strong><\/h2>\n