West Highland Way 6 Days

The West Highland Way is a renowned long-distance trail in Scotland, spanning 153 km from Milngavie to Fort William. While this popular route typically takes 7 days to complete, our optimized 6-day itinerary offers a more condensed and exhilarating experience through Scotland’s diverse landscapes. Hikers will encounter a mixture of gentle lowlands, rugged mountains, and serene lochs, providing a challenging yet rewarding journey for outdoor enthusiasts. The trail features well-marked paths and a variety of accommodations, making it accessible to trekkers of different skill levels.

The adventure starts in Milngavie, a charming town just north of Glasgow, and ends in the lively town of Fort William, at the base of Ben Nevis. En route, the trail takes you past the stunning shores of Loch Lomond, across the expansive Rannoch Moor, and through the dramatic scenery of Glencoe. Each segment offers unique sights, from wooded paths and open moorland to sweeping mountain vistas.

Notable highlights include the idyllic Loch Lomond, the historical remnants of Inverlochy Castle, and the breathtaking Glen Nevis. Outonome.com supports hikers in planning their expeditions with detailed itinerary pages that include comprehensive information, interactive maps, and a unique Planning Tool. This ensures all trekkers are well-prepared for each leg of their journey, making the 6-day West Highland Way a memorable and manageable adventure.

1. Day 1 : Milngavie to Balmaha

   Distance : 30.47 km
   Estimated walking time : 08h45
   Elevation gain : 681 meters
   Elevation loss : 720 meters
   Highest altitude : 335 meters
   Lowest altitude : 16 meters
   Steps reached : Milngavie, Broadmeadow Road, Craigallian Loch, Carbeth Loch, Dumgoyne, Turnip The Beet, Gartness, Balmaha
   Country crossed : United Kingdom

   

2. Day 2 : Balmaha to Inversnaid

   Distance : 23.87 km
   Estimated walking time : 07h15
   Elevation gain : 674 meters
   Elevation loss : 647 meters
   Highest altitude : 85 meters
   Lowest altitude : 9 meters
   Steps reached : Balmaha, Cashel, Sallochy, Lochan Maoil Dhuinne, Rowardennan (south), Rowardennan (north), Rowchoish, Inversnaid
   Country crossed : United Kingdom

   

3. Day 3 : Inversnaid to Tyndrum Lower

   Distance : 29.26 km
   Estimated walking time : 09h25
   Elevation gain : 1003 meters
   Elevation loss : 811 meters
   Highest altitude : 360 meters
   Lowest altitude : 9 meters
   Steps reached : Inversnaid, Doune Byre, Ardleish, Beinglas, Ewich Guest House, Kirkton, Auchtertyre, Tyndrum Lower
   Country crossed : United Kingdom

   

4. Day 4 : Tyndrum Lower to Kingshouse

   Distance : 30.50 km
   Estimated walking time : 08h45
   Elevation gain : 671 meters
   Elevation loss : 659 meters
   Highest altitude : 449 meters
   Lowest altitude : 54 meters
   Steps reached : Tyndrum Lower, Tyndrum, Crom Allt, Bridge of Orchy, Mam Carraigh, Inveroran, Kingshouse
   Country crossed : United Kingdom

   

5. Day 5 : Kingshouse to Kinlochleven

   Distance : 14.23 km
   Estimated walking time : 04h50
   Elevation gain : 475 meters
   Elevation loss : 712 meters
   Highest altitude : 551 meters
   Lowest altitude : 10 meters
   Steps reached : Kingshouse, Altnafeadh, Kinlochleven
   Country crossed : United Kingdom

   

6. Day 6 : Kinlochleven to Fort William

   Distance : 24.62 km
   Estimated walking time : 08h25
   Elevation gain : 897 meters
   Elevation loss : 889 meters
   Highest altitude : 335 meters
   Lowest altitude : 7 meters
   Steps reached : Kinlochleven, Lairifmor, Glen Nevis, Fort William
   Country crossed : United Kingdom