West Highland Way 5 Days

The West Highland Way is a renowned long-distance trail in Scotland, stretching 153 km from Milngavie to Fort William. While this popular route typically takes 7 days to complete, our special 5-day itinerary offers a condensed, yet equally diverse experience through Scotland’s stunning landscapes. This faster-paced journey challenges hikers to explore a mix of gentle lowlands, rugged mountains, and serene lochs, all within a shorter timeframe, making it ideal for those with limited time but a strong desire for adventure.

The adventure begins in the quaint town of Milngavie, just north of Glasgow, and concludes in the bustling town of Fort William, nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis. Hikers will traverse the scenic beauty of Loch Lomond, the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor, and the striking landscapes of Glencoe, experiencing unique vistas ranging from wooded paths to open moorland and mountain views, all accelerated to fit the 5-day schedule.

Key highlights include the picturesque shores of Loch Lomond, the historic ruins of Inverlochy Castle, and the majestic Glen Nevis. Outonome.com assists hikers in efficiently planning this adventure with detailed itinerary pages, comprehensive information, interactive maps, and a unique Planning Tool. This ensures that trekkers are well-prepared for a memorable and manageable experience along the West Highland Way, tailored for a shorter, more intensive exploration.

1. Day 1 : Milngavie to Balmaha

   Distance : 30.47 km
   Estimated walking time : 07h10
   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 Beinglas

   Distance : 34.50 km
   Estimated walking time : 08h50
   Elevation gain : 1030 meters
   Elevation loss : 1020 meters
   Highest altitude : 102 meters
   Lowest altitude : 9 meters
   Steps reached : Balmaha, Cashel, Sallochy, Lochan Maoil Dhuinne, Rowardennan (south), Rowardennan (north), Rowchoish, Inversnaid, Doune Byre, Ardleish, Beinglas
   Country crossed : United Kingdom

   

3. Day 3 : Beinglas to Bridge of Orchy

   Distance : 29.42 km
   Estimated walking time : 07h15
   Elevation gain : 824 meters
   Elevation loss : 662 meters
   Highest altitude : 360 meters
   Lowest altitude : 21 meters
   Steps reached : Beinglas, Ewich Guest House, Kirkton, Auchtertyre, Tyndrum Lower, Tyndrum, Crom Allt, Bridge of Orchy
   Country crossed : United Kingdom

   

4. Day 4 : Bridge of Orchy to Kinlochleven

   Distance : 33.93 km
   Estimated walking time : 08h40
   Elevation gain : 969 meters
   Elevation loss : 1147 meters
   Highest altitude : 551 meters
   Lowest altitude : 10 meters
   Steps reached : Bridge of Orchy, Mam Carraigh, Inveroran, Kingshouse, Altnafeadh, Kinlochleven
   Country crossed : United Kingdom

   

5. Day 5 : Kinlochleven to Fort William

   Distance : 24.62 km
   Estimated walking time : 06h40
   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