The West Highland Way was our original tour and is still one of our key trips. Offering up to a week’s walk in some of Scotland’s most beautiful terrain, the WHW is a favourite with many, from 9-year-old Rachael to some of our more ‘mature’ travellers. What you might not have known is that there are many of ways to explore the WHW, and not just on foot.

In a Nutshell

Distance: 96 miles

Grading: Easy to moderate, depending on the itinerary. There is something for every fitness level.

Where is it?

The West Highland Way goes through the Scottish Highlands between Milngavie just outside of Glasgow and Fort William.

Why Walk It?

The combination of towering mountains, tranquil lochs and rushing rivers makes The West Highland Way one of the UK’s best long-distance paths and it is used by nearly 85,000 people each year. As you walk it, you encounter spectacular scenery, friendly people, charming accommodation and hearty Scottish food; in other words, it is the ideal way to explore Scotland. You don’t need to be a fit walker to do it though; the West Highland Railway line (voted the top railway journey by Wanderlust Magazine three years in a row) runs alongside this trail, making it easy to skip any sections you want. By doing a rail & hike, you’re able to pick out the best bits of the trail, as well as experience it from a different perspective.

The famous West Highland Rail Line

For those looking for a new type of challenge, you can also do trail running along the trail. You don’t need to be a competitive long-distance runner to book this holiday; your itinerary can be adapted to suit your capabilities. For trail runners we not only transport your luggage but also offer drop bag service to ensure that you don’t have to worry about a single thing but your running.

Trail runners near Loch Lomond

Planning Your Walk/Rail & Hike/Run

Many choose to walk the West Highland Way in April or May as the pesky Scottish midges are yet to appear. However, equipped with insect repellent, the summer is an equally lovely time to do the trail. The West Highland Way is best reached by train from Glasgow (running several times a day to both the start and finish point). Glasgow is served by Glasgow International Airport and Prestwick Airport, but can also easily be reached from Edinburgh Airport, with a shuttle bus running every 30 minutes. For more information on the West Highland Way, why don’t you download our guide or read about it on our website. 

Our destination specialists also know just about everything there is to know about this trail – give them a shout on info@macsadventure.com and they’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have.