West Highland Way

The West Highland Way is a long-distance walking route in Scotland. It runs for 154 km from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William in the Highlands. The trail opened in 1980 as Scotland’s first official long-distance route. It passes through varied landscapes including ancient roads, forests and loch shores. The path is managed by a group of local authorities and national park bodies. Each year it brings millions of pounds to the local economy. Around 45,000 people complete the full route annually while others walk shorter sections. The route was first proposed after the Second World War by Tom Hunter, a former RAF officer. Geographer Fiona Rose surveyed the path on foot in the early 1970s. The trail was approved in 1974 and opened by Lord Mansfield in 1980. In 2010 it became part of the International Appalachian Trail. The West Highland Way Trust now maintains and improves the path. The route uses old drovers’ roads, military tracks and coaching routes. Walkers begin at a granite obelisk in Milngavie town centre. The first section passes Mugdock Castle and Craigallian Loch. Conic Hill near Balmaha offers views over Loch Lomond. The route follows the loch’s eastern shore to Rowardennan village. After Inversnaid it reaches Rob Roy’s Cave before Tyndrum. The final stages cross the Devil’s Staircase and descend to Fort William. A statue of a weary walker marks the traditional finish line. The Way passes through forests, glens and mountains with changing scenery each day.