WESTHIGHLANDWAY

West highland way

The West Highland Way was Scotland’s first official long distance route. Originally conceived in the 1960s, it was completed in October 1980. The Way links Milngavie to Fort William – a distance of 152km (95 miles) - from the outskirts of Scotland’s largest city to the foot of its highest mountain, following the shores of its largest freshwater loch. It passes from the lowlands, across the Highland Boundary Fault and on into the Scottish Highlands.

The West Highland Way passes through a wide range of different terrains, ranging from lowland moors, through dense woodland and rolling hills, to high mountainous regions. This variety of environments provides habitats for a diverse range of wildlife species, both flora and fauna. Some species are more common than others and some are rarely seen. If you are lucky enough to spot one of the rarer varieties, consider yourself privileged indeed.

Stage 1: Milngavie to Drymen

The path officially starts in Milngavie town centre, where a granite obelisk is located. Most walkers arrive at the railway station located close by. Milngavie is a town located on the northern fringe of the conurbation of Glasgow. The path passes Mugdock Castle and Mugdock Country Park before emerging into open countryside and finally reaching the village of Drymen.

Milngavie to Carbeth - 5 miles
Carbeth to Drymen - 7 miles

This stage is approximately 19 kilometres (12 mi) in length.

Drymen to Balmaha

After leaving Drymen the path enters Garadhban Forest before reaching the first major summit of the route, Conic Hill (a site of special scientific interest^[4]) at 358 metres (1,175 ft). The village of Balmaha on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond is the next settlement reached.

Drymen to Balmaha - 8 miles

This stage is approximately 13 kilometres (8 mi) in length.

Balmaha to Rowardennan

The path heads in a northerly direction alongside the eastern shore of Loch Lomond passing through Rowardennan Forest before reaching the village Rowardennan.

Balmaha to Rowardennan - 7 miles

This stage is approximately 11 kilometres (7 mi) in length.

Rowardennan to Crianlarich

The path leaves Rowardennan and heads in a northerly direction alongside the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, passing a cavern known as Rob Roy's cave , before reaching the village of Crianlarich.

Rowardennan to Inversnaid - 7 miles
Inversnaid to Inverarnan - 7 miles
Inverarnan to Crianlarich - 6 miles

This stage is approximately 32 kilometres (20 mi) in length.

Crianlarich to Tyndrum

Crianlarich to Tyndrum - 6 miles

This stage is approximately 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) in length.

Tyndrum to Glencoe

Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy - 7 miles
Bridge of Orchy to Inveroran - 2 miles
Inveroran to Kingshouse - 10 miles

This stage is approximately 30 kilometres (19 mi) in length.

Glencoe to Kinlochleven

Glen Coe (Gleann Comhann in Gaelic ) is often considered one of the most spectacular and beautiful places in Scotland, and is a part of the designated National Scenic Area of Ben Nevis and Glencoe. The narrow glen shows a dramatically grim grandeur, shut in on both sides by wild and precipitous mountains. Towards Invercoe the landscape acquires a softer beauty.