Venturing along 96-miles of natural terrain, ascending mountains and descending river beds may seem daunting to those who are unfamiliar with long-distance walking, but the West Highland Way is suitable for everyone, even beginners.
How fit do you have to be to do the West Highland Way?
People take on average from five to 10 days (that’s an average of 19 miles or 9.5 miles each day). You need to be able to walk a little further than your longest day before you set out on your WHW multi-day trip. If you are in any doubt about your health, consult your doctor before starting a new fitness challenge.
How difficult is West Highland Way?
We recommend all groups on the Way take good maps and know how to navigate with a compass. For guaging distances walked and still to be walked, the maps really come into their own. The West Highland Way is not technically difficult and is designed as a long distance path open to all normally fit walkers.
Is the West Highland Way well marked?
Waymarking. The West Highland Way is incredibly well waymarked. You’ll find signposts along the entire route, bearing the iconic little logo of a thistle with arrows on either side. The route can be walked in either direction, as suggested by those arrows, but almost everyone walks it from Milngavie to Fort William.
How many people finish the West Highland Way?
36,000
As of 2019 about 100,000 people walked part of the Way each year, with 36,000 completing the route.
| West Highland Way | |
|---|---|
| Length | 154 km (96 mi) |
| Location | Highlands of Scotland |
| Established | 1980 |
| Designation | Scotland’s Great Trails |
Can you do the West Highland Way in trainers?
Good walking boots are an absolute must. Don’t try to walk the West Highland Way in anything other than walking boots or shoes (there are some good specialist walking shoes on the market, but if you have to choose, go for boots for ankle support and extra waterproof-ness in the inevitable muddy patches!).
Do I need walking poles for West Highland Way?
Walking poles are totally personal preference. However, if you are going to walk with them, make sure the West Highland Way is not your first time. If you discover in the first mile that you hate walking poles, you might be stuck for a further 95 miles with them.
Can you do the West Highland Way with no training?
You must build your fitness up for the West Highland Way given that every day is a demanding hiking day. You’ll enjoy hiking the walk more if you’ve worked to get your fitness up.
What is the easiest section of West Highland Way?
West Highland Way Quick Facts
People generally start the trail from the southern end in Glasgow and travel northward to Fort William because the southern sections are easier and will help prepare you for the more difficult terrain in the northern sections.
What is the best month to walk the West Highland Way?
May is the most popular month for walking the West Highland Way; however, this does place pressure on the availability of accommodation. The Way can be walked at any time of the year – Spring and Autumn along the Way are especially beautiful.
What is the prettiest part of West Highland Way?
Top 5 Highlights of the West Highland Way
- Conic Hill. Between Drymen and Balmaha lies Conic Hill.
- Falls of Falloch. When walking between Inverarnan and Tyndrum, a short detour will reward you with fabulous views of the Falls of Falloch.
- Buachaille Etive Mòr.
- The Devil’s Staircase.
- Glen Nevis.
Is there phone signal on West Highland Way?
Comfortable walking boots are essential, as is a map of the West Highland Way and a whistle to alert others if you run into problems – there is no mobile phone signal for large stretches of the walk so don’t rely on your phone for route maps, info or keeping in touch.
Are there midges on the West Highland Way?
Midges can be an issue on the West Highland Way mainly in the summer months of June, July and August. Breezy days can often solve the issues as midgets do not like windy conditions. Similarly, they tend to not come out when humidity is below 60–75%. They are normally also worse near sun rise or sun set.
How many calories do you burn on the West Highland Way?
During a 15-mile walk you’re likely to burn somewhere in the region of 1,100 calories.
Do you need cash on West Highland Way?
But, we would suggest you do carry some cash, enough to last a few days and pay for any incidentals for example snacks from shops, tips in bars, or packed lunches, which many B&Bs sell (these are not included in the Macs Adventure packages).
Is West Highland Way hilly?
The trail is mostly flat throughout the day with no major climbs, passing various landscapes: woodland, fields, lochs, rivers, small villages, and more until leading you to the turn off point to Drymen.
Can you walk Arthurs Seat in trainers?
As long as your trainers have a decent tread you will be fine.
Can you go for walks in training shoes?
Typically, training shoes will be best served for casual walking if you want to use your training shoes for walking. If you plan to log serious miles in your shoes, then you may want to explore shoes that are more specific to walking.
What shoes should I wear to track practice?
Spikes or Racing Flats? For serious racing and training on the track, you’re still best served by a pair of track spikes—extremely lightweight, stiff-soled shoes that envelop your feet and have spikes (aka, “pins”) attached underneath the forefoot.
Do I need gaiters for West Highland Way?
The West Highland Way is a well-maintained path, so it is only in the case of very heavy rain that you would need gaiters.
How busy is the West Highland Way?
The West Highland Way is acclaimed as the most walked long-distance trail in Scotland. It attracts about 85,000 people every year, of whom more than 30,000 walk the entire route.