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 fit do you need to be to walk West Highland Way?

You should be able to get your base weight down below 10kg comfortably. You don’t have to be as fit carrying 10kg as you do carrying 20kg. When are you planning to walk? Summer gear is obviously a lot lighter than winter gear.

Can a beginner do the West Highland Way?

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 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.

Can you walk the West Highland Way in trainers?

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!).

How long does it take to casually walk 10 miles?

In a nutshell, you should be able to walk 10 miles in under 3.5 hours if you are moderately healthy and maintain an average pace of 3 mph.

What month is best 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.

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

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 hilly is the West Highland Way?

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.

How long does it take to walk 20 miles?

Normal Pace: It would take a person about 5 hours to walk 20 miles at a normal pace. Relaxed Pace: It would take a person about 6 hours and 45 minutes to walk 20 miles at a relaxed pace. Fast Pace: It would take a person about 3 hours and 30 minutes to walk 20 miles at a fast pace.

Are there toilets on the West Highland Way?

Also there are public toilets or toilets in pubs (always buy a snack or drink if using a pub toilet, many sell chocolate bars or canned drinks you can have later on) all along the route.

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 hiking poles for West Highland Way?

A pair of hiking poles can do a lot to ease the strain on your knees as well as helping keep your balance. You may also want sunglasses in summer or snowy conditions and binoculars for spotting wildlife along the Way.

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.

Can you drive in chunky trainers?

High wedges/platform shoes
Therefore, driving with very thick-soled shoes, like wedges, platform shoes, or even heavy boots, “could cause you to miss a pedal, press two pedals at the same time, or use the wrong amount of pressure,” Adams says.

How long should it take a 70 year old to walk a mile?

How long to walk a mile by age

Age Avg walking speed (mph) Avg mile time (minutes)
50 to 59 years 2.93 to 3.2 mph 19 mins 35 seconds
60 to 69 years 2.77 to 3 mph 20 mins 48 seconds
70 to 79 years 2.53 to 2.82 mph 22 mins 26 seconds
80 to 89 years 2.1 to 2.17 mph 28 mins 6 seconds

How fast should a 70 year old woman walk a mile?

Average walking speed by sex

Age Sex Miles/hour
70 to 79 Male 2.82
Female 2.53
80 to 89 Male 2.17
Female 2.10

How long should it take a 65 year old to walk a mile?

The 1-Mile Walking Test

Age 20-29 60-69
Excellent
Good 13:12-14:06 15:06-16:18
Average 14:07-15:06 16:19-17:30
Fair 15:07-16:30 17:31-19:12

Where can I sleep on the West Highland Way?

West Highland Way: Accommodation in Bunkhouses and Hostels

  • Euro Hostel Glasgow. 318 Clyde Street, Glasgow, G1 4NR.
  • Balmaha Bunkhouse. Balmaha, Loch Lomond, G63 0JQ.
  • By the Way Hostel and Campsite.
  • Kingshouse Bunkhouse.
  • Heart of Glencoe Holidays.
  • Fort William Backpackers.
  • Smiddy Bunkhouse.
  • Chase the Wild Goose Hostel.

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.