West Highland Way Self Guided Trail

95 miles. 9 - 15 miles per day with a maximum daily ascent of 2,875 feet.

Day 1: Arrival day.

Day 2: Milngavie to Drymen - The first section undulates through gentle countryside from Milngavie to Drymen, passing the Dumgoyach Standing Stones, and the Glengoyne Distillery en route. 12½ miles with 770 feet of ascent.

Day 3: Drymen to Rowardennan - Following forest tracks, paths and minor roads through gently rolling countryside, today’s walk rewards us with stunning views of the surrounding hills, including Ben Lomond to the north, before skirting the shores of Loch Lomond. 16 miles with 2,500 feet of ascent.

Day 4: Rowardennan to Ardlui - A beautiful walk continuing along the banks of Loch Lomond before winding through countryside associated with the notorious outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor. The walk passes close by ‘Rob Roy's Prison’ and ‘Rob Roy's Cave’. At the northeast shore we hail a ferry to take us across the loch, to Ardlui. 12½ miles with 1,500 feet of ascent.

Day 5: Ardlui to Crianlarich - A pleasant start to the day as we sail over the Loch to rejoin the West Highland Way. A gentle ascent up Glen Falloch takes us past the Falls of Falloch, and on to follow our route along General Wade’s 18th century military road, to Crianlarich. 9 miles with 700 feet of ascent.

Day 6: Crianlarich to Bridge of Orchy - Continuing along the military road we head over the pass to be greeted by views of magnificent Beinn Dorain. Descending to the valley floor, we enjoy easy walking to Bridge of Orchy. 13 miles with 975 feet of ascent.

Day 7: Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse - The open expanse of Rannoch Moor awaits. A landscape of wild, open moorland - scenery of heather, rocks and lochans. This lonely landscape, encircled by mountains, accompanies us until we reach Kingshouse, Scotland’s oldest licensed inn. 12 miles with 1,000 feet of ascent.

Day 8: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven - Magnificent scenery to admire, with the imposing picture postcard mountain of Buchaille Etive Mor in view as we climb the "Devil's Staircase". From the Staircase summit, the highest point of the West Highland Way, we have excellent views of the Mamore Hills to the north, as well as hills to the south and east. Road walking now on our descent to Kinlochleven. 9 miles with 1,400 feet of ascent.

Day 9: Kinlochleven to Fort William - A steep but short climb out of Kinlochleven takes us on to Lairigmor. With magnificent mountains either side our walk makes a final ascent through forestry, to the hillside above Glen Nevis, for spectacular views of “The Ben”, Britain's highest mountain. Continuing down the glen, we end our walk in Fort William. 15 miles with 2,875 feet of ascent.

Day 10: Departure day.