Walking Scotland's West Highland Way on a Self Guided Tour

Bridge of Orchy, West Highland Way Scotland
Bridge of Orchy, West Highland Way Scotland

Walking Scotland's West Highland Way

UTracks Traveller Ken Hiked the West Highland Way in Scotland on a Self Guided Tour

 
If you're considering walking the West Highland Way in Scotland you should read UTracks Traveller Ken Harris' firsthand insights. Ken hiked the famous West Highland Way in July 2019 and had an incredible time learning of the region's history and marvelling at the beautiful Scottish landscapes.
 
Discover Ken's experiences of the West Highland Way and plan your own walking tour in Scotland with UTracks.
 
Above Inveroran, West Highland Way
 
 

How would you describe walking the West Highland Way in Scotland?


For the most part, it is quite a gentle walk, although the section between Rowandennen to Ardual along Loch Lomond can be challenging with a lot of rock hopping in some areas. If you have done other “trails” it is quite OK, but if you are new to walking it can be slightly challenging. 
 
Most of the trail is well marked and quite popular. There always seems to be people to follow along the West Highland Way most days. The maps and book provided by UTracks are invaluable to get to know the way, and I don't think you'll get lost.
 
Ascending Conic Hill, Scotland
 

How did you prepare for the trip?


Besides walking the GHT the year before (the Great Himalayan Trail, a 150 day trek of the full length of Nepal - yes, Ken knows what he's talking about when it comes to walking!), preparation was walking 5 days a week (8 to 10 km) to get into the routine of multi-day walking.
 
Cottage at Blackrock Cottage, Scotland
 

What was the landscape you walked through on the West Highland Way like?


The walk is from Glasgow (if you want to start at its very start) to Fort William, and it follows Loch Lomond passing through the Glens. It is very scenic and “hilly” as well. 
 
When you get up on the moors, you fall in love with the place. 
 
The section between Bridge of Orchy and Kingshouse was my favourite landscape – just spectacular scenery across the glens and lochs.
 
Forest track near Rowardennan, Scotland
 

What was the overall West Highland Way trip highlight?


The section between Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse, but also the great food along the way. Scottish food is not the food of 25 years ago – it is fantastic and many a night I sat down with the chef in a hotel or restaurant to work out my dietary needs and I was always pleasantly surprised.
 
The trail at Blackfoot, West Highland Way Scotland
 

What was your favourite food on the West Highland Way?


Scottish smoked salmon – the real deal and with scrambled eggs in the morning, the perfect start for the day.
 
Feral Goat at Inversnaid, Scotland
 

Did you have a favourite accommodation on the West Highland Way?


The B&B at Tyndrun and the Hotel at Kinlochieven were snug places, but my B&B in Fort William was the best by a country mile. Friendly service with a great breakfast and room.
 
Clachan Inn, Drymen
 

What surprised you the most on the West Highland Way?


The change to food in Scotland. Forget all your preconceptions about Scottish cuisine - it needs to be tried in the modern era!
 
Haggis and brie |  <i>John Millen</i>
 

What aspect of the West Highland Way tour did you find the most challenging?


I found no great challenge to the walk – take it steady and enjoy it. 
 
Ardlui, West Highland Way Scotland walking
 

Any advice for other travellers thinking about walking the West Highland Way?


Start in Glasgow (drop your gear and catch the train back to Glasgow and walk out). It sounds more impressive to say you walked from Glasgow to Fort William. 

Spend an extra day or two in Fort William and do Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in the UK). Don’t worry about it – about 1000 people a day climb it in the summertime. So if you finish the walk, you are more than capable of summiting Ben Nevis.
 
Ben Nevis  from Loch Linnie,
 
Do you want to walk the West Highland Way? Take a look at UTracks' 8 day self guided walking tour - click here. Or explore at a more relaxed pace with the 10 day West Highland Way Rambler walking tour - click here.
 
There's more walking and hiking tours in Scotland, browse all tours here.
 
Have you been to Scotland? What do you think about Ken's thoughts on Scottish cuisine? Answer in the comment section below!
 
 
Scotland, West Highland Way, United Kingdom, Hiking, Walking

Comments (2)

Maria

Hello,
I am María from Spain. I am from a travel agency and we would like to go this summer with a group, around 20-30 people to do the west highland way.
Could you give me a budget for accommodation, breakfast, baggage transfer.... We would like to walk 6 days. It will be in twin rooms.
Thank you so much!

2 years ago
William from UTracks

Hi Maria,

Thanks for getting in touch. This sounds like an excellent trip - the West Highland Way is incredible! A member of our team will be getting in touch with you over email.

Kind regards,
William.

2 years ago
Your comment will be visible after the administrator's approval.







b i u quote


Save Comment
Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips