West Highland Way Long Distance Path Directory
A long distance path and National Trail of 95 miles in length, the West Highland Way is the most popular walking route in Scotland. Part lochside, part moor and part mountain terrain, this is a walk with sumptuous views and something for everyone. Maps, statistics and gpx route file for the walk are included.
The West Highland Way is 95 miles long, linking Milngavie on the outskirts of Glasgow to Fort William. It passes from the lowlands, across the Highland Boundary Fault and into the Scottish Highlands. Much of the Way follows ancient and historic routes of communication, and makes use of: The drove roads along which highlanders herded their cattle and sheep to market in the lowlands, Military roads built by troops to help control the Jacobite Clans and Old coaching roads and disused railway lines from the more recent past. If you are lucky whilst walking the Way you may also see some of the wildlife of the area. The Feral Goats left behind following the clearances, the magnificent Red Deer and, away over the high tops, soaring Golden Eagles.
Google Maps Open Source MapsThe best web sites for General Information and Planning:
West Highland Way Dedicated site providing all one needs when planning the walk.West Highland Way - The Guide An independant enthusiasts comprehensive web site dedicated to the walk. Recommended.
Undiscovered Scotland Introduction to the walk with a host of links to useful resources.
Walk The West Highland Way Chris Wilson's website is dedicated to the West Highland Way and it has information on everything needed to plan their walk. Recommended.
The best web sites for Guided Walking:
Northern Guiding offer guided walking packages including accommodation and baggage transfer for the whole walk.The web sites that organise accommodation and/ or baggage transfer:
Absolute Escapes A comprehensive dedicated site providing all the service one needs.Mickledore provide self guided walking holidays throughout the UK allowing clients to choose the duration of the tour. Mickledore organise everything from accommodation, transport to packed lunches.
Make Tracks Full range of walking services provided for the West Highland Way.
Hillwalk Tours specialises in long distance walking services for trails in Ireland and the UK and including the West Highland Way.
Transcotland Another Scottish company providing a full service for self guided walkers.
Contours Full range of self guided walking services. Very good web site navigation.
Discovery Travel Full range of self guided walking services.
Celtic Trails Full self guided walkers service.
Easyways Dedicated accommodation booking service.
Travel Lite Dedicated baggage service.
The best web sites for you to plan your accommodation:
S H Systems Excellent range of accommodation. Just type in the location to bring up a list of accommodation in the area. You can sort by price, postcode or rating.West Highland Way The most complete web listing of accommodation for the walk.
Independent Hostels Guide specialise in independent hostels and bunkhouses on and near the route.
Tyndrum Hostel Suitable accommodation half way along the famous trail.
Wilderness Scotland The website which highlights the best places to eat along the way. Most that are listed provide accommodation too.
The best personal journals of the walk:
The Pighole Team Congratulations to Dave Swarbrook, Terry Jones, Ken Hodgkinson, Sean Bond, Mike Riley, Gordon Darlington, Jane Salt, Neil Scott and Alison Bond for providing the funniest of reports.Jo Allen and Alan Beattie A fantastic journal of an inspired personalised WHW walk.
Shane and Becky Dougher As Becky puts it "We've created an account of our 2006 hike on the WHW - heavy on pictures, but has some links to B&Bs we stayed at and some practical tips and musings". It's a good job well done.
James Mattison A superb site with James journal plus lots of practical information.
John Butler Part of an end to end walk of Britain. Lots of photographs of the walk.
John Armitstead A detailed journal with accompanying photographs.
Ian Fisk Ian provides a good report on the walk with some useful information added.
California Walkers A super report accompanied by splendid photographs.
Robert Nugent A short report with photographs.
Tyndrum Hostel Group Another short report with photographs.
Alistair and Janice Another short report with photographs.
The essential sites for safety advice and emergency services:
Ramblers Association Practical walking advice on keeping safe including a guide to map reading, navigation and a detailed list of the essential gear required on a long distance walk.Mountain Rescue UK You may need them so take their advice.
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(Note: Walking without proper preparation can be dangerous. Information and downloads on this website are provided free of charge; it is each walker's responsibility to check the material and use accordingly. Postscript: My walk reports are not route guides and should not be treated as such. They are written with personal reflections of my walks)
