The West Highland Way in Five Days
The West Highland Way is the most established of Scotland’s long distance walking routes. Officially opened on 6th October 1980, it celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2020. The WHW stretches 96 miles (154 Km) from Milngavie to Fort William, taking in a huge variety of scenery along the way, from countryside parks to loch-shores and open moorlands to steep mountains. This is a five stage route, staying at prebooked accomodation along the way.
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 149.81 km -
Calculated time: 5 days -
Difficulty: Difficult -
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Return to departure point: No -
Vertical gain: + 2,948 m -
Vertical drop: - 2,983 m -
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Highest point: 548 m -
Lowest point: 11 m
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District: East Dunbartonshire -
Start: N 55.941419° / W 4.314741° -
End: N 56.821401° / W 5.093951° -
Step by step walk
This walk needs several days, find the details below:
Useful Information
There are many points along route that an be explored using the individual route decriptions. The official website nfor the route is https://www.westhighlandway.org/ If the weather is wet and cold, make sure you have the right gear. It's a good idea to sort out your accomodation and book well in advance.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
There's plenty to see along the way. As it is a long route, look after your feet and don't carry too much weight. As the idea is to stop at prebooked accomodation, a day-pack with around 5-6kg should be enough for all your essential requirements. Enjoy the route and look out for wildlife along the way. Don't rush, just enjoy the journey and make the most of the moment.
Other walks in the area
The West Highland Way - Stage One (Milngavie to Balmaha)
Association or club 30.75 km
+488 m
-517 m
10h 10
Moderate
Departure from East Dunbartonshire
The West Highland Way is the most established of Scotland’s long distance walking routes. This is the first of a five stage route, staying at prebooked accomodation along the way.
The West Highland Way
Walker 
0.00 km
+0 m
-0 m
7 days
Difficult
Departure from East Dunbartonshire
The West Highland Way (WHW) is a very popular walking route in Scotland. At over 150 km in length, and with moderate elevations, it crosses the most western (as its name suggests) and the most southern (dare we say) regions of the Highlands.
A superb hike, marked by the diversity of landscapes, the omnipresence of water (lochs, rivers, streams, waterfalls... and the rain), and the wild beauty of the landscape. Last but not least, you are likely to make a few friends along the way!
From Milngavie to Drymen, West Highland Way
Walker 
20.44 km
+136 m
-127 m
6h 15
Difficult
Departure from East Dunbartonshire
The 1rst stage of the West Highland Way (WHW), which has no difficulty other than its distance, takes us through the Scottish countryside and the first hills of the Highlands.
Kelvin Walkway: Milngavie to Partick
Professional from the tourism industry 
17.02 km
+3 m
-47 m
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from East Dunbartonshire
This 10 mile route along the River Kelvin feels surprisingly rural when walked from North to South, with the hustle and bustle of the city becoming more apparent the further along you go. Rather poorly way-marked for the first half, signage is then very easy to follow for the remainder of the route down to the Riverside Museum, where the Kelvin meets the Clyde.
The Whangie, Kilpatrick Hills
Professional from the tourism industry 
4.41 km
+155 m
-155 m
1h 40
Moderate
Departure from Stirling
This massive and unique rocky outcrop seems to appear out of nowhere on an otherwise grassy hillside. Situated at an elevation of 300m (984 ft), the 10m high rocks have a narrow passageway through the middle, formed during the Ice Age.
Dumgoyne, Campsies
Professional from the tourism industry 
4.20 km
+360 m
-360 m
2h 15
Moderate
Departure from Stirling
The prominent peak of Dumgoyne dominates the skyline from the villages below. It may be a small hill at 427m (1401ft), but it certainly packs a punch and makes for a very rewarding climb!
Earl’s Seat, Campsies
Professional from the tourism industry 
10.79 km
+577 m
-569 m
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Stirling
At a height of 578 m (1896 ft), Earl’s Seat is the highest of the Campsie Fells. Relatively unspectacular-looking, it fades into the background behind it’s impressive neighbour Dumgoyne Hill. That said, the summit is a great vantage point with panoramic views across to Loch Lomond and the Scottish Highlands on one side, and the city of Glasgow and beyond on the other.
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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.