The West Highland Way

Equipment:
Pack the usual kit for multi-day hikes, whilst taking care not to overload your rucksack. Items I consider essential for the WHW:
- Waterproof walking boots.
- Rain protection: rain cape, rucksack cover, etc.
- Clothing to protect against the cold and/or wind.
- Midge repellent, to be bought locally.
- A plug adapter for the UK (notably so you can recharge your mobile phone).
N.B. There are local companies that organise the transport of luggage from one stage to the next, allowing you to hike with just a small rucksack during the day whilst keeping the rest of your belongings dry.

Signposting:
- The route is very well signposted on the ground, mainly at major junctions and changes of direction, using three complementary methods: signposts with a thistle flower; signposts with a yellow arrow for changes of direction; and directional signposts.
- Having the route map and description on your phone via the Visorando app is a definite bonus. Remember to cache the base maps (OSM Trails) for all stages before setting off; this will allow you to track your progress accurately on the map regardless of network quality, and even when there is no signal.
- Paper maps based on British map data (PDF files for each stage) provide a safety net.
- A compass doesn’t weigh much and can be extremely useful.

Water:
It is best to fill your water bottle from the tap at your accommodation. There are no proper water sources along the route. Admittedly, you’ll cross countless streams and torrents along the way, but the potability of this water is not guaranteed (just in case, bring some water purification tablets).
In a few places, particularly on the first two stages, local residents provide bottles of water or other drinks; you should pay for these by placing the indicated amount in an ‘Honesty Box’ (the system is therefore based on trust).

Refreshments:
Detailed information on refreshment points is provided in the information sheets for each stage.
- Shops: Glasgow; Milngavie; Drymen; Inverarnan (basic supplies); Tyndrum; Kinlochleven; Fort William.
- Cash machines: Glasgow; Milngavie; Kinlochleven; Fort William.
- Some hotels offer packed lunches which can be ordered the day before for the following day’s stage.

Accommodation:
Hotel-style accommodation (with a bar and restaurant) or bed and breakfasts are suggested, with the number varying depending on the stage. These suggestions are not intended to be an exhaustive list: for more addresses, use your favourite search engine. Remember to book well in advance.

Camping:
Many walkers follow the WHW whilst camping (make sure you have a properly waterproof tent). Along the route, camping is strictly regulated, with official campsites, areas where camping is tolerated (for example, near a hotel) and many sites where it is strictly prohibited. Check in advance and follow the signs on site. And remember to take your rubbish with you until you reach the next village.

Recommendations:
- The WHW passes through sensitive areas, nature reserves and national parks. Do not leave any rubbish behind! Take everything with you to the next village.
- The moors and pastures of the Highlands are used for sheep farming ( Scottish Blackface breed) and, to a lesser extent, cattle farming ( Highland Cattle and Aberdeen Angus breeds). The route therefore passes through a great many meadows, and walkers must open and close countless gates: these are generally fitted with an automatic closing mechanism, but it is worth checking carefully that they are properly closed after you have passed through.

Breakdown of the stages:

7-day route – This is the route proposed here, covering an average of 22 km and 400 m of elevation gain per day. It is because of this already considerable daily distance, combined with a significant elevation gain, that the route as a whole has been classified as ‘Difficult’, even though it does not involve any technical difficulties.
N.B. The longest stage (30.4 km), from Inverarnan to Bridge of Orchy, can be shortened to 20 km if the final section is covered by public transport. See the instructions in the ‘Practical Information’ section of the corresponding walk guide.

8-day route – Averaging 19.5 km and 360 m of elevation gain per day. Depending on available accommodation, a possible itinerary is as follows: Milngavie – Drymen – Rowardenann – Inverarnan – Tyndrum – Inveroran – Kingshouse Hotel – Kinlochleven – Fort William.

6-day route (26 km and 480 m elevation gain per day) or 5-day route (31 km and 575 m elevation gain) – Requires excellent physical fitness and proven stamina.

In any case, plan your route according to your own abilities.

Useful links:
- Official West Highland Way website.
- Trains: ScotRail website.
- Buses: Citylink website.

Hike completed by the author in August 2019.

The entire route takes you through stunning scenery: hills, rugged terrain, lakeshores, rivers and waterfalls, moors and meadows, and more. Lovers of the wilderness will be in their element!

For further details, see the walk descriptions for the individual stages.