WHW Trail Profile:
Trail: West Highland Way
Where: Scotland
Distance: 156 km Milngavie - Fort William
Days on Trail: 8
Grade: Easy
Optimal season: May - October
Resupplies: None (optional)
Trail in a nutshell: The West Highland Way is the perfect introduction for a newbie hiker, or non-thru-hikers who still want to do a multi-day hike. “The Way” is first and foremost a cultural experience, although you will see some beautiful lochs and highland landscapes. I would recommend another trail for those craving rugged wilderness – but the WHW is perfect for those who prefer hiking with comforts. You will start amidst fields, then proceed over hills, through oak forest, along Loch Lomond, then venture into the highlands before descending into Fort William on the coast.
My best tip: do not tackle the WHW as a long-distance hike. Approach it as a Scottish holiday, which includes some easy grade hiking. If you stick to the recommended daily distances, you will have access to food and accommodation each night. Furthermore, there are packing companies that carry your gear for you to each location. This enables you to travel with a light daypack. I recommend this option for several reasons: 1) There are very few campsites available, you will end up wild camping in wet and midgy conditions. 2) The value of a fresh dinner and good bed should not be underestimated, it will make your trek 1000 times more enjoyable. 3) Significant stretches of the Way are on gravel/tarmac roads. Carrying heavy packs with food & camping gear on this terrain will be the end of your feet. A day pack would increase comfort levels significantly, more than on similar-length hikes with more variable terrain.
Lastly, Scotland is not California. You will be soaked. There will be days of constant rain. It will be damp. You will get steamed like a vegetable inside your rain coat. Accept this before you undertake the Way. But you will also see the great green expanses of lonely highlands, you will fall in love with majestic oak trees and experience the cosiness of Scottish hospitality. The WHW is not a crazy wilderness adventure, but even seasoned hikers will love it all the same if they have the right expectations. Added bonus: Outlander fans will appreciate the experience even more!