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The West Highland Means is without doubt one of the finest walks in Scotland. Why; Revelers journey to the rolling hills and tranquil lakes of the west coast, thought-about one of the lovely areas within the nation.
This 96-mile stroll begins simply outdoors Scotland’s friendliest metropolis, Glasgow, within the city of Milngavie (pronounced Mill-guy) and ends within the outside capital, Fort William.
Strolling the West Highland Means—5 days is the most well-liked time-frame. Nonetheless, many guests like extra time, overlaying fewer miles every day and spending extra time within the cities, villages or campsites of the West Coast.
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This information contains
- Route(s) of the West Highland Means
- Lodging suggestions
- West Highland Means packing device listing
West Highland Means – 5 day route
The longest day of the 5 day experience is 22.5 miles with the shortest on the final (15 miles).
In most areas there are stops for refreshments and a wide range of varieties of lodging.
There is no such thing as a strict technique to plan your West Highland Means stroll, however all routes begin in Milngavie.
Day 1: Milngavie To Balmaha (20 miles)
The primary day is comparatively simple.
The start line of the West Highland Means is in Milngavie and is recognized by a big cement memorial on Douglas Avenue.
Then head to a small automobile park behind the retailers in Milngavie city centre.
The primary route takes you throughout fields and farmland to Dumgoyne the place you should purchase refreshments at The Beech Tree Inn after which on to Drymen for one more refreshment or in a single day keep.
The subsequent stage is at Conic Hill, which is slightly tougher to search out.
Be careful for the indicators (marked with thistle) that take you thru a forest after which up and over Conic Hill with beautiful views of Balmaha.
Alternatively, proceed strolling by the village to Rowardennan.
Personally, I discovered this leg comparatively simple, the hopes have been excessive and the climate dry!
Sadly, one member of our staff was unable to proceed at this stage and was picked up by Balmaha (he rejoined us at Bridge of Orchy).
We stayed at Bay Cottage and I extremely suggest it. There’s a sizzling tub and the breakfast is nice.
Learn extra | West Highland Means Day 1 (Blisters and Balmaha)
Day 2: Balmaha to Inverarnan (21.5 miles)
Leaving the gorgeous city of Balmaha with Loch Lomond by your aspect, coast to Inversnaid with refreshments on the Inversnaid Lodge.
Right here a small passenger ferry runs throughout the lake for non-hikers.
Then it is on to Inverarnan, sleeping choices are restricted to a preferred and costly resort, so WHWers usually select the city of Tyndrum which has extra choices comparable to Tyndrum Lodges or Beinglass campsite.
Learn extra about lodging choices at WHW, right here.
Learn the subsequent | Day 2 boots, boats and vehicles
Day 3: Orchy Bridge to Kinlochleven (22.5 miles)
That is the longest day of the West Highland Means stroll and if it rains you may actually endure.
The primary leg takes you thru farmland and on to Strathfillan (refreshment cease/small store) after which simpler floor to Tyndrum for the well-known vacationer cease Inexperienced Welly Cease serving meals and snacks.
Some Wayers could select to cease right here for the evening to interrupt up the hike in 6 days.
Others can proceed to Orchy Bridge which has a resort and some guesthouses.
A bus from Glasgow runs to and from Orchy Bridge. The village additionally has a railway station.
Learn extra | The Day of Break – Achilles’ ache ruins the day
Day 4: Orchy Bridge to Kinlochleven (18.5 miles)
Today contains strolling over Rannoch Moor, which might be brutal if the climate is unhealthy (no cowl), then visiting the pleasant deer at Kings Home (refreshment cease).
The Kingshouse Lodge is welcoming with pies and informal eating, indoor seating in its restaurant and outside pods for foods and drinks.
It is fairly costly, so save your pennies.
That is the place our celebration stopped for the evening as we accomplished the West Highland Means in 6 days.
Nonetheless, if you happen to select to energy by, head behind the King Home Lodge to the Satan’s Staircase, which is not as scary because it sounds!
Once more, the climate could also be in opposition to you on this leg.
The descent takes you to Kinlochleven, which has a handful of eating places, lodging and a Co-op retailer.
It’s good to sleep in a valley for the evening.
Learn extra | Our final day of WHW
Day 5: Kinlochleven to Fort Willian (15 miles)
The final day begins with a tough climb, which rewards you with views of the valley.
As you head in the direction of Fort William, views of Ben Nevis turn into obvious. Will you be capable to see the sting? It usually hides!
Some Wayers relaxation for the evening in Fort William after which deal with the UK’s highest mountain the subsequent day. I’ll?
Finish the street with a picture of the person touching his toes.
Dine and have a celebratory drink on the Tavern (strive the skewers), The Volley Arms or The Crofter.
Seize some pastries at Rain for breakfast the subsequent day or a snack later.
Steadily Requested Questions concerning the West Highland Means
How lengthy is the West Highland Means?
The stroll is 96 miles beginning in Milngavie and ending in Fort William.
What is the climate like on the West Highland Means?
You’ll be able to anticipate 4 seasons in at some point in Scotland. The west coast might be significantly moist.
Could tends to be among the finest months, April-October can be extra nice than October-March.
The darkish nights creep in round 4 p.m. throughout the winter.
Is the West Highland Means wild tenting pleasant?
Wild tenting is authorized in Scotland, which is nice for these trying to hold prices down.
You should definitely learn it Scotland Outdoor Access Code for guidelines together with respect for locals and animals, decide up your garbage behind you, do not park close to roads.
We speak about this at size in our information to tenting on the North Coast 500 (a highly regarded street journey in Scotland).
Do I have to have my very own bag?
There are firms that enable you to with the West Highland Means baggage transport choices.
This implies they’re collected in Milngavie and your baggage arrives at your lodging day-after-day earlier than you do (often).
Should you want to hold your individual bag, that is tremendous.
Many hikers do. Simply remember that there may be restricted drying area in a few of the lodging and if you’re tenting there may not be something accessible.
Put money into an Osprey bag cowl US / United Kingdom to maintain your issues dry.
I am a solo traveler, do I’ve to do WHW alone?
We’re a social bunch in Scotland, so why not be a part of one of many many West Highland Means excursions?
Within the peak months the route is just like the M9, very busy!
There is a good likelihood you will meet different Wayers at every cease if you happen to do not wish to decide to a tour.
An alternative choice is to message one of many many backpackers Fb teams in Europe, a Fb recommendation group for Scotland or the West Highland Way Support Group.
These teams have grown into nice small communities for these searching for assist and concepts.
How unhealthy are the mosquitoes of the West Highland Means?
Effectively, these explosive winged beasts can actually break your vacation in Scotland.
From June – August we see the worst of the swarms. Purchase Avon Pores and skin So Smooth US / United Kingdom to chase them away.
What are your greatest suggestions for the West Highland Means?
Like all my articles, I do not hold any data, however in a nutshell, my finest recommendation is
- Break in your sneakers/boots months earlier than trying the West Highland Means
- Prepare – try as many 20 mile day hikes as you may. Goal for at the least a two-day hike
- Put money into an honest waterproof, I really like my Marmot Precip US / United Kingdom
- Pack flip-flops for the evenings to present your toes some respiratory room
- Biocooling US / United Kingdom it’s nice for aches and pains
- Have enjoyable however do not be embarrassed if you must admit defeat at any stage. Bridge of Orchy is an effective place to take a seat as you may catch the bus to Kings Home and begin once more
Right here is ours light-weight mountain climbing ebook comparability information
Lodging on the West Highland Means
There are all varieties of lodging alongside the West Highland Means, making the journey very inclusive for all budgets.
Wild tenting retains prices down and campsites all alongside the route supply primary services.
Visitor homes with tumble dryers and kitchens might be booked in Balmaha, Tyndrum, Bridge of Orchy, Kingshouse and Kinlochleven.
Mattress and Breakfasts are highly regarded in Scotland and might be discovered at each cease on the Means.
Most of those B&Bs additionally supply a packed lunch service.
Staying in a B&B is a extremely pleasurable technique to do WHW.
You’ll be able to meet locals and revel in a hearty breakfast earlier than setting off once more.
Resorts are additionally accessible all through.
In fact, these are dearer than the alternate options listed right here.
Learn extra | The place we stayed on the West Highland Means
West Highland Means: What to pack
Your packing listing will depend upon whether or not you’re carrying your individual baggage or utilizing a service. Necessities embrace
- Effectively-worn strolling boots. I am sporting Salomon Quest boots US / United Kingdom
- Mountain climbing socks
- Good high quality mackintosh, I am sporting a Mountain Gear Rupal jacket US / UNITED KINGDOM, which is thicker than my Marmot – excellent for dry climate, quick showers
- Icebreaker Merino wool base layer USA / United Kingdom
- Waterproof pants USA / United Kingdom
- Day bag with snacks and water
- Spades (non-obligatory, they saved me on the third day)
You might also like | Our full WHW packing listing
Ultimate Phrases
This West Highland Means route planner might be personalized to fulfill the wants of any walker.
Should you plan to carry your canine, bear in mind to verify the place the birthing session takes place as you will be unable to stroll by this space. Additionally, hold your pup on a lead, as he does twice as many miles as we do, which might trigger blisters on his toes.
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