DeirdreThe West Highland Way is a 154km journey across the highlands, moors and lochs of Scotland. The route is broken into 8 stages or days beginning at Milngavie and ending in Fort William. While 8 days of walking sounds like dream, the unpredictable weather, long distances and elevation gains may dissuade those from attempting it.
Thanks to Scotland’s amazing public transit, you can begin at any stage of the trail and or do the entire length in reverse if you choose. This guide will cover the logistics for the final 3 stages of the West Highland Way from Bridge of Orchy to Fort William; an approximate 60km which are regarded as the most scenic.
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Practical Information
- Where: Bridge of Orchy to Fort William
- When to Visit: Late May-September
- How Many Days: 3 days
- Type of Hike: Point to point, traditionally going South to North
- Washroom Facilities on Route: None
- Accommodations: Wild camping, hostels and few hotels available
- Fitness Level: Moderate
- Permits: None required
- Guides: Can be done independently
IMPORTANT NOTE: These stages have limited accommodations. Book as early as possible (sometimes 6 months in advance) to avoid disappointment.
Luggage Transfer
If you don’t feel like carrying your bags for the duration of the hike, a luggage transfer is available. This is not only available to those hiking the entire length of the West Highland Way, but also just a small section. Prices can usually range from ~$70-100 CAD, depending on the route length and some companies will even offer a return transfer back to Glasgow or Edinburgh. The typical service includes:
- Storage of larger bags for your desired length of stay
- Luggage transfer each day to your specified destination (hotels, hostels, etc), picked up before 9:30am every morning
Companies providing service:
Best Season to Hike The West Highland Way
Scotland has an unpredictable climate, regardless of the time of year. It could be sunny and humid one minute and rainy, windy and chilly the next. While the trail can be completed year round, spring-early fall is the ideal time to attempt this hike.
Average temperatures can range from 10-20 degrees in the summer, so plan for the unexpected and all seasons if possible. We visited in June and experienced lots of rain, sunshine and temperatures around 15 degrees.
Essential Hiking Gear
While this hike can be attempted by various fitness levels it’s always good to make sure you have the proper gear to have a safe and fun adventure.
What to Bring
- First aid kit
- Hiking shoes or boots
- Full body rain gear and cover for backpack
- Plenty of water and food (no facilities while on route/limited facilities at overnight stops)
- Hiking poles are recommended for steep inclines
- Sunscreen/Hat
- Maps or GPS
- Personal toiletries as the trail has no washrooms
Getting to the Trailhead
Bridge of Orchy is one of the many starting points along the West Highland Way. The trailhead is a 2 minute walk from the train station and located beside the Bridge of Orchy Hotel. Tickets can be purchased in advance via ScotRail or Trainline.
- From Glasgow (Queen Street)
- Time: 2.5 hrs
- Price: ~£15.50/person
- From Edinburgh (Waverly)
- Time: 3.5 hrs
- Price: ~£33.50/person
Note: Bridge of Orchy is a very small station and only some of the cars will open at the platform. Make sure you are on the correct car ahead of disembarking. This information is very well communicated by the rail service during the trip.
If you do not want to commute the morning of the hike, opt to spend the evening before in Bridge of Orchy. The only place to stay is at the Bridge of Orchy Hotel. The hotel is pricey but is conveniently located near the trailhead.
Trail Markers
The trail is rocky but it is well maintained and markers are found throughout. A map or GPS is always recommended, but not required. The path is visited frequently by tourists, especially during the summer, so expect to see heavy foot traffic.
Stage One
- Route: Bridge of Orchy to Glencoe Mountain Resort
- Distance: 18km
- Time: 5 hrs
Stage one begins beside the Bridge of Orchy Hotel. Cross the bridge and proceed onto the trailhead. This path will take you into a slow rocky climb into a forest. The forest path opens up to an elevated open path through the hills and provides a great view of Loch Tulla. After a short while the trail descends to a road and passes beside the Inveroran Hotel, which some hikers use as an overnight stay.
The scenic views will be swapped for roads and forests for the next few kilometres. Eventually the forested area comes to an end and the trail opens up to an expansive open area. The path can be seen stretching far ahead in the distance, winding around the nearby hills.
This is approximately the halfway point of stage one, the remainder of the day is a very straightforward trek through large open areas with very little change in elevation.
In the final few kilometres the trail winds around a final hill and begins a slow descent. There is a well marked fork in the path before you reach the road. Turning left will take you to Glencoe Mountain Resort and right will lead you towards the A82 highway and Kingshouse.
Accommodation: Glencoe Mountain Resort
The Glencoe Mountain Resort offers micro lodges, camping and caravan hookups. Each lodge comes with a heater, beds and a kettle and can fit up to 4 people. Sheets, towels and pillows are not provided, so it is advised to bring your own sleeping bag. They can however be rented at the main lodge as well.
Toilet blocks, showers and drying rooms are also available on site. WIFI is found throughout the cafe but does not extend as far as the micro lodges.
Where to Find Food
The nearest and only place to buy food is the main reception cafe area at the resort. Liquor, snacks, desserts and other meals are available for purchase. Hot food is served until 7:30pm.
Additional Places to Stay
There are very few accommodations along the route between Bridge of Orchy and Kinghouse. The three options are the Glencoe Mountain Resort, Kingshouse Hotel or wild camping.
Stage Two
- Route: Glencoe Mountain Resort to Kinlochleven
- Distance: 17km
- Time: 5 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 570m
The day begins by walking back towards the A82 highway and towards Kingshouse Hotel. The trail leads up the side of the property, crosses a bridge and continues around the back. The next 5km follow along side of the highway; it can be a noisy but the stunning mountain views make up for it.
Stage 2 is home to the steepest ascent on the entire West Highland Way. The Devil’s Staircase is a tough but rewarding climb. This switch back trail slowly climbs up into the highlands and away from the highway. The top is very windy but the views are breathtaking.
After reaching the top, the trail continues to wrap through the hills at high elevation for another 5-6km. Eventually it intersects with a service road which descends down through a forest leading to Kinlochleven.
Accommodation: Black Water Hostel
The Black Water Hostel offers glamping pods, camping and hostel rooms. It’s the first accommodation when you enter Kinlochlevan and is located very close to shops and restaurants. The glamping pods are equipped with beds, tables, fridge/kettle, heating and cooling. WIFI is located throughout the pods and main area.
Drying rooms are available as well as toilets and showers, free of charge. Bedding is not included, so bring a sleeping bag.
Additional Places to Stay
Where to Find Food
The hostel is located 200m from the main village. There is a Co-op grocery store and other pubs/restaurants in the vicinity including a small shop called “Rice + Chips”. They serve a mix of traditional fish and chips and Chinese food. It’s an odd combo but worth it after a long hike. At the time of our hike, only cash was accepted at that particular restaurant.
Stage Three
- Route: Kinlochlevan to Fort William
- Distance: 24km
- Time: 6-7 hrs
The third and final stage of the hike is the longest day by far. Leaving the small village, you will proceed with a humid climb up into the hills through a winding forest. The bugs are particularly bad in this forest during the summer.
Once again, the lush green hills lead the way through the highlands. This section of the trail is very similar to stage 1 as it is extremely straightforward and can be seen stretching off into the distance. The mountains on either side of the trail come closer together as the trail winds through the small compact area between them.
After several km the passage widens and the trail continues through large pastures by pastures and open areas.
The final descent into Fort William is long and tiring. The forest path meets up with a gravel road and takes approximately 2 hours to descend from the hills and walk the main town square. The gravel road will reach all the way to ground level and end at the Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park.
At this point heading left there is a sidewalk along a paved road which will lead directly into Fort William. The original trail ended at the entrance in Fort William at a well marked sign but has since been moved to the far side of town. Follow Belford Rd until passing the train station, there is an entrance to High St which is a walkable road filled with shops.
The end of the street marks the new official end of the West Highland way, you did it!
Accommodation: Constantia Bed & Breakfast
This bed & breakfast is a lovely place located on Fassifern Road. It’s located about a 3 minute walk into the heart of Fort William and a 5 minute walk to the train station. Towels, tea/coffee, and breakfast items were all provided.
Additional Places to Stay
Where to Find Food
Fort William is the largest of the cities on the trail and has many options including pubs, restaurants, and grocery stores. At the official end of the hike, there is a craft brewery called Black Isle Bar, which offers delicious wood fired pizzas and beers.
Further Exploring
Consider adding Edinburgh before or after your hike.
Looking for more long distance hikes in Europe? Check out The Fishermen’s Trail.
Oooh this looks amaaazing! You got some very scottish weather there, but it is kind of cool to see it looking all soggy and misty. It would have a totally different vibe on a sunny day! Rice and chips at the end of a long day hiking sounds great too. 😉
It’s pretty cool that you can hike this with luggage transfers! I love the idea of sprinkling a little luxury onto a hiking/camping adventure.
Despite being rained on it was very cool to see the mist cover the mountains. And it was a warm rain, so I was completely miserable haha
Got to love a multiday hiking trip – this is so well planned out! If i tried planning this, I would end up carrying everything and not realise you could organise a luggage transfer.
Even though you had pretty grim looking weather, looks like you had an amazing time!
Ah thanks! It was a great time. I didn’t end up using the luggage service but I wish I had on the 2nd and 3rd day
Ohh this is brilliant I love the luggage transfer option so we can just take day packs…such a fantastic trip… now to convince hubby.. thank you….
Being able to just carry day packs makes it a more enjoyable experience, especially if it rains
What an incredible hike – would love to do this. Would have to be a last minute decision as can’t bear hiking in rain, lol.
My homeland and beautiful country!
I recommend continuing north on the train to Mallaig. It doesn’t have to be the steam train. The views are spectacular.
Thanks for the suggestion!