West Highland Way

On the West Highland Way, you can discover the most beautiful sides of Scotland on foot: This 150-kilometer long long-distance hiking trail starts from the inhabited outskirts of Glasgow in the Lowlands and leads to the heart of the Highlands at Fort William. The Scottish landscape here looks like something out of a picture book: The path winds through untouched moors, over green hills, and through lonely valleys. At the end, the tour can be crowned with a climb of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland. The West Highland Way is an ideal introduction to long-distance hiking. This Rother hiking guide presents it with all the important information for long-distance hikers.

The Scottish nature you traverse is diverse: From the agricultural lands near Glasgow, you head to the tranquil Loch Lomond. Continuing over the remote Rannoch Moor, you reach the entrance to Glen Coe. The route takes you through Kinlochleven and an uninhabited valley, finally arriving at the foot of the mighty Ben Nevis. Climbing this formidable king of the Highlands is the icing on the cake for many long-distance hikers. At the same time, the West Highland Way is a historically significant route: it passes by the cave of the outlaw Rob Roy, who gained fame through the works of Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott. It also leads to the ruins of St. Fillan's Monastery, an important site in the Christianization of Scotland. The hiking guide provides plenty of information about these and other sites. Not least, the Scottish climate adds to the adventure of hiking the West Highland Way, as the weather can change from one minute to the next, transforming the landscape into a whole new light.

Another unique aspect is the Scottish right to pitch your tent almost anywhere, which makes the West Highland Way particularly popular among youthful adventurers. However, for those who prefer a cozy bed, the West Highland Way offers the perfect long-distance hiking trail as well.