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Walking the West Highland Way: Trail Guide

Walking the West Highland Way: Trail Guide

The West Highland Way is Scotland’s most iconic long-distance walk, stretching 96 miles (154km) from Milngavie to Fort William. It’s an unforgettable journey—but the difference between a great trip and a miserable one often comes down to preparation and gear.

This guide covers everything you need to know before you start—including what to pack, where to buy last-minute essentials, and how to avoid the most common mistakes walkers make.

📍 Where Does the West Highland Way Start?

The trail starts in Milngavie (pronounced “Mul-guy”), just outside Glasgow.

Most walkers travel from Glasgow by train—but here’s something important many people don’t realise:

👉 Milngavie has very limited outdoor gear shops

So if you’ve forgotten anything, it’s best to get sorted before you reach the start of the trail.

🛑 Last-Minute Supplies Before You Start (Important)

If you’re heading to the start, your easiest stop is:

👉 West End Outdoors – 190 Milngavie Road, Bearsden, G61 3DX

We’re:

  • 🚆 Just one stop before Milngavie (Hillfoot station)
  • 🚶 A short walk from the train
  • 🛒 Stocked with West Highland Way essentials

How to find us:

Jump off at Hillfoot station, head towards the petrol station, keep walking, and you’ll see us on your right.

👉 Dead easy. Even if you still can’t pronounce Milngavie.

🗺️ West Highland Way Route Overview

Most people walk the route in 5–8 days, depending on pace.

Typical itinerary:

  • Milngavie → Drymen
  • Drymen → Rowardennan
  • Rowardennan → Inverarnan
  • Inverarnan → Tyndrum
  • Tyndrum → Kingshouse
  • Kingshouse → Kinlochleven
  • Kinlochleven → Fort William

🎒 What to Pack for the West Highland Way

Packing properly is critical. The most common issue we see in-store?

👉 “I thought I packed that…”

Essential gear:

🔥 Don’t Forget Your Gas (Seriously)

This is the number one thing people forget.

If you’re camping or cooking:
👉 you NEED gas or fuel before you start

Once you’re on the trail, options are limited.

👉 Pick up before you go:

  • Camping gas canisters
  • Fuel bottles
  • Stoves

➡️ Shop camping gas & fuel here:
Shop Gas Today for Pick UP

We stock:

  • MSR gas
  • Campingaz cylinders
  • Stove fuel options

👉 Don’t be the person eating cold noodles on night one.

🍝 Trail Food & Easy Meals

Lightweight food makes life easier on the trail.

Popular options:

  • Dehydrated meals
  • Pasta dishes
  • High-energy snacks

➡️ Browse trail food here: Food

🥾 Walking Essentials You Might Forget

These are the items people come in for last-minute:

  • Walking poles

  • Midge repellent

  • Blister care & first aid

  • Repair kits

👉 These small items make a massive difference over 96 miles.

🏕️ Where to Stay

You can:

  • Wild camp (responsibly)
  • Stay in campsites
  • Book hostels or B&Bs

Popular stops fill up quickly in summer—plan ahead where possible.

🌦️ When to Walk the West Highland Way

  • May–June: Best overall conditions
  • July–August: Warmer but midges are out
  • September: Quieter and cooler
  • Winter: For experienced walkers only

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting fuel or food
  • Packing too much
  • Wearing brand new boots
  • Not checking the weather
  • Leaving gear shopping too late

👉 We see these mistakes every day before people start

🧠 Final Tip Before You Start

Before you head to Milngavie:

✔ Check your gear
✔ Double-check your gas
✔ Make sure you’ve got food and essentials

If not…

👉 Stop in and get sorted first

👍 Visit Us Before You Start

West End Outdoors
📍 190 Milngavie Road, Bearsden, G61 3DX
🚆 1 stop before Milngavie (Hillfoot station)

Opening hours:

  • Weekdays: 8:30am
  • Weekends: 9:00am
  • Late arrivals: open until 5:30pm (5pm Sunday)

We’re:

  • friendly
  • knowledgeable
  • and properly stocked for the West Highland Way

👉 Pop in, grab what you need, and have a quick blether before you head for the hills.

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