There’s a reason the West Highland Way is one of the world’s most beloved long-distance hikes. Nearly 100 miles, the trail leads walkers from the outskirts of Glasgow into the heart of the Scottish Highlands, passing lochs, glens, mountains, and some of the most iconic landscapes in Scotland. For our group, it became a week of changing scenery, good company, and the tangled, multi-day conversations that only seem to happen on foot.
The journey began in Milngavie, where forest paths and rolling farmland provided a gentle introduction to the route. Soon enough, however, the Highlands began to emerge. Conic Hill delivered the first truly dramatic views, looking down over Loch Lomond and its scattered islands. From there, the trail followed the loch itself, winding through forests and rocky shorelines where every turn seemed to reveal another postcard-worthy vista.
One of the most memorable sections came along the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. The trail becomes rougher here, scrambling over rocks and weaving through ancient woodland. It’s slower hiking, but some of the most beautiful on the entire route. Bluebells lined the path, waterfalls spilled down the hillsides, and the loch stretched endlessly beside us. At Inversnaid, we paused for lunch overlooking the waterfall that inspired a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins.
Beyond the loch, the landscape opens dramatically. Wide valleys replace the forests, and the mountains begin to dominate the horizon. The pyramid-shaped Beinn Dorain became a constant companion for one unforgettable afternoon, its slopes glowing in the sunlight after a morning of rain. Nearby, sheep grazed impossibly steep hillsides while oystercatchers and red deer added to the sense of being fully immersed in the Highlands.
One of the most unexpected highlights came near Glencoe, where the trail passes beneath Meall a' Bhuiridh. We arrived during the legendary Scottish Six Days Trial, one of the world's oldest motorcycle competitions. Riders appeared high on the mountain slopes, navigating impossibly steep terrain while spectators gathered below. What began as a short break turned into an afternoon of cheering competitors, looking up rider numbers, and joining the festive atmosphere. It was a uniquely Scottish moment: part mountain sport, part community event, and, luckily for us, completely unexpected.
The route’s most famous climb is undoubtedly the Devil’s Staircase. Despite the intimidating name, the ascent is steady and manageable, and the reward is extraordinary. From the top, sweeping views stretch across mountains and glens in every direction. It’s one of those places where everyone stops walking for a few minutes just to take it all in.
The final stages lead through the dramatic valley surrounding Buachaille Etive Mòr before descending toward Kinlochleven and eventually Fort William. The last day follows an old military road high above the glens, offering one final showcase of Highland scenery before the trail drops into town beneath the shadow of Ben Nevis. There’s a bittersweet feeling at the end: relief that you’ve made it, mixed with the realization that tomorrow you won’t be waking up to another day on the trail.
We finished the West Highland Way with a few more blisters and much more appreciation for Scotland and the Highlands. After 96 miles of stunning walking in (mostly) great weather, the words of Gerald Manley Hopkins were never more prescient.
What would the world be, once bereft
Of wet and wildness, let them be left,
O let them be left, wildness and wet;
Long live the weeds and the wilderness yet.