THE BIG QUESTIONS
How long does it take?
The West Highland Way can be broken down into different sections, defined by accommodation stops. The basic breakdown is 13 sections, mostly of between seven and nine miles. The shortest stretch is two miles (a resting day between Bridge of Orchy and Inveroran); the longest – Kinlochleven to Fort William via the Lairig Mòr – is 16 miles.
But many walkers do it in nine days by joining some of those sections up. The remoteness of the northern sections means you can end up with a few 20-mile hikes this way. But as the ascents are mostly gentle (apart from the Devil’s Staircase), the mileage is more manageable than you might think – and long hours of daylight definitely help.
Athletic hikers can do it in five days by covering between 15 and 22½ miles per day – but who wants to rush it?
What’s the weather like?
The weather can be changeable, even in late summer. Midges are a problem from June to mid-August, so insect repellent is essential – look for LifeSystems or Smidge. August may be the driest month for walking in Scotland but even then it can be pretty wet, so a good set of waterproofs is essential, and accommodation that offers a drying room is gold dust. But you should also – as many of our online friends pointed out – take plenty of sunscreen too.
What about logistics?
There are four main options for walking the Way: self-guided and unsupported; self-guided but supported by a sherpa (baggage transfer) service that carries your luggage to the next overnight stop; selfguided but supported by an accommodation booking service that also arranges for your luggage transfer; and fully supported with a guide, accommodation and luggage transfer. See Plan Your Trip for more details on these.