Routes » Long distance » West Highland Way
West Highland Way
Scottish Highlands, UK
| Type | Long distance |
|---|---|
| Grade | Hike |
| Distance | 154 km |
| Typical days | 7 |
| Ascent | 3500 m |
| High point | 550 m |
| Terrain | trail, bog, rocky |
| Best seasons | spring, summer, autumn |
Milngavie to Fort William past Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe.
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What to pack for West Highland Way
Check the forecast and local advice; this list does not replace mountain skills or a safety assessment.
| Kit | Priority | Trip requirement | Suitable shop option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backpack | essential | 7 days carrying camp · 50L or more | Hyperlite Southwest 55 |
| Boots / shoes | essential | Supportive footwear for the terrain | La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX |
| Waterproof jacket | essential | Weather can turn on any hill | Arc'teryx Beta AR |
| Insulated jacket | essential | Warm layer for breaks | Rab Neutrino Pro |
| Navigation / comms | essential | Map, compass or GPS for route finding | Suunto MC-2 Compass |
| First aid kit | essential | Basic emergency care | Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 |
| Head torch | essential | Early starts and late finishes | Petzl Actik Core |
| Sun protection | recommended | Sun exposure | Julbo Explorer 2.0 Cat 4 |
| Base layer | essential | Dry layer for multi-day comfort | Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Crew |
| Tent / shelter | essential | Shelter for nights out · 3-season | Hilleberg Nammatj 2 |
| Sleeping bag | essential | Expected night lows near 7°C · Rated to 7°C or colder | Western Mountaineering UltraLite |
| Sleeping mat | essential | Comfort and insulation | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT |
| Stove | essential | Hot food on multi-day trips | Jetboil MiniMo |
| Water treatment | essential | Safe water from streams | Sawyer Squeeze |
| Trekking poles | recommended | Long days and big descents | Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z |
| Gaiters | recommended | Bog, snow or river crossings | Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters |
Related UK routes
- Ben Nevis via Mountain Track · 17 km · Lochaber
- Scafell Pike from Wasdale · 9 km · Lake District
- Coast to Coast · 309 km · Northern England
- Pennine Way · 431 km · Pennines
