3 Reasons We Love The West Highland Way
Hiking the West Highland Way in a day!
Learn about our new Adventure Hiking Day Tour from Glasgow into Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park to hike part of the gorgeous 96 Mile West Highland Way Hike
Derek McCreadie
Scotland Tour Guide &
Head Experience Creator
A World Famous Scottish Hiking Adventure
There are so many reasons why people from all over the world come to Scotland and hike this famous route. From adventurers to charity fundraisers, one thing is certain, everyone leaves with a piece of the route in their hearts.
96 Mile long West Highland Way
It snakes its way through the landscape for 96 miles, starting just outside the city of Glasgow, in a small town called Milngavie (pronounced Miln-guy, don’t ask how cause we have no idea either), and ends at Scotland’s Outdoor capital, Fort William.
Along the way you take some extraordinary scenes, such as The Devil's Staircase in Glencoe, trekking through Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, and towards the end of the route, the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
I put the question to myself and John the other day, “What do we love about the West Highland Way?”. And from that stemmed the new day tour we are now offering.
Our answers shared a common theme, the enjoyment of being out in the Great Outdoors & the Highlands of Scotland. And here you’ll find 3 reasons why John and I love the West Highland Way.
History of the West Highland Way
The West Highland Way is an old military road, created during the Jacobite Uprisings. Its purpose was to dispatch Government Troops (Red Coats) to the Highlands of Scotland quickly and efficiently, and to quash any potential rebellion that was brewing.
Old Military Road section of the West Highland Way
This was during a time when religion was a major part of Highland life in Scotland. The Jacobites supported the Stewart line for the throne, which is a Catholic line. Jacobite comes from the Latin term Jacobus, meaning James.
James VII of Scotland & II of England was overthrown by his son-in-law, William of Orange in 1688. Many Highland clans did not agree with the change in monarch and thus became Jacobite supporters and the beginning of the Jacobite Uprisings through the 17th & 18th centuries.
Roads were then constructed throughout the Highlands including this famous route.
Why We Love It
John and I had very similar answers after I asked the question. The remoteness in some sections is awe-inspiring. Knowing you’re in the complete, middle of nowhere is a very grounding experience.
Having that experience helps you connect to the landscape and the natural world around you. Plus the rain will help clean and purify the soul.
The wildlife is another reason we both love the route. From red squirrels playing amongst the conifers, potential golden eagles soaring above us, to the majestic red deer stags bellowing out across the mountains.
Drinking fine Scotch Whisky on the West Highland Way
And we can’t forget about the breathtaking scenery that is offered to us along the way. There aren’t many words to describe such a magnificent landscape, but it’s one of the best rewards you gain through some challenging sections and gives you the motivation to keep going.
The last, and the most important point we both agreed with straight away (we almost said it at the same time) was that…
Whisky tastes better outdoors.
Our New Hiking Adventure Group Tour
With the West Highland Way day tour, we’ll be hiking a section of this astonishing route. Our day will begin in the stunning village of Drymen, home to one of the oldest pubs in Scotland and located on the eastern side of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park.
Views of Loch Lomond National Park on the West Highland Way
A place I know very well, growing up not too far away from the village, my family and I used to visit the beach in the next village, Balmaha, and then stop in Drymen for a bite to eat on the way home.
The food was mainly to heat everyone up because the Loch is always cold, no matter what time of year it is. My lips would be blue sometimes coming out of the water.
In the next section I have some great memories of camping at Garadhban forest with my friends, a section we’ll saunter through on our way to the highest point of the day.
Classed as an SSSI (a Site of Special Scientific Interest) Conic Hill rises to 361 meters (1184 feet) and offers some breathtaking views of Loch Lomond.
Situated on the Highland Boundary Fault line, once we have conquered this hill, the scenery is spectacular all around us. Sweeping views of the fault line cutting through Loch Lomond are a natural wonder.
The separation between the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland can be seen (on a clear day).
Balmaha is a welcome sight after the descent off Conic Hill. The food from the Oak Tree Inn has been a long-time favorite of ours and a well-deserved reward after completing our hike.
Thank You!
Now it’s time for all of you to share your experience of walking the West Highland Way! Anyone who has completed the full 96 miles or a section of the route, we’d love to hear what you enjoyed the most about your experience of the West Highland Way in the comments below!
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. If you enjoyed it, please share it far and wide on social media.