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The West Highland Way is a long distance footpath in Scotland. It is 152 km (95 mi) long, running from Milngavie north of Glasgow to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. It is managed jointly by Highland Council and Loch Lomond & Trossachs Interim Committee. About 50,000 people use the path every year.
The Route
The path uses many ancient roads, including drovers' roads, military roads and old coaching roads and is traditionally walked from south to north. As well as increasing
the sense of adventure and keeping the sun from one's eyes. The route is traditionally walked in seven to eight days, although fitter and more experienced walkers do it in six. It is possible to do it less, but this obviously means that you do not have as much time to appreciate the beautiful scenery you are walking through.
The path starts in the northern fringes of the conurbation of Glasgow, but soon emerges into open countryside. It proceeds by way of country roads, an abandoned railway, the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and scenic Conic Hill, to reach Balmaha on Loch Lomond. From here, the route follows the eastern shores of the loch to Inverarnan, crossing the Highland Boundary Fault.
The Way broadly follows the valley of Strathfillan before crossing the desolate yet beautiful Rannoch Moor and descending into Glen Coe. From here, the most mountainous part of the route climbs the Devil's Staircase (which is a strenuous slog, but not as fearsome as it sounds!) before descending into Kinlochleven. The final stage skirts the Mamore Mountains on an old military road and descends into Glen Nevis. From there, it is an easy stroll into Fort William.
The last stage passes the foot of Ben Nevis, and many walkers crown their achievement by climbing the highest mountain in Britain. However, it is unwise to set one's heart on this objective—the mountain is extremely dangerous in poor weather, which can occur at any time of year.
Settlements on the Way
(Listed South to North.)
External links
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