Walking the West Highland Way

Staff at Contours are always heading out on our own walking holidays. This month, our Customer Service Advisor, Christine, set out on the famous West Highland Way. The route travels from Milngavie to Fort William along an amazing route of mountainous scenery with some challenging terrain. Read on to find out what Christine made of it after her first time walking its full length.

What was your overall impression of the West Highland Way before you did it?

A classic and very popular Scottish trail, and not too difficult. Overall, this was a great experience walking through the highlands. It was a good blend of exercise, vistas and lodging options.

Did the trail’s reputation put you off or was it part of the reason you wanted to undertake the walk? – if not, what was the reason?

I wanted to do more walking in Scotland and the West Highland Way was the first trail on my Scottish tick-list of trails. The popularity and volume of other walkers on the trail would normally put me off but I was walking on my own this time so it was a nice sense of security that other walkers would be around.

What were the locals you met like?

The locals were all very friendly. I didn’t spend too long with anyone in particular - I was enjoying my own company.

What was your favourite section of the trail?

The section between Inversnaid and Inverarnan, supposedly the most difficult section of the trail. It is a more rugged path which makes the walking more interesting.

What was your most memorable moment?

Got to Beinglas Farm just in time to dodge a very heavy rain shower, nice cup of tea and break for 45 mins, sun was out by the time I left. The weather was very kind to me! Also a lovely clear weather day for the last section of the trail Kinlochleven to Fort William with fantastic views of Ben Nevis.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

I managed to walk 20+ mile days without any big mileage walk training and time my walks perfectly to dodge all the heavy rain showers.

What advice would you give to other people who want to undertake a walk along the West Highland Way?

Enjoy it… be prepared for all weathers and wear sturdy (more cushioned) walking boots; there’s a lot of hard surface/stoney track walking.

Interested in walking the West Highland Way yourself?

Take a look at all of our West Highland Way walking holidays to find the perfect itinerary for you.

Contours Holidays pride ourselves on our expert knowledge of the UK’s trails. We regularly set out to check our routes and directions and to make improvements on the holidays we offer. You can find several write-ups of staff expeditions in our Trail Diaries.