West Highland Way
~8 days · 101.5 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the West Highland Way is known for
The West Highland Way runs an official 96 miles (Ridgefold's mapped route measures 101.5) from the edge of Glasgow to Fort William through the Scottish Highlands, known for passing Loch Lomond and Rannoch Moor beneath Ben Nevis. It's an accommodation-along-the-way walk rather than a wilderness route.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 20 ft to 1,772 ft over 101.5 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 25.5 mi · 25%
- Downhill 24.1 mi · 24%
- Flat 51.4 mi · 51%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the West Highland Way?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the West Highland Way scores 39/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: April to October.
Permits: No permit; some sections have seasonal wild-camping restrictions.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the West Highland Way take?
Most backpackers hike the West Highland Way in about 8 days (7 nights out) over its 101.5 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the West Highland Way?
The West Highland Way climbs roughly 13,071 ft total — about 129 ft per mile, topping out near 1,808 ft.
When is the best time to hike the West Highland Way?
April to October.
Do you need a permit for the West Highland Way?
No permit; some sections have seasonal wild-camping restrictions.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.