Scotland’s West Highland Way: Hiking, Highlands, and Hidden Gems in 3 Days
- Meredith Peters
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
Blending bucket-list hiking with cozy inns, charming towns, and a taste of the Highlands
If you've ever dreamed of wandering through misty mountains, crossing ancient glens, and soaking in some of the most dramatic landscapes in the UK—the West Highland Way should be on your list. This 96-mile long-distance trail begins just outside Glasgow and winds all the way to Fort William, taking you through the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
While we didn’t walk the entire route, we tackled what many say is the most scenic section—and it didn’t disappoint. We were fortunate to have clear skies every day, which is a rare treat in Scotland and made each step that much more special.
We also had our luggage transported between hotels, which allowed us to hike with just our day packs. Many people choose to camp in tents along the trail, but while I love the outdoors and can rough it to a certain point, at the end of a long day of hiking, I want a hot shower, a good meal in a restaurant, and a soft bed to sleep in. This approach gave us the best of both worlds: time on the trail paired with comfort and relaxation each evening.
This trip blended our love of hiking with a more “traditional” vacation experience—sightseeing, hitting some highlights, and exploring charming towns along the way. It was the perfect way to immerse ourselves in Scotland’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
Arrival in Glencoe & Hiking Creag Dhubh
We arrived in Glencoe around noon and checked into the Kingshouse Hotel, a well-located and comfortable spot nestled among the rugged Highland peaks. After dropping our bags, we decided to stretch our legs and take advantage of the beautiful weather with a warm-up hike.
We made our way to the nearby Glencoe Mountain Resort and rode the chairlift up to enjoy panoramic views of the glen. At the top, we were treated to an unexpected sight: paragliders launching off the mountain, gliding effortlessly through the clear Highland air. My husband was so captivated by the paragliders, he said he would've jumped at the chance to join them if someone had a harness ready!
From there, we hiked to the summit of Creag Dhubh—a steep and challenging trail with an elevation gain of 2,480 feet in a short distance. It was, without question, a tough climb—more intense than I was anticipating for a “warm-up” hike—but the views at the top were absolutely worth it.
Upon our descent, the trail disappeared on us partway down, and we had to navigate a more “creative” route back to the chairlift. It made for a bit of an adventure, but that’s what these kinds of trips are all about. In total, we logged around 8 rugged miles, and went to bed tired but excited for the journey ahead.
Day 1 Hike on the West Highland Way: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven (10.5 miles)
We officially started hiking the West Highland Way the next morning, heading out from behind the Kingshouse Hotel toward Kinlochleven.
This section of the trail follows a historic military road built in the 1700s, with a steady elevation gain of about 1,800 feet. As we climbed, we passed cascading streams, wildflowers, and wide glens that unfolded around each bend. The path itself was well maintained and gradual, offering time to soak in the views (and catch our breath).
Arriving in Kinlochleven, we found a charming and peaceful town nestled between the hills. While it's not on many non-hikers' itineraries, it made for a lovely overnight stop. Our accommodations were warm and welcoming—they even pre-booked dinner reservations for us to ensure we had a table, and the food was excellent. They also prepared a packed lunch for the next day’s hike, which was both hearty and appreciated.
Kinlochleven may be a small dot on the map, but it had everything we needed for a restful and cozy night.
Day 2: Kinlochleven to Fort William (18 mile hike… give or take)
Our final day of hiking took us from Kinlochleven to Fort William, the end of the West Highland Way. Officially, the trail is about 16 miles, but we took an unexpected 2-mile detour—which, while unplanned, added to the adventure.
This portion of the trail climbs to the highest point of our journey with an elevation gain of around 2,700 feet. It was definitely a challenge, but the variety of landscapes kept us engaged—lush forest paths, open moors, sweeping valleys, and occasional glimpses of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s tallest mountain, in the distance.
Catching that glimpse of Ben Nevis inspired us to hike it two days later—something we hadn’t originally planned, but couldn’t resist once it was in view.
Crossing the final mile into Fort William was a mix of exhaustion and accomplishment. We had done it—completed our section of one of Scotland’s most iconic trails. Tired, proud, and already dreaming of the next adventure.
Even though we only hiked a portion of the West Highland Way, we felt like we truly experienced the Highlands. The combination of varied terrain, rich history, and sweeping Highland views gave us a deeper appreciation for this part of Scotland and made the journey incredibly memorable.
If you're considering a trip to Scotland—whether to hike, sightsee, or just take in the breathtaking beauty—I’d love to help you create an itinerary tailored to your travel style. The Highlands are waiting, and trust me, they’re even more magical in person.
Click here to schedule a complimentary consultation with me ▶️https://linke.to/TravelConsultationWithMeredith
