The West Highland way is a 95 mile long distance footpath detailed by my self here. Or for those who wish to run it check out the WHW Race
The West Highland Way was opened in 1980 and was Scotlands first long distance footpath, covering 95 miles (152km) from Milngavie to Fort William. It goes through a popular but beautiful part of Scotland. The terrain is varied although there is no real assent of the mountain, probably due to the fact that the way follows ancient footways
We saw many people walking the way when myself and six friends walked it in the Easter week 1997. Distances do not include additional walking to accommodation.
Milngavie lies less than 6 miles from the center of Glasgow, and relied on the cotton industry to expand it, Milngavie is now a commuter town. The way starts in the center of the town and through woodland and farmland on good tracks through the valley in which Blane water flows. It follows a disused railway before it climbs onto moorland then dropping down and crossing the A811. From here the way passes through th coniferous Garadhban forest, crosses the Burn of Mar before the assent of Conic Hill, with an excellent view over the south end of Loch Lomond. From here it is a short walk into Balmaha.
The way leaves the ancient town of Balmaha,starting its trek along the east side of Loch Lomond, on good footpaths through mixed woodland. The oaks here were planted in the 15th century for shipbuilding and charcoal production for iron smelters. The walk into Rowardennan offers good views of Ben Lomond Scotland's most southerly munro.
The longest day and a long and rugged walk right along the bank of Loch Lomond, through woodland. The path arrives at Inversnaid passing over the river between Loch Arklet and Loch Lomond, a welcome drink can be had at the Inversnaid Hotel. The way continues along the lochshore through the Nature reserve on rough ground. Rob Roys cave can be seen about 2 miles from Inversnaid for those prepared for a scramble. The way rises and falls with some good views up the Loch, it passes Cnap Mor a small hill and up the river falloch to Inverannan. We stopped in the Inverannan Hotel for a few pints before the 7 mile walk up glen falloch to Crianlarich.
From Crianlarich the way climbs through a dense forest before decending to cross the A82 and the River Fillan. Here the remanis of the 12th Century St Fillians Priory can be seen. The way follows the river into Tyndrum with its two railway stations unusual for such a small place. The way follows the railway line and the main road and is joined by the river Allt Kinglass. There is an impressive railway viaduct over this. From here the way follows an old military road into the Bridge of Orchy. Beinn Dorain dominates the view to the east on this section of the way.
The day starts with a short but steep climb then drop to the Inveroran Hotel, skirting Loch Tulla before the long and exposed section over Rannoch Moor. The views are good mountaneous to the west and moorland to the east, the spectacular River Ba is crossed and the highest point of the moor is passed at the ridge of Ben Inverveigh (320m). The way descends past the white corries ski area and into the entrance of Glencoe.
A good snow storm during the night meant spectacular views of the snow covered mountains of Glencoe. The way follows the road into Glencoe but then bears east and up the Devils Staircase, from which The pass of Glencoe can be seen along with the spectacular Aonach Eagach ridge. The highest point of the West Highland Way is passed on the path towards Kinlochleven. The way passes a dam built to generate electricity for the Aluminium smelter. The way follows the track into Kinlochleven.
The final day was the wettest, the path rose out of Kinlochleven with views of the mamores and Loch Leven. The rest of the section to Blar a Chaorainn is uninspiring, but improves as the way crosses into Glen Nevis, through the Nevis forest, past the youth hostel and the tourist path (to the summit of Ben Nevis) then into Fort William where the way ends at the Nevis Bridge roundabout.