WEST HIGHLAND WAY | Trailblazer hiking guide

hiking guide

The go-to, all-in-one guide to walking the West Highland Way, one of Scotland’s most celebrated long-distance trails, following historic routes across rugged mountains, lochs, and glens.

The West Highland Way is one of Scotland’s most iconic trails, stretching 96 miles from Milngavie just north of Glasgow to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis. This historic long-distance path takes walkers through stunning landscapes, from the gentle lowlands beside Loch Lomond, across the wild expanse of Rannoch Moor along an old drovers’ road, and into the rugged Highlands, offering a journey through some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery and memorable natural landmarks.

This fully re-walked and completely updated 9th edition Trailblazer guide is built around what Trailblazer does best: maps that are large-scale, route-led, based on Ordnance Survey* mapping, that you can follow directly on the trail. With walking distances and times, accommodation, food stops and key landmarks shown on the map itself, there is no need to switch between text, apps or additional maps - everything you need is in one book. Ideal for those planning their first multi-day walk and for experienced hikers, the guide supports walkers who prefer to plan their own days rather than follow rigid stages.

In this Trailblazer guide you’ll find:

• 53 large-scale, edited walking maps (just under 1:20,000), with the added detail you need to walk with the book in hand so you can walk confidently without switching between apps or extra maps
• Unique Trailblazer mapping features, including distances and walking times, clear directions, tricky junctions, gradients, places to stay, places to eat and points of interest
• Flexible itineraries for all walkers - walk the full coast-to-coast route, choose shorter sections, or sample the highlights. The trail can be walked in either direction, and this guide supports both options with clear, directional mapping
• Clear stage planning helping you judge daily distances, terrain and ascent to suit your pace
• Detailed public transport information for access to all points along the trail
• Guides to towns and villages with practical advice for all budgets, including cafés, pubs and restaurants, plus B&Bs, hotels, hostels, bunkhouses and campsites
• Downloadable waypoints with GPS and what3words references, so you can navigate confidently with or without a device

Route highlights include:

• The West Highland Way starts at Milngavie, just north of Glasgow, and heads north through the countryside of East Dunbartonshire
• It passes through Drymen, Balmaha, and along the eastern shore of Loch Lomond to Rowardennan
• The trail continues north through forested glens and hills, including Inversnaid and Crianlarich
• From Bridge of Orchy, it climbs through Rannoch Moor and reaches Glencoe, offering dramatic Highland scenery
• The final stretch goes past Kinlochleven, through Lairigmor, and finishes at Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis

Detailed, reliable and inspiring, this long-established and regularly updated Trailblazer guide offers expert advice, excellent mapping, and everything you need to enjoy West Highland Way, whether it’s your first long-distance walk or your next great walking challenge.

*based on Ordnance Survey mapping (out-of-copyright), fully amended and updated by Trailblazer