Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX follows the complete West Highland Way north from the granite obelisk in Milngavie to the walker statue in Gordon Square, Fort William. It records 153.6 km and 2,766 m of ascent on the standard alignment, divided naturally by Drymen, Rowardennan, Inverarnan, Tyndrum, Inveroran, Kingshouse and Kinlochleven. The opening through Mugdock and the pastoral country north of Glasgow is deliberately civilised; the route is saving its rougher opinions for Loch Lomond.
Beyond Conic Hill and Balmaha, the eastern shore of Loch Lomond becomes progressively slower. The section north of Rowardennan includes roots, rocks, short steep rises and awkward shore walking where a kilometre can take rather longer than the arithmetic suggested. From Inverarnan the Way uses old roads and tracks through Crianlarich and Tyndrum, then crosses the broad emptiness of Rannoch Moor to Kingshouse. The Devil's Staircase is the route high point at about 548 m before the long descent to Kinlochleven. A final climb enters the Lairig Mòr and carries the route to Glen Nevis and Fort William.
Most walkers take seven or eight days, although the official stages are planning divisions rather than compulsory marching orders. The route is waymarked and well travelled, but Rannoch Moor, the Devil's Staircase and the Lairig Mòr remain exposed mountain country where poor visibility, wind and rain matter. This file follows the established standard finish into Fort William rather than the newer optional high approach around Cow Hill. Carry offline mapping, check the official notices and treat the GPX as a useful line rather than a small electronic promise that nothing has changed.
"It is hoped that this Walk will be preserved for today’s children."
Rhona Weir, 1980
Route Waypoints
Begin at the official marker in Milngavie town centre. The Way leaves shops and trains behind through Allander Park, Mugdock Country Park and easy tracks towards the Campsies. Buy anything forgotten here; the trail's later retail strategy is mostly pubs with opening hours.
The first official stage ends in Drymen after tracks, minor roads and farmland. North of the village the route enters Garadhban Forest and climbs towards Conic Hill, where the ground and views become noticeably more Highland and the weather often joins the meeting.
Cross Conic Hill on a built but exposed path before descending steeply to Balmaha. This is the first sustained climb and a useful reality check for footwear and pack weight. Balmaha has food, toilets and transport before the long Loch Lomond shore section.
Rowardennan is the last road access on Loch Lomond's eastern shore from the south. The next section becomes rougher beyond Inversnaid, with rocky steps, roots and short scrambles. Do not estimate progress from the map alone; the shoreline has a talent for making flat contours misleading.
Reach Inverarnan after the slow northern shore and the easier ground beyond Ardleish. Accommodation and food are available around Beinglas. From here the Way follows Glen Falloch past Crianlarich, mixing old tracks, woodland and crossings beneath road and railway.
Tyndrum is the best resupply point between Loch Lomond and Fort William, with shops, food and rail connections. The Way then follows a broad old military road towards Bridge of Orchy and Inveroran, giving the feet a comparatively diplomatic afternoon.
Leave Inveroran on the old road past Victoria Bridge and Forest Lodge. The route climbs gradually onto exposed Rannoch Moor, where shelter is scarce and conditions can change quickly. Carry what you need for the crossing rather than assuming Kingshouse is just around the next hummock.
Kingshouse marks the end of the Rannoch Moor crossing. The Way passes beneath Buachaille Etive Mòr and follows Glen Coe before climbing the Devil's Staircase. Check wind and cloud before committing; the path is clear, but it is not remotely sheltered.
A long descent from the Devil's Staircase reaches Kinlochleven, with accommodation, food and useful transport. The final stage begins with a sustained climb into the Lairig Mòr, so the town's sea-level position should not be mistaken for a gentle final morning.
Descend from the Lairig Mòr through forestry and Glen Nevis, then follow the standard approach to the official finish beside the walker statue in Gordon Square. This GPX does not use the optional high Cow Hill approach, which can be chosen separately when conditions and legs agree.
Essential Tips
The official route is commonly divided into seven or eight walking days. Loch Lomond's rough northern shore is slower than its distance suggests, while accommodation around Rowardennan, Inverarnan, Inveroran and Kingshouse should be booked before the conveniently located beds become theoretical.
The OS Explorer West Highland Way set uses sheets 392, 384, 377, OL39, OL38 and 348. Carry offline mapping and a compass for Rannoch Moor, the Devil's Staircase and the Lairig Mòr, where phone coverage and visibility are not contractual.
North of Rowardennan the path is rough, rooty and rocky, with repeated short climbs. Keep the pack manageable and allow generous time. Bad weather makes this section tiring even though the elevation profile looks far less dramatic than the later Highlands.
Follow temporary diversions and land-management instructions. At the time of writing, road works in Ewich Forest north of Crianlarich may cause short local closures, and the official site also describes an optional high finishing route into Fort William.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to walk the West Highland Way?
Most people take seven or eight days. The route is 153.6 km with 2,766 m of ascent, so you'll want to allow enough time especially for the slower sections around Loch Lomond's northern shore.
What's the hardest section of the West Highland Way?
The northern shore of Loch Lomond north of Rowardennan is notoriously tough—roots, rocks, short steep climbs and awkward shore walking make it much slower than the map suggests. Rannoch Moor, the Devil's Staircase and the Lairig Mòr are also exposed mountain sections where weather conditions really matter.
Where can I resupply along the West Highland Way?
Tyndrum is the best resupply point between Loch Lomond and Fort William, with shops, food and rail connections. Buy anything you've forgotten in Milngavie at the start—after that, retail options are mostly pubs with limited opening hours.