photo by tomsflickrphotos2

The West Highland Way is the oldest and one of the most popular hiking trails in Scotland. It stretches 152 kilometres (95 miles), from Milngavie to Fort William, and is commonly divided into seven stages. The route takes you through the sloping Lowlands, into forests and moors, passed lochs and eventually into the Highlands. The start is fairly easy, but later stages require quite a bit of stamina.

Being a well established and popular route has its advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, it is clearly marked with signs and there are sufficient facilities along the way. For those who don't fancy dragging their backpacks with them, there is even a baggage transfer service where your bags are transported between certain fixed locations along the route (mostly hostels) and you can pick them up when you get there. For those wanting to do it the hard way, it's good to know that wild camping is legal under the 'Outdoor Access Code', as long as you leave the places you camp in the same condition you found them.

On the negative side, especially in the summer months certain stretches can become quite crowded with holiday vacationers, somewhat hampering the experience of the wild outdoors.

-- Mascha Geerts