West Highland Way: 10 top tips every walker should know before setting off

This list isn’t exhaustive and aims to venture beyond the basic rules of outdoor activities. It goes without saying, but comfortable, good quality walking shoes and waterproofs are critical if you want to actually enjoy yourself – it is Scotland, after all, and you have to prepare for all kinds of weathers. 

1) What kind of West Highland Way experience do you want?

Before you set off, take time to decide what your priorities for the walk are. Do you want to have the time to revel in the scenery, meet new friends, or maybe test yourself physically?

Unless you’re looking for a more challenging experience, completing the 96-mile trail over a minimum of 7 days is probably the most sensible option. Seven days is still a rewarding challenge, but this option leaves you with enough time for a bit of exploring en route, and you won’t feel too pushed for time during the day.

Taking the five-day option means you will be walking a minimum of 19 miles each day, which can often be more challenging than people imagine, particularly if the weather is bad or you are walking slower because of any injuries or blisters. However, if a challenge is your thing, maybe this is the route for you.

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2) What time of year will you be walking?

Think about the time of year you will be setting off. Completing the trail earlier in the year around April or May time means the weather may be colder and wetter, but it also means far fewer midges. However, if you’d prefer a slightly better chance of warmer days, you may be better walking the trail in summer. It will also be far busier during the summer months, so bear this in mind in terms of accommodation. If you’re looking for solace, walking the trail in July or August isn’t the best time to get the path to yourself – September or October might be better.

3) A quick-assembling tent

If you’re planning on camping, make sure you’re well-practised at assembling your tent. At the end of your walking day, you don’t want to be fumbling around with instructions and trying to work out what goes where. You want to be able to assemble your tent in 5-10 minutes and get your stuff inside, especially if it’s raining.

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4) Bag-carrying company

Again, unless you want a physical challenge or are a total glutton for punishment, a bag transfer company is the way to go if you’re carrying your own camping gear. There are plenty of options to choose from, such as the AMS baggage company or Baggage Freedom. These companies are well-versed in the routine and can pick up and drop off your bag at the various campsites and accommodations you’re staying in along the way. Bring a day pack to carry basic essentials like water, food, and extra layers.

5) A pair of dry, lightweight shoes

At the end of a long, hard day, it’s nice to be able to strip off your wet and (probably) sweaty boots and replace them with something breathable and dry. This type of footwear is also ideal when you’re using communal showers at a campsite. Crocs and flipflops can also easily be attached to the outside of a backpack to free up space inside your bag with a carabiner clip.

6) Foot care

On the subject of feet, it’s good to take care of them along the way. If you feel your feet getting too hot or sore it’s a good idea to take a 10-minute break. Particularly during the summer months, it can be beneficial to give your feet cold water baths along the way. There are plenty of places throughout the journey to dunk your feet, from rivers, lochs, to ice-cold springs. Some walkers swear by petroleum jelly, or Vaseline, and recommend rubbing it onto feet after drying them to ease chafing. Incase of the dreaded blisters, compedes are an absolute life-saver. Make sure you're well stocked up.

7) Get some perspective

Travelling can often be made far more meaningful with a little insight into the area you’re journeying through. The same goes for walking. Why not watch a documentary or read a book on the history of the trail before you set off? Maybe you enjoy being able to identify the name of a specific tree or bird that you come across along the way – if so, a book on Scottish plants or animals might be a good choice.

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8) At least one night under a roof, to dry your clothes and boost morale

Particularly during the wetter months of the year, a night guaranteed under a dry roof can often be a real morale-boost. Although it won’t be within everyone’s budget, one night in a cabin or hotel room can really make all the difference, as it allows you the chance to wash and dry some of your wet gear, take a hot shower, and get a good night’s sleep. Somewhere around the half-way mark is a good place to make this splurge.

9) Plan your meals

It's essential to know where your next hot meal is coming from. Although many stopping points like Tyndrum or Kinlochleven have supermarkets and restaurants, if you’re spending a night wild camping or in a more rural campsite, it’s critical you have something that will replace the energy you burned from a day of walking. Breakfast-wise, porridge oats can be carried in a plastic bag and cooked up with water, or if you bring a wide-enough pan for your camping stove, you can fry sausages or bacon for some rolls – you could even make extra to cover you for lunch that day.

10) Good company

Walking the West Highland Way can make or break any relationship. If you’re choosing to walk the trail with others, make sure they are the kind of people who make you feel supported and comfortable – and it never hurts to have someone who can make you laugh (there are times you'll need it). The West Highland Way tests relationships, but it also binds them together; you'll have a lifetime of memories to share, and in retrospect, even the really horrible moments will make you smile.