When is the best time to hike the West Highland Way?

The West Highland Way is one of Scotland’s most famous long-distance trails, stretching 97mi / 155km from Milngavie to Fort William. Choosing the right time to hike this spectacular route can make all the difference in your experience.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in each season, so you can decide when to take on the adventure.

Spring (March - May)

Wildflowers and fewer crowds

Spring is a fantastic time to hike the West Highland Way, with milder temperatures and the Scottish countryside bursting into life. March can still be quite chilly, especially in the higher sections, but by April and May, the days get longer, and the wildflowers are in bloom. Another advantage of hiking in spring is fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. However, be prepared for unpredictable weather and occasional heavy rain.

Pros:

• Fewer hikers on the trail

• Beautiful wildflowers and fresh greenery

• Less chance of encountering midges (pesky biting insects)

Cons:

• Unpredictable weather with possible late snowfall

• Some accommodation may still be closed early in the season

Summer (Jun - Aug)

Long days and peak popularity

If you want the best weather and the longest daylight hours, summer is the prime season. June through August offer warmer temperatures, making it comfortable for long days of walking. The scenery is lush and breathtaking, with clear views of Scotland’s iconic mountains and lochs.

However, summer is also the busiest time, meaning more hikers on the trail and higher demand for accommodation. You’ll also have to deal with Scotland’s infamous midges, which are most active in the warm and humid conditions.

Pros:

• Warmest weather and longest days

• Stunning scenery in full bloom

• Most facilities and accommodations are open

Cons:

• The busiest season, requiring advance booking

• Midges can be a nuisance, especially in July and August

Autumn (Sep - Nov)

Golden landscapes and cooler air.

For those who love crisp air and golden hues, autumn is a great choice. September still enjoys relatively mild weather with fewer midges, and the changing colors of the trees create a stunning backdrop. By October and November, temperatures drop, and daylight hours shorten, making the trek more challenging. Accommodation options start to decrease as some businesses close for the season.

Pros:

• Fewer crowds than summer

• Beautiful autumn colors

• Less risk of midges after mid-September

Cons:

• Shorter daylight hours

• Cooler temperatures and potential for heavy rain

• Some accommodations and services begin to close

winter (dec - Feb)

A challenge for the experienced

Winter hiking the West Highland Way is not for the faint-hearted. Snow, ice, and strong winds can make the trail treacherous, particularly in exposed areas. However, for experienced hikers equipped with winter gear, the rewards include solitude, snow-covered mountains, and an unforgettable adventure.

Accommodation and services along the route are very limited in winter, so careful planning is essential.

Pros:

• Complete solitude and stunning winter landscapes

• A true wilderness experience

Cons:

• Harsh weather conditions with snow and ice

• Short daylight hours

• Very limited accommodation and services

So, When is the Best Time to Hike the West Highland Way?

The best time depends on your preferences. If you want fewer crowds and mild weather, late spring (April-May) or early autumn (September) are ideal. If you prefer warmer temperatures and don’t mind the crowds (or midges), summer is the way to go. Winter should only be considered by experienced hikers who are well-prepared for extreme conditions.

Whenever you decide to go, the West Highland Way offers an unforgettable journey through some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes. Happy hiking!

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Real-time accommodation availability in our app

Updated 4th January 2026.

As part of our acquisition of TMB Planner, we’ve integrated technology into our app to check bed availability for mountain huts. At time of launch, we foucsed on properties along the Tour du Mont Blanc trail. However, we’ve now extended the same technology all of our trails, including Alta Via 1, Walker’s Haute Route, West Highland Way, Tour of Monte Rosa, Bernese Oberland, Tour des Combins and Alta Via 2.

What type of accommodation can we provide availability data for?

The scope of mountain huts is limited to those which list their availability online. We can not provide availability data for mountain huts that do not list their availability online, for example, those properties requiring bookings to be made via phone, email, or submitting an online form.

In our accommodation database, we also have many more accommodation types along the trail, such as hotels, campgrounds and bivouac locations. Where an accommodation location lists their availability online, such as hotels, we have an ongoing initiative to integrate their availability data into our app. For the 2026 season, we are able to display available beds for ~120 properties.

what type of accommodation can’t we provide availability data for?

If the accommodation location is one of the following, there is no availability data that we can provide you;

• Bivouac or wild camping locations

• Campgrounds that don’t accept/need bookings

• Accommodation that don’t list their availability online

• A general accommodation location rather than being for a specific property

PROPERTIES WITH LIVE AVAILABILITY

• Tour du Mont Blanc

  Confirmed Integration (2026 Season)

  • Albert Premier Hut

  • Au Coeur Des Neiges

  • Auberge de Maya-Joie

  • Auberge des Glaciers

  • Auberge du Mont-Blanc

  • Auberge du Truc

  • Auberge la Boerne

  • Auberge la Grande Ourse

  • Chalet CAF des Contamines

  • Chalet CAF du Tour

  • Chalet La Grange

  • Chalet Le Dolent

  • Chalet Les Meandres (ex Tupilak)

  • Chalet-hotel Gai Soleil

  • Chamonix Lodge

  • Gite Alpage de La Peule

  • Gite Bon Abri

  • Gite d'Alpage Les Ecuries de Charamillon

  • Gite de la Fouly

  • Gite de La Lechere

  • Gite Le Moulin

  • Gite le Pontet

  • Gite le Randonneur du Mont Blanc

  • Gite Les Melezes

  • Gite Mermoud

  • Gite Michel Fagot

  • Hotel Chalet Val Ferret

  • Hotel Col de la Forclaz

  • Hotel de La Couronne

  • Hotel du Col de Fenetre

  • Hotel Edelweiss La Fouly

  • Hotel Funivia

  • La Ferme a Piron

  • Les Chambres du Soleil

  • Pension en Plein Air

  • Refuge de la Balme

  • Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme

  • Refuge de la Nova

  • Refuge des Mottets

  • Refuge des Pres

  • Refuge du Col de Balme

  • Refuge du Fioux

  • Refuge la Roselette

  • Refuge Le Peuty

  • Refuge Nant Borrant

  • Relais d'Arpette

  • Rifugio Bertone

  • Rifugio Elena

  • Rifugio Maison Vieille

  • Rifugio Monte Bianco

  • Robert Blanc

  • Vert Lodge Chamonix

  Plus over 20 properties in the villages along the trail

• Walkers Haute Route

  Confirmed Integration (2026)

  • Albert Premier Hut

  • Auberge du Mont-Blanc

  • Auberge la Boerne

  • Auberge la Grande Ourse

  • Cabane Brunet

  • Cabane de la Barmaz

  • Cabane de Louvie

  • Cabane de Mille

  • Cabane de Moiry

  • Cabane de Prafleuri

  • Cabane des Dix

  • Cabane FXB Panossiere

  • Chalet CAF du Tour

  • Chalet La Grange

  • Chamonix Lodge

  • Gite Bon Abri

  • Gite d'Alpage Les Ecuries de Charamillon

  • Gite Le Moulin

  • Gite Mermoud

  • Gite Michel Fagot

  • Hotel Col de la Forclaz

  • Hotel de La Couronne

  • Pension en Plein Air

  • Refuge du Col de Balme

  • Refuge Le Peuty

  • Relais d'Arpette

  • Taschhutte

  • Topalihutte

  • Turtmannhutte

  • Vert Lodge Chamonix

  • Chamonix Lodge

  Plus some additional properties in villages

• Alta Via 1 Dolomites

  Confirmed Integration (2026 Season)

  • Rifugio Averau

  • Rifugio Biella

  • Rifugio Bruto Carestiato

  • Rifugio Coldai

  • Rifugio Col Gallina

  • Rifugio Croda da Lago

  • Rifugio Fanes

  • Rifugio Fodara Vedla

  • Rifugio Lagazuoi

  • Rifugio Lavarella

  • Rifugio Mario Vazzoler

  • Rifugio Passo Duran

  • Rifugio Passo Staulanza

  • Rifugio Pederu

  • Rifugio Scoiattoli

  • Rifugio Scotoni

  • Rifugio Sora'l Sass

  • Rifugio Tissi

  Plus some additional properties in villages

• West Highland Way

  Confirmed Integration (2026 Season)

  • Ardess Lodge & Ben Lomond Bunkhouse

  • Ashbank B&B

  • Balmaha Bunkhouse

  • Bank House Guesthouse

  • Braeside Guest House

  • Craigbank Guest House

  • Forest View Guest House

  • Glenardran House guest house

  • Greenstone Lodge B&B

  • Inversnaid Bunkhouse

  • Inversnaid Hotel

  • MacDonald Hotel & Cabins

  • Ossians Hotel

  • Shandon Farmhouse

  • The Drovers Inn

  • West Highland Way Lodge

• Bernese Oberland Traverse

  Confirmed Integration (2026 Season)

  • Berghaus Alpiglen

  • Berghaus Baeregg

  • Berghaus Maenndlenen

  • Bluemlisalphuette SAC

  • Brochhuette SAC

  • Doldenhornhuette SAC

  • Glecksteinhuette

  • Gspaltenhornhuette SAC

  • Lobhornhuette

  • Rotstockhuette

• Tour des Combins

  Confirmed Integration (2026 Season)

  • Auberge de Maya-Joie

  • Auberge des Glaciers

  • Cabane Brunet

  • Cabane de Chanrion

  • Cabane de Louvie

  • Cabane de Mille

  • Cabane FXB Panossiere

  • Chalet La Grange

  • Chalet Le Dolent

  • Gite Bon Abri

  • Gite de la Fouly

  • Gite de La Lechere

  • Great St. Bernard hospice

  • Hotel du Col de Fenetre

  • Hotel Edelweiss La Fouly

  • Hotel Mont Lac

  • La Tsissette Hut

  • Mont-Joux Auberge

  • Pension en Plein Air

  • Rifugio Champillon

  • Rifugio Frassati

• Tour of Monte Rosa

  Confirmed Integration (2026 Season)

  • Albergo Ristoro Sitten

  • Britannia Hut

  • Taschhutte

  • Topalihutte

  • Turtmannhutte

• Alta Via 2 Dolomites

  Planned Integration (2026 Season)

  • Rifugio Dal Piaz (CAI)

  • Rifugio Pisciadu (CAI)

  • Rifugio Plose / Plosehuette (CAI)

  • Rifugio Puez (CAI)

Parking options on the West Highland Way

There are several parking options for those hiking the West Highland Way, whether you plan to park at the starting point (Milngavie), near key sections of the trail, or at the end point (Fort William).

Here’s an overview of the parking facilities and considerations along the West Highland Way:

1. Milngavie (Start of the West Highland Way)

• Milngavie Station Car Park:

• The main car park at Milngavie Train Station is a popular place for hikers to park at the start of the West Highland Way.

• Cost: The station car park is free. Arrival early to secure a space.

• Duration: The car park is suitable for long-term parking (i.e., for the duration of your hike), but check the specific parking regulations.

• Town Center Car Parks:

• There are also other public car parks in the Milngavie town center, offering free or low-cost parking for short to medium-term use.

• Check signage to ensure you’re in the correct type of parking for longer stays.

2. Along the Trail (Key Parking Areas)

For hikers starting from one location but wishing to park and hike from different points, there are parking options available at several popular locations along the West Highland Way:

• Drymen:

• Drymen Car Park: Located near the village center, it's a pay-and-display car park suitable for short-term parking.

• Cost: Approximately £2 to £5 per day.

• Balmaha:

• Balmaha Car Park: This car park, located at the shores of Loch Lomond, is a popular starting or stopping point.

• Cost: Around £3 to £5 per day, depending on the time of year and duration of stay.

• Tyndrum:

• Tyndrum Car Park: Available for hikers wishing to start or stop at Tyndrum, which is located roughly halfway along the trail.

• Cost: Typically £3 to £6 for overnight parking.

• Bridge of Orchy:

• There are a couple of small car parks in Bridge of Orchy, though they can fill up quickly during peak seasons.

• Cost: Usually low cost, around £3 to £5 per day.

• Kinlochleven:

• Kinlochleven Car Park: A car park located near the village, ideal for hikers wanting to leave their car before heading into the more remote parts of the West Highland Way.

• Cost: Approximate fees of £3 to £5 per day.

3. Fort William (End of the West Highland Way)

• Fort William Station Car Park:

• There is a car park at Fort William Train Station, where you can park at the end of your hike.

• Cost: It's a pay-and-display car park, with rates typically around £2 to £5 per day.

• Long-term Parking:

• There are also long-term parking facilities around Fort William, including public car parks near the town center. If you are planning to leave your vehicle for the full duration of the hike, ensure you are in a long-term parking area to avoid fines.

4. General Parking Considerations

• Free Parking: Free parking may be available at some more remote locations, especially in small villages or near public amenities, but always check the signage as parking regulations can change.

• Overnight Parking: Many car parks along the trail offer overnight parking, but be sure to confirm this in advance, especially during busy periods, as parking spots may be limited.

• Pay-and-Display: Most parking areas along the West Highland Way, especially near towns, are pay-and-display. Always carry coins or ensure you can pay via mobile payment apps, as some areas may not accept card payments.

• Parking at Trailheads: For those wanting to leave a car at a trailhead and use public transport to reach the start of their hike, parking at key trailheads (e.g., Milngavie, Tyndrum, Kinlochleven) is available, but booking in advance is recommended during peak season.

5. Alternative: Park and Ride or Shuttle Services

• Some hikers prefer to use a park and ride or shuttle service to drop off their car at a trailhead and then take public transport (train or bus) back to the start point. This can be a convenient option for avoiding the need to park for an extended period at the start or end points.

Summary

There are multiple parking options along the West Highland Way, especially at Milngavie, Fort William, and several key towns and villages along the route. Most of these are pay-and-display, with costs ranging from £2 to £6 per day. Some car parks are suitable for long-term parking while you hike, but it’s important to check for any specific overnight parking restrictions or regulations. For added convenience, you can also consider using a shuttle service or taxi for one-way journeys.

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What taxi operators service the West Highland Way?

Several taxi operators serve the West Highland Way, providing transport for hikers, whether it's for baggage transfer, shortcuts, or simply getting to or from the trail.

Here are some of the main taxi companies and services along the West Highland Way:

1. Taxi Services for Shortcuts

If you want to skip a section of the West Highland Way, or if you need to get to or from a certain point quickly, taxis can be a convenient option. For example:

• Milngavie to Drymen: A short taxi ride can bypass the first 7 miles of the trail if you're short on time or prefer not to hike the initial section.

• Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy: If you want to skip the 6-mile stretch between Tyndrum and Bridge of Orchy, local taxis are available.

• Kinlochleven to Fort William: You can avoid the Devil's Staircase by taking a taxi from Kinlochleven to Fort William, skipping this steep section of the trail.

2. Taxi Operators Along the West Highland Way

Here are some local taxi services that can be contacted along the West Highland Way:

• West Highland Taxis: Based in Kinlochleven but can cover from Tyndrum to Fort William.

• BOO Cars: Based in Bridge of Orchy.

• Alistair’s Taxis: Based in Ballachulish and have no geographical limits. Has an 8-seater and prefers to book via phone.

• Glencoe Taxi Services: A reliable option for anyone in the Glencoe area needing to travel short distances along the trail.

• Crianlarich Cars: Pre-booked service only.

3. Booking Taxis

• Booking in Advance: It's advisable to book taxis in advance, especially during the busy tourist seasons (spring and summer) when demand is high. You can usually do this by calling the taxi companies directly or using online booking services if available.

• Availability: Some taxi companies may require you to call them for pick-ups from certain spots along the trail. Having their contact details on hand can help you arrange transport if needed.

4. Taxi Costs

• Cost Estimates: Taxi fares along the West Highland Way vary depending on the distance, but typical short journeys (such as from Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy) may cost around £15 to £25. Longer journeys, such as Kinlochleven to Fort William, might cost closer to £30 to £40.

• Group Rates: If you’re traveling with a group, you may be able to get a better rate, as you can split the fare.

5. Other Transport Services

In addition to taxis, there are also shuttle services available along the West Highland Way that can transport you between accommodations or specific trail sections. These shuttle services can often be arranged through your accommodation or with local transport providers.

Summary:

Taxi operators along the West Highland Way provide essential transport services for hikers. Whether you need a lift between towns, want to skip sections of the trail, or arrange baggage transfer, local companies like Tyndrum Taxis, Fort William Taxis, and Glencoe Taxis offer reliable services. Be sure to book in advance, especially during busy times, to ensure availability.

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Baggage transfer options for the West Highland Way

Baggage transfer is a popular option on the West Highland Way for hikers who want to travel lighter and avoid carrying heavy gear, especially on the longer and more challenging days of the trail. Several companies provide baggage transfer services along the route, allowing you to send your bags ahead to your next accommodation each day.

Here's a summary of the key baggage transfer options:

1. Baggage Transfer Companies

Several companies specialize in providing luggage transfer services along the West Highland Way. They collect your bags from your accommodation each morning and deliver them to your next destination, so you can walk without a heavy pack.

• AMS: Service runs from mid-March to mid-October.

• Baggage Freedom: Service runs from mid-March to mid-October. Prices start from ￡45 per bag.

• Travel-lite: Service runs from mid-March to mid-October. Prices start from ￡45 per bag.

• Sherpa Van: Service runs from end-March to mid-October. Prices start from ￡65 per bag.

2. How It Works

• Booking: You’ll need to book your baggage transfer in advance, typically before starting the hike or the day before each transfer. This can usually be arranged with the accommodation or directly with the transfer company.

• Pickup: Your luggage will be picked up from your accommodation in the morning, usually before 9:00 AM. You’ll need to make sure your bags are packed and ready for collection.

• Delivery: Your bags will be delivered to your next stop along the trail, often by mid-afternoon, depending on the distance between stops.

• Cost: The price usually ranges from £6 to £12 per bag per day (prices may vary based on the company, distance between accommodations and frequency of baggage drops). Discounts may apply for booking multiple days of baggage transfer.

3. Things to Keep in Mind

• Luggage Restrictions: Many companies have a weight limit for each bag (usually 15-20 kg per bag), so it’s important to pack light.

• Flexibility: Some companies allow you to choose whether you want a same-day or next-day transfer, so you can adjust according to your needs.

• Booking Ahead: It’s best to book the baggage transfer service well in advance, particularly during peak season (April to September), as spots can fill up quickly.

• Alternatives: If you don’t want to use a luggage transfer company, you can also arrange for taxi transfers for your bags, although this can be more expensive and less consistent.

4. Why Use Baggage Transfer?

• Comfort: Hiking without a heavy pack can make the journey much more enjoyable and manageable, especially over long distances or on challenging sections.

• More Enjoyment: Without the burden of carrying a large pack, you can enjoy the scenery and focus on the hike itself, making it a more relaxed and pleasant experience.

• Practicality: It allows you to carry only what you need for the day (e.g., water, snacks, waterproofs, and a light jacket), which is far easier to manage on long or wet days.

5. Do You Need Luggage Transfer?

While it’s not essential, many people find that baggage transfer services enhance their West Highland Way experience. It makes the hike more comfortable and allows you to focus on the trail itself, knowing your overnight gear will be waiting for you at your next accommodation. However, if you prefer a more self-sufficient hiking experience, carrying your own gear is always an option.

Summary:

There are several reliable baggage transfer companies along the West Highland Way that allow you to travel without the burden of carrying heavy packs. The process typically involves booking in advance, having your bags collected in the morning, and delivered to your next stop by the afternoon. The cost is usually around £6 to £12 per bag per day, and this service can greatly enhance your experience by lightening your load and making the journey more enjoyable.

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How to get to/from the West Highland Way trail?

Milngavie:

the official start location

Milngavie is the starting point of the West Highland Way and is easily accessible from Glasgow, which is just a short distance away.

Here are the main ways to get to Milngavie:

1. By Train

• From Glasgow City Centre:

• Train Station: Glasgow Queen Street Station Low Level (Main station for trains to Milngavie).

• Train Route: Take the Glasgow to Milngavie train (on the North Clyde Line).

• Duration: The journey takes around 20-25 minutes.

• Frequency: Trains run regularly throughout the day, typically every 15-30 minutes.

• Cost: A one-way ticket usually costs £2.50 to £4, depending on the time of day and any available discounts. Tickets can be booked via Scotrail.

2. By Bus

• From Glasgow City Centre:

• You can take a bus from Glasgow's Buchanan Bus Station to Milngavie, though this route is less common than the train.

• Duration: The bus journey will take around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.

• Cost: A one-way bus fare is typically around £3 to £5. Tickets can be booked via Citylink.

3. By Car

• Driving Directions:

• Milngavie is around 8 miles (12 km) north of Glasgow. The easiest route is to take the A81 from Glasgow.

• Driving Time: It typically takes around 20-30 minutes to drive to Milngavie, depending on traffic.

• Parking: There are public car parks in Milngavie, some near the train station, where you can leave your car if you prefer to drive to the start. An early arrival is recommended to guarantee a space.

4. From Glasgow International Airport

• If you're flying into Glasgow International Airport and want to reach Milngavie:

  • By Taxi: A taxi from the airport to Milngavie will take around 25-30 minutes and cost approximately £25-£35.

  • By Bus: You can also take an airport shuttle bus to Glasgow City Centre, then transfer to a train or bus to Milngavie.

Fort william:

the official end location

Fort William, the endpoint of the West Highland Way, is well-connected by train, bus, and car, making it relatively easy to reach from various locations in Scotland. Here’s how you can get there:

1. By Train

• From Glasgow to Fort William:

• Train Station: Depart from Glasgow Queen Street Station.

• Train Route: Take the Scotrail West Highland Line, which goes directly to Fort William.

• Duration: The train journey takes around 4 to 4.5 hours.

• Frequency: Trains typically run once or twice a day, but service may be more frequent during the summer months.

• Cost: The fare varies, but typically costs around £20 to £40 for a one-way ticket, depending on booking time and any discounts.

2. By Bus

• From Glasgow to Fort William:

• Bus Station: Depart from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station.

• Bus Route: The Citylink bus service operates routes from Glasgow to Fort William.

• Duration: The journey takes around 3.5 to 4 hours.

• Frequency: Buses run regularly, typically 2 to 3 times per day.

• Cost: A one-way ticket typically costs between £15 to £25, depending on the time of booking and availability.

3. By Car

• Driving Directions:

• The drive from Glasgow to Fort William takes around 3 hours. The most direct route is via the M8 motorway to A82.

• From Glasgow, head west on the M8 towards Paisley, then take the A82 north, passing through Loch Lomond, Tyndrum, and Ballachulish, before arriving in Fort William.

• Distance: The distance is around 100 miles (160 km).

• Parking: Fort William has several car parks, both near the town center and close to the train station, where you can park your car.

4. From Inverness to Fort William

• If you're coming from Inverness (northeast Scotland), Fort William is about 66 miles (106 km) to the southwest.

• By Train: You can take a train from Inverness Station to Fort William, which takes around 2 hours.

• By Bus: The bus journey from Inverness to Fort William typically takes around 2 hours and costs about £10 to £20.

• By Car: Driving from Inverness takes about 1.5 to 2 hours via the A82 road.

5. By Air (via Inverness Airport)

• The nearest airport to Fort William is Inverness Airport (about 65 miles away).

• From Inverness Airport, you can take a train to Inverness, then a bus to Fort William, or drive directly.

• Travel Time: The drive from Inverness Airport to Fort William takes around 1.5 hours.

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