Walking The West Highland Way in 5 days

Q. Hello there.

I have a question about the West Highland Way and how quick you can get it done in.

The reason I ask is I have a girlfriend who can get only 5 days off work during the period we are going to do it and I'm wondering if it is at all possible to do it in that time.

Thanks in advance.

Adam Maxwell, East Kilbride.

A. The West Highland Way is a 153km (95 miles) footpath connecting Milngavie in East Dumbartonshire with Fort William in Highland, Scotland.

Most people take 7 days to complete the walk made up from the following:

Day 1: Milngavie to Dryman - 13 miles (21km)

Day 2: Dryman to Rowardennan - 14 miles (22.5km)
Day 3: Rowardennan to Inverarnan - 13 miles (21km)

Day 4: Inverarnan to Tyndrum - 13 miles (21km)
Day 5: Tyndrum to Kingshouse- 18.5 miles (30km)
Day 6: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven - 9 miles (14.5km)

Day 7: Kinlochleven to Fort William - 14.5 miles (23km)

These days are largely governed by the availability of accommodation en-route.

To do it in 5 days you would need to combine days 1 & 2 and days 3 & 4 and I guess only you know whether your or your girlfriend are capable of doing that.

The route is relatively flat and on well established paths. The one major climb - The Devil's Staircase 300m (1000ft) - occurs on the Kingshouse to Kinlochleven stage.

Hope this helps

Mike (Editor)

A. I've done this walk in 4 days as part of a group of 30. It's tough but most completed.

Day splits were:

Day 1 Milngavie to Rowardennan - 25 miles (40km)
Day 2 Rowardennan to Crianlarich - 20 miles (32km)
Day 3 Crianlarich to Kingshouse - 23.5 miles (38km)
Day 4 Kingshouse to Fort William - 26.5 miles (43km)

I would seriously recommend using a baggage service, so that you are only carrying a day pack.

Francis Saunders, Banbury

A. I hope to walk the WHW in March 2015 , will it be cold , I dont intend to camp , Is there plenty of accommodation in the small villages , l have 10 days in total , Thanks

Mags Magner, Newry

A. My friend Jennifer and i did it in three days, it was really hard going! i think 5 days would be perfect. One word though 'compede' and lots of them!

Nikki Howarth, Kilbirnie

A. Me and my mates achieved it in 5 days last year which was ideal for us and we weren't hard pushed either. We will be doing it in June again by the same amount of days.

Neil Love, Kilsyth

A. The WHW walk is an achievable walk for the average person. There are miles of flat terrain but remember, you are gaining height all the time. The devils staircase is steep but very short. By the time you get to the top you will have forgotten all about it. The climb out of Kinlochleven is actually harder. There is also a climb through the forest out of Bridge of Orchy but it's not too taxing. The walk along the shore of Loch Lomond is not everyone's favourite. Some people find it the hardest part of the walk due to the dangers it can present. It's really down to the individual. If climbing hills is easy for you then, the WHW is a doddle. If not, if you are like me who happens to be hopeless at climbing hills, you will still make it. Good luck. Remember, it's not an Olympic walk. It's for enjoyment.

Mary Mackenzie, Edinburgh

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