Your guide to the West Highland Way this spring and summer
If you're looking to explore the great outdoors this summer and spring, here is everything you need to know about the West Highland Way.
How long is the West Highland Way and is it difficult?
The West Highland Way is around 96 miles in length. (Image: Getty)
The West Highland Way is around 96 miles (154km) in length and generally takes six to eight days to complete, according to Wilderness Scotland.
The Alpine Exploratory adds that the route is "not technically difficult" and is suitable for normally fit walkers.
However, for short stretches of the walk, parts of the route become rockier and steeper than normal, providing some difficulty for visitors.
Hotels and camping spots on the West Highland Way
For those looking to set up a tent at a campsite, there are a number of options available, including Ben Nevis Holiday Park near Fort William and Blackwater Glamping. You can find more campsites at Campsites.co.uk.
For those looking to spend the night in a hotel or hostel, there are also plenty of options to choose from.
Balmaha Bunkhouse on the banks of Loch Lomond and Kingshouse Bunkhouse near Glencoe are among the backpacker options listed by Independent Hostels.
King's House Hotel near Glencoe and the Oak Tree Inn by Loch Lomond are also some of the hotel options available to visitors. Find out more on the Booking.com website.
West Highland Way walkers should be conscious of ticks and interact with bodies of water safely. (Image: Getty Images)
Safety tips for completing the West Highland Way
Here are some things to consider when traversing the West Highland Way:
Ticks and Lyme Disease: Parasitic insects like ticks are common in much of the West Highlands, with these carrying several diseases such as Lyme disease.
Preventative measures would include walking in the middle of the path, keeping your arms and legs covered, the use of insect repellent, checking skin and clothes carefully and wearing light-coloured fabrics to more easily spot these pests.
Take the right equipment: Ensuring you have the right equipment when completing the route is also key. According to Tiso, walkers should carry sunscreen and lip protection in the summer months, large water bottles (2 litres), appropriate clothes for rainy weather, walking shorts, waterproof hiking boots and sunglasses.
Water safety: Along the route, there are large bodies of water, such as Loch Lomond, that can be tempting places to cool off in after hours of walking in the sun.
However, visitors can run into trouble in even shallow waters, as the depth changes can be extreme and unexpected.
Walkers should take time to read the signage to ensure they are acting safely. Find out more on the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park website.
Recommended Reading:
What is the West Highland Way Race Challenge?
The West Highland Way Race is one of the "longest established ultra-marathons," according to organisers.
The race covers the long-distance trail from Milngavie to Fort William and attracts runners from across Scotland and the world.
Entry to the race is limited to 300 runners a year, which helps to preserve the surrounding landscape.
Those wanting to volunteer for the 38th edition of the race in June can do so by visiting the West Highland Way Race website.
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