Walk The West Highland Way

Scotland’s Most Loved Great Trail

The West Highland Way is Scotland’s most iconic long-distance walking route, stretching 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William. It draws walkers from all over the world, many visiting Scotland for the first time to experience its forests, lochs, glens and mountain landscapes.

Drymen is the first key overnight stop for most walkers after leaving Milngavie, and our aim is for a stop at Barn Owl Cabins to be their favourite of their time on the West Highland Way.

Drymen is unusual in that it sits at the meeting point of several long-distance routes. Alongside the West Highland Way, walkers and cyclists also pass through the village on the John Muir Way and National Cycle Route 7, while the Rob Roy Way begins in the village square. This makes Drymen a natural hub for slow travel through Loch Lomond and the southern Highlands.

Suggested 7-Day West Highland Way Itinerary 

Day 1: Milngavie → Drymen (12 miles)

Day 2: Drymen → Rowardennan (15 miles)

Day 3: Rowardennan → Inverarnan (14 miles)

Day 4: Inverarnan → Tyndrum (12 miles)

Day 5: Tyndrum → Kingshouse (19 miles)

Day 6: Kingshouse → Kinlochleven (9 miles)

Day 7: Kinlochleven → Fort William (15 miles)

Top Tips for the Trail

Before you set off, it’s worth taking a little time to think about the practical side of walking the West Highland Way. Small decisions made in advance can make a huge difference once you’re out on the trail, especially over several days. The tips below come from seeing walkers pass through year after year, learning what really helps and what often causes problems. They’re not about overthinking things, just about giving yourself the best chance of enjoying every mile rather than battling unnecessary discomfort.

Break in your boots before you start

This is the single most important piece of advice you’ll hear, and it’s worth repeating. Brand-new boots might look the part, but on a long-distance trail, they can quickly become your worst enemy. The first few days of the West Highland Way are often when feet take the most punishment, and blisters or hot spots early on can cast a shadow over the rest of the walk. Make sure your boots are properly worn in, waterproof, and comfortable on uneven ground before you ever set foot on the trail. I’ve seen too many walkers in real discomfort simply because they skipped this step.

Don’t rush — allow 7 to 8 days if you can

While it’s possible to walk the West Highland Way in five days, many walkers find that seven or eight days offers a far better experience. A steadier pace gives you time to enjoy the scenery, recover properly at the end of each day, and take advantage of villages, cafés and overnight stops along the route. It also allows flexibility if the weather turns or if you simply want to linger somewhere special. The West Highland Way isn’t a race — it’s a journey, and the more time you give it, the more rewarding it becomes.

Pack layers and good waterproofs — but don’t forget sun protection

Scottish weather is famously unpredictable, and the West Highland Way showcases that perfectly. You might start a day in mist and drizzle, walk through bright sunshine by lunchtime, and finish in a blustery shower. Pack layers you can add or remove easily, reliable waterproofs, and just as importantly, bring sun cream and a sun hat. You may need them just as much as your rain jacket.

Book accommodation early, especially in Drymen

The West Highland Way is hugely popular, and accommodation along the route fills up quickly — Drymen in particular. As the first major overnight stop after Milngavie, it’s in high demand, and many walkers book months in advance. Securing your accommodation early not only reduces stress but also allows you to plan your daily distances more comfortably. It’s also wise to book evening meals in advance in busy villages, especially during peak walking season. A well-fed walker is a happy walker.

Why Stay at Barn Owl Cabins

Staying just outside Drymen means you enjoy the village amenities without sacrificing peace and quiet. After your first day’s walk, you can rest properly in a warm cabin, dry your gear, enjoy a good night’s sleep and begin day two refreshed and ready.