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Here are 10 things you should know about hiking Scotland’s West Highland Way:

1. The West Highland Way is safe

Many people wonder “Is the West Highland way safe?” I am a female solo hiker and I felt completely safe the entire time. You will regularly come across other people, as well as towns and villages. No place is 100% safe, but walking the West Highland Way is very safe, and is a popular location for solo female walkers.

2. You will see a lot of the same people, day after day

Because many walkers on the West Highland Way plan routes to stop in towns with facilities (bunkhouses, hotels, campgrounds), you will end up seeing the same people on multiple days. So on the first day, be friendly with the people you meet. You will most likely talk with them again, and the stories about what brings people to walk the West Highland Way are interesting. Make new friends! If you are worried about being lonely solo walking the West Highland Way – you will have plenty of opportunities to talk with other walkers.

3. There are lots of places for food and drink in the beginning, fewer as you go on

It was AMAZING to be able to stop for lunch at Beechtree Inn, and grab an ice cream from an honesty shop in Gartness – I’ve never hiked anywhere with so many options. I carried more food than I needed. BUT there are significantly fewer places to eat as you get farther along the trail. (Rannoch Moor area, for example).

One other thing to know – I didn’t need a water filter on the trip. I used it once, but didn’t really need to – I just liked the look of the stream! I usually carry 2 liters of water with me, and either it was enough or there was a place to fill up along the way. A water filter is still good to have in a pinch, but I didn’t really need it. Of course if you’re wild camping you will need one.

4. Some hotels and bunkhouses will make you a lunch for the next day

There is a lot of support along the West Highland Way. At some of the hotels and bunkhouses, you can order a lunch for the next day and carry it with you. Some also offer fresh fruit, snacks, and backpacker meals for sale that you can eat in the evening or carry with you the next day. This is great in the areas where there aren’t many food options, so be sure to check with your accommodations if this is something you’re interested in.

5. Plan for all the weather along the West Highland Way

I walked the West Highland Way in September. I had beautiful, hot, sunny days. There was pouring rain and thunder. High winds. Damp, drizzling rain. Biting cold. I had a little bit of everything (though no snow fortunately!). Bring waterproof clothing and layers to be prepared for everything, because Scotland may just throw everything at you.

6. The scenery changes all the time

There are wooded trails. Lush, green moss. Waterfalls. Rocks of all sizes. Beaches. And of course the stunning highland mountains. The scenery is different day to day, and often even in the same day. And it’s all beautiful! I came expecting highland views – which were stunning – and was surprised at some of the tree-lined trails, the small streams, and the waterfalls. It’s all so beautiful!

7. Conic Hill is worth it

When you are near Conic Hill, you have the choice of going around it or up and over it to Balmaha. I chose to climb Conic Hill and I’m glad I did! The views from the top were breathtaking! Plus there were highland cows right along the trail which was a great surprise. The walk down Conic Hill was really tough. I had no idea it would be so steep and difficult, and it made my knees ache. I’m still glad I did it though – the views were absolutely worth the struggle!

Also – the Conic Hill path was being overhauled in 2023 – it may be easier to walk now.

8. The stretch along Loch Lomond is tough

I had heard that the walk along Loch Lomond was long but I didn’t realize just how difficult it was. The small ups and downs were challenging, as were the aggressive ferns, but the really tough part is the rocks. The stretch from Inversnaid to Inverarnan is really rocky with lots of small stream crossings and some scrambling. It takes a toll on your body. If you can make it past this stage, chances are you can manage the rest of the walk!

9. Baggage delivery on the West Highland Way

If you’re struggling with your pack, it may be possible to arrange luggage delivery service while you’re already on the West Highland Way. I talked to people who did that and found it a big help to lighten their load. I used baggage delivery service on the West Highland Way the whole way and was so glad I did – my knees were grateful to not have to carry my big pack!

10. You are going to have an amazing experience!

Take some time to soak it in. Even when you have blisters and your knees hurt. Even when the wind blows and the midges swarm. The scenery will still take your breath away, and you will meet some amazing and interesting people. Have a great time!