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My last day on the West Highland Way was only a few short miles, so I made sure to savor every moment – pausing in a park, visiting the former end, then making my way through town to sit by the “man with sore feet.”

Start from the beginning with West Highland Way day 1: Milngavie to Drymen or see all West Highland Way posts.

https://youtu.be/r4cqv7L0LM4

My last day on the West Highland Way

This is it – day 9 – my last day on Scotland’s West Highland Way. I was feeling pretty good – my only issue was blisters. They’d been plaguing me for several days, so it wasn’t anything new. I only had a few miles to go, so those blisters weren’t going to stop me!

I ate some porridge in my tent, then hit the trail headed for Fort William.

The busy road to Fort William

Much of the walk is along a fairly busy road. It’s not the scenic part of the West Highland Way, that’s for sure. I had mostly said goodbye to the trail the day before. I took a short detour to visit a park that’s right along the road. A river flows by it, and there are curling ponds. One last bit of nature before heading into town!

The original end of the West Highland Way

It wasn’t long before I reached the original end of the West Highland Way. It’s right next to a busy roundabout and is marked with a sign. The new end is in a more picturesque location in Fort William. I stopped for a couple of photos then continued on.

Into Fort William

There’s a wooden sign that says “Welcome to the Fort Town” and a paved path surrounded by flowers and plants that leads into town. There are occasional “West Highland Way” signs pointing the way. Google Maps kept trying to steer me to the original end of the West Highland Way, so I just ignored it and followed the signs.

There were more buildings, shops, and restaurants to walk by and then I saw it – the “man with sore feet.”

The end of the West Highland Way

The “Man with Sore Feet” statue has marked the end of the West Highland Way since 2010. He is very much all of us at this point – sore feet but a smile on his face.

It was exhilarating to reach the end. My feet were so sore at this point (from the blisters – I’d only hiked a few miles today) and it was great to know I’d done it. 96+ miles through the Scottish highlands and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

What to do in Fort William after hiking the West Highland Way

After dropping my bag at the hotel, went to a pastry shop, where I bought two pastries. I got them takeaway so no one would know they were both for me! Making the most of my extra couple of days I had in Fort William, I travelled over the Glenfinnan Viaduct to watch the Jacobite steam train go by and see the Glenfinnan monument – which also included a lovely (short) hike. I went for a boat ride on Loch Linnhe, were I learned some history, got a glimpse of the future of the area, and saw seals. Learn more about these fun things to do in Fort William: What to do in Fort William after walking the West Highland Way.

Thanks for reading!

That’s the end of my amazing solo hike on Scotland’s West Highland Way. If it’s something you’ve been thinking about doing – DO IT! There were some difficult parts, but nothing too crazy. And it’s so beautiful – even in the pouring rain and when the midges are out. It is absolutely worth it!