the west highland way
the plan
Exactly 4 weeks today, on 11th September 2025, I’ll be sat in the Clachen Inn, Drymen, having enjoyed a lovely meal and a few pints of something refreshing, waiting in anticipation for my first day on the West Highland Way the next day – I predict a lot of rhyming in these posts!
The full trail runs from Milngavie, just north of Glasgow, for a distance of 96 miles (154 km) to Fort William. Due to BnB availability further along the way, I need to start in Drymen, about 9 miles to the north-west of the official start point. It’s a shame not to complete the whole route, but to quote my boss, “it is what it is…!” Still, the 84 miles (134 km) of my route will take me through the wildest scenery of the trail, and my feet may appreciate the short cut by the time I reach Fort William.
I’m raising funds for Cancer Research in memory of my good friend Carl, who passed away earlier this year. This blog is to keep those who’ve donated updated on my progress. If you’d like to donate directly to the cause, you can do so by visiting the Giving Page I’ve set up here
My itinerary is as follows:
Day 0 – Newcastle to Drymen
Day 1 – Drymen to Rowardennan (via Conic Hill unless it’s hidden in cloud) – 13 miles, estimated time: 7 hours
Day 2 – Rowardennan to Inverarnan – 14 miles, estimated time: 7.5 hours
Day 3 – Inverarnan to Tyndrum – 12 miles, estimated time: 6.5 hours
Day 4 – Tyndrum to Inveroran – 9.5 miles, estimated time 5 hours
Day 5 – Inveroran to Glencoe Mountain Resort – 9 miles, estimated time 5 hours
Day 6 – Glencoe Mountain Resort to Kinlochleven – 10.5 miles, estimated time 5.5 hours
Day 7 – Kinlochleven to Fort Willian – 14.5 miles, estimated time 7.5 hours
For now, here are a few images to show the route and my stopping places…
