Best Time to Walk the West Highland Way

By Mark Wright

Stretching 95 miles from Milngavie, just outside Glasgow, to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, the West Highland Way is undoubtedly one of Scotland’s best known long-distance walking trails. This iconic route takes walkers through an ever-changing landscape, from the rolling countryside of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to the dramatic beauty of Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe, before reaching the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain.

Choosing the best time to walk the West Highland Way depends largely on weather conditions and how willing you are to share the trail with others. Here’s a guide to help you decide when to embark on this unforgettable journey.

Late March & Early April

Late March marks the start of the main walking season in Scotland, however it can come with some challenges, particularly in the early weeks. While the trail predominantly passes through the mountains rather than over them, the Scottish Highlands can still see a fair amount of ice and snow at this time of year. That said, the clocks go forward at the end of March, and come April the landscape begins to awaken from winter.

With fewer crowds on the trail, and a freshness in the air, seasoned walkers will no doubt find an early trip to be a rewarding experience – something to relish after the long winter months.

May & June

May and June are considered some of the best months to walk the West Highland Way. The days are long, the temperatures are pleasantly mild, and rainfall is relatively low compared to other times of the year. With spring in full bloom, the scenery is spectacular, and as it’s before the summer holiday season, the trails are busy but not overcrowded. May and June strike an excellent balance between good weather and fewer walkers.

Naturally, these favourable months attract a lot of interest, so it’s important to book early. We have clients reserving their May holidays on the West Highland Way up to a year in advance.

July & August

The summer months bring warmer temperatures, but they can also come with increased rainfall in comparison with May and June. While July and August are in the main summer holiday season, the trail tends to attract more adult hikers than families, so don’t assume these months will be unusually noisy; the trail retains its ‘off the beaten track’ appeal year-round.

We are often asked about midges on the trail, and yes they are more prevalent during this time, however they tend to be more active in the evenings and near water. By which time, you’ll be indoors enjoying a well-earned evening meal.

If you don’t mind the risk of a little rain, and some extra company on the trail, warmer temperatures make this a hugely rewarding time to walk.

September

September is another of the most popular months for walking the West Highland Way, and it’s easy to see why. The summer crowds have begun to thin, the temperatures remain pleasantly mild, and the landscape starts to take on the first hints of autumn colours. While rainfall can still be moderate, the overall atmosphere is quieter and more relaxed – similar to May and June, it’s ideal for those seeking a balance between good weather and fewer fellow hikers.

That said, its popularity means one thing – book early! September is a favourite among our walkers across all our routes, and, much like May, we often see bookings made up to a year in advance. If this sounds like your perfect time to walk, securing your plans early will ensure you don’t miss out.

October

For those who love crisp air and breathtaking autumn scenery, October is a wonderful time to walk the West Highland Way. The trail is quieter, and the landscape is ablaze with golden hues, making for some truly stunning views. With cooler temperatures, walking is comfortable, but shorter daylight hours mean early starts and a well-planned pace are essential. After a rewarding day on the trail, there’s nothing better than retreating to a cosy inn, warming up by the fire, and enjoying a hearty meal.

The quieter atmosphere only adds to the charm – October offers a peaceful, reflective experience for those who don’t mind the onset of autumn’s chill.

The Choice is Yours

The best time to walk the West Highland Way ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you want the best balance of good weather and moderate numbers, May, June, and September are top choices. For those who prefer quieter trails and don’t mind cooler conditions, April and October offer unique charm. If warmer weather is your priority, try July and August.  Whenever you choose to go, walking the West Highland Way is a truly memorable experience, filled with stunning landscapes and a sense of achievement that lasts a lifetime.

We have a choice of three holidays on the West Highland Way. You can walk the whole route from Milngavie to Fort William in anything from six to nine days. If you don’t have time to do the whole route, we have separate four day holidays covering the Lowlands and Lochs from Milngavie to Crianlarich, and the Highlands from Crianlarich to Fort William. To learn more about the West Highland Way, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Email us [email protected] or call us on 017687 72335 to speak with one of our friendly Sales and Support team.

For further reading on the West Highland Way, take a look at our blogs Preparing to walk the West Highland Way, Visiting Fort William on the West Highland Way and Great Glen Way and Anne-Marie’s West Highland Way Adventure.