West Highland Way (Milngavie → Fort William)
Le lieu
The West Highland Way is Scotland's most popular long-distance footpath: 151 km from Milngavie (just north of Glasgow) to Fort William in the Highlands, typically walked in 6–8 days. The route climbs from the lowlands through ancient oak woods along the shores of Loch Lomond, crosses the wild expanse of Rannoch Moor, passes through the dramatic Glencoe valley and finishes with the ascent of the Devil's Staircase before descending to Fort William beneath Ben Nevis (1 345 m), Britain's highest mountain. Well-marked and with plentiful accommodation, it is an ideal introduction to Scottish long-distance walking.
L’intérêt
Loch Lomond (largest freshwater loch in Britain by surface area). Rowardennan and the eastern shore path. Rannoch Moor — vast, remote and hauntingly beautiful. Glencoe — scene of the 1692 massacre. Devil's Staircase (548 m, highest point). Ben Nevis as backdrop to Fort William.
Un peu d'histoire
Opened in 1980 as Scotland's first official long-distance route, the West Highland Way was designed by Countryside Commission for Scotland and follows a mixture of drovers' roads, military roads built by General Wade after the Jacobite risings of 1715–1745, and disused railway lines. It has since become one of the most-walked trails in Britain.
Y arriver
Milngavie: train from Glasgow Queen Street (20 min). Fort William: train from Glasgow (2h15) or buses. Scotrail operates scenic services along Loch Lomond.
Matériel recommandé
Waterproof hiking boots (the Way is notorious for mud and rain). Gaiters. Waterproof jacket and trousers. Trekking poles. Map and compass. Midges repellent (essential May–August).
La saison
April to October. May–June: longer days, spring flowers, heavy midges. July–August: peak season, book accommodation well in advance. September–October: quieter, golden colours, changeable weather.
