West Highland Way Solo Traverse
CATEGORY
Traverse
SEASON
Summer
LOCATION
West Highland Way, Scotland
DATE
Aug 16, 2025
Expedition Itinerary: West Highland Traverse
Primary Objective: End-to-end traverse
Trip Duration: 6 days
Total Estimated Mileage: ~96 miles
Experience Level: Advanced
Terrain Type: Forested trails, moorland paths
- Cumulative elevation gain/loss (ft): ~16,500 ft
- Start and end trailhead: Milngavie Trailhead, Scotland to Fort William Trailhead, Scotland
- GPS coordinates: 55.9406, -4.3181 (start); 56.8216, -5.1097 (end)
- Permits: Obtain details from the Scotland Outdoor Access Code
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DAY 1: Milngavie to Drymen
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 12 miles, +800 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: West Highland Way
- Terrain description: Wooded paths with gentle hills
- Notable features or side quests: Explore Mugdock Country Park
- Key water sources: Streams along the trail
- Campsite location: Drymen Campsite
- Wildlife or safety notes: Watch for muddy sections
- Trail tip: Start early to enjoy cooler temperatures
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DAY 2: Drymen to Rowardennan
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 14 miles, +1,500 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: West Highland Way
- Terrain description: Forest trails and open moorland
- Notable features or side quests: Conic Hill viewpoint
- Key water sources: Loch Lomond
- Campsite location: Rowardennan Campsite
- Wildlife or safety notes: Be cautious around cattle
- Trail tip: Plan a break at Balmaha for refreshments
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DAY 3: Rowardennan to Inverarnan
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 14 miles, +1,200 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: West Highland Way
- Terrain description: Lakeside paths with rocky sections
- Notable features or side quests: Visit Inversnaid Waterfalls
- Key water sources: Loch Lomond and streams
- Campsite location: Beinglas Farm Campsite
- Wildlife or safety notes: Potential midges; use repellent
- Trail tip: Fill up water before Inversnaid
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DAY 4: Inverarnan to Tyndrum
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 12 miles, +1,200 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: West Highland Way
- Terrain description: Open moorland and gentle rises
- Notable features or side quests: Ruins of the Falls of Falloch
- Key water sources: Streams along the route
- Campsite location: Tyndrum Campsite
- Wildlife or safety notes: Ensure secure food storage
- Trail tip: Look for red deer in the early morning
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DAY 5: Tyndrum to Kingshouse
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 19 miles, +1,800 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: West Highland Way
- Terrain description: Wide paths with mountain views
- Notable features or side quests: Rannoch Moor
- Key water sources: River Fillan and streams
- Campsite location: Kingshouse Campsite
- Wildlife or safety notes: Weather can shift rapidly
- Trail tip: Wear waterproof gear for moor crossings
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DAY 6: Kingshouse to Fort William
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 25 miles, +2,500 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: West Highland Way
- Terrain description: Highland terrain with mountain passes
- Notable features or side quests: Glencoe
- Key water sources: Streams and small rivers
- Campsite location: Fort William Campsite
- Wildlife or safety notes: Monitor for sudden weather changes
- Trail tip: Have a B&B booked for a strong finish
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CAMPSITE INTEL
- Camp names and elevation: Drymen, Rowardennan, Beinglas, Tyndrum, Kingshouse, Fort William
- Fire restrictions: Follow local regulations
- Bear safety and food storage: Use protective containers
- Best views (sunrise/sunset): Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor
- Noise level or solitude factor: Moderate; varies with location
- Nearest water source: Streams and lochs all along the way
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WEATHER & ALTITUDE NOTES
- Typical temps: 50-70°F (10-21°C) in August
- Sun exposure: Limited; frequent cloud cover
- Acclimatization tips: Monitor altitude changes and hydration
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GEAR CHECKLIST (10 ESSENTIAL ITEMS)
- Navigation tools (map, compass)
- Water filtration system
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- First aid kit
- Fire starter and matches
- Pocket knife
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Shelter system (tent, tarp)
- Insulating layers
- Nutrition/snacks (high-calorie options)
Pro tips: Use a rain cover for your pack; bring a lightweight trekking pole for stability
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OPTIONAL UPGRADES
- Scenic side trips: Ascent of Ben Lomond
- Photo-worthy moments: Loch Lomond and Rannoch Moor vistas
- Post-hike food or reward suggestion: Fish and chips in Fort William
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FINAL BRIEF SUMMARY
- Trail hours per day: 6-8 hours
- Wake/sleep rhythm: Rise with the sun, sleep by nightfall
- Estimated calories burned per day: 3,000 calories
- Water needed per person: 3-4 liters
- Recommended pack weight range: 25-30 lbs
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Prepare accordingly and respect all wilderness guidelines.
Your expedition awaits, Christopher Arace.
Missions: Field Debriefs
Every mission here has been completed, but the terrain still speaks. Proceed with respect.
