Stretching 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William, The West Highland Way is one of the most famous long distance trails in the world. You'll trek across farmland, along the shores of famous lochs, through dense forests, and into the rugged Scottish Highland.
But what made this journey truly special wasn’t just the scenery—it was getting to share the experience with my dad. When it comes to spending quality one on one time with someone, nothing beats the days worth of chit-chat you get from an extended hiking trip like this one.
Hitting the Trail
Our hike began with the help of Macs Adventure, a company that organizes self-guided hiking trips. They arranged lodging, mapped our route, and even transferred our luggage each day. It allowed us to focus on the trail and enjoy the moments without worrying too much about logistics.
The first stretch took us past rolling farmland, where sheep grazed among old stone walls. Then came our climb up iconic Conic Hill and our first sweeping view of Loch Lomond. With its sandy beaches and mountain backdrop, Loch Lomond is one of the most beautiful lakes I’ve ever seen.
We couldn’t resist stopping to soak it all in—the stillness, the wind in the trees, and the sheer scale of the water.
Scotland’s Character
Along the trail, reminders of Scotland’s culture and history were everywhere. There's a level of friendliness and wit that you find on Scotland's people that seem rare in most parts of the world. Almost everyone we met had us laughing.
Food was part of the adventure, too. After a ferry crossing across the loch, we tried haggis for the first time at Drovers Inn. I’ll admit I was nervous, but it turned out to be delicious—rich, hearty, and the perfect post-hike meal when paired with a pint. Nothing at all like I expecting. I ended up ordering it every chance I got. Make sure to get yours paired with neeps and tatties (swedes and mashed potatoes for us uninformed).
Into the Highlands
Further north, the landscape grew wilder as we entered Glencoe. Here, the mountains rise steeply from the valley floor, streaked with lingering snow even in warm weather. Hiking there felt cinematic—every step pulling us deeper into Scotland’s history and legend.
That night we stayed at the KingsHouse Hotel, a famous stop along the West Highland Way. The highlight was a whisky tasting, where we finally learned the difference between Scotch and the whiskey I’d grown up with. Whiskey is an art form here, and is widely known as the best in the world… for good reason.
The night ended with live Scottish music filling the pub. The music, the food, the whiskey, and the view of incredible Glen Coe made for an unforgettable night.
A Trail That Stays With You
The West Highland Way is more than a long-distance hike. It’s a journey through breathtaking scenery, rich history, and a welcoming culture. For me, it was also about family—slowing down, walking side by side, and sharing experiences we’ll always carry with us.
If you’re searching for an adventure that blends rugged landscapes with unforgettable moments, the West Highland Way belongs at the very top of your list.
Special Thanks
Be sure to check out Macs Adventure website for more information on their self-guided hiking tours in the UK, Europe, Japan, and New Zealand.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and Balmaha Visitor Centre
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