For avid long-distance walkers who want to experience the Highlands up close and personal, the 154 kilometre-long West Highland Way in Scotland is the perfect footpath to take. The route takes walkers through some of Scotland’s most varied and extraordinary scenery that includes moorlands, mountain regions and woodlands. It starts in Milngavie just north of Glasgow and concludes in Fort William on the west coast, passing through a number of areas, including Mugdock Country Park, Loch Lomond, Glen Falloch, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, the Devil’s Staircase, Glen Nevis and the foot of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

For convenience, the path is marked by route markers and can take anywhere from 6-8 days to traverse, depending upon the pace. In general, however, the journey can be broken down into eight stages.

Stage 1: Milngavie to Drymen
This stage is 19 kilometres (12 miles) long and takes approximately 8 hours to walk. This is a relatively easy part of the path with no dramatic ascents. It passes through Drumclog Moor, Mugdock Country Park and by Craigallian Loch, Carbeth Loch and the village of Blanefield. Walkers will also catch sight of the Campsie Fells, some standing stones, the Glengoyne Distillery and Loch Lomond before reaching the village of Drymen.

Stage 2: Drymen to Balmaha
There are two routes to take on this leg of the journey. The shorter route is about 11 kilometres (7 miles) long, and it is a direct route to Balmaha on the path next to the road. The longer path covers approximately 13 kilometres, or roughly 8 miles, and passes through Garadhban Forest. Hikers climb Conic Hill for a stunning view of Loch Lomond before descending into the village of Balmaha on the loch’s shores. Drymen and Balmaha are the last places to buy any food to take along with you until you reach Crainlarich, so be sure to stock up at one of these two places.

Stage 3: Balmaha to Rowardennan
This part of the path meanders along the eastern shore of Loch Lomond through the Rowardennan Forest for approximately 11 kilometres (7 miles) until reaching the village of Rowardennan. Here hikers can stay an extra day if desired and hike up Ben Lomond.

Stage 4: Rowardennan to Crainlarich
At approximately 32 kilometres in length, this section of the route is longer than the previous three and can be split up by stopping at either Inversnaid or Inverarnan. It continues along the eastern shore of Loch Lomond with a view of Ben Lomond to the right, past Rob Roy’ Prison, Inversnaid, Inverarnan, the River Falloch and some waterfalls before reaching Crianlarich, which is considered the half-way point of the West Highland Way.

Stage 5: Crainlarich to Tyndrum:
This is a short leg of about 10 kilometres (6 miles) and passes through woodland and glen, following the river most of the way to Tyndrum. Sites along the way include some lovely waterfalls and the ruins of St. Fillans Chapel, established in 1318 by Robert the Bruce.

Stage 6: Tyndrum to Kingshouse
This stage is also lengthy, covering approximately 30 kilometres (19 miles) of terrain. Walkers trek through glen country, staying fairly close to the railway until reaching the hamlet of Bridge of Orchy. From here the trail continues towards Inveroran, crossing the Bridge of Orchy and passing through forest and moorland. From Inveroran it is then on to Loch Tulla and the village of Kingshouse.

Stage 7: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
This 14 kilometre (9 mile) leg of the trek goes from Kingshouse towards the Pass of Glencoe. Glencoe is one of the most famous glens in Scottish history. It is the site of a brutal massacre that took place in 1692 and home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland. The ascent out of the glen is called the Devil’s Staircase and is perhaps the most difficult stretch of hiking, although the views of the highland mountains are stunning. From here walkers descend into the village of Kinlochleven.

Stage 8: Kinlochleven to Fort William
The last section of the West Highland Way covers terrain that is approximately 24 kilometres (16 miles) in length. Walkers pass through the Nevis Forest and are treated to amazing views of the many Munros (mountains of a height over 3000 feet) in the region, including Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, before descending into Glen Nevis and finally reaching their final destination at Fort William.

There is a wealth of accommodation along the West Highland Way, but it is still advised to book in advance during the summer months as this is peak walking season. Those who really want to rough it can camp, which allows for a great deal more freedom and flexibility. However, those who prefer not to pack around a heavy, equipment-laden backpack through the wilderness, anything from mountain huts (called “bothies”) to hotels can be booked to stay in along the way.