Can You Take Your Dog On The West Highland Way?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Yes, you can take your dog with you on the West Highland Way provided that it is kept under proper control and that you adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code

.

Is the West Highland Way hard?

The West Highland Way hike is a

moderate to difficult trail

. It starts out with fairly easy, flat sections and becomes more difficult as you journey into the Highlands. The total elevation isn’t very high so you don’t have to be an experienced mountaineer or climber to successfully do the trail.

How many days does it take to walk the West Highland Way?

The West Highland Way is generally completed over

6-8 days

: depending on fitness levels, time available, and accommodation vacancies. There are a couple of options open to you if you only have 1-2 days and want to do a part of the West Highland Way.

What is the best time of year to walk the West Highland Way?

When to walk

Its location and the high ground means that the West Highland Way is best walked

between April and October

. Before that you can expect snow and very difficult conditions. Late spring is an especially good time to walk if you want to avoid the dreaded midges who reside in the area.

What is the hardest section of West Highland Way?

Be Ready for

Loch Lomond

When looking at the map many people think the side of Loch Lomond will be a gentle walk along the shore, however it is the most difficult section of the walk.

Can I Wild camp on the West Highland Way?

Wild Camping on the West Highland Way



Under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, wild camping is permitted

. This type of camping is lightweight, done in small numbers and only for two or three nights in any one place.

Is the West Highland Way crowded?


The busiest month on the West Highland Way is May, closely followed by September

. If you wish to walk around this time, we’d advise booking far in advance as accommodation along the trail fills up fast. The summer months bring plenty of warm long days, usually busy with walkers and their nemesis; the midge.

How long does it take to walk 20 miles?

Normal Pace: It would take a person about

5 hours

to walk 20 miles at a normal pace. Relaxed Pace: It would take a person about 6 hours and 45 minutes to walk 20 miles at a relaxed pace. Fast Pace: It would take a person about 3 hours and 30 minutes to walk 20 miles at a fast pace.

Is the West Highland Way worth it?

The West Highland Way is a serious trail so

it’s good to have experience hiking long days on rocky terrain and in bad weather

. You can walk the West Highland Way between 5 to 10 days, with most folks taking 7 days to complete it.

Is Glencoe in the West Highland Way?


Glencoe is well worth a visit from the West Highland Way

.

How do I prepare for the West Highland Way?

In the months leading up to your West Highland Way adventure, you should

train with shorter walks which mimic distance, elevation and terrain to what you will experience on a typical day on the trail

. When out on your training walks, it’s essential to use and wear all the gear that you’re planning to take with you.

Can you walk the West Highland Way in winter?

Summer is also a great time to walk the West Highland Way when days are longer and generally warmer.

Winter can be an amazing time to walk the WHW

. The route will be far less busy and Scotland can experience some stunning days of clear skies and snowy landscapes.

How many miles you can walk in a day?

A Healthy Person can walk around

20 miles

in a day. In a single day, you can walk 20 miles without any problems. This is about the same distance as a marathon race, and it’s a perfectly healthy thing for someone to do.

Is the West Highland Way easy to navigate?


An offline mobile map of the West Highland way is one of the easiest ways to navigate while you’re on the trail

. You’ll simply open up your chosen GPS app (more on that below) and be able to view your location as well as the trail, alternate routes, and stopping points along the West Highland Way.

Where do you start the West Highland Way?

The West Highland Way begins its 96-mile route at

the obelisk on Douglas Street, in the centre of Milngavie

and finishes in Gordon Square of Fort William, marked by a statue of a weary traveller.

What is the easiest section of West Highland Way?

The first few miles out of Milngavie is easy going, on the whole, the first day on the West Highland Way to Drymen is

a walk in the park

, several parks actually. This is the easiest of all the days along the route a good time to get the muscles used to walking all day, especially if you are carrying your own rucksack.

How hilly is the West Highland Way?

West Highland Way Elevation gain/loss

3,155 metres (10,351 ft)

gain
Highest point Devil’s Staircase near Kingshouse56.6764°N 4.9135°W, 550 m (1,800 ft)

Can anyone walk the West Highland Way?

Venturing along 96-miles of natural terrain, ascending mountains and descending river beds may seem daunting to those who are unfamiliar with long-distance walking, but

the West Highland Way is suitable for everyone, even beginners

.

Can you do West Highland Way in 5 days?

Walking the West Highland Way can take as little or as long as you would like – make it your own Way!

Below is a selection of suggested itineraries ranging from 5 to 7 days

stopping at the main settlements along the West Highland Way.

Can you bike the West Highland Way?

The West Highland Way is primarily a walking route but with considerate riding,

shared-use works perfectly

.

Can I wild camp in Kinlochleven?


There are some good places to wild camp just outside of Tyndrum, right up to Kinlochleven

. Two bothies are situated along the West Highland Way route, Doune Bothy and Rowchoish. Hikers can stay here for free. Some have limited cooking facilities and a fireplace.

Who is the statue at the end of the West Highland Way?

One of the most popular West Highland Way photo opportunities is at the finishing line in Fort William. This now-famous statue, simply called “

Man with Sore Feet

” was made by David Annand and has marked the end of WHW since 2010.

How long does it take to run the West Highland Way?

Run the iconic West Highland Way – 95 miles in

3 to 6 days

, from Milngavie to Fort William. We provide accommodation, luggage transfer, maps and guidebooks.

How many miles is 10000 steps?

An average person has a stride length of approximately 2.1 to 2.5 feet. That means that it takes over 2,000 steps to walk one mile and 10,000 steps would be

almost 5 miles

.

How much walking a day is too much?

How much walking is too much? There’s no one number or formula that will tell you how much walking is too much. While some people get

more than 10,000 steps per day

as part of their daily job, others need to put in effort to get half that.

Is walking 8 miles a day too much?

Depending on your body weight, you can burn up to 85-135 calories per mile.

Walking 8 miles a day would result in approximately 680-1,080 calories burned

. The drawback of walking 8 miles a day is that it is more time-consuming than other forms of exercise. Therefore, it is not realistic for people with busy schedules.

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.