If you are into Adventure Travel. Hiking the West Highland Way is possibly one of the best Travel Experiences in Scotland.
Here are 10 reasons why you should visit it:
1. Meeting people on the West Highland Way
During the tour you will meet new people, people of different cultures, age and ideology. A unique opportunity to open your mind and share experiences both on the route and at the end of the stage.
That is why many people are encouraged to do the West Highland Way unaccompanied, because naturally, new people will join you on your way and you will continue to meet them in part or all of the route.You will never feel alone.
It is a very nice feeling of companionship, exchange of experiences and sensations with someone unknown that will surely end in a beautiful friendship that will last for years.
If you are traveling the route with family or friends, it is a great opportunity to connect or reconnect with the person next to you. Learn a lot from her and strengthen the relationship.
2. Cultural trip and practice English
During the tour you can practice English, Scottish words and even Gaelic!
There is nothing like practicing a language to learn it. This route is very famous internationally and nationally, you will meet many Scots of all ages doing the route.
And let’s not forget, the West Highland Way really is a historic road, up in the Highlands the road where after the Battle of Culloden in 1746, ending the Jacobite
Tell that to Outlander fans!
Loch Lomond area has always been a place of conflict, where the clans clash with the farmers of the lowlands.
You will walk through Glen Coe Valley, very close to the site of the terrible massacre of Glen Coe in 1692 at the beginning of the Jacobite uprisings.
And you will end the route at Fort William, historically known as one of the forts used by the Redcoats and Jacobite prison.
Now that enjoying the culture is also enjoying the food. Get ready for some good haggis at the end of a stage, or if you’re brave, to have it for breakfast.
3. Landscapes
The West Highland Way runs through the heart of Scotland and is a route full of contrasts, in only 154 km you will experience walking through lowlands, fertile soil, passing by lochs, a tectonic fault and crossing breathtaking valleys, until you reach the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, in Fort William.
This time, however, from outside the bus or car.
Some of th Highlights:
Loch Lomond National Park
Glen Coe Valley
Rannoch Mor
Glen Nevis
Sometimes when we travel we are in a hurry and we don’t have much time to admire the views of the landscape and enjoy it.
One of the reasons why people decide to repeat is to be able to admire again these beautiful landscapes.
And if you are a photography lover… you will be amazed!
4. Get close to nature and wildlife.
Today we live in an urban environment for far too long.
It is confirmed that going for a walk and being in contact with nature makes you feel good. A walk in the middle of nature breathing fresh air will make you feel like new and in a better mood.
One of the most satisfying moments I remember from the route is walking in the middle of the forest on the shores of Loch Lomond, in silence, listening to the sounds of different birds.
If you are a bird or animal watcher, consider taking binoculars with you because the trail is full of deer, eagles, red squirrels, mountain goats, sheep and if you are lucky, Scottish cows, known as highland cows, or hairy cows.
It is not a dangerous route as far as animals are concerned. In Scotland the largest predator is the fox. There are no bears or wolves.
5. Detox from technology
I propose that you join the challenge to disconnect. That the cell phone is only used to take pictures. Take advantage of this experience to really disconnect and connect once a day. Would you dare?
6. Personal challenge to reach a goal
An arch in the village of Milngavie begins the route, from there each step marks a personal growth and when you finish the route in Fort William, gives a feeling of satisfaction and feeling accomplished that many people decide to repeat.
You have been able to start and finish a personal challenge.
The ability to surpass oneself, and that with each step we take from what we think was our limit is what makes us grow and surpass ourselves as people.
This personal growth heals the anxiety and stress we are exposed to on a daily basis.
One of the remedies is to simply go for a walk. Imagine this multiplied by 7 days where your goal is to walk. Which gives way to the next reason.
7. Finding yourself
The West Highalnd Way is a journey for the soul. Sometimes, even if it involves sweat and effort, it can be much more satisfying than many luxury trips.
Spending time with yourself, enjoying solitude, knowing more about yourself, getting to know yourself, meditating and why not, reflecting.
Many travelers find along the way the answers to questions that preoccupy them in their daily lives.
This adventure gives you the opportunity to go on a journey of self-discovery.
8. Get in shape
Although the West Highland Way is not a high mountain route, it requires previous physical preparation before the route.
The best way to prepare for walking the West Highland Way is to simply get out and walk.
The objective is that before starting the route, you are used to walking the daily kilometers of the route, which is an average of 20km per day.
Something that if I’m honest, between the beautiful scenery and the adrenaline of knowing what you’re going to find later, these 20km fly by.
Of course, the more you are used to walking, the more you will enjoy the route.
9. A sustainable way to travel
The West Highland Way is one of the most sustainable trips you can do in Scotland.
The only transportation you will take will be the train to the village of Milngavie, where the route begins, and the return trip from Fort William to Edinburgh or Glasgow.
The rest…. This gives a feeling of absolute freedom.
In addition, along the way you will find unique eating places and supply stores, which will help support local Scottish businesses.
The West Highland way is an economical vacation as you only spend on food and accommodation.
and the last reason…..
10. And why not? For your sense of adventure
This is a fairly simple motif but one of my favorites. A different experience full of adrenaline where you will discover the wildest Scotland.
Undoubtedly a new way to travel, in which more and more people are betting on trekking trips.
You can do the West Highland Way alone or in a group, or with an agency that will take care of booking accommodations, moving your luggage and have your support at all times en route. help you with everything you need so you can travel the West Highland way without worries.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments if you can think of any other reason or which one is your favorite.
