The West Highland Way is Scotland’s most famous walking route and every year thousands of people travel to the Highlands to walk its 154 kilometers from Milngavie to Fort William, through some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.
One of the most frequently asked questions when planning this adventure is:
What is the best time to do the West Highland Way?
The answer depends on several factors: the weather, the hours of daylight, the number of people on the road and also some very local Scottish details that are worth knowing before you travel.
In this guide I explain when to do the West Highland Way according to each season, its advantages and possible disadvantages. If at any time the organization of the route overwhelms you, or you don’t know how to organize the stages, accommodations or transportation, here you can see how the complete planning of the route works:
👉 Complete planning of the West Highland Way.
When you can do the West Highland Way
The West Highland Way can be hiked virtually year-round, but the main hiking season runs from April through early October.
During these months:
- Most accommodations are open.
- Public transportation is available between stages.
- The daylight hours allow for comfortable walking.
Outside this season some hostels, B&Bs and luggage transport services reduce their activity, so logistics can be more complicated.
That is why most hikers choose to hike the route between spring and late summer.
Best time to do the West Highland Way depending on the weather
Advantages of doing the West Highland Way in springtime
Spring is one of the best times to walk the West Highland Way.
Between April and May, temperatures begin to rise and the Highland landscapes begin to turn
green.
Advantages of walking in spring
- Fewer hikers than in summer.
- Cool but pleasant temperatures.
- Spectacular landscapes turning blooming and turning green.
Spring (April and May) is a favorite time to walk the West Highland Way.
In addition, May and June are usually considered by many hikers as the best months to do the route, since they combine good weather conditions and daylight hours.
After winter, the Highlands begin to recover the intense green that characterizes Scotland and the days become progressively longer.
Possible disadvantages
- In April there can still be cold days and the landscape is not quite green.
- Scottish weather remains changeable and it can rain at any time.
Even so, spring usually offers one of the best balances of weather, scenery and tranquility.
Advantages of doing the West Highland Way in summer
Summer (July and August) is the most popular season for hiking the West Highland Way.
Between July and August the days are very long, which allows you to walk more leisurely and enjoy the scenery without rushing.
Advantages of walking in summer
- Many hours of daylight: During these months Scotland enjoys very long days, with up to 17 hours of daylight in June and July, which allows for leisurely walking and stops to enjoy the scenery.
- Mild temperatures, usually between 15 and 20 °C (59 to 68 °F)
- Lively atmosphere on the road
- All accommodations and services open
Major disadvantage of walking the West Highland Way in summer: midges.
One of the best known aspects of the Scottish summer is the midges, small midges typical of the Highlands.
When you are walking they are usually not very noticeable, because movement and wind keep them away.
However, they can appear when you stop to rest or when you arrive at your accommodation, especially at dawn and dusk.
In wet areas such as Loch Lomond or Glen Coe, on warm, windless days, they can be quite intense.
To avoid discomfort it is recommended:
- Carry specific repellent for midges.
- Wear light long sleeves.
- Avoid standing still for long periods of time in windless areas.
If you are interested in knowing a little more about them, I leave you a guide I wrote to enjoy the Highlands in summer and not die trying 👉 🦟GUIDE anti Midges, everything you need to know to enjoy the Highlands and not die trying.
Other summer inconveniences
- There are more people on the road.
- Accommodations are sold out early.
- Prices are higher.
If you plan to hike in summer, it is advisable to plan your route and book your accommodations well in advance .
Advantages of doing the West Highland Way in the Fall
Early autumn, especially September, is another very interesting time to travel the route.
During this month:
Many travelers choose September precisely because it allows them to enjoy the West Highland Way at their leisure.
Early autumn, especially September, is a fantastic time to walk the West Highland Way.
After the summer, the influx of hikers decreases and the landscapes begin to change to more golden and reddish colors.
Advantages of walking in autumn
- Fewer people
- The landscapes begin to show their autumn colors.
- Temperatures remain relatively mild.
- Less presence of midges.
For many people, September is one of the best months to do the route if they are looking for a quieter experience.
Possible disadvantages
- Daylight hours are beginning to shorten.
- The weather may become more unstable.
- Some accommodations begin to close around October.
It is therefore advisable to check availability before traveling.
What is the best time to walk the West Highland Way in my experience?
After traveling the West Highland Way several times and helping to organize routes for travelers, my recommendation tends to be May, June and September.
During these months they are usually combined:
- Good weather conditions.
- Many hours of daylight.
- Less overcrowding
- Less midges
Although each year may be different, it is usually the period that offers the best balance for enjoying the route.
After walking the West Highland Way at different times and helping to plan routes for travelers coming to Scotland, my recommendation tends to be May, June and September.
In those months they are usually combined:
- Long days.
- Pleasant temperatures for walking.
- Fewer people than in summer.
- Less presence of midges.
However, each year may be different and the most important thing is to plan well the stages and accommodations.
Choosing the right dates is only part of the planning. It is also important to organize the stages, book accommodations in advance and plan transportation between Milngavie and Fort William.
Here you can see how the complete planning of the West Highland Way works in 7 days:
👉Organize the West Highland Way in 7 days.
Tips for choosing when to do the West Highland Way
Before deciding on your travel dates, several factors should be taken into account:
- Availability of accommodations at each stage.
- Number of days you have to walk.
- Your hiking experience.
- How much you care about avoiding crowds.
If you plan to complete the route in 7 days, some stages have limited accommodation options, so it is advisable to organize the route in advance.
Conclusion
The best time to do the West Highland Way is usually between May and September, although each season has its advantages:
- Spring: Landscapes turning green and less people.
- Summer: Very green landscapes, very long days and lively atmosphere.
- Autumn: Tranquility and spectacular colors.
Choosing the right dates and planning the right stages can make the difference between a complicated route and an unforgettable experience in the Highlands.
If you are thinking of walking the West Highland Way and want to do it with clear planning, booked accommodation and luggage transport between stages, here you can see how to organize the route step by step:
👉 West Highland Way route with accommodations and luggage transportation.
