Hiking in Scotland: West Highland Way & the Munros
Scotland offers some of the most accessible wilderness hiking in Europe — low-altitude, roadless glens, a unique bothy network, and the world's most liberal access rights that let you roam almost freely across the Highlands. The West Highland Way is the flagship long-distance trail; Munro bagging is the national obsession.
The Highlands are not high — Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak, is just 1,345 m — but the latitude, exposure and changeable weather make them genuinely mountainous in character. Navigation skills matter as much as fitness.
This guide covers the West Highland Way, Munro bagging, the bothy tradition, and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
The West Highland Way
The West Highland Way (154 km, 6–8 days) is Scotland's first and most popular long-distance trail, running from Milngavie (near Glasgow) to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis. It is low-level, well-waymarked and an ideal first long-distance trek.
It passes through Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor and Glencoe, finishing in Fort William where many walkers continue up Ben Nevis. Accommodation is in B&Bs, hostels and campsites along the route; book ahead for summer.
Munros and the Cairngorms
A "Munro" is a Scottish peak over 3,000 ft (914 m); there are 282 of them, and "Munro bagging" — summitting all of them — is a lifetime pursuit for many Scottish hillwalkers. Ben Nevis (1,345 m), Ben Macdui (1,309 m) and the Cairngorm plateau are the highest.
The Cairngorms National Park holds the largest area of high ground in the UK and offers multi-day wilderness walks with bothy overnights. Glencoe is the most dramatic single glen for day hikes.
Bothies and Access Rights
Bothies are simple, unlocked mountain shelters maintained by the Mountain Bothies Association — free to use, basic (often just a fireplace and a sleeping platform), and found in remote glens across the Highlands. They are a uniquely Scottish tradition.
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code grants a general right of responsible access to most land and water for recreation, making Scotland one of the most walker-friendly countries in the world. Respect the code: leave no trace, avoid disturbing wildlife and livestock, and follow guidance during the stag stalking season (August–October).
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the West Highland Way? 154 km over 6–8 days, from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William. Low-level, well-waymarked and an ideal first long-distance trek.
- What is a Munro? A Scottish mountain over 3,000 ft (914 m). There are 282 Munros; summitting all of them ("Munro bagging") is a popular lifetime pursuit.
- When is the best time to hike in Scotland? May to September for the longest days and most stable weather. Avoid midge season (June–August evenings) in the west if you dislike insects; May and September are the sweet spots.
- What is a bothy? A simple, unlocked mountain shelter maintained by the Mountain Bothies Association, free to use in remote glens across the Highlands. Bring everything you need — they have no facilities beyond a fireplace and a sleeping platform.
- Do I need a guide in Scotland? No. Access rights are liberal and trails are well-waymarked. Navigation skills are essential on the higher, pathless ground, where mist can arrive quickly.
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