Scott’s West Highland Way Adventure
May 26, 2025
One of our brilliant Wolf Pack, Scott, recently took on Scotland’s legendary West Highland Way, covering 96 miles (154 km) over seven incredible days. Here’s a look into his experience, along with some handy tips if you’re thinking of tackling it yourself.
The Route at a Glance
The West Highland Way is Scotland’s first official long-distance walking route, stretching from Milngavie just north of Glasgow to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis. Most walkers complete it in six or seven days. Scott chose a seven-day schedule, mixing longer, tougher stretches (up to 19 miles/30 km) with shorter recovery days.
A quick takeaway from Scott: you can comfortably manage it in six days if you’re reasonably fit and careful about pack weight. He kept his base pack around 8.5kg, which rose to about 11kg once he added clothing, water, and food.
Scott’s Highlights and Challenges
Best Day: Day 3 was Scott’s highlight, an 18-mile (28 km) technical stretch packed with steep climbs and adventurous terrain. Starting around 07:30 and finishing about 12 hours later, it tested everyone, especially with the heat. It was tough enough to nearly break one of his mates, who seriously considered heading home.
Toughest Moment: Unfortunately, day five saw one of Scott’s group suffer an ankle injury. Two group members had to drop out, leaving Scott and one friend to complete the final two days alone.
A Word About The Overlander
We didn’t ask him to say this, but he did and we’re not going to argue:
“Cap was on my head every single day. Kept the sun off my face and sweat out of my eyes. Mesh back meant my head never overheated, and it felt like I wasn’t even wearing it. Also made a surprisingly solid eye mask for trail naps. After everything I put it through, it still looks brand new.”
The Overlander Cap did what it’s made for. Reliably. Exactly how we like it.
Quick Facts and Tips for the West Highland Way:
- Officially opened in 1980, it’s Scotland’s most popular long-distance trail.
- The route passes Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, and finishes near Ben Nevis.
- Aim to keep your pack weight under 9kg if possible, for comfort and endurance.
- Be prepared for tougher terrain around day three, it’s beautiful but challenging.
- Invest in reliable, comfortable gear. It makes a massive difference on long hikes.
Planning your own adventure? Make sure you’re well-equipped. Maybe even pick yourself up an Overlander Cap to help handle whatever the trail throws your way.
