Walking the West Highland Way
If you’re tackling the legendary West Highland Way — all 96 miles of it from Milngavie to Fort William — you’re in for an adventure you’ll never forget. The trail winds through everything from peaceful loch shores and forests to moorland and mighty mountains… and plenty of midgies cheering you on along the way!
Many of our guests stay with us on their second-last night before the big finish. Whether you’re arriving tired, triumphant, sunburnt, soaked or all of the above, we’ve got a warm welcome waiting.
The route is usually walked South to North, but plenty of people do it backwards, sideways, on bikes or in whatever creative way they can think of. Depending on your pace (and how many photo stops you take!), the journey can take between 1 and 7 days.
During peak season it can get busy, so we always recommend planning ahead and booking your stops early — or even starting midweek to make life easier.
Good news for tired legs:
All major baggage transfer companies can drop bags with us at both Blackwater Hostel and West Highland Lodge, so you can float along the trails without carrying everything you own.
We’re also an official West Highland Way Passport Stamp Stop, so pop into reception to get your stamp — whether you’re staying with us or just passing through. And brand new from 2024, we’ve got an official photo stand so you can grab that iconic WHW shot. Don’t forget to say hello while you’re here!
The West Highland Way website has loads of great tips for preparing your route and knowing your limits — more than half of the 100,000+ people who attempt the WHW every year don’t finish. So take care of your feet, plan your stages, and enjoy every mile.
You’ll make new friends, see new places, and come away with an adventure you’ll talk about for years.
- Milngavie to Drymen: 12 miles/19 km
- Drymen to Rowardennan: 15 miles/24 km
- Rowardennan to Inverarnan: 14 miles/22.5 km
- Inverarnan to Tyndrum: 12 miles/19.5 km
- Tyndrum to Inveroran: 9 miles/14.5 km
- Inveroran to Kingshouse : 10 miles/16 km
- Kingshouse to Kinlochleven: 9 miles/ 14.5 km
- Kinlochleven to Fort William: 15 miles/24 km
For more information about the West Highland Way please visit their official site below
www.westhighlandway.org/
Enjoy our Highland Hospitality!
Book now for 2026 season and benefit from this years prices! Check out our prices and availability here…
Staying at the Hostel
Staying at Blackwater Hostel
Welcome to our hostel — your cozy basecamp in the Highlands!
We’ve got 10 private en-suite rooms, each with comfy beds, double glazing, and toasty central heating. Rooms come in all shapes and sizes (2, 3, 4 & 8‑bed), perfect for solo explorers, families, or full‑on adventure squads. And don’t worry — we never mix strangers, so whatever you book is your own private space.
Kick back and enjoy your flat‑screen TV, then freshen up in your en-suite with plenty of hot water, shower gel and shampoo. Need a hairdryer? Just ask — we’ve got you.
Feeling hungry? You can whip something up in our fully equipped self‑catering kitchen — perfect for quick snacks or big adventure‑fuel meals.
After a long day exploring, sink into our big lounge area with its massive flat‑screen TV, super comfy sofas, and free WiFi everywhere to keep you scrolling, streaming, or sharing your adventures.
Got soggy boots or gear?
We’ve got two commercial drying rooms that work absolute miracles overnight — so you can head out dry and ready in the morning.
Travelling by car? Plenty of free parking right outside. On a bike? We’ve got a secure lock-up to keep it safe and sound — just ask at reception.
And yes… we’re dog-friendly, because adventures are better with four paws.
Come stay with us — warm rooms, hot showers, and a friendly atmosphere waiting for you after a day in the hills!
Our Other Accommodation
West Highland Lodge
Available for single bookings or for sole occupancy for up to 32 guests.
Overlooking the village of Kinlochleven, our lodge has recently been renovated with new heating system & double glazing. 8 private rooms. Comfortable bunk beds. Communal showers/toilets, kitchen, lounge & dining area & drying rooms. Free WIFI.
The Glamping Pods are ideally positioned with many overlooking the River Leven. A great alternative to camping. We have 12, all season pods sleeping from 2-4 people. Each pod offers luxuries such as electric lights & sockets, free wifi, TV, microwave, fridge and kettle, electric heater/fan, storage & midge screens, PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN BEDDING/ TOWELS CROCKERY AND CUTLERY..
Many of our guests tell us it’s, “The best equipped campsite along the West Highland Way”. Just 2o0m from the village centre. Great base for walkers. Camping guests have the use of the following facilities: free WIFI, shower/toilet block, charging points, drying rooms & covered pot wash area.