Planning
What should you take?
What you take you on the Way is very much a personal decision and getting it just right requires experience. If you are new to long distance walking, the following tips may help. The main consideration is a sensible balance between comfort, safety and manageable weight.

How do you carry it?
The way you carry your equipment will depend on how you intend to complete the walk.

• If you are planning to camp along the Way, you will need a rucksack large enough to accommodate your tent, sleeping bag, cooking utensils and food as well as your changes of clothing. The recommended capacity of rucksack is 65 - 75 litres. You should choose a rucksack with a rigid back support and ensure that the straps can be adjusted to fit you comfortably. Ideally, the bulk of the load should be carried high and close to the body, with most of the weight being taken by the waist belt and not your shoulders. It is worth spending some time trying various weight distributions and strap adjustments before setting out as this will enable you to cover relatively long distances in comfort.

• As the weather on the West Highland Way can be very unpredictable it is wise to use a rucksack with a waterproof cover. Failing this, you should use a waterproof liner or pack changes of clothing in strong plastic bags. Coloured stuff sacks may make it easier to locate items in the hidden depths of your rucksack.

• If you plan to make use of bunkhouses or hostels you may wish to carry a sleeping bag and cooking stove, although these facilities are normally available at most premises. A rucksack of around 40 – 60 litres should suffice.

• Alternatively there are ample B&B establishments along the Way so that you will only need to carry essentials such as, clothing, toiletries, first aid kit, maps, compass etc. For this, a rucksack of around 30 – 40 litres should accommodate your needs.

• There are several companies that provide a baggage carrying service for walkers. The rest of your equipment will be transported to your next destination. This means that you will only need a day sack large enough to take what you need for the days walking.

• Many modern rucksacks are equipped with a built-in water container with a feed tube and mouthpiece allowing you to drink without having to open the pack.

Toiletries
Carry only the minimum, a small bar of soap in a plastic container, toothbrush and toothpaste, razor, deodorant, tampons/ sanitary towels and a roll of loo paper (in a plastic bag) In the summer you will need a high-factor sun cream and a good insect repellent as the infamous Scottish midge can be really infuriating! If you plan to use water from streams etc, you should also pack water purifying tablets.

First Aid Kit
Always carry a small first aid kit, preferably in a waterproof container. The kit should include aspirin or paracetamol, for pain or fever; plasters or band aids for minor cuts and abrasions; ‘Moleskin’, ‘Compeed’ or ‘Second Skin’ for treating blisters; a triangular bandage which can be used to hold dressings or splints or can be used to make a sling; an elastic knee support and a small selection of sterile dressings for wounds. Other sundry items should include antiseptic cream, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, safety pins, scissors and tweezers.

General Items
Essential – A map of the West Highland Way is a must, either seperate or part of the many excellent guide books available. A number of the maps available display the route in multiple images on a single sheet. Such maps will be easier to carry and are the cheaper option. Together with the map(s), you will need a compass. ‘Silva’ type compasses are excellent but before setting out you should make sure that you know how to read the map and how to use the compass. Always carry a whistle to summon assistance in case of accidents; a water bottle containing at least one litre; a torch with spare b

The West Highland Way links Milngavie, just outside Glasgow, to Fort William in the Highlands. It passes from the lowlands, across the Highland Boundary Fault and on into the Scottish Highlands. Much of the Way follows ancient and historic routes of communication and makes use of Drove Roads, Military Roads and Disused Railway Tracks. For ease of reference the route is described in short sections.

Due to the variety of distances involved, these should not be considered as a days activity. The planning of stage lengths should be based upon ability and fitness and take into account the opportunities available to explore places of interest along the route.

Mileages
The distances shown below should only be used as a guide. They have been rounded to whole numbers for ease of presentation.

Milngavie to Carbeth - 5 miles

Carbeth to Drymen - 7 miles

Drymen to Balmaha - 8 miles

Balmaha to Rowardennan - 7 miles

Rowardennan to Inversnaid - 7 miles

Inversnaid to Inverarnan - 7 miles

Inverarnan to Crianlarich - 6 miles

Crianlarich to Tyndrum - 6 miles

Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy - 7 miles

Bridge of Orchy to Inveroran - 2 miles

Inveroran to Kingshouse - 10 miles

Kingshouse to Kinlochleven - 9 miles

Kinlochleven to Fort William - 14 miles