Milngavie to Inverarnan
Follow the 96 miles of the West Highland Way through our galleries, showcasing points of interest along the way. These pages also share many of the memories, stories and photographs that you have submitted for our 40th anniversary. Click the buttons to view more content and afterwards you will be navigated back to this page.
This page covers the route from its start at Milngavie to Inverarnan just beyond the northern tip of Loch Lomond.
Milngavie
Milngavie is the most popular starting point for the West Highland Way (although some people choose to walk from North to South).
In the video below (left), we meet some walkers setting off on their adventures. All are taking the opportunity to get stocked up with everything that they will need.
The Start of the West Highland Way
Kim Kjaerside - Video Diaries
In the video (above right), we meet Kim Kjaerside who got in touch to say that he was walking the West Highland Way for his 40th birthday, which coincides with our anniversary. See more of Kim’s video clips on his West Highland Way adventure can be viewed via the link below.
The obelisk in Milngavie was unveiled on the West Highland Way’s 25th anniversary and, ever since, it has been the backdrop for many a pre-walk photograph. Thanks to Janis Forbes for sending in her picture of it (above right), one of the many different types of art submitted for the 40th anniversary.
Pictured above, to the left of the obelisk, is Ann Malik . Click the button below to read her inspiring story, submitted by her husband, George. This is one of the amazing stories that we received about the incredible fundraising challenges along the West Highland Way that have raised millions over the last 40 years.
To Drymen
As the West Highland Way leaves Scotland’s largest city the views open out, with a very pleasant walk to the village of Drymen. This village welcomes walkers on what for many is the first night’s stop. At the heart of the village is its square, with a pretty green. This is also the start of another long distance walk - The Rob Roy Way. There are piping events on the square during the summer, organised by the local community.
Mhairi Duncan, Ashbank B&B
Above a short film featuring Mhairi and Tommy Duncan, owners of Ashbank B&B in Drymen. Mhairi decided to walk the West Highland Way for a significant birthday. Watch the video for her story and a preview of the breathtaking introduction to Loch Lomond on the next stage of the walk.
Conic Hill
As you approach Conic Hill you get views of Loch Lomond in the distance. As you get closer the views get even better, across to the islands and Ben Lomond in the distance.
Once you descend Conic Hill you will be in the beautiful village of Balmaha. From here, the path follows the eastern shores of Loch Lomond.
Wild Weather on Conic Hill
Thanks to Stewart Paton of Milton of Campsie for sending us this video of him and wife Hazel braving the elements on Conic Hill. Meanwhile Marcus Thiel (above right) from Germany was able to take in the amazing view. Both looked like they had a good time! Click below for a gallery full of West Highland Way views alongside Loch Lomond.
Balmaha & Milarrochy Bay
By beautiful Balmaha Bay we met with Ian and Sandra Beattie whilst walking the West Highland Way. Ian is the West Highland Way Race Director, which started in 1985. Ian explains more about the race in the video below. Plus Sandra shared a blog post with us that she wrote in 2015 about her experience running the race.
Ian & Sandra Beattie
Sarah Badman-Flook
Sarah Badman-Flook got in touch about her West Highland Way story. Having worked on path maintenance Sarah decided to walk the West Highland Way. As Sarah explains in her video story above, it was quite an emotional and therapeutic experience for her, having just lost someone close to her.
Rowardennan
Danielle WIlson sent us this beautiful photograph taken close to Rowardennan. This is another excellent example of how you have captured the incredible light and dramatic scenery of the West Highland Way in the paintings, drawings and photography that you submitted for the 40th anniversary.
Danielle Wilson
The section between Rowardennan and Inverarnan is especially beautiful during May, where you will find blankets of bluebells alongside the path.
Inversnaid
Thanks to Gillian Smith who sent us this fun video, featuring her and her husband walking the West Highland Way to the Proclaimers 500 miles song.
Gillian told us that her Papa used to walk it and when her Dad walked it her Papa gave him a small parcel. He said - “You have to carry this parcel all the way along the WHW and only open it when you have finished. When he finished, he opened the parcel and it was a Tshirt that said “I walked the WHW”. The video includes footage of the most favourite parts of the route, around Inversnaid.
Pictured is a cruise boat passing Inversnaid. Click this to see a short video story by Stuart Cordner, whose family-run business, Cruise Loch Lomond, has been serving the West Highland Way from the early days.
On completion of the section between Inversnaid and Inverarnan, the West Highland Way reaches the northern end of Loch Lomond. The path stays in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park until just north of Tyndrum.