The path uses many ancient roads, including ancient
drovers' roads,
military roads dating to the
Jacobite uprisings and old
coaching routes. It is usually walked from south to north, making it a journey from the
Lowlands to the
Highlands. By the west side of Craigallian loch the path passes a small monument to commemorate The Craigallian Fire, an important historical symbol for outdoor activities in Scotland. As the Way approaches the Campsies by the piece of ground known as Tinkers Loan, there is an opportunity to explore adjacent hills such as
Dumgoyne (
grid reference ; ) or the small but heavily wooded Dumgoyach (; ). Finally the Way reaches the village of
Drymen. This section is about long: The main route goes over the summit, but an alternative "bad weather" route via
Milton of Buchanan allows walkers to avoid the ascent to the summit. The village of
Balmaha on the eastern shore of
Loch Lomond is the next settlement reached. •
Drymen to
Balmaha –
Balmaha to Rowardennan The path heads north along the wooded eastern shore of
Loch Lomond, to reach the village of
Rowardennan, the furthest point north to which there is road access available from the south on the east shore of the loch. Camping along the shore of Loch Lomond is by permit only from 1 March to 30 September. •
Balmaha to
Rowardennan –
Rowardennan to Inverarnan The path leaves
Rowardennan and continues north, along the wooded eastern shore of
Loch Lomond to
Inverarnan. The route follows the lower slopes of Ben Lomond before returning to the waterside at
Inversnaid, where there is road access from the east, via
Aberfoyle. North of Inversnaid the route passes a cavern known as
Rob Roy's cave, before reaching Inverarnan. This section is regarded as the most difficult of the entire Way. Just north of Inversnaid the eastern shore is very steep, dominated by boulders which requires some scrambling over obstacles. •
Rowardennan to
Inverarnan –
Inverarnan to Tyndrum The way skirts the hills just west of Crianlarich alongside Bogle Glen. At the deer gate an additional path leads to Crianlarich. Meanwhile, the route continues up through the dense woodland to one of the high points of the Way before descending to cross the A82 and pass through Auchtertyre Farm and gently up to Tyndrum. This section is about long: •
Tyndrum to
Bridge of Orchy – •
Bridge of Orchy to Inveroran Hotel – • Inveroran Hotel to
Kingshouse –
Glen Coe to Kinlochleven Glen Coe () is often considered one of the most spectacular and beautiful places in Scotland, and is a part of the designated
National Scenic Area of
Ben Nevis and Glen Coe. The route climbs the
Devil's Staircase before a great descent to sea level at
Kinlochleven. •
Kingshouse to
Kinlochleven –
Kinlochleven to Fort William The final stage skirts the
Mamore Mountains on an old military road and descends into
Glen Nevis before finishing in Fort William. Starting with a steep climb out of Kinlochleven, the route follows the contour of the valley, until the forest is reached outside Fort William. The last stage passes the foot of
Ben Nevis, before finally reaching the pavements leading into the traditional finish line in Fort William, where a statue depicting a man with sore feet marks the end of the path. Many walkers crown their achievement of walking the Way by climbing Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. •
Kinlochleven to
Fort William – == Ultramarathons on the West Highland Way ==