Walking the West Highland Way is an amazing adventure. This long-distance trail in Scotland offers beautiful landscapes, rich history, and a mix of challenging and easy sections. It stretches about 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William, capturing everything from the serene beauty of Loch Lomond to the rugged peaks of the Scottish Highlands.
Choosing the right guidebook for the West Highland Way is important. A good guidebook can make your journey easier by providing clear directions, detailed maps, where you can camp, and tips on where to stay and eat. It’s crucial to consider the size and weight of the book, as carrying a heavy guidebook can be tiring. Look for updated editions to ensure you get the latest information on the trail conditions and amenities.
I reviewed several guidebooks to find the ones that offer the best advice, maps, and insights. These resources will help you enjoy your trek and ensure you have what you need to navigate the trail safely and efficiently.
Best Guidebooks for The West Highland Way
I’ve compiled a great list of guidebooks to help you enjoy the West Highland Way. Let’s explore the best options that can make your adventure more enjoyable!
The West Highland Way
This guidebook is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to explore the beauty of the West Highland Way or relive the experience through stunning photography.
Pros
- Stunning scenic photos
- Good as a souvenir
- Motivates for future hikes
Cons
- Limited informative text
- Not comprehensive for planning
- Might feel repetitive
The book, “The West Highland Way” by Ronald Turnbull, offers a delightful collection of photographs taken along the trail. We were captivated by the breathtaking images that brought back memories of our own hikes.
It’s a fantastic keepsake, especially if you’ve conquered the hike. The photos really capture the essence of the landscape, making it a joy to flip through. We felt inspired just by looking at the pages.
On the flip side, if you’re looking for detailed, practical information about the hike, this might not be the book for you. Some of us wished for a bit more description and background information.
Overall, it’s a beautiful book to have on your coffee table. If you’re planning to hike the West Highland Way or want a visual reminder, this could be a perfect addition to your collection.
The West Highland Way Guidebook
This is a fantastic guide for anyone planning to hike the West Highland Way.
Pros
- Compact and easy to carry
- Includes accurate maps and directions
- Provides useful tips and information
Cons
- Focuses more on day pack walkers
- May not cover extremely technical sections in detail
- Limited in-depth detail for some areas
The guidebook is a handy resource to have when setting out on the West Highland Way. Its compact size makes it easy to fit in our backpack, and the detailed maps are incredibly useful for navigating the trail. The accompanying route map ensures we don’t get lost and can plan our journey effectively.
We appreciate the practicality of the information provided. Reading through it each night before starting a section of the hike makes us feel well-prepared. The tips and advice were spot on, making our hiking experience much smoother.
However, we did notice that this guide seems to cater more towards day pack hikers. If you’re carrying a full pack, be prepared for more challenging sections that aren’t as clearly outlined. Nonetheless, this guide remains a valuable companion for anyone tackling this scenic route.
The Official West Highland Way Guide
This guidebook is ideal for those who want to explore the West Highland Way in-depth.
Pros
- Detailed maps
- Historical context
- User-friendly
Cons
- Mixed navigation and history
- Overly detailed history sections
- Limited for on-the-go use
We recently used “The Official West Highland Way Guide” and found it to be very informative. The maps included in the book are great for planning ahead. They show the route clearly and highlight various landmarks to look out for during the hike.
The historical information provided can really enhance the experience, bringing the trail to life. It’s fascinating to learn about the places we were passing by. However, this guide mixes directions with historical notes, which can make it a bit difficult to consult while walking.
While the guide shines in planning, it is less convenient for use during the hike itself due to the mixed presentation of instructions and history. The trail is well-signposted, so this guide is perfect for reading before the trip.
West Highland Way XT40 Map
This map is a great companion for anyone planning to hike the West Highland Way, offering durability and clear details.
Pros
- Highly durable and waterproof
- Lightweight for easy carrying
- Detailed route information and tips
Cons
- Limited to the route; lacks wider area details
- Might be unnecessary due to good signposting on the trail
- Only in English despite some translations
We found the West Highland Way XT40 Map incredibly useful on our hike. Its waterproof nature meant that even in the relentless Scottish rain, the map remained fully intact. We didn’t have to worry about it getting torn or soaked, which was a huge relief.
Moreover, the lightweight design made it easy to carry, without adding any bulk to our backpacks. It’s designed specifically for the West Highland Way, so all the vital spots are clearly marked, helping us navigate effortlessly. Plus, the additional tips for stops and walking times were handy.
However, the map focuses solely on the route of the West Highland Way, so if you’re planning to venture off the beaten path, you might find it lacking. Also, given how well-signposted the trail is, some hikers might not find the map essential. While translations are included, the primary information is in English, which could be a limitation for non-English speakers.
In summary, this map is perfect for a straightforward West Highland Way hike, ensuring you stay on track without any worries about weather-related damage.
WHW Folding Map: Big Trails Guidemaps
A must-have for any adventurer tackling the West Highland Way, blending quick reference features with detailed planning options.
Pros
- Durable, waterproof paper
- Clear and easy-to-follow map sections
- Custom itinerary planning
Cons
- Small printed information
- Some sections may feel cluttered
- Limited readability for some users
We found the WHW Folding Map to be incredibly useful on our journey. The waterproof paper withstood Scotland’s unpredictable weather, keeping our map intact and readable. Each section of the trail is clearly marked, making navigation a breeze.
Planning our trek was simple with the custom itinerary options. The detailed instructions allowed us to adjust our route based on daily progress and weather conditions. Having different suggestions for walkers, trekkers, and trail runners was a thoughtful touch.
The downside is the small print. It was sometimes challenging to read details without straining our eyes. Despite this, the overall benefits outweigh this minor inconvenience, especially when it came to accurate trail representation and physical durability.
If planning a trip to the West Highland Way, we highly recommend the WHW Folding Map. It’s a solid companion for any type of adventurer, whether beginner or experienced.
Picturing Scotland: The West Highland Way
This guidebook is a perfect companion for anyone looking to explore the West Highland Way through stunning photography and descriptive insights.
Pros
- Gorgeous photos capture the essence of the trail
- Compact size, easy to carry
- Informative captions provide context
Cons
- Limited to 96 pages
- Focuses mostly on visuals
- Hardcover might feel bulky to some
The first thing we noticed about this guidebook is its beautiful photography. Every page takes us on a visual journey along the West Highland Way. It’s like we’re hiking the trail from the comfort of our own home.
The book is compact, making it easy to bring along on our trips. We appreciate that each photo comes with informative captions, allowing us to learn more about each location featured.
On the downside, the book is only 96 pages long. While the photos are amazing, it seems to focus more on visuals than detailed hiking information. Some readers might find the hardcover to be a bit bulky to carry around.
Overall, it’s a delightful book to own, especially if we enjoy beautiful landscapes and are looking for inspiration for our next hiking adventure.
The West Highland Way (Footprint Map)
This map-guide is a must-have for anyone planning to hike the West Highland Way.
Pros
- Easy to read
- Detailed maps for every step
- Foldable and waterproof
Cons
- Lacks contour lines
- Shipping can be slow
- Not fully waterproof without extra protection
Using the The West Highland Way (Footprint Map) made our trek so much easier. The clarity of the maps allowed us to stay on the right path with confidence. Every step of the way felt guided, and we never worried about getting lost.
One amazing feature is its detailed sections, which break down the entire 95-mile route from Milngavie to Fort William. We particularly appreciated the blown-up sections, which gave extra details when we needed them. The foldable and waterproof design was a lifesaver in the unpredictable Scottish weather.
While it’s great, there are a few drawbacks. The map lacks contour lines, which could have been useful for gauging elevation changes. Also, it took a while to arrive, so make sure to order in advance. Lastly, although it’s resistant to water, it’s not fully waterproof without a plastic cover. Despite these minor issues, this map-guide proved to be an indispensable tool for our journey.
West Highland Way Guidebook
This guidebook is essential for anyone planning to hike the West Highland Way.
Pros
- Comprehensive maps
- Detailed accommodation options
- Helpful trekking tips
Cons
- Long introductory section
- Some inaccuracies in pricing
- A bit bulky to carry
The West Highland Way Guidebook offers a thorough guide for the entire route. We found the maps extremely helpful in avoiding getting lost at crucial trail junctions. The descriptions of various sections were clear and accurate, making the trek easier to plan.
Another great feature is the depth of information on lodging and food stops. Whether you’re into camping or prefer B&Bs, this guidebook covers it all. The book makes it easy to plan your stops, ensuring you have a place to rest after a long day’s walk.
While the beginning of the book could be more concise, we appreciated the detailed breakdowns of each segment. It includes distances, elevation changes, and the type of terrain you can expect. This guide is a valuable companion for anyone looking to make the most of their West Highland Way adventure.
Buying Guide
When choosing a guidebook for the West Highland Way, there are a few important features to look out for. Let’s go through them together to make sure we find the best one!
Detailed Maps
A good guidebook should have clear and detailed maps. These maps should show the trail, nearby roads, water sources, and landmarks.
Route Descriptions
Look for well-written descriptions of each part of the trail. These should include distances, elevation changes, and points of interest.
Accommodation Listings
It’s helpful if the guidebook lists places to stay along the way. This can include hotels, hostels, campsites, and B&Bs. Check if it gives contact details and prices.
| Feature | Importance | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Detailed Maps | Essential | Clear trail markings, landmarks, and water sources |
| Route Descriptions | Very Important | Includes distances, elevations, and points of interest |
| Accommodation | Very Important | Lists of places to stay, with contact details |
Weather Tips
Weather can be a big factor, so finding a guidebook with weather tips will be helpful. This might include what kind of gear to bring and reminders about how the weather can change quickly.
Emergency Information
It’s always good to have emergency information. A good guidebook should tell us about the nearest medical facilities and emergency contact numbers.
| Feature | Importance | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Weather Tips | Helpful | Advice on gear and weather changes |
| Emergency Info | Essential | Medical facilities and contact numbers |
Traveler’s Tips
Look for extra tips. These can be about local customs, helpful apps, or advice from past hikers.
Portability
A guidebook should be light and portable. We don’t want to carry something heavy or bulky during our hike.
By keeping these features in mind, you can choose the best guidebook for our West Highland Way adventure.
