West Highland Way or Arran Coastal Way or ???

[Shenoa]

Hello!

I walked the Camino Frances from St Jean to Finisterre in 2007 at the age of 23 and it remains a highlight of my life.
And then 10 years ago I did a cycle tour loop from Fort William to Oban and then onto the Outer Herbrides and back via Skye. Scotland has since been a place I long to revisit. I have a young family now but I also am craving a solo walk so Scotland seems like a perfect place for a solo walk for this time in my life.

My plan has been to do the West Highland Way this August but I'm wondering if I should consider an alternative ???

I really can only travel to Scotland in August and I am guessing the WHW will be very busy then. I did the Camino in Sept/Oct and even so, it was busier with other pilgrims than I'd expected. That being said, I didn't really mind being around others during much of my time on the trail...
But will the WHW be a zoo in August?

I've been reviewing other options for a 5-9 day walk in Scotland and there seem to be quite a few other options in that range. Most of what I've read is more descriptive and less comparative though so I'm looking for some opinions and suggestions from a group that might have some experience. I think the current "top" alternative I'm considering is the Arran Coastal Way. Has anyone done either trail or both? I'm also open to any and all suggestions.
For context, I'm a fit 40 year old from the heart of the Canadian Rockies with a strong background in mountain travel and adventure (backpacking, ski mountaineering, climbing etc). That being said, I'm aiming to do this solo trip somewhat minimalistic so I'd rather not have to bring camping gear. A walk with some options for accommodations and lovely highland scenery and historical Scottish villages would be delightful.

I continually read that the WHW is busy for a reason - it's one of the best long walks in Scotland - so should I stick to the original long walk or consider an alternative????
Open to and grateful for any advice, recommendations, or trail reviews.


Thank you!

 

[duncanwhyte]

Try the John o groats trail. Starting from Inverness.

 

[eils]

I have done some stages of the Fife Coastal Path and I love it.
St Andrews and the fishing villages around the East Neuk of Fife are beautiful and although August is popular in that area (so although there's a lot of accommodation options, booking early is advised) the path will not be too busy.

Check the Visit Scotland website for accommodation too because some Bed and Breakfasts don't use Booking dot com.
The St Andrews Tourist Office (called the "St Andrews iCentre" is worth calling too. They'll be happy to help.

 

[mich7637]

I'm not sure I would describe WHW as a zoo since it's a tough walk so not so many people do it. If it's good weather and a holiday or weekend Ben Nevis can be mobbed. Why not combine the WHW with another - the ones you mentioned or the Isle of Skye which I fancy doing myself. You'll need a decnet tent and don't forget a midge net. Beautiful scenery

 

[Elle Bieling]

Just finished the WHW, mid-May and it was very, very busy. All accommodations were fully booked and folks were being shuttled to nearby places through their tour companies. I have been told by the locals that May is the busiest month. I had to book out accommodations a full year ahead. If you wish to do this in August, I would sincerely doubt you will find accommodation. However, maybe it isn't as busy then, but I'd get right on it immediately! There were lots of wild campers we saw along the way, so if you really want to do the WHW this year I would advise camping.

 

[mazzarina]

Fife Coastal path is beautiful! Another route worth considering is the Whithorn Way from Glasgow down through lovely Dumfries and Galloway. They have a pilgrim's passport and stamps, and the story of St Ninian is a special one. It's a newish route so you'll have lots of solitude. https://www.whithorn.com/walk-the-whithorn-way/

 

[mla1]

Arran way is also on my list. We did the west highland way in early October.
It is a fantastic walk - beautiful scenery, you would meet some people - but I would also be nervous about accommodation.

I would think you would have better luck with a less popular walk in the summer. The Hebridean Way sounds fantastic. Or you could do a couple of shorter walks - the Rob Roy Way, St Cuthberts Way.

You have likely already seen this, but just in case, here is a

List of long distance routes in Scotland

 

[Glenshiro]

WHW is the most popular long distance route in the UK.

I have just come back from a trip to the north of Scotland, including a couple of nights in Fort William, and it was clear that the WHW was very busy indeed. Even in quieter times, booking accommodation in advance is essential as there isn't much of it.

I've never walked the Arran coastal path but I have walked the Southern Upland Way from Portpatrick on the West Coast to Cockburnspath on the east. It over 200 miles long but there is a convenient breakpoint at Sanquhar, on the railway line between Carlisle and Glasgow, after approximately six days' walking.

If you want something a bit less isolated, I would suggest either St Cuthbert's Way, 100 km between Melrose and Lindisfarne,or the border Abbeys Way, 109 km of a circular walk.

Then there is the John Muir way, the Rob Roy way, and a host of others. Have a look here.

Bear in mind, however, that August is peak tourist time in Scotland and you may have to scratch around for accommodation.

Happy planning!

 

[sinein]

A really good website for many long distance options in Scotland is https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/long-distance-routes.shtml. It has some details of accommodation as well as the routes. May is often the best month with not so much rain but there will be rain. A lovely inspirational book is Landlines by Raynor Winn - she and her husband walked the Cape Wrath trail and the West Highland Way. Don't forget midge (mosquito) repellant for the late evening/dusk - something like Smidge that Midge is definitely worth having.

 

[selebi51]

Consider Kintyre Way. Base in Campeltown backpackers. There is a good bus service to and from each stage end to Vampbeltown so no need for a big pack.

 

[Bothydave]

A really good website for many long distance options in Scotland is https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/long-distance-routes.shtml. It has some details of accommodation as well as the routes. May is often the best month with not so much rain but there will be rain. A lovely inspirational book is Landlines by Raynor Winn - she and her husband walked the Cape Wrath trail and the West Highland Way. Don't forget midge (mosquito) repellant for the late evening/dusk - something like Smidge that Midge is definitely worth having.

I fully concur with these comments.
There is also a Pilgrim route now open through Fife ending in St Andrews that might be worth considering.
WHW is only one option, Great Glen, Southern Upland Way, Kintail Way, Cape Wrath Trail and many more. Look at Walk Highland as suggested above
And don’t forget Smidge no a midge head net in August

 

[Shenoa]

Try the John o groats trail. Starting from Inverness.

Thank you for the suggestion. This route looks lovely and I had hoped to visit Inverness on one end of my walking route so this has potential. Have you done the full route? I did a little reading and it looks like I could find accommodations throughout the route, does that sound right?

 

[Shenoa]

I have done some stages of the Fife Coastal Path and I love it.
St Andrews and the fishing villages around the East Neuk of Fife are beautiful and although August is popular in that area (so although there's a lot of accommodation options, booking early is advised) the path will not be too busy.

Check the Visit Scotland website for accommodation too because some Bed and Breakfasts don't use Booking dot com.
The St Andrews Tourist Office (called the "St Andrews iCentre" is worth calling too. They'll be happy to help.

Thank you for the suggestion. I'm flying in and out of Edinburgh so this is a simple option and looks lovely! Thank you

 

[Shenoa]

I'm not sure I would describe WHW as a zoo since it's a tough walk so not so many people do it. If it's good weather and a holiday or weekend Ben Nevis can be mobbed. Why not combine the WHW with another - the ones you mentioned or the Isle of Skye which I fancy doing myself. You'll need a decnet tent and don't forget a midge net. Beautiful scenery

Thank you for the suggestion. I originally thought about starting on the WHW and then continue onto skye or another walking route. I traveled Skye by bike 10 years ago and LOVED it so I also keep reading about the Skye Trail which looks amazing, I would just need to be prepared to camp. Is that a route you're thinking of too?
And after a month wild camping and traveling on bike on the outer and inner herbrides I know midges and scottish weather well

 

[Shenoa]

Just finished the WHW, mid-May and it was very, very busy. All accommodations were fully booked and folks were being shuttled to nearby places through their tour companies. I have been told by the locals that May is the busiest month. I had to book out accommodations a full year ahead. If you wish to do this in August, I would sincerely doubt you will find accommodation. However, maybe it isn't as busy then, but I'd get right on it immediately! There were lots of wild campers we saw along the way, so if you really want to do the WHW this year I would advise camping.

This is helpful, thank you! I've read that May is the most popular month for the WHW as well, but I'm sure it will be quite busy in August still. I can still find single beds available along the WHW but I'm aware if I don't want to camp and want to keep the trip down in costs I'll need to book soon.

 

[Shenoa]

Fife Coastal path is beautiful! Another route worth considering is the Whithorn Way from Glasgow down through lovely Dumfries and Galloway. They have a pilgrim's passport and stamps, and the story of St Ninian is a special one. It's a newish route so you'll have lots of solitude. https://www.whithorn.com/walk-the-whithorn-way/

Thanks for the reply. Another vote for Fife.... I'll look closer at that one and check out the Whithord Way too - thank you.
And I do love the passport and stamp piece - certainly adds a little something

 

[Shenoa]

Arran way is also on my list. We did the west highland way in early October.
It is a fantastic walk - beautiful scenery, you would meet some people - but I would also be nervous about accommodation.

I would think you would have better luck with a less popular walk in the summer. The Hebridean Way sounds fantastic. Or you could do a couple of shorter walks - the Rob Roy Way, St Cuthberts Way.

You have likely already seen this, but just in case, here is a

List of long distance routes in Scotland

Thank you so much for the reply. Yes, that link is quite helpful and a good clear way to compare the routes.
At this point I seem to be able to find beds in August along the way. Perphaps it's a little easier as a solo budget traveler to plan within 2 months - seems most hostels and bunkhouses still have beds available so that keeps WHW as an option.
The Herbridean Way would be amazing - I did those islands by bike but we were on slick touring tires so we kept the the main roads (still so quiet) but we wild camped the whole time. It was a really special trip.
I had looked at Rob Roy but will look into St Cuthberts.

Thank you!

 

[Ernie Fraser]

Hello!

I walked the Camino Frances from St Jean to Finisterre in 2007 at the age of 23 and it remains a highlight of my life.
And then 10 years ago I did a cycle tour loop from Fort William to Oban and then onto the Outer Herbrides and back via Skye. Scotland has since been a place I long to revisit. I have a young family now but I also am craving a solo walk so Scotland seems like a perfect place for a solo walk for this time in my life.

My plan has been to do the West Highland Way this August but I'm wondering if I should consider an alternative ???

I really can only travel to Scotland in August and I am guessing the WHW will be very busy then. I did the Camino in Sept/Oct and even so, it was busier with other pilgrims than I'd expected. That being said, I didn't really mind being around others during much of my time on the trail...
But will the WHW be a zoo in August?

I've been reviewing other options for a 5-9 day walk in Scotland and there seem to be quite a few other options in that range. Most of what I've read is more descriptive and less comparative though so I'm looking for some opinions and suggestions from a group that might have some experience. I think the current "top" alternative I'm considering is the Arran Coastal Way. Has anyone done either trail or both? I'm also open to any and all suggestions.
For context, I'm a fit 40 year old from the heart of the Canadian Rockies with a strong background in mountain travel and adventure (backpacking, ski mountaineering, climbing etc). That being said, I'm aiming to do this solo trip somewhat minimalistic so I'd rather not have to bring camping gear. A walk with some options for accommodations and lovely highland scenery and historical Scottish villages would be delightful.

I continually read that the WHW is busy for a reason - it's one of the best long walks in Scotland - so should I stick to the original long walk or consider an alternative????
Open to and grateful for any advice, recommendations, or trail reviews.


Thank you!

I have walked the WHW and it is a great route with wonderful scenery. Walked in September with two friends and, while we saw other walkers, it was not busy like the Camino Frances or Camino Portuguese. In Scotland, I have walked to other routes - Speyside Way and Kintyre Way - which also were great experiences. Any of these route could easily be walked solo. The terrain varies but there is no technical stuff required. I think it would be important to book lodging before setting out.

 

[Shenoa]

WHW is the most popular long distance route in the UK.

I have just come back from a trip to the north of Scotland, including a couple of nights in Fort William, and it was clear that the WHW was very busy indeed. Even in quieter times, booking accommodation in advance is essential as there isn't much of it.

I've never walked the Arran coastal path but I have walked the Southern Upland Way from Portpatrick on the West Coast to Cockburnspath on the east. It over 200 miles long but there is a convenient breakpoint at Sanquhar, on the railway line between Carlisle and Glasgow, after approximately six days' walking.

If you want something a bit less isolated, I would suggest either St Cuthbert's Way, 100 km between Melrose and Lindisfarne,or the border Abbeys Way, 109 km of a circular walk.

Then there is the John Muir way, the Rob Roy way, and a host of others. Have a look here.

Bear in mind, however, that August is peak tourist time in Scotland and you may have to scratch around for accommodation.

Happy planning!

Thank you for the comprehensive reply and suggestions! We did a train trip from Edinburgh to Northumberland and visited Lindisfarnes as a family just last year. There does look to be some lovely history and costal travel there!
I'm not sure why but I am a little more drawn to the highlands so hadn't looked into either of your suggestions until just now. So many delightful options! John Muir is quite an icon over here in North America too so this route was also on my list just for his name.

And yes, I wish I could come in September to escape the crowds a bit but alas I have a small one starting school so August it is. Luckily I'm a solo, dirtbag traveling and there still seem to be options for beds in most hostels and bunkhouses.

 

[Shenoa]

A really good website for many long distance options in Scotland is https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/long-distance-routes.shtml. It has some details of accommodation as well as the routes. May is often the best month with not so much rain but there will be rain. A lovely inspirational book is Landlines by Raynor Winn - she and her husband walked the Cape Wrath trail and the West Highland Way. Don't forget midge (mosquito) repellant for the late evening/dusk - something like Smidge that Midge is definitely worth having.

Oh - thanks for the book suggestion!
I have young ones that will be at a family cottage through August so it's unfortunately my only option to get away for a couple of weeks.
I was well acquainted with midges when I travelled on the hebrides but that you for the reminder to come prepared with repellant (we biked and wild camped for a month and fortunately it was consistently windy so the midges weren't terrible but when the wind died down we understood the comments we read before leaving!)

 

[Shenoa]

Consider Kintyre Way. Base in Campeltown backpackers. There is a good bus service to and from each stage end to Vampbeltown so no need for a big pack.

Thank you for adding another trail to my list to look into! So many delightful options.
I've read about other routes being done this way too (Arran Coastal Way was one as well) - set up a base at a single accommodation and simply do each section with a little help from transit.
Seems like a logistically simple way and a nice way to get to know a place a little differently but I can't help but feel something would be missing without the routine of packing up each morning and moving with my belongings while I walk each day. Maybe that's a silly think to be attached to though!

 

[Shenoa]

I fully concur with these comments.
There is also a Pilgrim route now open through Fife ending in St Andrews that might be worth considering.
WHW is only one option, Great Glen, Southern Upland Way, Kintail Way, Cape Wrath Trail and many more. Look at Walk Highland as suggested above
And don’t forget Smidge no a midge head net in August

Thank you for adding to the discussion. Have you done Cape Wrath or part of it? It appeals to me but the total route is longer than I would be able to tackle this trip and it looks like I would definitely need to be well prepared to camp.
Looking at the map on walkhighlands website it looks like you could do a bit of a loop route from Fort William and loop the start via the Great Glen and then come back to Fort William via Glenfinnan. I'll look closer at that route as well.
Thanks so much!

 

[duncanwhyte]

Thank you for the suggestion. This route looks lovely and I had hoped to visit Inverness on one end of my walking route so this has potential. Have you done the full route? I did a little reading and it looks like I could find accommodations throughout the route, does that sound right?

No I haven't walked this. You can read my report of the Cape Wrath Trail on walking Highlands.

If you went with a tarp and bivvy bag you'd probably get by, without total camping.

 

[SEB2]

Arran is often referred to as Scotland in miniature with impressive peaks, standing stones, castles, magnificent coastline, two distilleries & stunning wildlife, golden eagles, seals, dolphins, basking sharks & red deer.There’s a short ferry from Lochranza in the north over to Kintyre should you want to extend your journey. Easy to get to by train from Glasgow. There’s a youth hostel in Lochranza.

 

[eils]

Arran is often referred to as Scotland in miniature with impressive peaks, standing stones, castles, magnificent coastline, two distilleries & stunning wildlife, golden eagles, seals, dolphins, basking sharks & red deer.There’s a short ferry from Lochranza in the north over to Kintyre should you want to extend your journey. Easy to get to by train from Glasgow. There’s a youth hostel in Lochranza.

Yes, that sounds a great option.
I have stayed in both a dorm and a single room in the Lochranza Youth Hostel and both are decent and inexpensive options - and a great way to meet like-minded souls.

 

[eils]

Just finished the WHW, mid-May and it was very, very busy. All accommodations were fully booked and folks were being shuttled to nearby places through their tour companies. I have been told by the locals that May is the busiest month. I had to book out accommodations a full year ahead. If you wish to do this in August, I would sincerely doubt you will find accommodation. However, maybe it isn't as busy then, but I'd get right on it immediately! There were lots of wild campers we saw along the way, so if you really want to do the WHW this year I would advise camping.

The one positive about doing the WHW in mid to late August is that the Scottish school term begins again on the 13th or 14th August so that means many locals won't be on the trail.
I heard that Scots make up a large percentage of the walkers.
English schools return in September however...