The West Highland Way
The West Highland Way is one of Scotland's bucket list long-distance trails - and with good reason: it's stunning!
Head from south to north and you'll experience the scenery change from the serene views of the mountains across Loch Lomond to the wild and majestic mountain ranges in the north.
The trail begins easily enough, with just one awesome climb up Conic Hill and continues along the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, where there's a challenging section across rocks and bouldery paths that can be a bit muddy and slippery.
The lonely stretch across Rannoch Moor eventually opens up to views of the iconic Buachaille Etive Mor in Glen Coe, before heading up the Devil's Staircase to the highest point of the trail, with unforgettable views.
Eventually, you'll head into Fortwilliam, where you can choose to hike Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis (13445m).
At 97 miles, an experienced backpacker can hike the trail in 5 days, but an 8 or 9-day hike makes it suitable for fit beginners too.
The trail is well-signposted, so there's no need to be an expert navigator; there are plenty of amenities along the trail, including campsites, bothies, cafes and pubs, and its popularity means solo hikers are never far from help if needed.
If you're looking for a thorough guide to help plan your hike, head to www.10milehike.com, and check out the trail guides.
NB. Waymarks: The wild camp spots marked on this map are approximate.

Wild camp 1
Very stony patch of ground and difficult to pitch. There was nothing else around and it was almost dark on arrival.

Wild camp 2
Small patch of level ground in the scrub. Beautiful views over Loch Lomond and the back of Conic Hill.

Start of Camping Management Zone
Note that this is where the West Highland Way intersects the Camping Management Zone as you come down off Conic Hill.
If you hike the lower track, you enter the Camping Management zone just before Creityhall.
Check for latest details and maps on Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority website

Wild Camp 3 (Permit)
Camping Management Zone. This is the only wild camping permit site along Loch Lomond on the West Highland Way. Book a permit on the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority website up to 4 weeks before your stay.
Its a wooded site and it wasn't easy to find a level pitch between tree roots. It's possible to camp on the pebbly beach if the wind isn't blowing the water too high.
Gorgeous mountain views!

The Clansman Bar
Ideal place for hungry hikers! Hearty pub food with a view over the Loch

End of Camping Management Zone

Inversnaid Bunkhouse
Follow the road uphill to the bunkhouse and campsite

Doune Bothy
Mountain Bothy Association

Wild Camp 4
A level grassy pitch with a mountain backdrop

Popular Wild Camping Spot
There's a flat area of ground beside the river - don't expect to have it to yourself!

Wild Camp 5
A level, non-boggy pitch on Rannoch moor with spectacular mountain views

Popular Wild Camping Spot
Free public shower and toilets

Wild Camp 6
A not entirely level, tiny pitch beside the path on Devil's Staircase. There was a far better level pitch shortly before this, but there were already 3 tents there. There are some great pitches on the other side after the descent down by the river - it could be midgy though!

Devi'ls Staircase
Highest point on the West Highland Waty

The Sheepfold offers a good pitch, but just beyond it there's a level patch of ground in an opening away from the trees (sensible in high wind!). The ground was rocky and it was very midgy beside the water, but it's a great stop before the final day's hike to Fort William.

The West Highland Way