Looking to walk the West Highland Way but avoid the crowds? Want to explore the larger mountains nearby, embark on serious backpacking trips, or continue north from Fort William? This guidebook takes the best of the Way and adds to it, offering detailed access, public transport, and facility information, over 100 photos, 1:50k OS mapping, detailed route description and overview maps. The routes are perfect for walking from April to October and suitable for backpackers of all levels. The guide's four parts are:




Mountain alternatives to eight of the nine stages of the WHW. Use the conventional overnight stops but divert onto mountains during the day for some Munro-bagging (Ben Lomond, Beinn Chabhair, Ben Lui, An Caisteal, and Beinn a'Chròin), plus smaller fells like the Mamores and Campsie fells.
Beginner backpacking trips with two two-day routes around Fort William's outskirts: the back of Ben Nevis and Taynuilt to Bridge of Orchy.
Divergent routes north through remote glens and over mountains. Start from Dumbarton or Arrochar, cross the main WH way at Inverarnan, then cross Ben Lui and Loch Etive, Kinlochleven, Loch Treig, Lairig Leacach, and finish at Spean Bridge.
Extend your journey from Fort William with multi-day excursions like Corrour to Dalwhinnie, Fort William to Inverie, Spean Bridge to Cluanie, or Cape Wrath expeditions.