When to walk the West Highland Way
What each season is like on the route, from the walkers' busiest month to the winter.
The main walking season is April to October. The best months are April, May, September and October. Avoid November, December, January, February and March unless you are experienced and fully prepared.
The seasons at a glance
| Season | Rating | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (April-May) | Best | May is the most popular month, so book accommodation early and, at busy times, avoid starting on a Saturday. Spring is especially beautiful, before the worst of the midges. |
| Summer (June-August) | Very good | Long daylight and the warmest weather, but midges are usually at their worst from June to August. Carry repellent and a head net. |
| Autumn (September-October) | Very good | Especially beautiful, with autumn colour and fewer walkers. Midges linger into September, and days shorten noticeably by October. |
| Winter (November-March) | Fair | Winter conditions can be expected. Only for fit walkers with good winter navigation skills, fully prepared. |
Season by season
Spring (April-May)
May is the most popular month, so book accommodation early and, at busy times, avoid starting on a Saturday. Spring is especially beautiful, before the worst of the midges.
- + Fresh spring landscapes
- + Before the worst of the midges
- + Lengthening days
- − Busiest month (May)
- − Accommodation books out
- − Changeable weather
Summer (June-August)
Long daylight and the warmest weather, but midges are usually at their worst from June to August. Carry repellent and a head net.
- + Very long daylight
- + Warmest weather
- + All services open
- − Midges at their worst
- − Busy trail
- − Accommodation books out early
Autumn (September-October)
Especially beautiful, with autumn colour and fewer walkers. Midges linger into September, and days shorten noticeably by October.
- + Autumn colour
- + Fewer walkers
- + Midges fading
- − Shortening days
- − Increasing rain and wind
Winter (November-March)
Winter conditions can be expected. Only for fit walkers with good winter navigation skills, fully prepared.
- + Solitude
- + No midges
- + Snow on the mountains
- − Winter conditions
- − Very short daylight
- − Some services closed
Common questions
What is the best time to walk the West Highland Way?
The main walking season is April to October. The best months are April, May, September and October. Avoid November, December, January, February and March unless you are experienced and fully prepared.
What is spring like on the West Highland Way?
May is the most popular month, so book accommodation early and, at busy times, avoid starting on a Saturday. Spring is especially beautiful, before the worst of the midges.
Can I walk the West Highland Way in winter?
Winter conditions can be expected. Only for fit walkers with good winter navigation skills, fully prepared.
