If you’re looking for West Highland Way accommodation, you’re in the right place. Scotland’s most famous long-distance walking trail spans 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William and is well served by hotels, bunkhouses and B&Bs.
No matter whether you’re completing the hike on a budget and interspersing accommodation with camping or you’re splashing out on a luxury experience, you’ll find your perfect West Highland Way accommodation in this guide.
Read more: (opens in new tab)
- Planning your West Highland Way Route
- West Highland Way Packing List
- Camping on the West Highland Way
- Great Glen Way vs. West Highland Way
West Highland Way Accommodation Guide
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This list of accommodation on the West Highland Way is not exhaustive. If you try booking one of these options and the place is sold out, do check booking.com to see whether other lodgings are available in the area.
Top tip! If you can, avoid beginning the West Highland Way on the weekend. This is when most people tend to tackle the trail and competition for accommodation can be fierce in peak season. Always do your research beforehand to check that there are no local events (e.g. The West Highland Way Race) that coincide with your hike. This will make beds much harder to find!
Milngavie Accommodation
Milngavie is an easily reachable suburb of Glasgow and the starting point of the West Highland Way.
This is where I stayed before embarking on the West Highland Way. These cosy apartments are ideal for couples and perfectly located if you are taking on the trail. They offer all the necessary amenities and there is a small kitchen where you can prep food ready to take on your adventure.
Premier Inn ££
In general, I think it is much nicer to stay at independently owned accommodation rather than at hotels run by big chains. However, when the options are few and far between, one must sometimes dance with the devil. If you’re looking for basic budget-friendly digs, the Premier Inn at Milngavie is a good choice.
Glasgow Accommodation
If you want more choice when it comes to accommodation around the trailhead, I’d recommend staying in Glasgow the night before your hike and hopping on a train to Milngavie the following day.
Overlooking Kelvingrove Park, this centrally located hostel sits right in the hubbub. It offers both shared accommodation and private rooms, all on a backpacker-friendly budget. Travellers love the social vibe and say that this is a great place for meeting other people, particularly at the evening social events.
Let’s be real, you’re planning on walking nearly a hundred miles over a few days. It is going to be tough. Celebrate your last night off of the trail by indulging in luxury. Crowne Plaza offers plush rooms with access to an indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room. Oooh la-la!
Drymen Accommodation
This bed and breakfast is set just off the West Highland Way in Drymen. Owner Frances is very familiar with her trail herself, having taken part in the WHW race previously. The lodgings are housed in a former church, making this a unique accommodation stop on any West Highland Way itinerary. As well as private and shared accommodation, there are also drying facilities – a godsend when the rain comes on!
This family-run pub is a wonderful mid-range option in Drymen. The tastefully decorated rooms offer a wonderful escape from the trail and it is also dog-friendly, making it a great choice for those with pooches. Don’t miss the generous Scottish breakfast in the morning, it is sure to prepare you for the day’s walk!
Balmaha Accommodation
Kitted out in cosy cabin style, Birchwood Guest Lodge is situated on the east side of Loch Lomond, perfectly positioning hikers ready to take on the Conic Hill section of the West Highland Way. No food is included in the room rate, however, there is a well-equipped communal kitchen so you can prepare your own meals.
Oak Tree Inn ££
Oak Tree Inn is situated adjacent to the West Highland Way trail making it a convenient accommodation stop. Rooms are traditionally decorated, giving this place a homely feel. Breakfast is available on site and there is also a bar so you can treat yourself to a well-earned beer when you’ve finished walking for the day.
Rowardennan Accommodation
Rowardennan is best known for being the starting point for treks up to Ben Lomond. Capitalising on that fact, the Ben Lomond Bunkhouse has long been a favourite among hillwalkers and long-distance hikers alike. Offering reasonably priced bunks in mixed dorms, this is a fantastic budget option for solo travellers.
This youth hostel is nestled on the banks of Loch Lomond and provides ideal lodgings for a night or two. There are a variety of dorm rooms on offer, as well as private doubles. The communal kitchen is great for rustling up dinner. Alternatively, snacks, meals and drinks can be purchased directly from the hostel.
Inverarnan Accommodation
Drovers Inn ££
Previously, there was the option to stay at Beinglas Farm Campsite in Inverarnan, however, this is closing at the end of the 2022 season. Therefore, the only option in the area is the Drovers Inn. Over 300 years old, this pub cum hotel is a quirky choice, best known for its spooky ghost stories and roaring entertainment. It’s also dog-friendly.
Tyndrum Accommodation
Owned by the campsite, these glamping huts offer a budget-friendly change from the tent! The pods have all the basics, including a toilet inside and most importantly, a bed! This is the perfect base on the West Highland Way to rest your weary legs.
Offering spacious rooms to unwind after a long day hiking, Tyndrum Lodges is within easy walking distance to various food stops and shops. They offer options for late check-ins in case of any unexpected trail disruptions and the staff is super friendly.
Bridge of Orchy Accommodation
This clean and comfortable hotel is undoubtedly the most popular accommodation option in Bridge of Orchy. It is more expensive than many of the other lodgings listed here but a truly beautiful place to stop for the night. The friendly staff are known for providing a warm welcome to guests and hungry hikers give the food here a huge thumbs up!
Kingshouse (Glencoe) Accommodation
Located at Kingshouse Hotel, the bunkhouse is a great option for those seeking refuge from the elements. Easily recognisable from its wooden aesthetic, this modern bunkhouse is a hugely popular spot on the WHW, so make sure you book in advance! If you’ve had a wet day on the trail, don’t forget to make use of their drying room.
Glencoe Mountain Resort Pods £
The micro lodges at Glencoe Mountain Resort are a gem for those who are swapping between camping and bunkhouses on the West Highland Way. These budget-friendly lodges are compact and cosy, just a stone’s throw from the trail. The downside? You’ll need your own bedding as none is provided.
Kinlochleven Accommodation
The wonderful Blackwater Hostel is far more than just a bunkhouse. Also boasting glamping micro lodges in the garden which backs onto River Leven, there is an accommodation option to suit a range of budgets here. Opt for hostel accommodation for access to their fully-equipped kitchen or stay in a pod with a wee kitchenette for a more private experience.
Tigh na Cheo ££
If you’re looking for a bit more of a treat than the standard bunkhouse, Tigh na Cheo is it. All the little touches have been considered here and the bathroom even has muscle soak bubble bath – much needed after a day on the trail! All rooms come with a complimentary breakfast, ideal for setting you up for the day ahead.
Fort William Accommodation
The end point of the West Highland Way, Fort William is also known as the gateway to the Highlands.
Alexandra Hotel £££
This imposing 19th-century hotel is a picture-perfect example of accommodation in the Scottish Highlands. Seriously, all of the hotels look like this in the brochures! Close to Ben Nevis, Alexandra Hotel is a great base if you want to tag the UK’s highest mountain onto the end of your long-distance hike. Some people are just glutton for punishment, aren’t they?!
Ideal for travellers and walkers alike, Fort William Backpackers is no stranger to people walking the WHW. Part of the MacBackpackers chain and a favourite with shoestring backpackers making their way around Scotland, the colourful rooms are easy on the wallet. A great option for a no-frills stay at the end of the trail.
For a novel stay that you won’t forget in a hurry, head to Garrison Cells. This hotel has been kitted out to look like a prison, with stylish ‘cell’ rooms and barred doors. Although it isn’t the most naturally relaxing setting, it is certainly a unique way to sign off the West Highland Way.
Centrally located and just a short walk from the WHW endpoint, MacLean Guest House is a great place to stay once you’ve completed the hike. You’ll gratefully sink into bed and are likely to get one of the best sleeps of your life!
Where to Stay on the West Highland Way: FAQs
Do I need to reserve my West Highland Way accommodation in advance?
In peak season, it is always recommended to book your accommodation on the West Highland Way in advance. During the summer months, beds can fill months ahead of time. In the shoulder season, you may be able to be a bit more flexible, however, bear in mind that some spots (including many of the glamping sites) are only open seasonally.
Is it possible to buy West Highland Way accommodation packages?
Organised West Highland Way walking holidays will usually include a full accommodation package inclusive of the price. While some people like the community that an organised tour brings, it does significantly hike up the price of the experience.
Is there dog-friendly accommodation on the West Highland Way?
There is a fair bit of dog-friendly accommodation on the West Highland Way so you are able to take your pup with you. A few examples of dog-friendly accommodation include:
Can I wild camp on the West Highland Way?
You can wild camp along large sections of the West Highland Way. However, from March 1st to September 30th, there are restrictions around Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park for wild campers. If you are wild camping, you should always follow leave no trace policies.
Check out this post for more information about camping on the West Highland Way.
How can I avoid accommodation on the West Highland Way filling up?
If you are concerned about accommodation filling up, steer clear of peak season, time your visit to avoid any national holidays and always book in advance. I’d recommend carrying a tent so that you can wild camp if you can’t get accommodation.
Are there baggage transfer services for the West Highland Way?
Baggage transfer services are offered in both directions along the West Highland Way. These companies will usually drop off luggage at popular lodgings along the route, including at campsites. Always make sure that your accommodation is serviced before booking your baggage transfers. Travel-Lite and AMS are two such examples of baggage transfer companies.
How much does accommodation cost on the West Highland Way?
Accommodation along the West Highland Way varies hugely in price. Budget hikers should opt for shared dorm rooms in bunkhouses and hostels whenever possible to keep costs down. This is likely to cost somewhere in the region of £30-£50 per day.
Mid-range trekkers should budget between £50-80 per night. In most places, this will mean private accommodation often with ensuite rooms. The high-end budget can be as big as you choose to make it and can buy access to a whole range of luxuries, from hot tubs to swimming pools!
Have you walked the West Highland Way? Where was your favourite place that you stayed?
