Training for the West Highland Way & Ben Nevis – How to Get Ready for Our 2026 Expedition

The West Highland Way is Scotland’s most famous long-distance walking trail — and for good reason. Spanning 96 miles (154 km) from Milngavie, just outside Glasgow, to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, it offers an unforgettable journey through some of the country’s most iconic landscapes.

First opened in 1980 as Scotland’s first official long-distance footpath, the WHW takes walkers through a rich mix of scenery: the pastoral lowlands, the wooded shores of Loch Lomond, the wild openness of Rannoch Moor, and the rugged drama of Glencoe. Along the way, you’ll cross the Devil’s Staircase — the highest point on the route at 548m — a historic military road built in the 1750s and so named by soldiers who didn’t exactly appreciate the climb.

The trail ends in Fort William, sitting at the foot of Ben Nevis — the UK’s highest mountain at 1,345m. For many, this towering peak is a tempting extra challenge, and it’s the perfect grand finale to the West Highland Way.

Our 2026 West Highland Way & Ben Nevis Expedition

In May 2026, we’ll be taking on the full West Highland Way in 6 days, then spending an extra day summiting Ben Nevis.

📅 Dates: 23rd – 29th May 2026 (Bank Holiday weekend – only 4 days of annual leave needed!)

🕘 Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

🚶‍♀️ Distance: 154 km (96 miles) + Ben Nevis

⛰ Ascent: Approx. 5,500m total (including Ben Nevis)💪 Difficulty: Expert (see our grading system)

🎒 Accommodation: 4 nights wild camping, 2 nights at campsites, 1 night in hostel/bunkhouse

📍 Start: Milngavie (near Glasgow)

🏁 Finish: Ben Nevis summit & Fort William

👥 Group Size: Max 12 people👣 Led by: 2 Qualified Mountain Leaders (Hev & Janire)

💰 Cost: £700 (includes guided trek, accommodation fees & more; £125 deposit to secure your place)

This is a wild camping expedition — you’ll carry your own kit, cook your own meals, and sleep under the stars in some of Scotland’s most spectacular spots. But we’ve also built in 2 nights at campsites (with facilities) and 1 night in a hostel before our Ben Nevis climb for a little extra comfort.

📍 Full event details & booking: West Highland Way & Ben Nevis Event Page

Why the WHW is Achievable

While the West Highland Way is a big undertaking, it’s considered one of the easier multi-day treks in the UK in terms of elevation. The WHW itself involves around 3,300m of ascent/descent, spread fairly evenly along the route. The paths are generally clear and well-marked, with some sections on minor roads.

Training for the West Highland Way is essential if you want to enjoy the journey rather than just endure it. While the route is achievable for many, our itinerary covers long days of 21–34 km, carrying a full pack, followed by the climb of Ben Nevis. Building endurance, leg strength, and confidence on hills before you set off will make all the difference, ensuring you can focus on the scenery and the experience.

12-Week West Highland Way Training Plan

Our training plan is designed to prepare you for 6 long days of hiking, carrying a 15–17 kg pack, followed by a mountain ascent on tired legs.

Weeks 1–4 – Build Your Base

Goal: Get into the routine of regular walking, start adding hills, and introduce light pack weight.

• 1 short walk (5–8 km) midweek

• 1 hill walk (6–10 km)

• 1 longer walk (10–14 km) at the weekend

• 2 strength sessions per week (squats, lunges, planks, step-ups)

• Carry 4–5 kg in your pack on 1 walk/week

Weeks 5–8 – Increase Distance & Pack Weight

Goal: Extend mileage, tackle steeper climbs, and use your actual hiking kit.

• 1 midweek walk (6–10 km)

• 1 hill or stair climb session (45–60 min) with pack

• 1 long walk (14–20 km) at weekends

• Strength training 2x/week (add weighted step-ups & split squats)

• Carry 7–10 kg for long walks

• Wear hiking boots, try poles, and practise in waterproofs

Weeks 9–10 – Back-to-Back Days

Goal: Get used to walking long distances two days in a row.

• 1 midweek walk (8–10 km) with hills

• Weekend back-to-back hikes:

  • Day 1: 16–22 km with 10–12 kg pack

  • Day 2: 12–18 km with same pack

• Strength training 1–2x/week

Weeks 11–12 – Peak & Taper

Goal: Reach your longest training hikes, then recover for the event.

Week 11:

• Midweek walk (10 km with hills)

• Long hike (20–24 km with 12–15 kg pack)

Week 12:

• Light walks only (5–8 km)

• Stretching & mobility work

Extra Tips

• Break in your boots before the trip

• Train in all weather

• Practise with your actual kit

• Test snacks and hydration strategies

If you’re ready to take on one of the UK’s most scenic and rewarding challenges — and add the summit of Ben Nevis to your list — join us this May.

📍 Book your place here: West Highland Way & Ben Nevis Event Page

Test Your Gear Before the Big Trip – Intro to Wild Camping Weekend

Ahead of the WHW, we’re running a Wild Camping Skills Weekend in April 2026 (exact date TBC).

This is your chance to:

• Try out your tent, stove, and sleeping kit in a safe, supportive environment

• Learn how to choose a good pitch and set up camp efficiently

• Practise cooking outdoors and managing food storage

• Build confidence in packing, carrying, and using your gear

• Get hands-on guidance from Hev & Janire, who’ll be leading the WHW expedition

By the end of the weekend, you’ll know exactly what works (and what doesn’t) — and you’ll head to Scotland feeling prepared and ready for the adventure.

Packing for Success

Your training will prepare your body, but having the right gear will make your trek far more comfortable and enjoyable. From a reliable rucksack to the perfect sleeping bag, our West Highland Way Wild Camping Kit List covers everything you’ll need for this adventure, including optional extras and pro tips.📍 Read the full kit list here