The West Highland Way is celebrated for its dramatic scenery and rich cultural experiences. You’ll enjoy much of this while you’re walking throughout each stage, but the experience certainly doesn’t end when you stop and put your feet up for the day.
From luxurious B&B’s to rustic bothies, there are accommodation options to suit every style and budget. What’s more, not only is lodging convenient and accessible along the route, enjoying the Scottish hospitality at these special places is undoubtedly one of the best parts of walking the West Highland Way.
We put together this accommodation guide to help you get the most out of your West Highland Way adventure. Here’s what’s covered in the post:
- Do I need to reserve my West Highland Way accommodation in advance?
- How much does accommodation cost on the West Highland Way?
- West Highland Way Accommodation Directory
Do I need to reserve my West Highland Way accommodation in advance?
Generally speaking, yes. During the peak season (May-August), it is very likely that many places will be sold out nearly every night. Even outside of the busy months, it is a good idea to make advance bookings for places in resort areas, small towns with few accommodation options, and on weekends and holidays.
Plan Your Perfect West Highland Way Itinerary
- Offline GPS Maps for 5-, 6, 7, & 8-day West Highland Way itineraries.
- Itinerary tables with start/finish location & daily distances.
- Step-by-step instructions on how to use your GPS files for offline navigation.
Most campgrounds on the West Highland Way do not require reservations, but there are a few notable exceptions. You should book ahead for the Sallochy Campground and also at the MacDonald Hotel. Check out this Guide to Camping on the West Highland Way for more camping-specific information.
When booking for peak season, the earlier the better. If possible, try to reserve the most in-demand accommodations 3-6 months in advance. If you’re more of a last-minute person, don’t despair. Even calling a few days ahead can really pay off.
How much does accommodation cost on the West Highland Way?
A wonderful aspect of the West Highland Way is its very customizable nature. No two walkers have the same experience on this dynamic trek; in fact, if you walk it twice you’ll likely have vastly different experiences each time!
Just as you can tailor your itinerary to match your timeframe and your packing list to fit your travel style, so can you choose accommodation to fit your budget.
Prices vary greatly from place to place, but generally speaking, here’s what you can expect to pay for accommodation along the West Highland Way:
- B&B/Guesthouse/Hotel: £75+ (per person/per night)
- Bunkhouse/Hostel: £40 (per person/per night)
- Camping: £10 (per person/per night)
In our accommodation directory, we’ve provided our recommendations for high-end, mid-range, and budget options at all of the typical West Highland Way stops. We’ve defined those categories as follows:
- High-End: £70+ (per person/per night)
- Mid-Range: £40-70 (per person/per night)
- Budget:<£40 (per person/per night)
NOTE: Camping accommodation is not included in this post. Check out our detailed Guide to Camping on the West Highland Way for camping options on every stage.
Read more: How Much It Cost Us to Hike the West Highland Way
Get The FREE West Highland Way Essentials Handbook
Our free PDF guide covers all the basics – when to hike, accommodation, typical costs, and more!
West Highland Way Accommodation Directory
There are wonderful places to stay along the entire West Highland Way route. In this directory, we’ll give you key details about all of your options, as well as our best recommendations for every budget.
We’ve organized our list to follow most variations of the classic south to north walking itinerary.
- Milngavie
- Balmaha
- Drymen
- Rowardennan
- Inversnaid
- Inverarnan
- Crianlarich
- Tyndrum
- Bridge of Orchy
- Inveroran
- Kingshouse
- Kinlochleven
- Fort William
In addition, we’ve also created the West Highland Way Accommodation Map below so you can see where each of the options included in this guide are in relation to the trail.
Want help planning the perfect itinerary? Check out this handy West Highland Way Maps article!
Milngavie
High-End: West Highland Way Rooms
These two well-appointed apartments provide a perfect starting point for your West Highland Way adventure. They feature handy amenities like laundry, kitchen/kitchenette facilities, and free wifi, and the location is convenient for starting the walk.
Mid-Range: Premier Inn
There are actually two Premier Inns in Milngavie, one is called the Premier Inn Glasgow (Milngavie) and the other is the Premier Inn Glasgow (Bearsden). They are just a few minutes apart from each other and both are about a mile from the WHW starting point. These hotels are a great value for the price.
Budget: West Highland Way Campsite
Located a few miles past the starting point of the West Highland Way, this accommodation might be conveniently located for some, while a bit out of the way for others. The campsite offers luxury safari tents and well-appointed caravans in a tranquil setting.
Drymen
High-End: Ashbank Bed and Breakfast
Walkers seeking a bit of luxury after their first day on the trail will not be disappointed by this lovely B&B. Clean, welcoming, and conveniently located, this is an excellent option in Drymen. As an added bonus, the delicious hearty breakfast will sustain you for miles!
Mid-Range: The Drymen Inn
This classic Scottish inn serves up plenty of charm and warm hospitality. The vintage feel is balanced with modern conveniences, like free wifi and private bathrooms.
Budget: The Winnock Hotel
This hotel, now operated by Best Western, is a good value considering its many amenities and central location. While not particularly fancy, the rooms are cozy and there is a bar and restaurant on site.
Read more: West Highland Way Packing List
Balmaha
Mid-Range: Oak Tree Inn
Located in the heart of Balmaha you’ll find the quaint and lovely Oak Tree Inn. Famed for its 500-year old oak tree, this is a lovely family-run inn that makes an ideal stop for West Highland Way walkers.
You can expect cozy rooms, a friendly pub/restaurant, and an excellent breakfast! Highly recommended.
Budget: Balmaha Bunkhouse
A new budget option in Balmaha which opened in the Spring of 2023 is the Balmaha Bunkhouse. Located right on the West Highland Way, this recently updated accommodation has four rooms, which sleep between 2 – 6 people depending on the specific room.
Not only will you find accommodation that is friendly on your budget here, but one read of the Google reviews makes it clear that the owner’s care deeply about their guests, the area, and their well run bunkhouse.
Budget: Birchwood Guest Lodge
For simple, budget accommodation in Balmaha look no further than the Birchwood Guest Lodge. Located just up the road from the heart of the village, you’ll find comfortable rooms and a warm atmosphere. There is also a sparkling clean communal kitchen, which is the perfect place for walkers to prepare an evening meal.
Rowardennan
High-End: Rowardennan Hotel
This beautiful historic hotel is set in a stunning location on the banks of Loch Lomond, with many of the guest rooms enjoying great views of the surrounding area. The Rowardennan Hotel is the only high-end option in the area, but it is a good one!
Mid-Range: Rowardennan Lodge Youth Hostel
The charming old building and idyllic lochside location are just a few of the many things to love about this hostel. There is also a self-catering kitchen, laundry facilities, and a drying room. Private and en-suite rooms are available.
Budget: Ben Lomond Bunkhouse
Not only does this bunkhouse get rave reviews for its clean, cozy facilities and convenient location, but all proceeds from your stay will be used by the National Trust for conservation work on Ben Lomond. The bunkhouse has a communal kitchen and wonderful lounge in addition to its two small bedrooms. Space is quite limited, so it is definitely a good idea to book ahead.
Inversnaid
High-End: Garrison of Inversnaid
This incredible B&B offers two studio rooms inside a converted barn house. The property is a working farm that dates back to 1719 and boasts incredible mountain scenery in all directions. Weary walkers will enjoy the hot tub and lavish breakfast spread. Be advised that you’ll need to walk a little under a mile uphill from the WHW trail to reach this accommodation.
Mid-Range: Inversnaid Hotel
While this hotel is primarily used for coach tours, they do accept individual bookings when rooms are available. The hotel has a beautiful lochside location that is situated directly on the WHW route.
Budget: Inversnaid Bunkhouse
This unique bunkhouse is located inside an old church and offers a variety of room types to suit your needs. There is a pub on site, as well as a drying room and a hot tub. The bunkhouse is located a bit off the trail, but they offer free pick and and drop off on most days.
Inverarnan
High-End: The Drovers Inn
Guests will enjoy the unique character and friendly service at this historic hotel. There is an excellent restaurant on site that is known for its cozy setting and great atmosphere. There are a variety of rooms on offer, from the luxurious jacuzzi room to the reputedly haunted room in the lodge across the street!
Mid-Range: Rose Cottage B&B
This friendly B&B offers clean, comfortable rooms in a convenient location. The kind hosts provide laundry service upon request, as well as a hearty breakfast and warm hospitality.
Budget: Beinglas Farm
This excellent accommodation offers a variety of lodging options to suit any budget. There is a cozy B&B, as well as basic camping cabins and tent camping available. There’s a great restaurant, a small shop, and laundry facilities on site.
Crianlarich
High-End: Glenardran House
The village of Crianlarich is located about 15 minutes off the main WHW route, but many walkers find it to be a worthwhile detour. This is especially true if you choose to stay at the stylish and comfortable Glenardran House. With a welcoming staff and delicious breakfast, it’s everything a B&B should be and more.
Mid-Range: Best Western Crianlarich Hotel
This cozy hotel has clean, comfortable rooms and a good quality restaurant/bar on site. It is a dependable stop and a good value for those making the short detour to Crianlarich.
Budget: Crianlarich Youth Hostel
This excellent hostel is located inside a beautiful bungalow in a tranquil wooded location. There are private rooms and dorm beds available, as well as a drying room, communal kitchen, and lounge area.
Want to take the stress out of navigating on your West Highland Way trek? Learn more about our downloadable GPS file!
Tyndrum
High-End: Glengarry House B&B
Walkers rave about this exceptional bed and breakfast located on the outskirts of Tyndrum. The hosts are welcoming and knowledgeable, the space is cozy and peaceful, and the breakfast is delicious. They offer the option for laundry and an evening meal.
Mid-Range: Dalkell Cottage
This lovely little B&B offers rooms in their guesthouse as well as the option to stay in the cozy cottage on the property. All of the rooms provide tea/coffee and plenty of thoughtful touches. The friendly hosts enjoy catering to weary walkers.
Budget: By the Way Hostel and Campsite
In addition to dorm beds in the hostel, there are a range of unique accommodations available at By the Way (including camping pods and hobbit houses). Regardless of which type of lodging you choose, you’ll be perfectly located along the WHW trail and close to the shops of Tyndrum. The facilities are well-maintained and include a drying room and a communal kitchen.
Bridge of Orchy
High-End: Bridge of Orchy Hotel
This splendid hotel is one of only a couple options in the area, but being set in the middle of nowhere works in its favor. The Bridge of Orchy Hotel enjoys gorgeous views of the tranquil valley on the banks of the Orchy River. The building has plenty of traditional charm, but rooms have comfortable modern updates.
Budget: West Highland Way Sleeper
This cozy bunkhouse is the only other accommodation on this part of the route. Housed inside a historic train platform building, it is a unique and convenient option. Accommodation is basic but comfortable. There is a drying room, and a continental breakfast and linens are provided. Advance bookings are essential during the summer months.
Inveroran
Mid-Range: Inveroran Hotel
The Inveroran Hotel is a classic stop on the West Highland Way, and offers a unique Highlands experience. You’ll get a warm welcome from the friendly owners before settling in your comfortable room.
The food on offer is excellent and there this nothing quite like a quiet stay at a rural B&B on the West Highland Way.
Kingshouse
High-End: Kingshouse Hotel
Walkers looking for a spot of luxury will not be disappointed by their stay at the Kingshouse Hotel. This excellent accommodation boasts stunning quintessential Highlands scenery and beautifully renovated rooms in an 18th-century building. There is an upscale restaurant/bar on site, as well as a more casual pub next door.
Mid-Range: Glencoe Mountain Resort
With limited lodging in the area, this is a good value option for those who are willing to rough it just a bit. The resort offers cozy microlodges that sleep up to six people. The accommodation is very basic- just bunks with mattresses (bring your own sleeping bag) and shared bathroom facilities, but they are clean and comfortable. There is a fully licensed cafe on the site.
Budget: The Kingshouse Hotel Bunkhouse
If you want to enjoy the beautiful scenery and warm ambiance of the Kingshouse Hotel on a shoestring budget, this is an excellent option. The bunkhouse features a variety of room sizes, sleeping anywhere from two to six people. There are shared bathroom facilities and a communal kitchenette. Linens are provided and towels are available for rent.
Kinlochleven
High-End: Tigh na Cheo Guest House
It’s the small details and thoughtful touches that elevate a place like Tigh na Cheo from good to exceptional. From their super comfortable beds to the bath salts provided for soaking sore muscles, this welcoming B&B will make sure that your final night on the trail is extra special.
Mid-Range: MacDonald Hotel and Cabins
While you have to walk a few minutes past the town center to reach this hotel, it is certainly worth it to enjoy the secluded setting and stunning views on the banks of Loch Leven. Hotel rooms feature en suite bathrooms and complimentary breakfast, while the budget-friendly cabins have shared bathroom facilities and linens provided (sleeping bags can be rented on site).
Budget: Blackwater Hostel
When it comes to hostels, this is one of the best along the West Highland Way. There are a variety of dormitory sizes available, allowing many walkers to enjoy a private room. The excellent facilities include good hot showers (shampoo and soap provided), drying rooms, and a well-equipped communal kitchen. It’s conveniently located near the shop and pubs.
Fort William
High-End: Gowan Brae Bed and Breakfast
What better way to celebrate your completion of the West Highland Way than by enjoying a stay somewhere luxurious? Gowan Brea B&B has it all: welcoming hosts, a central location, beautiful views, and plush rooms. Plus, the breakfast is divine.
Mid-Range: Myrtle Bank Guest House
Everything about this guest house is truly magical. Set inside an 1890’s Victorian on the banks of Loch Linnhe, there’s no shortage of great views and ambiance. The service is top-notch and the price is right.
Budget: Fort William Backpackers
This friendly hostel has good facilities and tons of quirky charm. It’s set in a cozy historic house, which means that some features are a bit dated (such as the very limited number of outlets in the rooms). The hostel has a lovely lounge and communal kitchen, a very affordable continental breakfast option, and linens are provided.
There are also plenty of excellent campgrounds near Fort William that are worth a look if you’re on a budget and carrying a tent.
West Highland Way Itinerary & GPS Package
– Plan Your Perfect Trip –
Our itinerary package is the perfect resource to plan your route. You’ll get
Offline GPS Maps for 5-, 6-, 7-, & 8-day West Highland Way itineraries.
Itinerary tables with start/finish location & daily distances.
Step-by-step instructions on how to use your GPS files for offline navigation.
Everything you need to plan your perfect West Highland Way walk!
What’s Next?
Check out our other great West Highland Way resources!
- Guide to Camping on the West Highland Way
- West Highland Way Packing List – Be sure you’ve got everything you need!
- West Highland Way Logistics – Don’t forget the small details!
- 10 Essentials for the West Highland Way – The quick and dirty basics
- West Highland Way Photo Gallery – Get inspired!
- West Highland Way Trip Report – Know what to expect!
- How to Navigate on the West Highland Way – Turn your smartphone into a GPS!
- How to Find All of Your Campgrounds on the West Highland Way
- How to Train for the West Highland Way – Get in shape for the WHW!
- How Much it Cost us to Hike the West Highland Way – All the budget info you’ll need!
Get The FREE West Highland Way Essentials Handbook
Our free PDF guide covers all the basics – when to hike, accommodation, typical costs, and more!
