West Highland Way Accommodation Guide for Walkers, Campers, and Section Hikers

The West Highland Way is Scotland’s most iconic long-distance trail, and part of what makes it so popular is the ease of logistics. The West Highland Way accommodation is extremely well-established and ranges from basic campsites and hiker-friendly hostels to historic inns, loch-side hotels, and family-run B&Bs.

Scottish B&Bs tend to be warm and personal, often run by families who’ve lived in the area for generations. You’re not just booking a room; you’re getting local knowledge, a hearty breakfast (a.k.a. “Full Scottish”), and a place where muddy boots at the door are part of the routine. Most hosts are used to hikers and will happily dry wet gear, prepare early breakfasts, or offer packed lunches for the trail. It’s not a formal hotel culture, it’s homely and practical, and that’s part of the charm.

Hotels along the West Highland Way range from old coaching inns with plenty of character to more modern options with ensuite bathrooms and pub-style dinners. Some sit directly on the trail, while others may require a small detour. Either way, booking ahead is essential. In summer, things book out fast, especially in villages with only one or two options.

It may come as a surprise to international visitors, but camping culture in Scotland is deeply rooted and widely embraced. Thanks to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, wild camping is legal in most areas, which is something that sets Scotland apart from the rest of the UK and much of Western Europe. If you’re wild camping or staying in official campsites, I’ll cover these too, along with tips for water access and facilities.

Read on, and I’ll walk you through the key stopovers from Milngavie to Fort William, sharing the best places to stay, where to camp, and what to book early.

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Types of Accomodation | What to Expect from Accommodation
Accomodation Directory: Milngavie | Drymen | Balmaha / Loch Lomond | Rowardennan / Inversnaid | Tyndrum | Bridge of Orchy / Inveroran / Kingshouse | Kinlochleven | Fort William
Camping: West Highland Way Camping Directory
Logistics: Luggage Transfer Services | Car Parking for Walkers

Types of Accommodation on the West Highland Way

If you’ve never hiked in Scotland before, some of the accommodation terms might be unfamiliar, or not quite what you’d expect. A B&B isn’t just a bed and a fry-up, and a pod isn’t always the budget option. There’s a wide range of places to stay along the West Highland Way, from trail-friendly homes and rustic inns to newer options like cabins and glamping pods.
In this section, I’ll walk you through what each type actually means in practice, just so you know what to book, what to expect when you get there, and what kind of comfort (or lack of it) you’re signing up for.

B&Bs (Bed and Breakfasts)

A B&B (Bed and Breakfast) isn’t the same as an Airbnb. These small, usually family-run homes typically have between three and six guest rooms, each offering a private bedroom. Bathrooms are often shared, although you can count on them being spotlessly clean. Each morning you’ll have a hot shower followed by a “full Scottish” (cooked breakfast). Most hosts live on-site and are happy to chat about the trail, help with logistics, or dry your gear if needed. It’s a warm, personal style of travel, and part of what makes walking through rural Scotland so memorable.

Guest Houses

Guest houses sit somewhere between a B&B and a hotel. They’re usually larger than a typical B&B, with multiple rooms and more space, but still run by individuals or families rather than hotel chains. You’ll usually get breakfast service, and there are shared areas like dining rooms or lounges. Bathrooms may or may not be ensuite, and prices reflect that. It’s still an informal, personal style of accommodation, just with a bit more privacy and structure than a standard B&B.

Hotels

Hotels along the West Highland Way range from old coaching inns with plenty of character to more modern builds with pub-style meals, ensuite rooms, and, occasionally, a sauna or spa tacked on. Some sit right on the trail, while others require a short detour. You’ll usually find a restaurant or bar on-site, which can be a welcome sight after a long day’s walk. They’re not all fancy, but you’ll get a decent bed, a hot shower, and usually a spot to sit with a whisky in the evening.

Lodges

Lodges can vary quite a bit, but most sit somewhere between a self-catering cabin and a small guesthouse. Some are stand-alone buildings with a kitchenette, en suite bathroom, and maybe a sitting area. Others are attached to hotels or inns and offer more privacy than a regular room. On the West Highland Way, lodges tend to be modern, well-insulated, and good for those who want a bit more space. Some include breakfast, while others are entirely self-catered.

Inns and Pubs with Rooms

Scotland still has old village inns (some even a few hundred years old), where you can get a pint, a plate of haggis, and a bed upstairs. They can be fabulously rustic, with centuries-old beams, door frames you have to stoop to walk, and a proper fireplace. These are local pubs as much as guest stays, and that everyday community feel is a big part of the charm. They’re usually good value, especially in smaller towns, and often have a relaxed, lived-in feel you won’t find in a big hotel.

Hostels and Bunkhouses

These are great budget options, and many cater specifically to hikers. Hostels sometimes have private rooms, but bunkhouses are usually dorm-style only. Bathrooms are shared, and most places have a communal kitchen and a drying room for wet gear. The shared spaces make it easier to chat, cook, or swap trail tips at the end of the day, which can be good company if you’re hiking solo.

Camping Pods and Glamping Cabins

Pods are small, insulated wooden structures. Some are basic (and tbh, resemble a garden shed), while some are quite fancy with en-trend decor (but still essentially a garden shed). They’re dry, windproof, and hip. But don’t assume they’re cheap as these can cost as much as a hotel room. There's another version you may see called a Shepherd's Hut – which is essentially a garden shed on wheels. You may be fond of the idea, but personally I think they are over rated.

When booking, you need to check what’s included, as some pods don’t have heating or bedding, others have kitchenettes and private decks.

Camping & Wild Camping

There’s a full breakdown of campsites below, where you’ll find a mix of formal campgrounds, hostel lawns that allow tents, and a few spots where wild camping is the only option. Thanks to Scotland’s access laws, wild camping is legal along most of the West Highland Way if done respectfully. That means no camping on farmland, near buildings, or in busy day-use areas. And always follow Leave No Trace.

West Highland Way Accommodation Directory

Here’s a section-by-section list of roofed accommodation along the West Highland Way. It includes B&Bs, guesthouses, hotels, bunkhouses, hostels, and inns. Everything except campsites, which are covered below. I’ve included options directly on the trail, plus a few that require short detours, so you can judge what fits your itinerary and energy levels.

Milngavie

• Premier Inn Glasgow Milngavie.
  Hotel. Practical stay close to the station
• West Highland Way Rooms
  Aparthotel. Dedicated WHW accommodation
• Glamping Pods
  Posh Garden Shed. About 3km off the trail, maybe I'm including these for a laugh – although they do have a 9.5 review score. They had better be good at a whopping £300 + per night.

Drymen

• Buchanan Arms Hotel
  Hotel. Indoor Swimming pool and fitness centre. Whisky bar and buffet breakfast (although maybe not at the same time)
• Winnock Hotel
  Hotel. Onsite bar and restaurant. The hotel also has Scottish evenings and murder mystery weekends.
• Arrochoile
  Bed & Breakfast. Walker‑friendly, warm welcome
• The Clachan Inn
  Inn. Old-style inn – licensed since 1734! Apparently the food in this pub is fantastic

• Altquhur Byre
  Bed & Breakfast. Excellent reviews.
• Braeside Guest House
  Guest House. Historic Building close to amenities. Highly rated
• Knockinreoch
  Apartment. 4 beds, so good for group bookings

Balmaha / Loch Lomond

• Balmaha Bunkhouse
  Bunkhouse on the shore of Loch Lamond. Caters for 10 guests. Includes Bedding, Towels, Breakfast provisions, Washing machine and Clothes drier.

Rowardennan / Inversnaid

• Rowardennan Hotel
  Hotel. Breathtaking views of Ben Lomond, Loch Lomond and the mountains to the North. Right on the WHW.
• Rowardennan Youth Hostel
  Hostel/Bunkhouse. Basic bunkhouse on Loch Lomond. Self-catering kitchen and dining room menu with meals, snacks and drinks.
• Rowardennan Rooms in the Lodge
  Lodge. Onsite restaurant and bar.

Tyndrum

• The Tyndrum Inn
  Inn. Lovely old style inn with onsite restaurant.
• Clifton Cottage B&B
  Bed & Breakfast. Nice Garden.
• Dalkell Cottages
  Bed & Breakfast. Incudes rooms with private bathrooms.
• Glamping Hut – By The Way Campsite
  Pods and Hostel. Various huts available – hobbit huts, camping cabins and trekker huts, plus a bunkhouse that sleeps 28 and two chalets that sleep 6 and 4 respectively.
• Muthu Ben Doran Hotel
  Hotel. Hotel Chain, good restaurant, clean comfortable rooms, bar and beautiful gardens

• Posh Pod
  Pods. Cute Garden Shed on wheels. Includes microwave, kettle and TV
• Tyndrum Lodges
  Lodge. Kettle and refrigerator. Takeaway breakfast available. Good reviews.
• Chalet
  House. 3 bedroom, one bathroom, sleeps 6. Fully equiped kitchen. Great for group bookings.
• Kilbride Lodge B&B
  Bed & Breakfast. Good reviews, especially the welcoming host and great breakfast.
  

Bridge of Orchy / Inveroran / Kingshouse

• Inveroran Hotel
  Inn. Historic inn with great food.
• Kingshouse Hotel
  Hotel | Bunkhouse | Campsite. Remote Glencoe institution right on the WHW. Beautifully appointed rooms, separate bunkhouse, free camping for tenters. Two bars – at 5 pm, the “nice bar” opens up for the hotel stayers, while the other good bar, stays open for guests staying in the bunkhouse and campers.
  

• West Highland Way Sleeper
  Bunkhouse. Unique bunkhouse in the Bridge of Orchy Station platform. Shower and toilet block. Towel rental available. Food on request. This place has great reviews!
• Greenstone Lodge B&B
  Bed & Breakfast. Gorgeous decor, highly reviewed.
• Bridge of Orchy Hotel
  Hotel. Beautiful setting – right on the Bridge of Orchy. Known for a bit of luxury.
• Glencoe Mountain Resort
  Microlodge (Pods). Gorgeous location. You do need to bring your sleeping bag.

Kinlochleven

• West Highland Lodge
  Lodge. Sleeps 4, large drying room and good kitchen in each lodge.
• Blackwater Hostel & Pods
  Hostel. Shared kitchen and lounge. Pods sleep 4 adults. Campsite also on property.
• West Highland Way Holidays – Self‑catering pods/apartments
• MacDonald Cabins
  Pods. Chalets sleep 4. Central shower and toilet block. Dogs allowed and website states there “may be residue dog hair”
• MacDonald Hotel
  Hotel. Hotel on same property as above-mentioned pods. Despite reviews, guests have said the hotels was great, food good and management nice – so possibly changed management recently.

• Tailrace Inn
  Inn. Mixed reviews.
• Highland Getaway
  Inn. Lovely old inn with restaurant, bar and a beautiful garden.
• Edencoille Bed & Breakfast
  Bed & Breakfast. Gorgeous old country home. Amazing breakfasts.
• Tigh na Cheo
  Bed & Breakfast. Lovely traditional B&B set on an acre of beautiful grounds with views of the surrounding highlands.
• Nevis Pod
  Chalet/Pod. I bedroom chalet with separate living area. Well reviewed.

Fort William

• Creag Mhor Lodge
  Hotel. Set in a stunning location on the shores of Loch Linnhe, this hotel has a bar with over 350 malt whiskys.
• Nevis Bank Inn
  Inn. Comfortable beds and good restaurant. Higher end.
• Lime Tree Hotel
  Hotel. Award winning restaurant serving local produce
• Glen Nevis Youth Hostel
  Youth Hostel. Private rooms and shared dormitories. Good value.
• Ben Nevis Hotel
  Hotel. Restaurant, bar and heated indoor pool
• The Garrison
  Hotel. Modern Hotel with great reviews
• Black Sheep Bunkhouse
  Bunkhouse | Hotel. Boutique self-catering bunkhouse with 3 ensuite rooms
• Ben Nevis Inn and Bunkhouse
  Bunkhouse | Hostel. Fabulous 200 year old converted stone barn with onsite restaurant. Live music every Thursday night.
• Fort William Hostel
  Hostel. Homely hostel in old Victorian building.
• Clan Macduff Hotel
  Hotel. Scenic views over Loch Linnhe. Good Restaurant.
  

What to Expect from Accommodation on the West Highland Way

Scottish accommodation is a world unto itself. Whether you're staying in a tiny roadside inn, a local B&B, or a small hotel, the experience tends to be warm, personal, and grounded. Hosts often live on-site and may serve you breakfast in the same kitchen they use themselves.

Rooms will usually include an electric kettle and tea making facilities (usually with biscuits (cookies). Some budget places may still have shared bathrooms, it will always state when you are booking. Bedding is always included (pods excepted), and towels are typically provided unless you’re booking something very basic. In older style buildings, the rooms may feel a little dated in terms of decor, but service is usually genuine and generous.

Don’t be surprised if there's no front desk or check-in window. Many B&Bs operate by pre-arranged arrival times, so it’s worth letting your host know your ETA, especially if you're walking in. If you're late, a quick call or text is always appreciated. Mobile reception is patchy in places, but Wi-Fi is widely available in towns. Many businesses use WhatsApp.

Breakfast is usually included in the nightly rate and is often a “full Scottish” spread: eggs, toast, sausages, haggis, grilled tomato, baked beans, and black pudding. Most hosts will happily modify it for vegetarians or lighter eaters.

Luggage Transfer Services

If you’re walking inn-to-inn, luggage transfer services make the experience far more easier. You carry just a daypack with water, snacks, first aid kit, and weather gear, while your main bag is shuttled ahead to your next accommodation. This setup is incredibly popular on the West Highland Way and widely supported by local providers.

Most services operate on a simple system: you leave your bag in the morning at your accommodation (usually in a designated spot by 9:00 am), and it’s delivered to your next stop by mid-afternoon. Bags are tagged and tracked, and the system is remarkably reliable.

Popular providers include:

• Travel Lite Baggage Transfer – One of the longest-running WHW services, offering reliable daily transport.
• AMS Baggage Transfer – Also offers return transport and package deals for walkers.
• Baggage Freedom – A newer company with good flexibility and online booking.
• Macs Adventure – Offers baggage transfer as part of its self-guided packages, but also as a standalone service.

Each company has slightly different pricing structures and policies, but as a rule, the cost is around £8–£10 per bag per day, with weight limits around 20kg. If you’re staying in smaller B&Bs, just confirm that they’re accessible to your transfer provider.

You can pre-book the whole route or just specific sections. Some companies offer luggage storage and even return-to-Glasgow options if you're heading elsewhere after the trail.

Car Parking for Walkers

If you’re driving to the trailhead, there are a few ways to manage your car while you walk. Some hikers use the West Highland Way as a point-to-point, others walk selected sections as out-and-back day hikes, and a few even loop it into a larger trip across Scotland. No matter your approach, it’s worth planning parking ahead.

Milngavie, the official starting point, has a long-stay car park on Woodburn Way (near the train station), where many hikers leave their vehicles for the duration of the walk. It’s patrolled and commonly used by those doing the full trail. However, it’s not monitored 24/7, so you leave your car at your own risk. Alternatively, some nearby hotels and B&Bs offer secure parking for guests walking the Way.

If you're hiking a section and returning to your car at day’s end, towns like Balmaha, Tyndrum, and Kinlochleven have designated public car parks, though they can fill quickly in high season. Signage is usually clear, and fees are modest. Always check local signage for any time limits or seasonal rules.

In Fort William, there are several pay-and-display options near the end of the trail, but long-term parking can be tricky during summer. If you're planning to return to Milngavie by train after completing the walk, it’s often easier to leave your car at the starting point and use public transport to get back.

When Should You Book?

Accommodation along the West Highland Way can book out months in advance, especially in high season. If you’re planning to hike between May and September, it’s wise to book several months ahead. June and July tend to be the busiest months due to school holidays, and weekends can fill quickly thanks to events like the Highland Games, the Ben Nevis Race, and regional festivals.

You’ll also be sharing the trail with Munro-baggers and other long-distance hikers, which adds to the competition for rooms in places like Kinlochleven, Tyndrum, and Fort William.

And if you’re planning to walk in April or October, you’ll likely have more choice. As much as June and July are the summer hiking months, often the weather in shoulder seasons can be really lovely. Just be aware that many B&Bs and campsites shut over the colder months.

Camping Options

If you’re not booking accommodation, you can absolutely camp your way along the West Highland Way. There are official campsites in most major trail towns, and several informal options along the route. But many experienced hikers choose to wild camp.

Scotland’s outdoor access laws permit wild camping, as long as it’s done responsibly. That means pitching your tent away from buildings, roads, and enclosed farmland, staying no more than one night in each location, and strictly following Leave No Trace principles. However some villages such as Balmaha or Kinlochleven have signs discouraging camping, particularly around lochs or car parks, due to overuse in summer months.

If you're using campsites on the West Highland Way, there’s a reliable mix of official sites in most of the key locations, plus a few unofficial spots where camping is tolerated when there’s no alternative. This section covers those options for people planning to camp without going fully off-grid. I’ve included every formal campsite along the trail, so you know what’s ahead and where to plan your nights.

West Highland Way Camping Directory

Milngavie to Drymen

• West Highland Way Campsite
  7.3 km past Milngavie, 1 km detour. Open year-round. Breakfast included.
  Facilities: Washing/drying machines, TV room, WiFi, BBQ, restaurant.
• Drymen Camping
  On-route. £10 pp. Open 8 March – 23 October.
  Facilities: WiFi.

Drymen to Rowardennan

• Inchcailloch Island Permit Camping Area
  Accessible by boat from Balmaha. £9 pp. Apply in advance.
  Facilities: Composting toilets. No potable water or showers.
• Milarrochy Bay Camping and Caravanning Club
  On-route. From £15+ pp.
  Facilities: WiFi, washing machines, small shop.
• Cashel Campsite
  On-route. £16 pp incl. hot shower. Open 1 March – 30 November.
  Facilities: Laundry, shop, shelter.
• Sallochy Campsite
  On-route. Tents only. £8–9 pp. Open 1 April – 31 October.
  No showers. Fire pits and firewood available for hire.

Inverarnan to Tyndrum

• Inversnaid Bunkhouse
  1.5 km detour. £10 pp with full use of bunkhouse. Free pickup from Inversnaid.
  Facilities: Restaurant, drying room, laundry, WiFi.
• Beinglas Campsite
  On-route. £12.50 pp. Open late March – late October.
  Facilities: Shop, bar, laundry, kitchen, WiFi.
• Strathfillan Wigwams (Auchtertyre)
  On-route. £8 pp.
  Facilities: Shop, café, washing/dryer, TV room, kitchen, WiFi (£3/day). Hot showers (£1 per 8 mins).
• Pine Trees Caravan Park
  Slight detour. Prices on enquiry. Open 1 March – 30 October.
  Facilities: Shop, WiFi.
• By The Way Campsite
  On-route. £12 pp. Max 2-person tents. Closed when waterlogged.
  Facilities: Washing/drying, basic kitchen.

Tyndrum to Inveroran

• No official campsites.
  Wild camping only.
• Bridge of Orchy Wild Camping
  200 m past hotel. Free.
  Water from hotel taps. Toilets/bar during open hours. Two portaloos (as of May 2022).
• Inveroran Wild Camping
  400 m past hotel. Free.
  Water from hotel taps. Toilets/bar during open hours. Inveroran shop opens 9am.

Inveroran to Kingshouse

• Kingshouse Wild Camping
  Behind Kingshouse Bunkhouse over stone bridge. Free.
  Access to public toilets and paid showers (£1 for 5 mins).
  Hotel bar/restaurant open to non-guests.

Kingshouse to Kinlochleven

• Kinlochleven Village Campsite
  Free area on the north side of town.
  No facilities. Water from nearby stream.
• Blackwater Hostel
  On-route. £10+ pp. Max 2-person tents.
  Facilities: Two drying rooms, WiFi.
• MacDonald Hotel
  Slight detour. £10+ pp. Max 2-person tents.
  Facilities: Drying room, bar/restaurant, WiFi.

Kinlochleven to Fort William

• Glen Nevis Campsite
  1.6 km detour. £11.50+ pp.
  Facilities: Shop, bar/restaurant, laundry, WiFi.

West Highland Way Accommodation Wrap-up

Whether you’re camping, sticking to hostels and bunkhouses, or walking inn to inn with a luggage transfer, there’s enough accommodation on the West Highland Way to suit just about every style and budget. But don’t leave it too late, as some towns only have a handful of places, and they do book out fast in peak season. The trick is to stay flexible, check for cancellations if you’re late to the game, and don’t be afraid to call direct.

A bit of research now can save you hassle later, and might just land you a cosy seat by the fire with a wee dram, a proper hot shower, or a quiet pitch with a view of the loch.

Thank you for reading, it was a pleasure to write this post. If you enjoyed it, or if it’s inspired you to walk these roads, take a look at our other in-depth guides below. The West Highland Way is an amazing walk and deserves a place on everyone’s bucket list!

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