Home › Trails › West Highland Way (Kingshouse to Kinlochleven) vs West Highland Way (Kinlochleven to Fort William)

West Highland Way (Kingshouse to Kinlochleven) vs West Highland Way (Kinlochleven to Fort William)

A side-by-side look at distance, elevation, difficulty and the best time to hike each — so you can pick the right route.

West Highland Way (Kingshouse to Kinlochleven) West Highland Way (Kinlochleven to Fort William)
Distance 15 km 24 km
Elevation gain 398 m 593 m
Typical duration — —
Difficulty — —
Route type Point-to-point Point-to-point
Network National National
Country United Kingdom United Kingdom
Best time to hike Best months: May, July, September Best months: May, July, September
map Route & GPX map Route & GPX

West Highland Way (Kingshouse to Kinlochleven) vs West Highland Way (Kinlochleven to Fort William): which should you hike?

At 24 km, West Highland Way (Kinlochleven to Fort William) is the longer route — roughly 10 km more than West Highland Way (Kingshouse to Kinlochleven) (15 km). If you want the bigger challenge or a longer trip, that's the one; for a shorter or first multi-day hike, West Highland Way (Kingshouse to Kinlochleven) is the gentler pick. Check the elevation and best-season rows above, then open each route for the full guide and a free GPX download.