In the Scottish Highlands, a hiking dream fulfilled on the West Highland Way

The 154km trail officially starts in Milngavie and ends in Fort William, though it can be hiked in either direction

The West Highland Way passes by ruins of a stone house, Tigh-na-sleubhaich, between Kinlochleven and Fort William. MUST CREDIT: Photo for The Washington Post by Kathryn Streeter

Kathryn Streeter
© © Washington Post

My husband and I plotted to disappear for four days to fulfil an old hiking dream.

We were going to hike the legendary West Highland Way, which extends from Milngavie to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, and we committed to walking the northern half of the 154km trail known for its dramatic scenery.