The 13 best places for food and drink along the West Highland Way - including Real Food Cafe and Bridge of Orchy Hotel

The West Highland Way is one of the most popular walking routes in Scotland, running from Milngavie outside Glasgow to the foot of Ben Nevis. But where are the best places to stop on route for food and drinks? Rosalind Erskine finds out.

It’s said to be one of the most popular and most accessible routes in which to discover the Highlands, the West Highland Way is just under 96 miles and was Scotland’s first long distance route. It starts on the outskirts of Glasgow, and heads north taking in the west coast, with stunning views throughout. It’s usually walked south to north, with Milngavie as a starting point, and the open landscapes of the lowland terrain becoming hillier and tougher as you head towards the Highlands.

What’s the route of the West Highland Way?

According to Walk Highlands, the route begins in Milngavie, going through Mugdock Country Park, along the shores of Loch Lomond, past Ben Lomond, across Rannoch Moor, and past the pyramid shape of the mountain Buachaille Etive Mor to Glen Coe. It then climbs the Devil’s Staircase, which is the highest point along the way, at 1850 ft, before descending to cross the River Leven at Kinlochleven, entering Lairigmor and Glen Nevis, and finishing at Gordon Square in Fort William.

A view of a West Highland Way sign post in the Loch Lomond National Park on October 26, 2011 in Tyndrum, Scotland. Picture: Getty Images

What are the main places to stop on the West Highland Way?

The route is usually broken down into eight stages, although more experienced walkers aim to tackle it in four to six days. This means it can take seven days to complete with many people camping along the route. There are hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses to stay in as well, if you’d rather a proper bed and bath after each day. Because of this, there’s also plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat and drink. Here we take a look at some of the best places to stop when you’re walking the West Highland Way.

Oak Tree Inn, Balmaha

This family business was established in 1997, has twice been named Scotland’s best pub and is located towards the start of the West Highland Way. If you want to stay, there’s 41 bedrooms as well as a pub, restaurant, cafe and village shop. Pop in for some classic pub grub such as fish and chips, or a freshly made coffee. The inn is also dog-friendly and pre-booking is highly recommended.

Walkers wait for sheep to pass on part of the West Highland Way on July 28, 2009 in Tyndrum.

Drover’s Inn, Loch Lomond

The Drovers Inn on the northern road past Loch Lomond, remains almost exactly as it did when it was a popular stop-off for weary farmers leading their cattle on the way to market. This Inn is reportedly haunted but it’s also a favourite haunt of some famous faces too, and was a stop for actor Sam Heughan when he was walking the West Highland Way during writing his memoir, Waypoints. Fellow actor Gerard Butler also reportedly favours this historic inn. It is home to rooms as well as a bustling bar that serves a range of whiskies, beer and dishes including pub favourites, such as steak and Guinness pie and fish and chips, as well as contemporary classics such as the Loch Lomond monster burger and venison casserole - ideal for weary walkers.

Bridge of Orchy Hotel, Bridge of Orchy

The Bridge of Orchy Hotel offers 32 rooms in a luxurious four star setting at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Located on the A82 only two and a half hours from Glasgow and Edinburgh, it is surrounded by some of Scotland’s finest scenery and is the ideal location for those looking for some respite along the West Highland Way. Food is more classic pub fare, and who want to keep a clear head can now pick up a bottle of the first ever Scottish alcohol-free dark ale, Wheesht.

The legendary Drovers Inn hotel on the West Highland Way.

Inveroran Hotel, Bridge of Orchy

Further along the route is the Inveroran Hotel, which is run by Nadia and Ewen who have worked to retain the original features of this 19th century drovers inn. There’s rooms, as well as home-cooked meals available here.

Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe

This revamped hotel and bunkhouse is the place to stop to enjoy the splendour of Glen Coe. There’s a range of rooms and restaurants in which to relax and unwind after a day of walking. For hearty Highland cuisine, head to the Kinghouse Restaurant, which serves an evening menu, kids dishes and a vegan menu (there’s also 270 degree views of the valley) or for a cosy meal in front of the fire, try the Kinghouse Climber’s Bar.

The Bridge of Orchy Hotel is a popular stop for walkers.

Clachan Inn, Drymen

One of Scotland’s oldest pubs, this atmospheric inn is a family run business (which was reportedly started by Rob Roy McGregor’s sister). There’s also rooms here, to rest after walking, but also some great food including pizza (made using a pizza oven), as well as fish and chips and a Sunday roast.

Inversnaid Bunkhouse, Stirling

This budget accommodation and restaurant, which is housed in a converted 19th century church, comes highly recommended. Located 15 miles from Aberfoyle, it’s an ideal spot to stop and eat while walking the route. Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner is provided for those staying at the bunkhouse, but you can book to dine by phoning ahead - 001877 386249.

Turnip the Beet, Killearn

This deli is a good pitstop for lunch or a sweet treat on route. Serving lunch, coffee, baking, snacks, there’s also take home meals, a zero waste shop and wines, beers and spirits. There’s homemade sandwiches and sausage rolls as well as a range of cakes to be enjoyed on site or taken away for a picnic.

Strange and ghostly things happen at The Drovers Inn near Loch Lommond, with the pub and hotel seen known as one of the most haunted in Britain.

Real Food Cafe, Tyndrum

This cafe is a popular spot for walkers and visitors to Tyndrum. Known for its award-winning fish and chips, you can also tuck into hot filled rolls, soups and salads and home baking. Breakfast is served here too, if you’re an early riser.

If you’re walking with a dog, there’s excellent facilities here for walkers and their four-legged companions. There’s even a dog-washing station for mucky pups and their owners' boots.

Green Welly Stop, Tyndrum

One of the more famous stops along the route is the Green Welly Stop in Tyndrum, which opened as a coffee shop in the 60s.. As well as serving up delicious food, there’s also an outdoor shop selling waterproofs if you’ve not packed well. If stopping in for food, you can look forward to healthy options such as freshly prepared sandwiches, soups, savoury pasties and home baking.

The Stagger Inn at Beinglas Campsite, Arrochar

Serving pizza, ‘manky fries’, ham, egg and chips, Loch Lomond Pie and burgers, this is an ideal spot for some rib sticking food for fuel after a long walk. Located in the Beinglas campsite in north Loch Lomond, it’s worth a visit for a warming meal and drink.

MacDonald Hotel, Kinlochleven

There’s 10 bedrooms here as well as cabins and camping spots along with the Stag Restaurant and Bothy Bar. Both eateries offer the same menu (think burgers and fish and chips) with the restaurant being quieter.

The Wildcat, Fort William

Once you’ve made it to Fort William you’re on the home stretch. Treat yourself to a coffee and cake or light lunch at this vegan cafe which comes highly recommended.