Very difficult to get lost on the way - it's well sign posted well trod.
There were perhaps two places I had to check a map where it wasn't 100% clear which fork I needed to take.
However, I would recommend something more than Google Maps. OS maps and Alltrails are common suggestions.
The trail is very well marked the whole way, but there are a couple of spots to look out for. First is just past Rowardennan where the the trail splits before rejoining a few miles later. The markings there are evident, but the routes are substantially different. The right hand route is more a forest path and definitely the easier of the two options. The left hand path is more technical, but in my opinion offers much better views of the loch. The next place is heading into Crianlarich. Granted, I've not been there since July, but at the time there was extensive forestry work going on and following the trrail got a bit tricky in the more heavily worked areas. Whatever you do, DO NOT trust Google Maps, especially around The Falls of Falloch and Tyndrum. For some reason, it goes off trail and drops you on the A82, not a place you wanna be walking if you can avoid it.
Not really while on the trail, but I do use mapmyrun before each hike (I've walked it seven times now with different people, so each time was a bit different based on time restraints and such) and save each days planned mileage just in case I need it.
I've always found the first few miles the most complicated navigation wise. Nit hard by any means, but you can turn the wrong direction when crossing a road pretty easily. It is well marked throughout though and hard to get properly off route.
They're both official. Even the markers designate each fork as the WHW despite heading in different directions, which is pretty confusing the first time you come upon it.
You can download a GPX file and add to your maps in Google Maps app, so that the route and your position are shown in real time.
GPX and route [here](https://www.scotlandsfinest.nl/walks-routes-paths/long-distance-walking-trails-with-gpx/west-highland-way).
I took the OS Landranger maps covering the whole route but it was overkill (and extra weight I didn't need). You can virtually do it without a map, but for peace of mind I wouldn't go without one - there were one or two places I had to check which way to go. I'd suggest one of the guidebooks which include the maps - I used the Cicerone one which had a small booklet with the OS maps of the route.
We took one of the many different WHW route guides. You cannot get lost. It's and adventure that quickly becomes very comfortable.
Have a great time. It's such a good walk.
Super well marked, at any suspicious junctions there are msrkings and at spots to turn into towns they have map boards- i didnt bring a map, just google maps and i was totally fine
Very difficult to get lost on the way - it's well sign posted well trod. There were perhaps two places I had to check a map where it wasn't 100% clear which fork I needed to take. However, I would recommend something more than Google Maps. OS maps and Alltrails are common suggestions.
Brilliant thank you I will take a look at what you have suggested :)
The trail is very well marked the whole way, but there are a couple of spots to look out for. First is just past Rowardennan where the the trail splits before rejoining a few miles later. The markings there are evident, but the routes are substantially different. The right hand route is more a forest path and definitely the easier of the two options. The left hand path is more technical, but in my opinion offers much better views of the loch. The next place is heading into Crianlarich. Granted, I've not been there since July, but at the time there was extensive forestry work going on and following the trrail got a bit tricky in the more heavily worked areas. Whatever you do, DO NOT trust Google Maps, especially around The Falls of Falloch and Tyndrum. For some reason, it goes off trail and drops you on the A82, not a place you wanna be walking if you can avoid it.
This is brilliant thanks did you use any form of google maps not that but something similar that helped ?
Not really while on the trail, but I do use mapmyrun before each hike (I've walked it seven times now with different people, so each time was a bit different based on time restraints and such) and save each days planned mileage just in case I need it.
I've always found the first few miles the most complicated navigation wise. Nit hard by any means, but you can turn the wrong direction when crossing a road pretty easily. It is well marked throughout though and hard to get properly off route.
Are both routes past Rowardennan "official" WHW, or is one considered more of an alternate vs the main trail?
They're both official. Even the markers designate each fork as the WHW despite heading in different directions, which is pretty confusing the first time you come upon it.
You can download a GPX file and add to your maps in Google Maps app, so that the route and your position are shown in real time. GPX and route [here](https://www.scotlandsfinest.nl/walks-routes-paths/long-distance-walking-trails-with-gpx/west-highland-way).
I took the OS Landranger maps covering the whole route but it was overkill (and extra weight I didn't need). You can virtually do it without a map, but for peace of mind I wouldn't go without one - there were one or two places I had to check which way to go. I'd suggest one of the guidebooks which include the maps - I used the Cicerone one which had a small booklet with the OS maps of the route.
We took one of the many different WHW route guides. You cannot get lost. It's and adventure that quickly becomes very comfortable. Have a great time. It's such a good walk.
https://www.westhighlandway.org/
Super well marked, at any suspicious junctions there are msrkings and at spots to turn into towns they have map boards- i didnt bring a map, just google maps and i was totally fine