Walkers embarking on Scotland’s most popular multi-day trail this year will be seen off in style, following the installation of a unique public artwork at the start of the West Highland Way.
The first officially designated long-distance path in Scotland, the West Highland Way runs for 96 miles (154 km), from the town of Milngavie in East Dumbartonshire to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands.
Throughout the year, walkers from around the world converge on Milngavie to embark on the Way, but until now a tarmac ramp and blank gable, leading through a service yard, have made for an inauspicious start to such a scenic walk.
The new installation marking the start of the route was designed by architects Page \ Park, commissioned by community group Milngavie Business Improvement District.
Architect David Wyllie from Page \ Park told The Great Outdoors: “Landmarks populating the route have been cut from Corten Steel panels, and are interspersed with 96 timber posts, one for each mile of the walk.
“A large Welcome Panel with two walkers pointing the way offers a photo opportunity for people setting off on the Way.”
The landmarks pictured in the panels are Dumgoyne, Conic Hill, the ospreys at Inchcailloch, Ben Lomond, Rob Roy’s Cave, the West Highland Railway, Bridge of Orchy, Buachaille Etive Mor, the Devil’s Staircase and Ben Nevis.
The artwork was installed in December and will be officially launched with a welcome event for the local community on 27 April. David Wyllie said: “This community project has had tremendous support from the local authorities, businesses and residents.”
