Which poles are recommended for the West Highland Way?

For the 96-mile West Highland Way—which runs from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands—you need trekking poles that can handle relentless mud, frequent rain, rocky descents, and the occasional boggy moor. The best choice for most walkers is a durable aluminium pole with lever locks, replaceable carbide tips, and cork grips. The Decathlon Forclaz MT900 offers the best value at £55, while premium options like the Leki Makalu and Black Diamond Trail Back are excellent investments for frequent long‑distance walkers. Avoid carbon fibre and twist locks. Here is a detailed breakdown of what works and why.

Understanding the West Highland Way terrain

The West Highland Way is not a technical alpine route, but it is demanding in its own way:

• Mud and peat bogs – Sections like the approach to Conic Hill and the Rannoch Moor stretch can be ankle‑deep in mud. Your poles will sink and need to be pulled out repeatedly.
• Rain, rain, rain – The Scottish Highlands are famously wet. Poles must have locks that don't slip when wet and grips that remain comfortable when soaking.
• Rocky descents – The descent from the Devil's Staircase and the rocky sections near Glencoe put significant strain on your knees. Poles offload impact.
• Long, consistent mileage – Most walkers cover 10–15 miles a day over 6–8 days. Reliable, lightweight poles reduce fatigue over the long haul.

Essential features for the West Highland Way

1. Aluminium over carbon – Carbon poles are lighter but brittle. A single side impact on a rock can splinter them. On the West Highland Way, you will plant your poles between rocks and occasionally stumble. Aluminium (especially 7075 alloy) bends but does not shatter. A bent section can often be straightened; a cracked carbon pole is terminal.
2. Lever locks – Twist locks are prone to slipping in mud and wet conditions. Lever (cam) locks (e.g., Leki SpeedLock, Black Diamond FlickLock, Decathlon's cam system) are more secure and field‑adjustable.
3. Replaceable carbide tips – The abrasive rocks on the route will wear down tips. Poles with replaceable tips are more cost‑effective over the long term. Carry a spare pair.
4. Cork grips – In wet, cold conditions, cork grips offer superior comfort. They remain grippy when wet and insulate better than foam or rubber. Foam grips can get slimy, and rubber becomes slippery.
5. Mud baskets – Small baskets prevent the pole from sinking too deep into soft ground. They are essential for the boggy sections.

Top recommendations for the West Highland Way

1. Decathlon Forclaz MT900 (£55) – The best value pole on the market. Features: 7075 aluminium, reliable lever locks, cork grips, replaceable carbide tips, weight ~250 g per pole. It performs well above its price point and has been proven on countless UK long‑distance trails. If you are on a budget, this is the clear winner.
2. Leki Makalu (£90–100) – A legend in the trekking world. Features: SpeedLock Plus (the most secure lever lock on the market), 7075 aluminium, a steel lower section for extra abrasion resistance, and cork grips. Slightly heavier at 270 g per pole but virtually indestructible. Available at Cotswold and Go Outdoors. If you walk regularly, this is a lifetime investment.
3. Black Diamond Trail Back (£75–85) – Similar to the Makalu but with Black Diamond's FlickLock levers. Slightly lighter at 240 g per pole and has a more ergonomic grip. Excellent choice if you prefer the FlickLock system. Both are top‑tier.
4. Budget alternative – Decathlon Forclaz MT100 (~£25) – Not recommended for the West Highland Way. Twist locks slip in mud, tips are non‑replaceable, and foam grips are uncomfortable when wet. You will regret this choice after a few rainy days.

Carbon poles – a caveat

Carbon poles (e.g., Leki Micro Vario Carbon, Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z) are lighter and offer better vibration damping. However, the West Highland Way's rocky sections and the risk of side impacts make them a risky choice. Unless you are an ultralight purist who walks very carefully, stick with aluminium. The weight saving of ~100 g per pole is not worth the potential for breakage far from a gear shop.

Pole length and adjustments

• Flat sections: Set poles so your elbows are at 90° when the tip touches the ground (typically 120–125 cm for a 175‑cm walker).
• Uphill: Shorten poles by 5–10 cm for better leverage.
• Downhill: Lengthen poles by 5–10 cm for effective braking.

Spare parts and maintenance

• Carry a spare pair of tips – You can buy genuine or generic tips (£10–£15). The abrasive rock and gravel on the West Highland Way will wear down tips noticeably over 96 miles.
• Hex key – Lever locks can loosen over time; a small 2.5 mm hex key is a lightweight addition to your repair kit.
• Dry and clean after each day – Mud and moisture can corrode locks and shafts. Rinse with fresh water and dry thoroughly.

Where to buy before your walk

• Decathlon UK – Forclaz MT900 (best value).
• Go Outdoors – Price‑match plus discount card can make Leki and Black Diamond more affordable.
• Cotswold Outdoor – Expert advice and in‑store testing.
• SportPursuit – Flash sales on premium brands (if you time it right).

Final verdict

For the West Highland Way, the Decathlon Forclaz MT900 is the clear winner for walkers on a budget, offering professional‑grade features at a fraction of the cost of premium brands. If you have the budget and walk frequently, invest in the Leki Makalu or Black Diamond Trail Back for their superior build quality, smoother locks, and longer lifespan. Avoid carbon, avoid twist locks, and carry spare tips. With the right poles, you will navigate the mud, protect your knees on the descents, and enjoy the stunning Scottish scenery with confidence and comfort.