The West Highland Way is
Scotland’s premier walking route linking the Central
Lowlands with the Highlands on a spectacular journey through
farmland, beside lochs, across moors, through glens and
over mountains. The 95ml(152km)walk begins at Milngavie
near Glasgow, follows the winding shoreline of Loch Lomond,
across bleak Rannoch Moor to reach the mountains of Glencoe
and ends in Fort William in the shadow of Scotland’s
highest mountain, Ben Nevis. The waymarked route follows
good paths, abandoned railway lines, ancient drove routes
and old military roads offering a frequently changing landscape
and magnificent views.
DAY 1: Arrive
Milngavie walk to Drymen 12ml/19km
An easy walk today on woodland paths, through farmland and
on an old railway line following the valleys of the Rivers
Blane and Endrick. Pass the villages of Drumgoyne and Gartness
and take the opportunity to visit Glengoyne Distillery.
DAY 2: Drymen
to Rowardennan 14ml/23km
Return from the village to the Way and follow the trail
through forests and on minor roads. The landscape opens
up to reveal mighty Ben Lomond and the path climbs over
Conic Hill with its fine views of Loch Lomond. Descend to
Balmaha village where refreshments are available and continue
by the Loch shore to Rowardennan.
DAY 3: Rowardennan
to Inverarnan 14ml/23km.5km)
Quite a difficult day as you follow the undulating path
by the side of Loch Lomond. At Inversnaid the hotel offers
hospitality but afterwards be prepared for the rough twisting
path with its crags and tree roots. The natural landscape
offers a superb compensation and there are lovely views
over Glen Falloch.
DAY 4: Inverarnan
to Tyndrum 13ml/21km
It is a gentle ascent up Glen Falloch, past the Falls of
Falloch to join the old military road built in the 18th
century by General Wade. Pass high above Crianlarich before
descending to follow the good path through Strathfillan
to Tyndrum.
DAY 5: Tyndrum
to Kingshouse 19ml/30km
Although the longest day, the walking is initially fairly
easy following the old military road from Tyndrum. The views
are dominated by the majestic mountains of Beinn Odhar and
Beinn Dorian on the way to the hotel at Bridge of Orchy:
continue to Inveroran. Keep to the path crossing barren
Rannoch Moor with its boggy terrain and small lochans and
be well prepared for possible bad weather. The ancient Inn
at Kingshouse is a welcome sight.
DAY 6: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
9ml/14km
Leaving Kingshouse, mighty Buchaille Etive Mor dominates
the landscape and from there the path climbs out of Glencoe
to zig-zag up to the highest point of the route, the “Devil’s
Staircase”, at 550m. The Blackwater Reservoir comes
into view and then the path descends to the quiet village
of Kinlochleven.
DAY 7: Kinlochleven to Fort William 14ml/23km
The Way climbs steeply out of Kinlochleven and continues
over the Lairigmor: cross into Glen Nevis and enjoy magnificent
views of Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Descend
through the Glen to reach the end of the walk on the outskirts
of Fort William
DAY 8:
Depart from Fort William after breakfast.
2008 guided tour
price:
£440.00 per person sharing
2008 self
guided tour price:
£380.00 per person sharing /
minimum 2 people
£100.00 single supplement
Tour includes
*6 Days walking / 7 Nights accommodation
*Accommodation in quality B&Bs, guest houses, inns and
hotels in rooms with shower/wc (where available)
*Full Scottish breakfast
*Door to door luggage transport
*Rucksac Reader guide book with map
*Location details for each accommodation
*Travel information to the start and from the finish of
the walk
*Suggested equipment list
*Emergency support
*Services of an experienced guide (on guided tour only)
2008 Tour Dates - guided
tour: Sunday 11 May
Self guided tour can start any day from April to October
Moderate
