West Highland Way
Highlands Scotland: (ZZ-HKSC-F04)
URL: http://www.hiddentrails.com/tour/outdoor_hike_scotland_west_highlands_sg7.aspx
Introduction
Highlands
Scotland
The West Highland Way is the first
official long-distance designated walking route in Scotland
and by far the most famous of all; officially opened in 1980.
The trail is immersed with stories of a distant past as you
follow this historical route from Milngavie to Fort William;
a distance of 153 Km/95 miles.
As the trail escorts you along its way from the outskirts
of Scotland s largest city (Glasgow) through the Scottish
Highlands to Fort William; it takes you along old drover roads;
along which highlanders herded their cattle and sheep to market
in the lowlands. Military Roads that were constructed by troops
to help control the Jacobite Clans and old coach roads and
disused railway roads from more modern times. A journey through
some of the best scenery that Scotland has to offer.
Tour Highlights
The small towns of Tyndrum,
Kinlochleven and Fort William
Loch Lomond
Scotland s largest loch
The vastness of the open countryside
and the friendliness of it s people
Accomodation
Lodgings are in guesthouses, county inns and B&Bs. Only breakfasts are included.
Riding
Itinerary
 Day 1 Glasgow to Inverarnan
You have the option to arrive at Glasgow
main airport or Prestwick; which is only a short train ride outside of Glasgow.
From here you will take a bus to Inverarnan your first accommodation.
Day 2 Inverarnan to Tyndrum
The trail leaves Inverarnan
on a relatively easy section that takes you north-west along by the base of Ben
Glas Mountain, through Glen Folloch and onto Strath Fillan. As you travel along
you will cross and re-crosses the river Folloch which is the main east-west natural
divide of the Scottish Highlands.
Before you get to your destination you will
pass what remains of the ruins of St. Fillan's Priory.
Distance:
20.5 km/12 miles, Acent: 200 m/600 ft
"All travellers who use
this wild and beautiful place will do so in peace if they tread there path lightly."
(An
inscription from a plaque as you approach the remains on the priory)
Day 3 Tyndrum to Inveroran
An easy section that takes you
north out of Tyndrum on an old military road that was constructed around 1750
and along by the West Highland Railway-Line that links Glasgow with Fort William.
The
views along this section are mainly dominated by two mountains on the right; first
Beinn Odhar and then Beinn Dorain. The section may be easy but it is incredibly
beautiful; in summer it offers an array of wild flowers and green pastures.
Distance:
15 km/9 miles, Ascent: 145 m/435 ft
Day 4 Inveroran to Kingshouse
One of the most remote sections
of the trail which follows an old drover's road that skirts along the western
fringe of Rannoch Moor. (I can find no words that can justify my experience on
this section of the trail) One has to personally walk it to experience the peace
and serenity that it has to offer. Wild red deer; black grouse and sheep roam
at will here.
Distance:
15 km/9 miles, Ascent: 90 m/270 ft
Day 5 Kingshouse
to Kinlochleven
From Kingshouse the trail enters the beautiful scenery of Glencoe and at Altnafeadh
climbs steadily over the Devils Staircase. This is an old military road that rises
to almost 500Mtrs; 1500Ft at its highest point before making a long descent into
Kinlochleven.
You will have glorious mountain views throughout the day.
Distance: 15 km/9 miles, Ascent: 250 m/750 ft
Day 6 Kinlochleven to Fort William
The final section
of the West Highland Way takes you back onto the old military road; with a steady
climb out of Kinlochleven; through an area of natural woodlands that every now
and then offers you some splendid views over Loch Leven and back over part of
your previous walk. You will pass an old ruined village called Tigh-Na-Sleubhaich
and clear evidence of its once inhabitants can still be seen to the present day.
The final part of the trail takes you down into Glen Nevis where you will
have some great views of Ben Nevis; Scotland's highest mountain.
The trail
finishes at the visitors centre in Fort William.
Distance: 24 km/15 miles, Ascent: 225 m/675 ft
Day
7 Glasgow
After a hearty Scottish breakfast you can take the train back
to Glasgow
Rates and Dates for West Highland Way
Rates include:
9 nights Bed and Breakfast, 8 packed lunches, all transport from and back to Glasgow, all transport within the tour, 8 Guided walks, a guide for the duration of tour
Transfer and Other Options:
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2012
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Meeting in Inverarnan - take bus from Glasgow (not included)
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Dates Note:
Rates do not include:
Dinners
Other Info
Meeting: Inverarnan
Airport: Glasgow
Transfer: take bus to Inverarnan
Climate:
What To Bring: Essentials for Self-Guided Walking Trip
+ Good waterproof walking boots; we strongly recommend high ankle support with a Vibram Sole and Goretex lined.
+ Waterproof rain clothing, e.g. over trousers/jacket, (gaiters recommended)
+ Sensible clothing (use layers rather than heavy garments) and because of the unpredictable Scottish weather it is a good idea to pack a hat and gloves.
+ Sunblock, factor 30 or higher, midge/insect repellent (essential)); we also recommend that you purchase a midge hat.
+ Water bottle, thermos flask, if required, lunch box.
+ Rucksack/day pack, lined with plastic bag or waterproof rucksack liner.
+ Waterproof map case
+ Walking poles/stick (optional)
+ Small torch/flashlight (recommended because you may have a short walk back to your accommodation after an evening out)
+ Camera to capture that magic moment
Clothing that is NOT recommended on walks
+ Trainers/runners/sneakers (no ankle support and no foot grip)
+ Jeans/Denims (get to heavy in wet weather and uncomfortable to walk in)
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