Thursday, 16 June 2011
Welcome Sight
The Kingshouse Hotel, just after we sheltered from the rain/sleet in the Glen Coe Ski Centre cafe - this was a welcome sight just before the heavens opened again for several hourse - but we were safe, snug and dry in our room!! More than could be said for the many people who came into the pub looking for shelter and a bed during the deluge!
Bunkhouse
The Bunkhouse at Inversnaid was a superb place to stay and the evening meal was 5-star - and there was an 'honesty' bar!!. Recommend this B&B to anyone doing the WHW, they run a free taxi service to collect you from the Inversnaid hotel and return you there in the morning (better than the 1km trek uphill at the end of the day!)
Waterfalls
There were so many beautiful waterfalls, it was difficult to decide which to photograph!!
Distillery No 1
This was our first diversion - to visit a whisky distillery where Kevin and Julia had a free sample!! And this was only day one!!
Some Photos
Here are some photos downloaded from my phone. I will publish some more once I get the disc from Julia and Kevin. Bags ready at the B&B on Day 1. We had to carry them to the start of the walk where Travel Lite waited to transport them to our first B&B.
Friday, 10 June 2011
Thursday & Friday
Before I go on to describe our last 2 days in Fort William I must tell you about the beautiful chaffinches we encountered on the afternoon of our last day. We were sitting on some felled tree trunks having the last of our tea and cuppa etc. The male chaffinches were so tame they were looking for the crumbs around Julia's feet. They would not actually eat from our hands, but almost. Never before have I seen them so tame.
Yesterday, Thursday, started out dull and wet. As boarded The Jacobite train (the one in the one in the Harry Potter films) at 10am. The journey took us over the stone Glenfinnan viaduct - it is just a shame that you cannot see it very well from the train!
On arrival at Malaig we noticed a seagull and her chicks on a nest against an old track alongside the in-use track! The chicks seemed quite happy with the steam train running by their nest twice daily.
We had fantastic fish and chips in.a cafe (though the service was a bit slow due to the numbers of people getting off the train) then went for a walk round the shops in the small fishing village - and to watch the antics of the gulls trying to get food off the tourists!
The return trip was made in sunshine but I felt a little nauseous - either from the food or the motion of the train so I spent the evening reading while J and K went out for tea and a pint. However we did call in to Ellis Beckham mountainwear shop when we got off the train - Kev bought new trek boots and I got a new gortex lightweight trek jacket (half price).
Today we persuaded Kevin that a distillery tour was much preferable to climbing Ben Nevis. He agreed to come along to the High Wire activity at The Nevis Centre first - to watch Julia having fun swinging through the trees on wires - a high-level obstacle course. When he realised I was going to do it too, he decided he could not lose face by wimping out, so he did it too.
We waited for the 9:10 bus but it did not Drive, so we went up to the centre by taxi. We paid for our tickets then went for a coffee and cake to kill time until 11:00 - just as the bus pulled in!
At 11:00 we were issued with our kit and allowed onto the first of the 3 sections. This was a traverse round an oblong obstacle course on single wires, loose swings, moving logs etc, about 20 feet above the ground. By the time we finished that we were aching and tired - but then we went into the woods to do the harder courses through the trees - even higher! At one point I was feeling exhausted and said to Kev that I was getting a bit tired - which he points out was amusing as, At The time, I was traversing a line of swinging tyres! I almost fell off laughing but it helped me forget my tiredness!
The black run ended with a zip wire down through the trees. FANTASTIC
We caught the bus back - remembering to get off at The Ben Nevis distillery for a tour and tasting. Kevin sacrificed himself to, reluctantly, drink my taster, as I only drink the stuff in coffee!
On our walk back into town, we saw a few walkers coming in at The end of their West Highland Way trek - even 2 guys in moors. Julia commented that Kev should have done it in a quilt - which set us all off laughing again.
We are now back in our triple room, ready for bed and catching the early train to Glasgow in the morning. Another fun, enjoyable trek and soon home to start planning the next one - we want to do the whole of the South Coast Path, from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset, about 600 miles, in sections over the next few years.
I will upload some photos once I get home - then some more when Julia sends me theirs - so keep checking blog friends!
Yesterday, Thursday, started out dull and wet. As boarded The Jacobite train (the one in the one in the Harry Potter films) at 10am. The journey took us over the stone Glenfinnan viaduct - it is just a shame that you cannot see it very well from the train!
On arrival at Malaig we noticed a seagull and her chicks on a nest against an old track alongside the in-use track! The chicks seemed quite happy with the steam train running by their nest twice daily.
We had fantastic fish and chips in.a cafe (though the service was a bit slow due to the numbers of people getting off the train) then went for a walk round the shops in the small fishing village - and to watch the antics of the gulls trying to get food off the tourists!
The return trip was made in sunshine but I felt a little nauseous - either from the food or the motion of the train so I spent the evening reading while J and K went out for tea and a pint. However we did call in to Ellis Beckham mountainwear shop when we got off the train - Kev bought new trek boots and I got a new gortex lightweight trek jacket (half price).
Today we persuaded Kevin that a distillery tour was much preferable to climbing Ben Nevis. He agreed to come along to the High Wire activity at The Nevis Centre first - to watch Julia having fun swinging through the trees on wires - a high-level obstacle course. When he realised I was going to do it too, he decided he could not lose face by wimping out, so he did it too.
We waited for the 9:10 bus but it did not Drive, so we went up to the centre by taxi. We paid for our tickets then went for a coffee and cake to kill time until 11:00 - just as the bus pulled in!
At 11:00 we were issued with our kit and allowed onto the first of the 3 sections. This was a traverse round an oblong obstacle course on single wires, loose swings, moving logs etc, about 20 feet above the ground. By the time we finished that we were aching and tired - but then we went into the woods to do the harder courses through the trees - even higher! At one point I was feeling exhausted and said to Kev that I was getting a bit tired - which he points out was amusing as, At The time, I was traversing a line of swinging tyres! I almost fell off laughing but it helped me forget my tiredness!
The black run ended with a zip wire down through the trees. FANTASTIC
We caught the bus back - remembering to get off at The Ben Nevis distillery for a tour and tasting. Kevin sacrificed himself to, reluctantly, drink my taster, as I only drink the stuff in coffee!
On our walk back into town, we saw a few walkers coming in at The end of their West Highland Way trek - even 2 guys in moors. Julia commented that Kev should have done it in a quilt - which set us all off laughing again.
We are now back in our triple room, ready for bed and catching the early train to Glasgow in the morning. Another fun, enjoyable trek and soon home to start planning the next one - we want to do the whole of the South Coast Path, from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset, about 600 miles, in sections over the next few years.
I will upload some photos once I get home - then some more when Julia sends me theirs - so keep checking blog friends!
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
Last 2 Days
Doing a blog from a mobile phone in the highlands of Scotland can be quite difficult as the signal masts or few and far between. We often had a signal up on the hills but not when we got to our B&B stop.
It id now Wednesday and we have completed the walk, but I will try to recall the events of yesterday for the record.
We got up early and had breakfast, such as it was, at 7.30. I had cereal (rather too long since it's sell-by date) and toast. J and K just had toast. J had to get them go change the milk twice as it was sour. That cost £4 each
We watched the 8.15 sleeper train arrive then got on our way. Kevin and myself could not wait to be on our way. Kevin because of the lack of hygiene in the place and very poor facilities, me because I disliked the man running the place - he talked through his backside, was opinionated, slow and lazy! Most of what he said was complete garbage! Julia complained that we were too critical and the experience enriched our lives and made us appreciate what we had... I suppose she had a point but The Sleeper could have been 100% improved with a little care and some elbow grease.
During the morning we saw our first eagle and went through more "kissing gates" but again I missed out as I had no one to kiss!
The walk was again spectacular. We went across Rannoch Moor, open, wind swept and very boggy. We had planned a short day and were looking for somewhere to eat our lunch, out of the wind, when it started to rain and sleet. We were only a couple of miles from our destination at Kingshouse Hotel but decided to take shelter in the Glencoe Ski Centre cafe, where we shared a bowl of chips and had a coffee each. Once the rain eased we completed our walk down to the hotel and had our showers etc before retiring to the bar.
The weather got steadily worse and the bar filled.up with soaking wet people looking in vain for accommodation.
We had an early supper and went to bed VERY early (asleep before 8pm!)
This morning we were up at 6 and left the hotel at 6.45. We had ordered packed lunch in lieu of breakfast so got away before the crowds. We ate a little at the bottom of "The Devil's Staircase" then slowly walked up the steep zig zag path. The cloud cleared and the day brightened. We saw another eagle and a small brown furry creature too quick for Kevin or myself to recognise it. SpectAcular scenery again and we got to Kinlochleven at 10.55 just too early for Kevin to have a pint, so we settled for coffee and bacon sandwiches - even Julia had one (she was already regretting her earlier, rash decision to finish the trek today with a walk which Kevin'd map said was 22 miles, but which my research showed to be 25.)
The walk out of Glencoe was breathtaking though light rain set in for a while. Kevin kept saying it was only 5 more miles and all downhill. He was, of course wrong!!
The 3 areas of forest we were supposed to walk through had been logged and the landscape looked like a Mansfield. Very barren, harsh and lifeless. The sun came out again and we finished the walk at 6.45. I am not sure how any of us found the energy or grit to keep going today as it was very, very long and hard, but we did it !
We got our certificate, which I will add to the blog when I get home, along with some photos.
Tomorrow we are going on the "Harry Potter" train for a day of rest.
It id now Wednesday and we have completed the walk, but I will try to recall the events of yesterday for the record.
We got up early and had breakfast, such as it was, at 7.30. I had cereal (rather too long since it's sell-by date) and toast. J and K just had toast. J had to get them go change the milk twice as it was sour. That cost £4 each
We watched the 8.15 sleeper train arrive then got on our way. Kevin and myself could not wait to be on our way. Kevin because of the lack of hygiene in the place and very poor facilities, me because I disliked the man running the place - he talked through his backside, was opinionated, slow and lazy! Most of what he said was complete garbage! Julia complained that we were too critical and the experience enriched our lives and made us appreciate what we had... I suppose she had a point but The Sleeper could have been 100% improved with a little care and some elbow grease.
During the morning we saw our first eagle and went through more "kissing gates" but again I missed out as I had no one to kiss!
The walk was again spectacular. We went across Rannoch Moor, open, wind swept and very boggy. We had planned a short day and were looking for somewhere to eat our lunch, out of the wind, when it started to rain and sleet. We were only a couple of miles from our destination at Kingshouse Hotel but decided to take shelter in the Glencoe Ski Centre cafe, where we shared a bowl of chips and had a coffee each. Once the rain eased we completed our walk down to the hotel and had our showers etc before retiring to the bar.
The weather got steadily worse and the bar filled.up with soaking wet people looking in vain for accommodation.
We had an early supper and went to bed VERY early (asleep before 8pm!)
This morning we were up at 6 and left the hotel at 6.45. We had ordered packed lunch in lieu of breakfast so got away before the crowds. We ate a little at the bottom of "The Devil's Staircase" then slowly walked up the steep zig zag path. The cloud cleared and the day brightened. We saw another eagle and a small brown furry creature too quick for Kevin or myself to recognise it. SpectAcular scenery again and we got to Kinlochleven at 10.55 just too early for Kevin to have a pint, so we settled for coffee and bacon sandwiches - even Julia had one (she was already regretting her earlier, rash decision to finish the trek today with a walk which Kevin'd map said was 22 miles, but which my research showed to be 25.)
The walk out of Glencoe was breathtaking though light rain set in for a while. Kevin kept saying it was only 5 more miles and all downhill. He was, of course wrong!!
The 3 areas of forest we were supposed to walk through had been logged and the landscape looked like a Mansfield. Very barren, harsh and lifeless. The sun came out again and we finished the walk at 6.45. I am not sure how any of us found the energy or grit to keep going today as it was very, very long and hard, but we did it !
We got our certificate, which I will add to the blog when I get home, along with some photos.
Tomorrow we are going on the "Harry Potter" train for a day of rest.
Monday, 6 June 2011
Monday 6th.
We had a fantastic B&B last night. Big room, Sky TV (though the set was a bit small), really good breakfast and super packed lunch all at a reasonable price.
We set off at 9am in drizzle but it soon brightened up and turned into the best walking day yet.. It was mainly along rivers and gowns. Lovely. We called in at a Whisky Galore shop so Kevin could get a couple of miniatures.
Tonight we are in the Bridge of Orchy Sleeper - which is an old railway station converted into a Bunkhouse. We arrived at 4pm but the owners did not turn up until 5 so we had to go down to the pub for a pint!
On the walk this afternoon I persuaded Kevin and Julia that it would be a good idea to paddle their hot, sore and aching feet in a mountain stream. Kevin made such a noise when he did so that I nearly wet myself! We all dipped our feet and mine certainly felt a lot better.
We are now waiting for supper in the Sleeper. The accommodation is very basic but the shower was hot and powerful. They offer breakfast from 7am but only cereal and toast. Tomorrow is another short day before the LONG one to finish on Wednesday.
We set off at 9am in drizzle but it soon brightened up and turned into the best walking day yet.. It was mainly along rivers and gowns. Lovely. We called in at a Whisky Galore shop so Kevin could get a couple of miniatures.
Tonight we are in the Bridge of Orchy Sleeper - which is an old railway station converted into a Bunkhouse. We arrived at 4pm but the owners did not turn up until 5 so we had to go down to the pub for a pint!
On the walk this afternoon I persuaded Kevin and Julia that it would be a good idea to paddle their hot, sore and aching feet in a mountain stream. Kevin made such a noise when he did so that I nearly wet myself! We all dipped our feet and mine certainly felt a lot better.
We are now waiting for supper in the Sleeper. The accommodation is very basic but the shower was hot and powerful. They offer breakfast from 7am but only cereal and toast. Tomorrow is another short day before the LONG one to finish on Wednesday.
Monday morning.
Damp outside this morning with low cloud. Had a better night's sleep though I could feel the mattress springs. I saw some interesting flowers and grass with seed heads like balls of fluffy cotton wool. Also wild myrtle and bilberry. Wonder what today will bring forth. So far I have one small blister on the very end of my little toe!
47 miles behind us and 49 to go.
47 miles behind us and 49 to go.
Sunday, 5 June 2011
Day 3 - Sunday
Today started with a bit of drizzle but soon turned out warm and pleasant. Last night's accommodation in the Bunkhouse was a big surprise. The building is an old church and the lounge/dining room was upstairs with the original stained glass windows, leather sofas, heavy dining chairs,black cat!! The rooms were as expected with just bunk beds and nothing else. Shower at end of corridor - but we did get clean towels etc. What made it such a surprise was the food and presentation of it. It was worthy of a 5* hotel. The staff were friendly and helpful. Good bar stock! However, what let it down slightly was not being able to get into the lounge until 8 am this morning, Kevin's toast being mouldy , our flask of tea being hot water (4 teabags handed to us installed as we left) and the sandwiches made with white sliced bread but whole slice - not cut into sandwiches! We left Loch Lomond just before lunch and headed into the hills. A little black vole ran across the path between Julia and myself. J and K are complaining because they wanted to attach a bungee to my back so I could pull them along on the flat (only way they say they can keep up with me) but I said only if they carry me up the hills, which they decined!! Now in Crainlarich - just been to pub for a enroute supper. Turning in soon ready for another 13 miles tomorrow.
Saturday, 4 June 2011
Day 2 of the walk - Saturday
If yesterday was a day of trees felled and smashed by the recent storms, of climbing over and around huge oaks and conifers, then today has been a day of rhododendrons, bluebells and bird song!
It has been overcast and much cooler - but better for walking and you would be hard pushed to find a lovlier walk than along the banks of Loch Lomond.
Yesterday I saw a wild orchid by the side of the path, today it was wild garlic!
Last night we stayed in the Inn at Balmaha, which was lovely, though Kevin chose the "Hot and Spicy" Pizza which turned out to be all peppers and he could not taste the Pizza! Julia and I had the battered haddock - and that was lovely.
We retired early and J&K were asleep before 9pm - I sat up doing the plog post on my phone (which is quite slow and difficult as it has a small keyboard and the predictive text gives some interesting words!!). There were some noisy children outside the Inn until about 11pm then it was quiet for about half an hour - then, just as I was dropping off to sleep, the honeymoon couple in the next room decided to practice their new-found game and woke us all up - and not just with the bed squeeking as it did very loudly!! They kept it up for over 2 hours and even Kevin was getting fed up!!
Needless to say, they were not down to breakfast before we left at 9am.
The walk today was very undulating but a delightful walk. Julia's shins hurt on the downhill bits and Kevin's toe did the same. I'm not too bad, though the muscles ache a bit at the end of the day.
Have taken some good photos but have not yet worked out how to get them on the blog (my new phone will not let me email to the blog the way my old one did).
We are now in the Bunkhouse at Inversnaid, which is a converted old church (still complete with stained glass windows) and I am using their PC on wi-fi connection - much easier than from my phone!
Just about to have our meal and a glass or two of wine. Tomorrow is another easy day of only 13 miles!! Doddle!!
Anita xx
It has been overcast and much cooler - but better for walking and you would be hard pushed to find a lovlier walk than along the banks of Loch Lomond.
Yesterday I saw a wild orchid by the side of the path, today it was wild garlic!
Last night we stayed in the Inn at Balmaha, which was lovely, though Kevin chose the "Hot and Spicy" Pizza which turned out to be all peppers and he could not taste the Pizza! Julia and I had the battered haddock - and that was lovely.
We retired early and J&K were asleep before 9pm - I sat up doing the plog post on my phone (which is quite slow and difficult as it has a small keyboard and the predictive text gives some interesting words!!). There were some noisy children outside the Inn until about 11pm then it was quiet for about half an hour - then, just as I was dropping off to sleep, the honeymoon couple in the next room decided to practice their new-found game and woke us all up - and not just with the bed squeeking as it did very loudly!! They kept it up for over 2 hours and even Kevin was getting fed up!!
Needless to say, they were not down to breakfast before we left at 9am.
The walk today was very undulating but a delightful walk. Julia's shins hurt on the downhill bits and Kevin's toe did the same. I'm not too bad, though the muscles ache a bit at the end of the day.
Have taken some good photos but have not yet worked out how to get them on the blog (my new phone will not let me email to the blog the way my old one did).
We are now in the Bunkhouse at Inversnaid, which is a converted old church (still complete with stained glass windows) and I am using their PC on wi-fi connection - much easier than from my phone!
Just about to have our meal and a glass or two of wine. Tomorrow is another easy day of only 13 miles!! Doddle!!
Anita xx
Friday, 3 June 2011
First walk day - Friday
I got the day wrong on earlier post! We left out accommodation in Milngavie at 8.15 after a huge Scottish breakfast of egg, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, tomato, beans, black pudding, hash brown, smiley face and some sort of pancake, as well as cereal, toast, orange juice and tea! Julia had smoked salmon and scrambled egg. We spent 45 minutes in the visitors' centre signing in and paying for our baggage transfers and finally set off walking at 9am. We took a slight diversion to Glengoyne distilled where Julia and Kevin sampled the whisky. Next stop - along the old railway track was Unbound for a pub stop and late elevenses. The day was getting hotter and hotter! At Drymen there was a detour because the Forestry Commission closed the trak to clear lots of trees felled by recent storms. This meant a slog along the main road and proved our undoing, as to get back on track would have meant an extra 4 miles and not getting to our accommodation until 7 pm. We were all suffering from a hot and tiring (thou not particularly difficult) day, so decided to postpone Conical Hill until tomorrow. Our triple room in the Oak Tree Inn is really nice and we have had a simple meal and we are now in bed - at 8.30!!! J and K have spent last 2 hrs complaining about their aches & pains! Me? Now that would be telling!
First walk day - Thursday
Beautiful morning here in Milngavie. Julia said it was 6.45so I got up and performed my ablutions, only to find she was on Swiss time and it was 5.45! Scottish breakfast in 45 mind. Then off to Balmaha via Carbeth and Drymen. Not much in the way of hills today. Some track, road and old railway track. 20 miles, so I am glad it is easy going!
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Outward journey.
Interesting trip so far. Left home at 11aj, caught local train to Ipswich then one to Peterborough. Changed onto one for EDINBURGH which I am still on. Delayed by signal pro own, then had to turn train around to use rear drivers' van. Now about 45 minutes behind schedule and I have missed my connection to Glasgow . Just have to get next one . No aircon in this carriage. So I will be glad to get off!
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Accommodation enroute
Thursday 2nd June. Best foot forward Milngavie
Friday 3rd June. Oak Tree Inn Balmaha
Saturday 4th June. Inversnaid Bunkhouse
Sunday 5thJune. Glenardran House Crianlarich
Monday 6th June. West Highland Way Sleeper Bridge of Orchy
Tuesday 7th June. Kings House Hotel Glencoe
Wednesday 8th, Thursday 9th & Fri 10th June. Guisachan House Fort William
Friday 3rd June. Oak Tree Inn Balmaha
Saturday 4th June. Inversnaid Bunkhouse
Sunday 5thJune. Glenardran House Crianlarich
Monday 6th June. West Highland Way Sleeper Bridge of Orchy
Tuesday 7th June. Kings House Hotel Glencoe
Wednesday 8th, Thursday 9th & Fri 10th June. Guisachan House Fort William
Itinerary and Distances
Thur 2 Jun - Home to Milngavie
Fri 3 Jun - Milngavie to Balmaha 20 miles
Sat 4 Jun - Balmaha to Inversnaid 14 miles
Sun 5 Jun - Inversnaid to Crianlarich 13 miles
Mon 6 Jun - Crianlarich to Bridge of Orchy 13 miles
Tue 7 Jun - Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse 13 miles
Wed 8 Jun - Kingshouse to Fort William 22 miles
Thur 9 Jun - Jacobite Train
Fri 10 Jun - Climb Ben Nevis
Sat 11 Jun - Fort William to Home (for Anita - Julia and Kevin are going on to Edinburgh for a few days)
Fri 3 Jun - Milngavie to Balmaha 20 miles
Sat 4 Jun - Balmaha to Inversnaid 14 miles
Sun 5 Jun - Inversnaid to Crianlarich 13 miles
Mon 6 Jun - Crianlarich to Bridge of Orchy 13 miles
Tue 7 Jun - Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse 13 miles
Wed 8 Jun - Kingshouse to Fort William 22 miles
Thur 9 Jun - Jacobite Train
Fri 10 Jun - Climb Ben Nevis
Sat 11 Jun - Fort William to Home (for Anita - Julia and Kevin are going on to Edinburgh for a few days)
Detailed but Brief Description
Milngavie to Carbeth
Summary:
Distance / Time: 5 miles (8 km) / 3 to 4 hours
•Total Ascent: 148 m
•Total Descent: 69 m
•Max Height: 130 m
•Terrain: A relatively simple start to the Way on footpaths, tracks and lanes with no major climbs.
•Places of Interest: Mugdock Country Park
The official start of the West Highland Way is a granite obelisk in Douglas Street, Milngavie (NS 553 744).
Carbeth to Drymen
Summary:
•Distance / Time: 7 miles (11.2 km) / 3 to 4 hours
•Total Ascent: 271 m
•Total Descent: 238 m
•Max Height: 163 m
•Terrain: A relatively simple stage on footpaths, minor roads and made up path on dismantled railway trackbed.
•Places of Interest: Standing stones, Duntreath Castle, Glengoyne Distillery.
Drymen to Balmaha
Summary
•Distance / Time: 8 miles (12.8 km) / 4 to 5 hours (via Conic Hill)
•Total Ascent: 292 m (via Conic Hill)
•Total Descent: 437 m (via Conic Hill)
•Max Height: 310 m (via Conic Hill)
•Terrain: Good paths or tracks most of the way. The only significant ascent being the section of the route over Conic Hill near Balmaha. There is a low level alternative.
•Places of Interest: Boat trips are available from Balmaha to Inchcailloch, part of Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve. Visitors' Centre at Balmaha car park.
Balmaha to Rowardennan
Summary:
•Distance / Time: 7 miles (11.2 km) / 3 to 4 hours
•Total Ascent: 373 m
•Total Descent: 378 m
•Max Height: 88 m
•Terrain: Good paths or tracks most of the way but can be twisty and undulating in places. Most of the route runs between the road and the shore of Loch Lomond. Short sections on minor roads.
•Places of Interest: Boat trips are available from Balmaha to Inchcailloch on Loch Lomond. Visitors Centre at Balmaha car park. Ben Lomond.
Rowardennan to Inversnaid
Summary:
•Distance / Time: 7 miles (11.2 km) / 4 to 5 hours
•Total Ascent: 544 m
•Total Descent: 547 m
•Max Height: 149 m
•Terrain: This stretch is mostly forestry track following the eastern shore of Loch Lomond with occasional diversions onto a rocky path with crags and boulders.
•Places of Interest: Rob Roy’s Prison, RSPB reserve.
Inversnaid to Inverarnan
Summary:
•Distance / Time: 7 miles (11.2 km) / 4 to 5 hours
•Total Ascent: 387 m
•Total Descent: 150 m
•Max Height: 252 m
•Terrain: This is by far the roughest section of the Way, where the path makes a tortuous route along the side of Loch Lomond with many ups and downs. A hard walk but the scenery is superb.
•Places of Interest: Rob Roy’s Cave
Inverarnan to Crianlarich
Summary:
•Distance / Time: 6 miles (9.6 km) / 3 to 4 hours
•Total Ascent: 374 m
•Total Descent: 150 m
•Max Height: 252 m
•Terrain: The path and tacks are mainly well-surfaced, much of the way consists of an old military road. Moderate ascents and descents. The way bypasses Crianlarich to the west, but a spur path leads into the village, the halfway point on the route.
•Places of Interest: Grey mares tail (waterfall), The Falls of Falloch.
Crianlarich to Tyndrum
Summary:
•Distance / Time: 6 miles (9.6 km) / 3 to 4 hours
•Total Ascent: 248 m
•Total Descent: 263 m
•Max Height: 334 m
•Terrain: Good paths and tracks with some moderate ascent and descent, but nothing unduly difficult and nowhere far from services. A straightforward day of glen and low pass walking amid outstanding mountain scenery.
•Places of Interest: St Fillans Chapel, (remains) it was raised to a Priory by Robert the Bruce in 1318 and thereafter enjoyed some measure of privilege and protection from the kings of Scotland.
Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy
Summary:
•Distance / Time: 7 miles (11.2 km) / 3 to 4 hours
•Total Ascent: 183 m
•Total Descent: 254 m
•Max Height: 334 m
•Terrain: Good paths and tracks with some moderate ascent and descent, but nothing unduly difficult and nowhere far from services. A straightforward day of glen and low pass walking amid outstanding mountain scenery.
Bridge of Orchy to Inveroran
Summary:
•Distance / Time: 2 miles (3.2 km) / 1 to 3 hours
•Total Ascent: 175 m
•Total Descent: 164 m
•Max Height: 323 m
•Terrain: This is a short, straightforward stage which acts as an introduction to the wilderness of Rannoch Moor.
Inveroran to Kingshouse
Summary:
•Distance / Time: 10 miles (16 km) / 4 to 5 hours
•Total Ascent: 336 m
•Total Descent: 270 m
•Max Height: 446 m
•Terrain: The surface is mainly good underfoot but on Rannoch Moor you are highly exposed in bad weather. There is no shelter of any kind available until you reach the White Corries ski centre (12 km) The scenery is spectacular but if conditions are poor, this can be a very tough stage of the Way.
•Places of Interest: Glen Coe Ski Centre
Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
Summary:
•Distance / Time: 9 miles (14.4 km) / 4 to 5 hours
•Total Ascent: 423 m
•Total Descent: 659 m
•Max Height: 547 m
•Terrain: The surfaces are mainly good but you are very highly exposed at its highest point you are at 550m before a long descent down to Kinlochleven, although short its still a hard stage in bad weather.
•Places of Interest: The Devils Staircase. At 550m (1850ft) this is the highest point along the way. The Ice Factor (National ice climbing centre) Kinlochleven
Kinlochleven to Fort William
Summary:
•Distance / Time: 16 miles (24 km) / 7 to 8 hours
•Total Ascent: 735 m
•Total Descent: 737 m
•Max Height: 333 m
•Terrain: Very good paths at this last stage, there is a steep climb out of Kinlochleven, then there is no more serious gradients, the path through Nevis Forest is a bit rough then on to some tarmac descending down into Fort William.
•Places of Interest: The way goes through Lairigmor, this section of the walk boasts 11 Munros (Mountains over 3000feet).
Summary:
Distance / Time: 5 miles (8 km) / 3 to 4 hours
•Total Ascent: 148 m
•Total Descent: 69 m
•Max Height: 130 m
•Terrain: A relatively simple start to the Way on footpaths, tracks and lanes with no major climbs.
•Places of Interest: Mugdock Country Park
The official start of the West Highland Way is a granite obelisk in Douglas Street, Milngavie (NS 553 744).
Carbeth to Drymen
Summary:
•Distance / Time: 7 miles (11.2 km) / 3 to 4 hours
•Total Ascent: 271 m
•Total Descent: 238 m
•Max Height: 163 m
•Terrain: A relatively simple stage on footpaths, minor roads and made up path on dismantled railway trackbed.
•Places of Interest: Standing stones, Duntreath Castle, Glengoyne Distillery.
Drymen to Balmaha
Summary
•Distance / Time: 8 miles (12.8 km) / 4 to 5 hours (via Conic Hill)
•Total Ascent: 292 m (via Conic Hill)
•Total Descent: 437 m (via Conic Hill)
•Max Height: 310 m (via Conic Hill)
•Terrain: Good paths or tracks most of the way. The only significant ascent being the section of the route over Conic Hill near Balmaha. There is a low level alternative.
•Places of Interest: Boat trips are available from Balmaha to Inchcailloch, part of Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve. Visitors' Centre at Balmaha car park.
Balmaha to Rowardennan
Summary:
•Distance / Time: 7 miles (11.2 km) / 3 to 4 hours
•Total Ascent: 373 m
•Total Descent: 378 m
•Max Height: 88 m
•Terrain: Good paths or tracks most of the way but can be twisty and undulating in places. Most of the route runs between the road and the shore of Loch Lomond. Short sections on minor roads.
•Places of Interest: Boat trips are available from Balmaha to Inchcailloch on Loch Lomond. Visitors Centre at Balmaha car park. Ben Lomond.
Rowardennan to Inversnaid
Summary:
•Distance / Time: 7 miles (11.2 km) / 4 to 5 hours
•Total Ascent: 544 m
•Total Descent: 547 m
•Max Height: 149 m
•Terrain: This stretch is mostly forestry track following the eastern shore of Loch Lomond with occasional diversions onto a rocky path with crags and boulders.
•Places of Interest: Rob Roy’s Prison, RSPB reserve.
Inversnaid to Inverarnan
Summary:
•Distance / Time: 7 miles (11.2 km) / 4 to 5 hours
•Total Ascent: 387 m
•Total Descent: 150 m
•Max Height: 252 m
•Terrain: This is by far the roughest section of the Way, where the path makes a tortuous route along the side of Loch Lomond with many ups and downs. A hard walk but the scenery is superb.
•Places of Interest: Rob Roy’s Cave
Inverarnan to Crianlarich
Summary:
•Distance / Time: 6 miles (9.6 km) / 3 to 4 hours
•Total Ascent: 374 m
•Total Descent: 150 m
•Max Height: 252 m
•Terrain: The path and tacks are mainly well-surfaced, much of the way consists of an old military road. Moderate ascents and descents. The way bypasses Crianlarich to the west, but a spur path leads into the village, the halfway point on the route.
•Places of Interest: Grey mares tail (waterfall), The Falls of Falloch.
Crianlarich to Tyndrum
Summary:
•Distance / Time: 6 miles (9.6 km) / 3 to 4 hours
•Total Ascent: 248 m
•Total Descent: 263 m
•Max Height: 334 m
•Terrain: Good paths and tracks with some moderate ascent and descent, but nothing unduly difficult and nowhere far from services. A straightforward day of glen and low pass walking amid outstanding mountain scenery.
•Places of Interest: St Fillans Chapel, (remains) it was raised to a Priory by Robert the Bruce in 1318 and thereafter enjoyed some measure of privilege and protection from the kings of Scotland.
Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy
Summary:
•Distance / Time: 7 miles (11.2 km) / 3 to 4 hours
•Total Ascent: 183 m
•Total Descent: 254 m
•Max Height: 334 m
•Terrain: Good paths and tracks with some moderate ascent and descent, but nothing unduly difficult and nowhere far from services. A straightforward day of glen and low pass walking amid outstanding mountain scenery.
Bridge of Orchy to Inveroran
Summary:
•Distance / Time: 2 miles (3.2 km) / 1 to 3 hours
•Total Ascent: 175 m
•Total Descent: 164 m
•Max Height: 323 m
•Terrain: This is a short, straightforward stage which acts as an introduction to the wilderness of Rannoch Moor.
Inveroran to Kingshouse
Summary:
•Distance / Time: 10 miles (16 km) / 4 to 5 hours
•Total Ascent: 336 m
•Total Descent: 270 m
•Max Height: 446 m
•Terrain: The surface is mainly good underfoot but on Rannoch Moor you are highly exposed in bad weather. There is no shelter of any kind available until you reach the White Corries ski centre (12 km) The scenery is spectacular but if conditions are poor, this can be a very tough stage of the Way.
•Places of Interest: Glen Coe Ski Centre
Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
Summary:
•Distance / Time: 9 miles (14.4 km) / 4 to 5 hours
•Total Ascent: 423 m
•Total Descent: 659 m
•Max Height: 547 m
•Terrain: The surfaces are mainly good but you are very highly exposed at its highest point you are at 550m before a long descent down to Kinlochleven, although short its still a hard stage in bad weather.
•Places of Interest: The Devils Staircase. At 550m (1850ft) this is the highest point along the way. The Ice Factor (National ice climbing centre) Kinlochleven
Kinlochleven to Fort William
Summary:
•Distance / Time: 16 miles (24 km) / 7 to 8 hours
•Total Ascent: 735 m
•Total Descent: 737 m
•Max Height: 333 m
•Terrain: Very good paths at this last stage, there is a steep climb out of Kinlochleven, then there is no more serious gradients, the path through Nevis Forest is a bit rough then on to some tarmac descending down into Fort William.
•Places of Interest: The way goes through Lairigmor, this section of the walk boasts 11 Munros (Mountains over 3000feet).
Thursday, 7 April 2011
Preparation
I am now beginning the preparation for the second walk in the series (where will we go next year???). I have just set up the blog and will soon add the route, daily distances, B&B stops etc. When we are on the walk I will post photos and comments to let all our friends and family know how we are getting on.
Anita
Anita
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