The West Highland Way Day 5: Bridge of Orchy – Kinlochleven

Hiking 154 km from Milngavie to Fort William, Scotland

Day 5: Bridge of Orchy – Inveroran – Kinlochleven (33.7 km)

We woke with the sound from the River of Orchy. After a good sleep, a quick breakfast we packed to take off to Inveroran, a small ‘town’ (3 houses). Walking in these Highlands with the all the different autumn colours is breathtaking. This view over Loch Tulla, with the clouds touching the tops, deer running in the fields and sun-rays gliding of the fields was a personal highlight for me (if you have the chance make camp here). Our next stop was King’s House. When we arrived, a Seaking Helicopter from the Glencoe Mountain Rescue was practising touch and go’s.

Devil’s Staircase

Devil’s Staircase

After a refreshment we continued our walk to climb the famous Devil’s Staircase. “The road lived up to its name when workers building the Blackwater Dam chose to travel to the Kingshouse Hotel after they had been paid, rather than walking down to Kinlochleven. The journey to the pub often proved to be more difficult than they realised and on the return trip, after a few drinks on a cold winter’s night, the devil often ”claimed his own“ (Source)

From the top we had a magnificent panoramic view. Time to celebrate with my precious. The descent to Kinlochleven was pretty smooth. Two more hours when we arrived at the Tailrace Inn (thanks Fiona for the great service!). Time for a cold pint, a good sleep and prepare for the last day!

 
Tips and Tricks
• From Inveroran to King’s House and King’s House to Kinlochleven you won’t find any facilities for food or water. Be prepared.

Check the official West Highland Way website for more tips and tricks.

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The West Highland Way Day 4: Crianlarich – Bridge of Orchy

Hiking 154 km from Milngavie to Fort William, Scotland

Day 4: Crianlarich – Tyndrum – Bridge of Orchy (24.5 km)

The day started grey with wind and rain in Crianlarich. This was the first time we had to use our rain-covers. The dense forest of Crianlarich gave us some cover against the wind, however soon the poncho protecting us against the rain turned into a mobile sauna. Well at least we stayed warm. Once in the open we met the famous Scottish weather, a strong wind and rain. Just before noon it stopped raining when we passed a small Loch.

In 1306, the Battle of Dalrigh took place between Clan MacDougall and Robert the Bruce. Resulting in a rare defeat for Robert’s forces (famous for the movie ‘Braveheart’), it is reported that Robert ordered his men to discard their heavy weapons into this ‘Loch of the Legend of the Lost Sword’. A small stone bench is now placed at the site of the battle. Around 5pm we made camp at the riverbanks River of Orchy in the vilage Bridge of Orchy. It has a definition of village because it has a church.

Tips and Tricks
• We were quite surprised that places could consist of only one house / hotel. We were prepared with enough food and water but don’t let this fact suprise you.

Check the official West Highland Way website for more tips and tricks.

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