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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The West Highland Way Day 3: Inversnaid – Crianlarich

Hiking 154 km from Milngavie to Fort William, Scotland

Day 3: Inversnaid – Crianlarich (24.4 km)

Today our trip would take us from the rocky shoreline of Loch Lomond to the higher grounds in Crianlarich. Walking on these rocks close to the water, with the sound of burling deer in the forest, is great to start the day but your average speed is very low. The first 10 km took us 4 hours. In the afternoon the sun started to shine (we still did not encounter the famous “horizontal rain”). Spirit was good after we had a big beef stew during lunch in Beinglas Farm Campsite to walk the last 10 miles to Crianlarich. Because our first 10 km took so long, we were a bit behind schedule and had to walk the last part in the dark. Luckily we had good flashlights (a must) to walk the last part in a dark forest. After a 12 hour walk a pint never tasted so good!

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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