The West Highland Way Day 6: Kinlochleven – Fort William

Hiking 154 km from Milngavie to Fort William, Scotland

Day 6: Kinlochleven – Fort William (24.9 km)

The last day of our amazing trip in the Highlands of Scotland. The day started with some light rain but soon the sun started to shine again. After a beautiful panoramic view over Loch Leven we continued the tour over the paths (old military roads) through the hills.  We had a short break with views over grazing sheep, the River Kiachnish and the Scottish wilderness under a blue sky. Just perfect.

Ben Nevis and Rainbows

Of course our trip couldn’t end without one last rain shower. When we were descending to Fort William, we passed Ben Nevis. The Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles standing at 1,344 metres above sea level. A rainbow was shining over it so we couldn’t have a better end of this great trip. Definitely worth going back.

Thank you, Scotland!

For your hospitality, friendly people and breathtaking nature. See you soon!

 < Day 5

Tips and Tricks

Download the West Highland Way Route
• Use the free Mapin App (Android) to plot the The_West_Highland_Way.kmz on different Maps (Google Maps, Google Satellite, OpenStreetMap)

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

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.

 < Day 3 Day 5>

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.

<Day 2   Day 4>

The West Highland Way Day 2: Balmaha – Inversnaid

Hiking 154 km from Milngavie to Fort William, Scotland

Day 2: Balmaha – Rowardennan – Inversnaid (24.4 km)

After a clear, cold night we woke up with the sound of singing birds and a rising sun. While we were packing, a ‘fresh’ spaghetti bolognese was cooking to provide us with enough energy for the next part in this amazing trail. With the sun shining we started the day with a climb to 600 meters. From here we had a spectacular view over Loch Lomond and it’s islands, the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain. During the descent we came through a mesmerizing forest just before we came to the shore of the Loch (lake). Close to the shore it felt like we were walking through some kind of lost world, with small trees, fern and these abandoned small beaches with crystal clear water. Just outside the restricted camping area we set camp in a pitch dark forest. With burling deer welcoming us, we fell asleep after another amazing day.

Tips and Tricks

• We missed a small blinking (bike-)light, to place in a tree. This to warn other walkers/animals in the pitch dark forest.

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

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