West Highland Way
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Deleted account rno
Guest
anyone walked this lately ?
Girlfriend is planning for us to do it after easter
onyack
A few years ago but doubt the route has changed much (or the midges).
What is it you want to know?
Boon
Registered user
Three times..........did you know theres a pub almost every seven miles..........
Travel light.
There are a couple of companies that will collect rucksacks and drop them off at that nights bunkhouse/ B&B for you, makes the walk more enjoyable.
1st ½ is just a slog around Loch Lomond with not much to see.
There are a couple of companies that will collect rucksacks and drop them off at that nights bunkhouse/ B&B for you, makes the walk more enjoyable.
1st ½ is just a slog around Loch Lomond with not much to see.
Tarmac Teaser
Guest
Don't try to cycle it
Tried it last year and got 13 miles in total before my bum failed.
It's longer than you think.
Deleted account rno
Guest
I attempted to do it in 2003. Along with my mate who's an ex-Para and his son who had just come out of the army stationed at Hereford and was "quite fit" , we worked out a schedule and decided to do the walk in 5 days.
Typical me: I snapped a D Ring on my walking boots on when I was putting them on to start the epic journey. This resulted in my foot moving around inside the boot causing a bit of friction. I was forced to wear appraoch trainer shoes. Not ideal.
Day 1: Milngarvie to Drymen. No problem.
Day 2: Drymen to Inversnaid. Apart from the distance (IIRC it was well over twenty five miles) this also entailed walking over Ben Lomond. We walked for about 15 hours that day and my feet were covered in blisters. I really knew that I was finished but my mates and my stubborn steak told me otherwise.
Day 3: Inversnaid to Invernam. By the time I got to here, I was wringing blood out of my socks and SAS bandaged feet. I was in agony and decided that my stubborness and determination not to give in was bordering on insanity. I can remember the relief when I decided to call it a day.
My 2 mates were a bit miffed and I think they took it a bit too seriously, like an army excerise when in fact, it was supposed to be fun.
I made my way over to the hotel at Ardlui where I waited about 3 hours on my wife picking me up. I've never been so glad to see her.
My mates did it in the planned time with two further overnighters at Tyndrum and King's House Hotel, Glencoe (which was the most expensive and by far the worst accomodation on the entire trip).
I don't know if I would have been able to keep that pace over that length of time regardless of blistered feet as it was punishing and you saw feck all, with your head down and trecking (or tabbing) at very fast pace.
As G.C. said, the bit that I did wasn't that spectacular scenery wise (what I saw anyway
) and I missed the best part (Crianlarich north). I'll do it again one day (the walk from Inveranam) but not over 2.5 days!
Take your time and enjoy the walk and scenery. It's the only way to go
, we worked out a schedule and decided to do the walk in 5 days.Typical me: I snapped a D Ring on my walking boots on when I was putting them on to start the epic journey. This resulted in my foot moving around inside the boot causing a bit of friction. I was forced to wear appraoch trainer shoes. Not ideal.
Day 1: Milngarvie to Drymen. No problem.
Day 2: Drymen to Inversnaid. Apart from the distance (IIRC it was well over twenty five miles) this also entailed walking over Ben Lomond. We walked for about 15 hours that day and my feet were covered in blisters. I really knew that I was finished but my mates and my stubborn steak told me otherwise.
Day 3: Inversnaid to Invernam. By the time I got to here, I was wringing blood out of my socks and SAS bandaged feet. I was in agony and decided that my stubborness and determination not to give in was bordering on insanity. I can remember the relief when I decided to call it a day.
My 2 mates were a bit miffed and I think they took it a bit too seriously, like an army excerise when in fact, it was supposed to be fun.
I made my way over to the hotel at Ardlui where I waited about 3 hours on my wife picking me up. I've never been so glad to see her.
My mates did it in the planned time with two further overnighters at Tyndrum and King's House Hotel, Glencoe (which was the most expensive and by far the worst accomodation on the entire trip).
I don't know if I would have been able to keep that pace over that length of time regardless of blistered feet as it was punishing and you saw feck all, with your head down and trecking (or tabbing) at very fast pace.
As G.C. said, the bit that I did wasn't that spectacular scenery wise (what I saw anyway
) and I missed the best part (Crianlarich north). I'll do it again one day (the walk from Inveranam) but not over 2.5 days!Take your time and enjoy the walk and scenery. It's the only way to go
Singletrack950
Guest
WHW
Similar story for me.
I did it 17 years ago in a pair of Adidas Samba training shoes after my 'new' boots failed me on Loch Lomondside. I had bought a Goretex shell jacket and didn't use it once as the weather was that good - Easter Week - no midgies !.
I have a friend who just completed it last week who says the paths up Loch Lomondside are dreadful (boggy, rutted, rocky) but once you start to clear Inverarnan and walk up the side of the River Falloch the scenery starts to open up and the views are spectacular.
Travelling light is an absolute must - don't be tempted to camp unless you are a hardy / mad soul as the many b&bs / pubs on the way are reasonably priced, do pub grub and packed lunches as well as a fine pint at the end of each night.
The Kingshouse Hotel was a s***hole when I did the walk all those years ago - we tried to get something to eat / drink at 5 past 2 in the afternoon (6 of us) and they said they could sell us a mars bar and a can of coke - like it or lump it...the chef's finished for the day !!!.
As you climb up over the Devils Staircase you get a stunning view (on a clear day) of the Paps of Glencoe - they're named that for a reason !.
Don't expect much from Fort William - although the chinese restaurant on the main road in was fantastic (15 years ago)
The other alternative is the Great Glen Way which takes you up the side of Loch Ness from Fort William. I'm told it is shorter but more scenic - and there's a chance you'll see Nessie !
Similar story for me.
I did it 17 years ago in a pair of Adidas Samba training shoes after my 'new' boots failed me on Loch Lomondside. I had bought a Goretex shell jacket and didn't use it once as the weather was that good - Easter Week - no midgies !.
I have a friend who just completed it last week who says the paths up Loch Lomondside are dreadful (boggy, rutted, rocky) but once you start to clear Inverarnan and walk up the side of the River Falloch the scenery starts to open up and the views are spectacular.
Travelling light is an absolute must - don't be tempted to camp unless you are a hardy / mad soul as the many b&bs / pubs on the way are reasonably priced, do pub grub and packed lunches as well as a fine pint at the end of each night.
The Kingshouse Hotel was a s***hole when I did the walk all those years ago - we tried to get something to eat / drink at 5 past 2 in the afternoon (6 of us) and they said they could sell us a mars bar and a can of coke - like it or lump it...the chef's finished for the day !!!.
As you climb up over the Devils Staircase you get a stunning view (on a clear day) of the Paps of Glencoe - they're named that for a reason !.
Don't expect much from Fort William - although the chinese restaurant on the main road in was fantastic (15 years ago)
The other alternative is the Great Glen Way which takes you up the side of Loch Ness from Fort William. I'm told it is shorter but more scenic - and there's a chance you'll see Nessie !
Kate
Registered user
We did the WHW and GGW in September 2006, we took 2 weeks to do both trails. We found it hard going as we had over packed and I certainly would recommend traveling light and keeping kit to a minimum. We wild camped, 
did campsites and an odd B&B. We carried food with us and had the odd evening meal out. The only place that was really bad for midges and not very good services was Kingshouse (Glencoe/Rannock Moor) 
Fantastic scenery, wildlife and views, make sure you've plenty of time to take it easy and take pictures.
I would certainly recommend the trails.
did campsites and an odd B&B. We carried food with us and had the odd evening meal out. The only place that was really bad for midges and not very good services was Kingshouse (Glencoe/Rannock Moor) Fantastic scenery, wildlife and views, make sure you've plenty of time to take it easy and take pictures.
I would certainly recommend the trails.
yahoorsir
Registered user
West Highland way
Day1- Milngavie to Drymen ,12 miles,B+B
Day2-Drymen to Rowardenan,14 miles, youth hostel or hotel
day3- Rowardenan to Drovers,14 miles ( Inverarnan) hotel, wooden wigwams,chalets
day4-Inverarnan to tyndrum, b+b, hotels,14 miles
Day5-Tyndrum to Kingshouse, hotel,21 miles,easy to do this long day as its day5,you will be fitter and feet,knees sorted.
day6- kingshouse to Kinlochleven,long lie, half day, 10 miles, B+B. bunkhouses, hotels
day7- Kinlochleven to Fort Bill,14 miles, b+b, hotels
Have done this walk 11 times as a guide, this is probably the best itinery, its meant to be a relaxing holiday , not a race, don't go past Drymen on day 1, it feels like you haven't done enough and if you go another 7 miles to Balmaha its way to much!! blisters!! bad tempered girlfriend !! nae romantic night for you !!
Book all accomodation NOW, its busy!! and your baggage transfer ,its only £30, makes all the difference.Good Pub lunchs everyday apart from last stretch on day 7, if you want a bowl of soup etc... saves carrying sandwiches,nae use in April , too cold for a picnic!! and you get a seat,rest, get out of rain and your boots!
hope this is of some use, pm me if you want any more help, phone etc...
Day1- Milngavie to Drymen ,12 miles,B+B
Day2-Drymen to Rowardenan,14 miles, youth hostel or hotel
day3- Rowardenan to Drovers,14 miles ( Inverarnan) hotel, wooden wigwams,chalets
day4-Inverarnan to tyndrum, b+b, hotels,14 miles
Day5-Tyndrum to Kingshouse, hotel,21 miles,easy to do this long day as its day5,you will be fitter and feet,knees sorted.
day6- kingshouse to Kinlochleven,long lie, half day, 10 miles, B+B. bunkhouses, hotels
day7- Kinlochleven to Fort Bill,14 miles, b+b, hotels
Have done this walk 11 times as a guide, this is probably the best itinery, its meant to be a relaxing holiday , not a race, don't go past Drymen on day 1, it feels like you haven't done enough and if you go another 7 miles to Balmaha its way to much!! blisters!! bad tempered girlfriend !! nae romantic night for you !!
Book all accomodation NOW, its busy!! and your baggage transfer ,its only £30, makes all the difference.Good Pub lunchs everyday apart from last stretch on day 7, if you want a bowl of soup etc... saves carrying sandwiches,nae use in April , too cold for a picnic!! and you get a seat,rest, get out of rain and your boots!
hope this is of some use, pm me if you want any more help, phone etc...
Bart
Guest
I'd agree with JJW that looks about right for distance each day. I've done it 3 times 1981, '91' 01 and it's changed a bit each time. It's a bit of an endurance doo every time but you forget the pain after 10 yrs and are daft enough to go for it again. I've enjoyed every one though and it's a great achievement when completed.
Best advice would be take your time!!! You walk too fast and your feet will be knackered by day 3 unless your a squaddie or a machine.
Last time I did it a Postie from yorkshire romped past on day 1 all cheery waves. We passed him at the end of day 2 sleeping in a bin bag at the side of the track cos his feet were F**k'd. He ended up packing in the next day with his boots over his shoulder and flip flops tied to his feet with laces.
Go for it but avoid July for midges!onyack
Best advice would be take your time!!! You walk too fast and your feet will be knackered by day 3 unless your a squaddie or a machine.
Last time I did it a Postie from yorkshire romped past on day 1 all cheery waves. We passed him at the end of day 2 sleeping in a bin bag at the side of the track cos his feet were F**k'd. He ended up packing in the next day with his boots over his shoulder and flip flops tied to his feet with laces.
Go for it but avoid July for midges!
onyackthanks for that, all good stuff
have read that you cant take dogs, we have a small dog who always is on a lead - is that still a no ? (may be a problem in B&B anyway)
If the first bit is not that good and there is a chance you wont make it, is it worth doing it north to south ?
have read that you cant take dogs, we have a small dog who always is on a lead - is that still a no ? (may be a problem in B&B anyway)
If the first bit is not that good and there is a chance you wont make it, is it worth doing it north to south ?
Steve
Registered user
Can it be done on a GS?
yahoorsir
Registered user
dog is a definate NO-NO
going from south to north you are going through a few sheep farms so its a definate no.
however if you were going north to south you could take the dog from fort bill to Bridge of orchy, south of that is a no-no !! this would give you three days.
Both directions are excellent.
going from south to north you are going through a few sheep farms so its a definate no.
however if you were going north to south you could take the dog from fort bill to Bridge of orchy, south of that is a no-no !! this would give you three days.
Both directions are excellent.
cunning fox
Registered user
Deleted account rno
Guest
that's mostly the reason i've never walked it, couldnae do it wi'oot the dug.
Fu' o' Jura nae doot
Boon
Registered user
Do it before the end of May ............midgies are killer after that.
Great glen way is a popular add on ........but its shite.........slogging along on forrestry roads getting glimpses of the 'view' between the trees........
and you end up in Inversneckie..........
travel light .......I've camped whilst doing it twice..........but I was young and stupid back then .......(as opposed to old and stupid now)
there are two mountain bothys on the way .....one is easy to find..........the other hides 200m off the track in a forrest.
b+b's are good,theres campsites that rent wooden chalets and wooden tipis..There used to be a couple of bunkhouses too ...I'll dig out links if yer interested.
Great glen way is a popular add on ........but its shite.........slogging along on forrestry roads getting glimpses of the 'view' between the trees........
and you end up in Inversneckie..........
travel light .......I've camped whilst doing it twice..........but I was young and stupid back then .......(as opposed to old and stupid now)
there are two mountain bothys on the way .....one is easy to find..........the other hides 200m off the track in a forrest.
b+b's are good,theres campsites that rent wooden chalets and wooden tipis..There used to be a couple of bunkhouses too ...I'll dig out links if yer interested.
...We did it in May (the dryest month of the year).
The gortex gear never got out of my bag and came back Sun burnt??
We started @ Fort William and headed South.
Took 5 days & camped each nightonyack
Had a great laugh & raised a pile of cash for charity.
Will do it again with my kids at some point.
The gortex gear never got out of my bag and came back Sun burnt??
We started @ Fort William and headed South.
Took 5 days & camped each night
onyackHad a great laugh & raised a pile of cash for charity.
Will do it again with my kids at some point.
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