Page 1 Discover Scotland s spectacular landscape on the, the first long distance footpath to be established in Scotland. This well-trodden path takes you on a journey through Scotland s history, following in the footsteps of drovers, pilgrims, soldiers, clansmen and cattle-rushers. The begins in Milngavie near Glasgow and after 95 miles (153 km) finishes in Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain s highest mountain. Magnificent mountains, serene lochs and fast-flowing rivers combine to reward you with a matchless and ever changing landscape. Along this route, you will pass through stunning Highland scenery, walk along the banks of Loch Lomond with great views of the mountains, and cross the remote wilderness of Rannoch Moor with its unique landscape. You ll then head to Kinlochleven via the Devil s Staircase before you finally reach Ben Nevis and Fort William, situated at the head of Loch Linnhe. The connects with the Great Glen Way, which we also offer to walkers, who want to walk all the way from Milngavie to Inverness.
Page 2 Why do this walk? Essential Info - The was Scotland s first designated long distance trail, but it took nearly 20 years for it to be officially opened from its original conception in the 60s. - The offers tremendous variety - from the pastoral landscapes beneath the Campsies, past Loch Lomond, over the isolated, but beautiful Rannoch Moor. As you walk, the scenery becomes more and more dramatic, culminating in views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. - On this route from the Lowlands to the Highlands you will experience contrasts in geology, in flora and fauna, and in use of the land. You will pass through a variety of woodland and forest areas, some natural and some artificially created. - The whole route is well signposted on wellmaintained paths, with much of the trail on ancient roads - there are sections which follow drover s roads, military roads and old coaching routes - the is well within the capabilities of most walkers, but it does offer some challenges along the way. - Take some time out to pop into the world-famous (and over 300 years old!) Drovers Inn - situated in Invernan, close by to the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond - an ideal spot for fans of a wee dram. Or two. Length: From 6 days / 7 nights Full Route Length: 95 miles / 153 km Shortest Break Length: 95 miles / 153 km Moderate to Challenging Grade Thousands of regular walkers complete the every year but remember this is a challenging route passing through increasingly remote and mountainous terrain. There are some long days too. This is a route for experienced walkers. Terrain Varied lowland meadows, foothills, loch sides, remote moorland, and high mountain passes it has it all! What s it like underfoot? The route is generally well maintained but there are sections where the going is rougher, and others where it can get muddy. The side of Loch Lomond is infamous for its difficult tree roots. How much up and down? Not too much considering where you are! Over 4000m of ascent in total, with climbs of 300-500m on most days. The 2 biggest climbs 500m up the Devils Staircase, and 700m out of Kinlochleven, are saved for the final two days. Signposting Good. Navigation The route follows well-defined paths, so no particular difficulties. However there are sections of remote wilderness (Rannoch Moor), and higher mountain terrain (where you may be in the mist on a bad day) so you need to be able to navigate as these aren t places you want to get lost. Weather Some people complete the whole route in fine weather, but most will encounter at least some rain, and possibly hill fog on the higher ground. Early or late in the season hail or snow are possibilities. Good clothing and waterproofs absolutely essential, even if you end up not needing them too often.
Page 3 Our holidays We offer a range of walking holidays along the - a 6, 7, 8 and 9 day option. The West Highland Way is well sign posted throughout and will not unduly tax walkers who are of a reasonable level of fitness. However, the route does offer some challenges - one of the most testing sections is at Loch Lomond, whilst other sections are very exposed. Route The Whole We offer four holidays covering the whole - the longer the holiday, the shorter the distance you have to walk each day and explore this amazing route.
Page 4 What's Included Every walking holiday includes: Accommodation We ll select your accommodation from a specially curated collection of hotels, farmhouses, country houses, and coaching inns along each of our routes. When selecting accommodation our focus is a helpful, friendly host with good quality accommodation and superb facilities. All of our accommodation has been carefully chosen so that you can unwind after a long day s walking and enjoy unique architectural features, quirks and interiors, whilst also experiencing a superb level of comfort and service. Breakfast To make sure that you put your best foot forward after a good night s sleep you can get your day started with either a Full English breakfast or a Continental breakfast. Luggage transfer We ll also transfer your luggage between each overnight stop. All you need to do is leave your bag at your accommodation when you set off in the morning, and it will be moved to your next overnight stop for when you arrive later that day. All you ll need is a small day sack with any clothes and provisions that you ll need during your day s walk Personal itinerary An itinerary setting out the relevant information for each overnight stop, including large scale maps for each location and details of where we d recommend you head for your evening meal. Maps OS map/s (1:25,000) covering your whole route. Guidebook Detailed route information, including maps and photos. Services information An information sheet detailing cash points, banks, post offices, village shops, inns, cafes and taxis available along the route. Emergency support We are always on hand to help if you experience any difficulties during your holiday, including outside of normal office hours. 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoors As a little thank you from us you will get a 15% discount at all Cotswold Outdoor stores online and high street - for twelve months following confirmation of your booking. Options: Off road parking If you are travelling to your start location by car just let us know and we will see what we can do to organise parking for the duration of your trip. There may be a small charge for this. Return transport We can also arrange transfer back to your car - it s no problem, just ask - and we ll even advise you when public transport is a better option! What s not Included: Evening meal Your evening meal isn t included in your walking holiday package, however your itinerary will include details of the best local eateries along your route - it could be a pub, a restaurant or even the accommodation that you re staying in - so you ll be able to relax and refuel after a good day s walking. We always do our best to pick somewhere within walking distance of your accommodation, and you should allow approximately 20.00 per night for your evening meal. Packed lunch We don t include a packed lunch as part of your walking holiday. Transport to and from your start and finish points Click on the Travel Info tab on your chosen walking holiday for our recommendations. Alternatively just get in touch with us directly and we ll help you sort it all out. Travel Insurance For your own peace of mind we d recommend you make sure that you ve got ample travel insurance before you set off on your holiday.
Page 5 Rest days Travel info Crianlarich General travel information on the West Highland Way area will be in your holiday pack including train and bus timetables where available. Detailed instructions on getting to your first night s accommodation by car, or on foot from the nearest train or bus station, will also be included in the holiday pack on individual accommodation maps. To view train times please visit qjump where you can also purchase tickets in advance. For information on bus timetables please visit traveline. If you require secure car parking whilst walking this route, please contact us for information. Getting There: By Air: The nearest international airport is Glasgow (GLA). There is a regular shuttle bus into Glasgow city centre (approx 25 mins). Glasgow to Milngavie is 7 miles, you can either: take a taxi from Glasgow city centre; travel by train directly to Milngavie, this takes 25 minutes; or travel by bus, which takes 40 minutes. By Public Transport: Milngavie has a railway station. Most services will pass through Glasgow. By Road: Milngavie is 7 miles north of Glasgow. For Glasgow, travel on the M6 north followed by the A74 (M). From Glasgow, follow the A81 direct to Milngavie. Returning from Fort William: By Public Transport: Fort William has a railway station. Most services will pass through Glasgow (GLA). By Road: Head for either Glasgow (107 miles) or Edinburgh (136 miles) depending on the direction of your final destination. The name Crianlarich comes from the Gaelic for low pass. In the 1750s two military roads met here. Crianlarich makes a good location for a rest day in order to travel along the picturesque West Highland Train Line to visit Oban a coastal resort with a difference - the town and its bay are virtually landlocked, giving it a sheltered setting. For memorable views walk up Oban Hill to McCaig's Tower or take a walk to Ganavan Sands and relax on the beach. Fort William Fort William is the capital of the West Highlands, situated at the head of Loch Linnhe. It s not the prettiest of towns, but there are a good number of shops, and some good outdoor stores to browse around or buy new gear. A lot of people take an extra day here to climb Ben Nevis Britain s highest mountain (1344m / 4409ft). It s a long day, and the weather can be harsh, so make sure you are fit and prepared! Tyndrum Today's village earns much of its living by providing goods, services, and accommodation to passing travellers, mostly motorists heading up or down the busy A85 and A82 trunk roads. In doing so, Tyndrum is carrying on a long tradition. The village's origins date back to the days when droves of Highland cattle from the north and west passed through en route to markets in central Scotland bringing lots of tired, hungry and thirsty drovers with them. This is a good location for a rest day in order to travel along the picturesque West Highland Train Line to visit Oban a coastal resort with a difference - the town and its bay are virtually land-locked, giving it a sheltered setting. For memorable views walk up Oban Hill to McCaig's Tower or take a walk to Ganavan Sands and relax on the beach.
Page 6 Accommodation A good night s sleep is critical on your walking holiday. We want you to wake refreshed and recharged ready for a new day, and selecting the right accommodation for you is our priority.we have spent time and energy rigorously curating our collection of hotels, farmhouses, country houses, and coaching inns. When selecting accommodation our key focus is a helpful, friendly host with good quality accommodation and superb facilities. All of our accommodation has been carefully chosen so that you can unwind after a day s walking and enjoy their unique architectural features, quirks, and interiors whilst also experiencing a superb level of comfort and service.some examples of the collection of accommodation we have curated for this route include: Bridge of Orchy Hotel The Bridge of Orchy is a recently renovated 4 star hotel at the gateway to Glencoe, surrounded by highland peaks. Enjoy a drink in the convivial bar before eating in the elegant dining room or the more casual bistro with its good food and spectacular views. Follow this with an after-dinner drink in the tranquil library before a good night s sleep in one of the contemporary bedrooms. Inveroran Hotel Situated on the Black Mount Estate which takes in over 90,000 acres of spectacular rugged Scottish countryside. Originally a th Century drovers inn, the Inveroran Hotel has retained many of its original features and offers a comfortable place to stay. Allt Na Leven Originally the village store, Allt Na Leven has been renovated to a high standard and offers bright, spacious, clean and comfortable modern rooms with lovely views of the River Leven and surrounding hills. A family run B&B with an emphasis on comfort, satisfaction, and good food.
Glengarry House A friendly and exceptionally comfortable guest house just outside Tyndrum. You will enjoy a warm welcome and a good nights sleep in one of the large and homely rooms. Food is homemade from fresh ingredients and eggs are likely to be from one Glengarry s own free range chickens. Lime Tree Formerly an 1850 former Church Manse building, the Lime Tree overlooks the Loch in the centre of Fort William. This family run hotel ensures a warm welcome with spacious and relaxing rooms together with a multi award winning restaurant on site. The Lime Tree combines stylish and quirky décor, and a number of log fires, together with its own art gallery. Page 7
Page 8 Our Itineraries Milngavie to Fort William (6 days walking): XWH7 Miles km Day 1 Travel to Milngavie for your first nights accommodation Day 2 Milngavie to Drymen 12 Day 3 Drymen to Rowardennan Day 4 Rowardennan to Crianlarich 20 32 Day 5 Crianlarich to Inveroran 16 26 Day 6 Inveroran to Kinlochleven 31 Day 7 Kinlochleven to Fort William Milngavie to Fort William (7 days walking): XWH8 Miles km Day 1 Travel to Milngavie for your first nights accommodation Day 2 Milngavie to Drymen 12 Day 3 Drymen to Rowardennan Day 4 Rowardennan to Inverarnan Day 5 Inverarnan to Tyndrum 13 21 Day 6 Tyndrum to Kingshouse then transfer to Glencoe/Kinlochleven 31 Day 7 Transfer back to Kingshouse then walk to Kinlochleven 9 Day 8 Kinlochleven to Fort William Milngavie to Fort William (8 days walking): XWH9 Miles km Day 1 Travel to Milngavie for your first nights accommodation Day 2 Milngavie to Drymen 12 Day 3 Drymen to Rowardennan Day 4 Rowardennan to Inverarnan Day 5 Inverarnan to Tyndrum 13 21 Day 6 Tyndrum to Bridge Of Orchy 6 10 Day 7 Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse then transfer to Glencoe/Kinlochleven 13 21 Day 8 Transfer back to Kingshouse then walk to Kinlochleven 9 Day 9 Kinlochleven to Fort William
Page 9 Milngavie to Fort William (9 days walking): XWH10 Miles km Day 1 Travel to Milngavie for your first nights accommodation Day 2 Milngavie to Drymen 12 Day 3 Drymen to Balmaha 6 10 Day 4 Balmaha to Rowardennan 8 12 Day 5 Rowardennan to Inverarnan Day 6 Inverarnan to Tyndrum 13 21 Day 7 Tyndrum to Bridge Of Orchy 6 10 Day 8 Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse then transfer to Glencoe/Kinlochleven 13 21 Day 9 Transfer back to Kingshouse then walk to Kinlochleven 9 Day 10 Kinlochleven to Fort William
Page 10 Booking Form Contact Details Address: Telephone: Mobile/Alternative Tel: Email: Emergency Contact No: Your Holiday Hoilday Name: Holiday Code: Date of First Night: Date of Last Night: Party Members Title First Name Last Name Date of Birth Other Options Options Rooms Required: Off Street Parking: No. Double Rooms: Transfer Required: No. Twin Rooms: Rest Days No. Single Rooms: No. Triple Rooms: Comments (special diets, other requirements, etc): Payment Holiday cost per person: I enclose a cheque for the deposit value Rest Days: OR please debit my Visa/Visa Debit/Mastercard/Mastercard Debit/Solo. Card number: Valid from: Expires: Security number*: *The last digits on the back of the card Total cost per person: Number in group: Total group cost: Deposit (20% of Total Cost): I authorise A Walk in The Country to charge a 20% deposit to my card now and the remaining balance 6 weeks before commencement of my holiday, (for card payments only). I confirm that the above details are correct and that I have read and accept the terms and conditions available on the website. Signed: Date: Name: