West Highland Way - Scotland

June 15 - 24, 2009

The West Highland Way runs for 152 kilometers from Milngavie north to Fort William - from the outskirts of Scotland's largest city along its largest loch across its grandest moor to the foot of its highest mountain. This is a hikers hike for those who wish to experience all that Scotland has to offer.

The West Highland Way opened in 1980 as Scotland's first long distance foot path. It follows historic routes used by Highlanders to herd their cattle southwards and 18th century military roads used to control Jacobite clansmen. The popularity of the Way continues to grow and more than 15,000 people complete the route each year.

The West Highland Way has become an icon of the best Scotland has to offer - magnificent scenery, rich culture, unequaled hospitality, challenge and adventure.

We will hike the Way in 8 days with an average daily distance less than 20 kilometers. We stay in comfortable B&Bs that offer a hot shower and warm hospitality every evening. Luggage will be moved daily so we need only carry light day packs.

However, this is not a hike for the unprepared or unfit as the Highlands can be cold, wet and windy any month of the year and you must be prepared for cumulative daily climbs and descents in the 500 meter range.

Monday, 15 June - Arrival Day. Most participants will leave North America on June 15 arriving in Glasgow the morning of June 16. It's a 30 minute bus ride from the airport and another 30 minute train trip to Milngavie (pronounced mull-guy) to the north. Your B&B in Milngavie is prepared for early arrivals.

Tuesday, 16 June - Milngavie to Drymen - 12.5 kilometers. An easy day with no major climbs. The Way passes through parkland and along an abandoned rail line. Around noon the trail passes near Glengoyne distillery which provides a tour and tasting of Scotland's famous beverage. Try the nearby Beech Tree Inn for lunch.

Wednesday, 17 June- Drymen to Rowardennan - 22.5 kilometers. A 180 meter climb over Conic Hill and down to the east bank of Loch Lomond.  After the scenic climb over Conic Hill to Balmaha, the Way follows the shore of the loch on an undulating path that is harder than it appears from the map. The white Rowardennan Hotel is a welcome sight.

Thursday, 18 June - Rowardennan to Inverarnan - 22 kilometers. Rough section along Loch Lomond. The first half follows a forest road and trail along the shore under the shadow of Ben Lomond to Inversnaid. Rest at the hotel because the second half is a tough scramble beside Loch Lomond with many ups and downs. From the end of Loch Lomond the Way follows the river Falloch to Inverarnan.

Friday, 19 June - Inverarnan to Tyndrum - 19 kilometers. Up two river valleys and the Military Road. The Way ascends Glen Falloch for 7 km then crosses the A82 to join the famous Military Road, climbs 200 meters before descending for 4 kilometers to the River Fillan and the A82 on a forest path. The trail passes the remains of St. Fillian's Priory then parallels the highway to busy Tyndrum

Saturday, 20 June - Tyndrum to Inveroran - 16 kilometers. Enroute to the Bridge of Orchy the Way follows the military road with Beinn Odhar and Beinn Dorain to the right. Beyond the Bridge the Way climbs and descends 165 meters to the historic Inveroran Hotel.

Sunday, 21 June - Inveroran over Rannoch Moor to Kingshouse - 16 kilometers. Over Victoria Bridge the Way climbs briefly before opening to treeless Rannoch Moor. It climbs again after Ba Bridge then descends to the A82, isolated Kingshouse and breathtaking Buachaille Etive Mor

Monday, 22 June - Kingshouse to Kinlochleven - 14.5 kilometers. After a deceptively easy start, the Way climbs 275 meters up the famous “Devils Staircase” then descends to sea level at Kinlochleven. The climb is over soon but the descent seems endless.

Tuesday, 23 June - Kinlochleven to Fort William - 22 kilometers. The Way starts with a steep wakeup climb of 275 meters which levels off for most of the day then descends on roads into Glen Nevis to the end of the West Highland Way at Fort William. On a clear day the views of Ben Nevis across the glen are superb.

Wednesday, 24 June - Departure Day. The trip ends after breakfast. There are trains back to Glasgow or you could chose to stay another day and climb Ben Nevis, at 1,344 meters, the highest mountain in the UK.

Land cost from Milngavie to Fort William, Scotland is $1,498 including daily luggage transfer, accommodation and all breakfasts.

Although every effort will be made to adhere to the above program changes may be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances.

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