Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE WEST HIGHLAND WAY
OS Explorer maps 342, 347, 348, 364, 377, 384, 385 & 392
Opened in 1980, the spectacular
West Highland Way
was Scotland's first long-distance
footpath, stretching some 96 miles from Milngavie (pronounced “mill-guy”), six miles north of
central Glasgow, to Fort William, where it reaches the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest
mountain. Today, it is by far the most popular such footpath in Scotland, and while for many
the range of scenery, relative ease of walking and nearby facilities make it a classic route,
others find it a little too busy in high season, particularly in comparison with the isolation of
many other parts of the Highlands.
THE ROUTE
The route follows a combination of ancient
drove roads
, along which Highlanders herded
their cattle and sheep to market in the Lowlands, military roads, built by troops to control the
Jacobite insurgency in the eighteenth century, old coaching roads and disused railway lines. In
addition to the stunning scenery, which is increasingly dramatic as the path heads north,
walkers may see some of Scotland's rarer
wildlife
, including red deer, feral goats and, soaring
over the highest peaks, golden eagles.
Passing through the Lowlands north of Glasgow, the route runs along the eastern shores of
Loch Lomond, over the Highland Boundary Fault Line, then round Crianlarich, crossing open
heather moorland across the
Rannoch Moor
wilderness area. It then passes close to
Glen
Coe
(see p.404) before reaching
Fort William
(see p.396). Apart from a stretch between Loch
Lomond and Bridge of Orchy, when the path is within earshot of the main road, this is wild,
remote country: north of Rowardennan on Loch Lomond, the landscape is increasingly
exposed, and you should be well prepared for changeable weather.
TACKLING THE ROUTE
Though this is emphatically not the most strenuous of Britain's long-distance walks - it passes
between lofty mountain peaks, rather than over them - a moderate degree of
fitness
is
required as there are some steep ascents. If you're looking for an added challenge, you could
work a climb of
Ben Lomond
or
Ben Nevis
into your schedule. You might choose to walk
individual sections of the Way (the eight-mile climb from Glen Coe up the Devil's Staircase is
particularly spectacular), but to tackle the whole thing you need to set aside at least
seven
days
; avoid a Saturday start from Milngavie and you're less likely to be walking with hordes of
people, and there'll be less pressure on accommodation. Most walkers tackle the route from
south to north, and manage between ten and fourteen miles a day, staying at hotels, B&Bs and
bunkhouses en route.
Camping
is permitted at recognized sites.
INFORMATION
Website
W
west-highland-way.co.uk.
The route's
o
cial website includes further details about the Way and
a comprehensive accommodation list. The site also has
links to tour companies and transport providers, who can
take your luggage from one stopping point to the next.
11
The West Highland Way O
cial Guide
Includes a
foldout map as well as descriptions of the route, with
detailed cultural, historical, archeological and wildlife
information (priced £16.99).
EATING AND DRINKING
CAFÉS AND RESTAURANTS
Café 115
115 High St
T
01397 702500.
A decent, cheap
and central place to stop for coffee and a snack - a toasted
bagel with cheddar and red onion will cost you £3.95.
Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.
Crannog at the Waterfront
Town Pier
T
01397
705589,
W
crannog.net.
Red-roofed restaurant with loch-
side views and fresh seafood, including steamed clams and
mussels with tomato and chilli (£17.50), plus a reasonable
wine list. Located at the pier just off the bypass on entering
Fort William.
Daily noon-2.30pm & 6-9pm.
Lime Tree Restaurant
The Old Manse, Achintore Road
T
01397 701806,
W
limetreefortwilliam.co.uk.
Serves
an excellent selection of contemporary Scottish food. The
three-course meal (£29.95) includes a roast rack of lamb
wrapped in a rosemary crust.
Daily 6-9pm.
PUB
Grog and Gruel
66 High St
T
01397 705078.
Loud and
friendly, the downstairs alehouse at
Grog and Gruel
is a
