The east highland way is a new long distance walking route through the scottish highlands, 82 miles. The route begins in milngavie near glasgow and after 95 miles of outstanding scenery, finishes in fort william, at the foot of ben nevis, britains highest mountain. Well take a short train journey to milngavie, where well drop off our bags, and then we start our west highland way tour. A guidebook to scotlands west highland way, a 95mile walk from milngavie near glasgow to fort william, passing loch lomond, crossing rannoch moor and finishing in the shadow of britains highest mountain. Take the west highland way footpath travelling roughly nnw. The west highland way stretches 96 miles 154 km from milngavie to fort william.
Book your bags on our baggage transfer service from only. Sep 21, 2010 not the west highland way describes alternative routes over mountains, smaller hills or high passes to all but one of the west highland way s nine stages, providing alternatives away from the main roads. Ive had some basic experience and i can read a map competently. Simply follow the footpath as it winds its way up the 250 metre ascent of the devils staircase. West highland way baggage transfer, self guided thistle. We run an independent hostel in the west highlands, right on the platform of a working train station at the bridge of orchy in oban. Our selfguided packages on the west highland way include carefully selected accommodation located as close as possible to the route, doortodoor baggage transfers, guidebook, maps, and everything else you need to have a wonderful walking holiday in the scottish highlands. The west highland way is arguably the most famous walking route in scotland. Jan 18, 2011 i wonder how much of the trains emptiness is down to its not stopping at queen street. It is likely to take you a few days, to get all the way along but it is really a challenge and an achievement if you persevere. Walking the west highland way tips west highland way. Myself and some friends took on the sixday hike during april to celebrate a year of 30th birthdays. From the outskirts of glasgow it winds for 95 miles 152km along the wooded banks of loch lomond, across the wilderness of rannoch moor, over the mountains above glencoe to a dramatic finish at the foot of ben nevis britains highest mountain.
As well as the sleeping cars and standard mk iis portioned off the inverness sleeper at mossend, 3 nonaircon coaches were also added at qs for the run. If i prebook a window seat and it turns out to be on the wrong side, am i. Start of the west highland way, milngavie its what we do. Although starting close to glasgow, you are quickly walking through open countryside. The west highland line guide to britains most scenic. Knowing that im likely going to have postponemiss this years trek breaks my heart, but at the same time, i also know that however long it takes, the highlands will be waiting. The train station is still in use, but dont be put off by thinking itll be noisy as there are only about six trains passing through a day. Caledonian sleeper is introducing a special timetable from sunday 22 march due to the ongoing outbreak of covid19. The west highland way ends close to the foot of ben nevis, whose climb can make a wonderful addition to your trip. Cuthberts way through scotland and england last year that im thinking of returning in may to walk the west highland way. The west highland way is a very enjoyable and rewarding walk. Our trains travel from london, edinburgh, glasgow, inverness, aberdeen or fort william, allowing you to unwind and enjoy a friendly and relaxed. There is available food and lodging along this 57 day trek.
Trip report by site editor rick mccharles i flew into scotland on a thursday. Not the west highland way describes alternative routes over mountains, smaller hills or high passes to all but one of the west highland ways nine stages, providing alternatives away from the main roads. Excellent concise map and route plan for walking the west highland way. West highland way walking holidays absolute escapes. The walk, which takes roughly one week to complete, is described in seven stages, with each stage ranging from 8 to 20 miles. At 96 miles, the west highland way can be as challenging as you want to make it, however, not all of us are endurance runners that want to do it in one day, or heads down hikers who want to tear through the walk at blistering speed.
The easyways team are fully flexible, so we will be more happy to help you create your ideal trip. Bagpipes, highland dancing and local fare make this an unmissable event. West highland way guidebook and os map booklet cicerone. The caledonian sleeper travels at 40 mph maximum, slowing down for a. West highland way scottish highlands 2020 all you need. People said a was crazy walking 150kms as a holiday, but i would do it all over again tomorrow. The west highland way is a 96mile hike which starts just outside of glasgow in milngavie and ends in fort william many then go on to hike the munro, ben nevis. How many days should i take to walk the west highland way. Scotlands west highland way is a 96mile trek which starts in sunny milngavie, just outside of glasgow and concludes in fort william. Let me just start by saying that this is probably the raddest hike i have ever done. You will find this path right next to the parking bay. Fort william is the largest town on the west highland line and the sleeper from london terminates there. The west highland line is a railway line linking the ports of mallaig and oban in the scottish.
Ive been reading that the path can be especially crowded that time of year, and would welcome thoughts from those of you in the know. The only thing i would add is that the books estimated walking times even. In this collaborative creative project they celebrate their home, their workplace, and the landscape which inspires them every day. Walking the west highland way tips west highland way easyways. The 10day itinerary is the most drawnout walk that we offer on the west highland way.
The inverness highland games are among the most thrilling in the world and regularly attracts competitors from the united states, europe and the southern hemisphere as they aim to triumph in the multidisciplinary events, including the spectacular heavy games. Now there is nothing like trekking 915 miles1525 kilometres a day to work up a massive appetite. The west highland way should only be tackled if you are a fit walker with well worn in boots and this itinerary allows you a more leisurely walk meaning that the longest day you will trek is 15 miles24 km. That is why we have investigated the best places to eat along the way and put them together in this nifty interactive west highland way food guide and map.
The west highland way is a long morning stroll, but i surely recommend it. West highland way sleeper, bridge of orchy independent hostel on the platforms of bridge of orchy station. The remote country, changeable weather, and great length also mean you could find yourself in difficulty. Whether it is for business or leisure, caledonian sleeper will take you to some of the uks most wonderful destinations. At the top of the devils staircase there is a bealach marked by two large cairns. If you are just here to find out about west highland way accommodation, this is where we opted to stay each evening with additional. The west highland way is one of the worlds best walks, its a classic longdistance trek, covering over 95 miles 152km from milngavie on the outskirts of glasgow to fort william in the highlands. Planning your west highland way walk planning your own walk. West highland way is the most famous hike in scotland and one of the best in the world. We only walked a short distance but were amazed at the beauty. But its also famous for being the start of the west highland way which is far more exciting. With addon day trips over ben lomond or beinn dorain.
Planning your west highland way walk planning your own. Today youll meet your guide at glasgow queen street station at 8. West highland way scotlands best loved long distance. This is an old railway station on the west highland railyway line which has been converted into a hostel. Situated right on the west highland way hiking route, this is a popular destination for walkers and travellers. It is part of the west highland line, voted one of the top rail journeys in the world by.
Slighe na gaidhealtachd an iar is a linear longdistance footpath in scotland. West highland way scottish highlands 2020 all you need to. Appropriate emergency equipment should therefore be carried, and all the usual mountain walking rules still apply. The trek takes you along the west coast of scotland and this west highland way packing list will advise you on what best to take in your backpack and day bag. West highland way logistics questions scottish highlands forum. Not only talks you through the journey but gives much history along with summary of distance between stops, heads up if there is accommodation to be found although mine all booked in advance, if there is somewhere to buy supplies, transport and terrain summary. From answering questions pre booking, to the extremely well laid out hike accommodation, meals ect, i will definitely be. The west highland way sleeper bridge of orchy bunkhouse. Knowing that im likely going to have postponemiss this years trek breaks my heart, but at the same time, i also know that however long it. West highland way travel is offering an executive class transport service direct to glasgow via glasgow airport if required and on to the following locations in glasgow. The west highland way sleeper aka bridge of orchy bunkhouse is an. The west highland way uk longdistance trails series. Our trip started at glasgow central station where we followed the kelvin river walkway to milngavie. Our range of baggage transfer offers and pet friendly return transport from the end of your walk will give you the luxury of enjoying the week without having to carry a big heavy bag around with your furry friend of course.
You will only be expected to carry your day sack what you will need to keep you warm, dry, fed and watered for the day. Class 37s on west highland sleepers in 1997 youtube. These are the modest words that have become the motto of annual fundraiser, walk for jock that was started by team leader davie paterson of linlithgow in memory of his late brother jock and every september since 2008 the. Ultra runner sets astonishing record for gruelling 90mile race along west highland way paisley man paul giblin finished the famous race in just over 14 hours. The variety of tour packages now available can be tweaked depending on what you want to do. The west highland way, from milngavie to fort william, a distance of 95 miles hills, dense woodland and wildlife make it one of the favourites with hikers from all over the world. Thinking of doing the west highland way join baggage freedom in 2019. There are thousands of people every year who simply want to complete the west highland way at a relaxed pace. The west highland way sleeper is uniquely situated in the old station building on the platform of bridge of orchy train station.
Can be done faster although the time scale it suggests it is done over is perfect for a leisurely holiday with plenty of stops in pubs along the way. Steeped in history, this wonderful long distance path takes you north, from the bustling commuter town of milngavie pronounced mulguy, to the highland tourist hub of fort william, nestled in the shadow of britains highest mountain, ben nevis 1,345 metres. A guidebook to scotlands west highland way, a 95mile walk from milngavie near glasgow to fort william. We amy and james spent five weeks in april and may walking in scotland.
The west highland way uk longdistance trails series terry marsh on. The decision to reduce services has been taken in full cooperation with transport scotland and will allow caledonian sleeper to protect the service and staff while ensuring vital links remain in place. Splits it into nice legs and marks appropriate camp siteshotels. Not the west highland way guidebook cicerone press. And mugdock country park is directly across the road from the start of the west highland way. There will be another video to follow capturing freight. West highland way walking tour wilderness scotland. West highland way accommodation list includes hotels, hostels and campsites.
The trek takes you along the west coast of scotland and this west highland way packing list will advise you on. Milngavie is probably best known for being the town that always has its name mispronounced. West highland way sleeper, bridge of orchy independent hostel on the. The west highland way sleeper independent hostel in the west highlands, is a unique place to stay as it is located right on the platform of a working train station at the bridge of orchy in oban. The extra night here breaks up the tricky 14mile section from rowardennan to inverarnan, instead, you walk to inversnaid and we arrange a transfer to nearby accommodation, or alternatively, you may decide to take the boat to the west side of the loch paid locally to stay there. Sleep on a working railway platform hostel in the beautiful scottish west highlands. Opt for a personalized experience of the scottish highlands on a smallgroup day trip from edinburgh, limited to 16 people. The branch to oban diverges at crianlarich, an important highland junction of both road and rail. Ideal for visitors with limited time, this guided tour transports you to loch ness and other highland highlights with ease and efficiency. Book your tickets online for west highland way, scottish highlands. The views on the west highland way are spectacular. Ultra runner sets astonishing record for gruelling 90mile. West highland way packages self guided hiking tours in.
Find all the information you need to immerse yourself into the wild landscapes of scotland and the countrys best loved long distance walking route. When i first went on the west highland the morning departure was from qs at 05. Wilderness scotland were an amazing company to book through. A complete guide to walking the west highland way watch me see. The west highland way route is spectacular, following the banks of loch lomond, across the wilderness of rannoch moor and into the breathtaking beauty of glencoe and the very heart of the scottish highlands. The west highland way passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in all of britain. Bridge of orchy station trains to bridge of orchy trainline. Ive walked the west highland way every june since 2016, when i stumbled on it during an ill planned, all on foot attempt of the 3 peaks challenge. I wonder how much of the trains emptiness is down to its not stopping at queen street. Kate davies and tom barr live by scotlands bestloved longdistance walking route. You can find a list of companies who will book accommodation on the official. Thanks to our new clear layout of the west highland way page, we now have 7 different west highland way tour options. The west highland way was the first long distance footpath to be established in scotland.
Our next stop was the west highland way sleeper bunkhouse in. Some of the uks best destinations connected by the caledonian sleeper. Friday i hopped the train directly to what most consider the best multiday hike in scotland, the west highland way. Im a young guy whos always wanted to do the whw only i dont have anyone to go with. Its the sense of challenge, purpose and camaraderie that envelope this. The west highland way, from milngavie to fort william, a distance of 95 miles. The bridge of orchy train station bunkhouse covid 19 update 01042020 in line with uk government requirements we are now closed until the 30th april. West highland way sleeper in bridge of orchy prices 2020. The west highland way is the most popular longdistance trail in scotland not. Bookings up until 30th april if you have a booking during this time you will be able to reschedule your stay for a later date. Backpacking scotlands west highland way the outbound. Bridge of orchy station, bridge of orchy, argyll pa36 4ad.
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