This is a shorter and easier stage; it sticks to the glen floor, together with the road and railway, to reach the Bridge of Orchy, with fine views of the steep grassy mountains along the way. From there the route climbs through the woods to cross a low ridge before descending to the lonely hotel at Inveroran.
Summary
Easy walking through the Glens to Bridge of Orchy, then a short climb over a low ridge.
Terrain
Users'
rating
Tyndrum and Bridge of Orchy are served by both buses and trains; Inveroran is isolated.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. The West Highland Way leaves Tyndrum from the northern end, following the minor road that heads off by Brodie's shop. The Way passes Tyndrum Cemetery, heading north on what was once an old military road with a sound surface. The views are dominated by two shapely mountains on the right; at first Beinn Odhar and then later on the walk the grander pyramid of Beinn Dorain. Cross bridges over burn and railway, then follow the path leading up to the head of Strath Fillan. Shortly you drop down again, passing under the railway by another 'sheep creep', then resuming northward. The railway, now on your right, is the scenic West Highland line which opened in 1894.
2. The way follows the old military road downhill to cross the Allt Kinglass river by a stone bridge, then goes left over the stile. The railway is now high on your right, making its Horseshoe curve on viaducts that follow the contours. The Way skirts the base of Beinn Dorain, with splendid mountain views to the north. 5km after the Allt Kinglass you reach the neat little station buildings of Bridge of Orchy, having crossed the railway half-way. Bridge of Orchy has accommodation including two bunkhouses and a hotel. Walk under the railway line and follow the minor road downhill towards the A82 and the hotel.
3. To continue the Way, cross the A82 and follow the narrow A8005, crossing the River Orchy by its famous bridge. After the bridge, turn left off the tarmac up the path which climbs steadily through pine forest and moorland. At the top make a short detour up an obvious hillock to the right: this summit, though only 300 metres high, has a superb all-round view, particularly of Loch Tulla. Follow the winding path down to the A8005, where you turn left to reach the historic Inveroran Hotel. There's also a campsite nearby.
Photo © Richard Webb; CCSA licence
Route description is quoted by permission from The West Highland Way © Rucksack Readers 2008.
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