The West Highland Way was Scotland's first long distance route and remains by far the most popular. Stretching for 151km from Milngavie on the edge of Glasgow to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, the route offers a fabulous introduction to the Scottish Highlands.
I completed the West Highland Way for the third time, during the first week in October 2016, backpacking, carrying all my gear, camping throughout. It was the first time I've been camping in October but it was quite mild, infact the weather was great and it miraculously stayed dry for the whole week.
I planned to do things different this time by wild camping throughout most of the trip.
So Monday morning I arrived in Glasgow by train and as everybody else was heading to work I was heading on another adventure. A quick Coffee stop at Costa and I got on my way.
I am not going to go into too much detail this time because I've already written two reports on the West Highland Way, however I produced a 6 day video diary which can be watched below. (Please note fyi, I am not a wanted criminal the balaclava was worn for two reasons, reason one, because I don't want to be recognised when I go out in public and reason 2, It attracts more attention on Youtube.)
Day 1
Travel to Milngavie
Milngavie to Drymen (12 miles)
I walked the first 12 miles between Milngavie and Drymen and spent the first night camping in the woods.
Day 2
Drymen to Rowardennan (14 miles)
Rowardennan to Loch Lomond (4 miles)
On the second day of my trip, I covered approximately 16 miles between Drymen and Loch Lomond. I pass through Balmaha and Rowardennan and find a camping spot by the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.
Day 3
Loch Lomond to Inverarnan (13 miles)
On the third day of my adventure, I walked approximately 14 miles from Loch Lomond to reach Beinglas campsite at Inverarnan. I stopped at the Inversnaid Hotel for lunch, and visited two bothies en-route.
I meet a familiar face at The Drovers Inn.
Day 4
Inverarnan to Tyndrum – 6 miles
Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy – 7 miles
It's another long day as I drag myself approximately 18 miles from Beinglas campsite at Inverarnan to Bridge of Orchy, where I find myself wild camping by the River Orchy. I stop for supplies at Tyndrum.
Day 5
Bridge of Orchy to Inveroran – 2 miles
Inveroran to Kingshouse 9.5 miles
Kingshouse to Kinlochleven – 8.5 miles
On the fifth day of my trip, I walked 21 miles from Bridge of Orchy to Kinlochleven, passing through Inveroran and Glencoe. I stopped at Kingshouse Hotel for a Muffin break before ascending the Devils Staircase. I camped at Blackwater Hostel & Campsite in Kinlochleven.
Day 6
Kinlochleven to Fort William – 16 miles
On day 6, I walked 16 miles from Kinlochleven to Glen Nevis campsite on the outskirts of Fort William where I got refused table service at the Glen Nevis restaurant because they didn't like the look of me!
On the final day I continued to Fort William and completed the West Highland Way.
I spent two nights at Glen Nevis campsite.
On the first night after my 16 mile walk I tried to go for a nice meal at The Glen Nevis bar and restaurant but they would not provide me with a table for one. I was not happy at all, since it wasn't even busy, I was told to use the bar even though there were no free seats in the bar so I had to walk another 4 or 5 miles all the way into town and back just for some fish and chips. I DO NOT recommend this restaurant!! (rant over)
The following day I completed the last few miles (again) into the town to take some final photos and videos of my trip. I was going to get the bus home but realised there was no bus until late afternoon so I returned to the campsite and took a walk up Ben Nevis.
Here is the full playlist on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkKzcFZf5cR28RFrfUd4J3ZGynstsCOZQ
