West Highland Way 5: Tyndrum to Inveroran

This is a shorter and easier stage; staying on the glen floor after the initial climb from Tyndrum, 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.

Terrain

Easy walking through the Glens to Bridge of Orchy, then a short climb over a low ridge.

Public Transport

Tyndrum and Bridge of Orchy are served by both buses and trains; Inveroran is isolated.

Start

Tyndrum. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Users' reports

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 14km / 8.75 miles
Time: 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 330m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN328306

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Walk Description

Stage 1

The West Highland Way leaves Tyndrum at the north end of the village, taking the road leading uphill next to Brodie's Mini Market on the north side of the A82. As the road passes Tyndrum Cemetery the relative hussle and bussle of the village and busy road are left behind. At the top of the climb cross the two bridges and after a stile head onto the path to Strath Fillan. The first mountain on the right is Beinn Odhar; only later does the grander pyramid of Beinn Dorain comes into view.

Stage 2

Fairly soon, the path descends to head through a 'sheep creep' under the railway. Turn right after to follow the track north keeping close to the West Highland railway line at first. The railway line which runs from Glasgow to Mallaig, where ferries can be taken to the Isle of Skye and the small isles is often regarded as one of the most scenic in the world. It also crosses some hostile terrain, there are photos in the Bridge of Orchy Hotel of trains stuck in impressively large snowdrifts. The route is still on the line of the old military road as it heads almost directly for the cone-shaped Beinn Dorain. Although it looks very steep from this side, the Munro is not that difficult to climb with the usual route approaching from the bealach to the north.

Stage 3

Looking east the viaduct carrying the railway can be seen. Go through the gate to cross the stone bridge over the Allt Kinglass river. Turn left to pass the house and go over a stile. The route traverses the bottom of Beinn Dorain and eventually crosses the railway and after another straight section the white building of the Bridge of Orchy Hotel comes into view down on the left. As the station is approached, the rucksacks and drying socks outside the station building are a clue to its current use as a hostel. At the crossroads of tracks turn left through the gate to go under the railway and turn right to reach the road, follow it to the left downhill to the main road and cross with care.

Stage 4

Take the minor road opposite, which runs to the right of the Bridge of Orchy hotel and leads down to the eponymous bridge. Cross this, and on the far side bear slightly right on the road and then immediately left onto a signed footpath that climbs up to a gate and enters the forestry. After a second gate the path continues to climb, zig-zagging left and then right up onto the moorland.

Stage 5

Eventually the path levels off; at a clear fork it is possible to detour a very short distance to visit a cairn which offers superb views over Loch Tulla and towards the peaks of the Black Mount as well as back to the Beinn Dorain range. Continue on the path which now begins to descend, eventually reaching the road near the Inveroran Hotel. If ending the day here, the only option apart from the hotel is to continue by turning left along the road and wild-camp by the bridge a few hundred metres further on.

Next stage: Inveroran to the Kinghouse

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