West Highland Way 4: Inverarnan to Tyndrum

Summary

After the rigours of the Loch Lomond path this section is a contrast as the landscape becomes a little starker, but the walking is easier and gives faster going. The views of the mountains are excellent and this is a varied section with farmland, forestry and riverside paths.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Good paths, some short steep sections after Crianlarich and many sections on the Old Military Road

Public Transport

Buses run along the A82 linking both ends of this section.

Start

Inverarnan. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 19km / 11.75 miles
Time: 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 490m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN321185

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Walk Description

User reports (6)

Stage 1

To pick up the route once more from the Drovers at Inverarnan, head north along the A82 for a short distance before turning right signed for Beinglas Farm Campsite. Continue along the track into the campsite, continuing to the information board. Turn left here to follow the West Highland Way past the wigwams to head north along Glen Falloch.

Stage 2

The route passes through the remains of ancient semi-natural woodland, originally managed for timber and charcoal production and also bark which was used to tan leather which was an important commodity during the industrial revolution as it was used for belts on steam and other engines. The oak, birch, ash and alder trees were coppiced and harvested every 24 years. Conservation work is now underway to keep out grazing livestock and deer so that the woodland can regenerate. When the track bears left turn right onto a stony path which continues up the glen crossing burns on a couple of bridges.

Stage 3

The path returns to the riverside for a short section where there are small waterfalls. A little further on, once the path has climbed away from the river the Falls of Falloch can just be glimpsed through the birches ahead (they can really only be easily viewed from the other side of the river). Shortly after the route passes a narrow section of river where the water has worn great circles from the rocks. Keep left when the track forks to descend to the farm buildings and house at Derrydaroch. Bear left to cross the bridge and almost immediately turn right onto woodland path.

Stage 4

After another riverside section go through a 'sheep creep' under the railway and follow the path round to the right to reach a section of the old main road. Turn right along it and after a stile pass under the modern day A82 via a tunnel. Turn right onto an old track which climbs gently across grazing land and keeps to the left side of a stone wall further on. The gradient levels off before the Ewich forestry is reached. After the gate the junction with the link path to Crianlarich is reached. From here it is a 15 minute downhill detour to Crianlarich where there is hotels, B&B, a hostel, a very well-stocked shop and railway station. Otherwise turn left to climb steeply uphill. At the picnic bench at the top there are great views back towards Ben More, Stob Binnein and Cruach Àrdrain.

Stage 5

The route undulates through the forestry, crossing the Herive Burn and, after a short climb, bearing right onto a track and then left at the next junction. Eventually the path drops down to pass under the stone viaduct of the railway and very soon crosses the A82 and bears left adjacent to the road for a short distance before a stile leads into a field after which a gate leads to the minor road to Kirkton Farm. Turn right to cross the bridge over the River Fillan and just before the farmhouse turn left through a gate to pass St Fillan's Priory which dates from the 13th century and is associated with Robert the Bruce. The graveyard on the right is even older, dating back to 8th century. Follow the left hand fork of the track, passing through three gates as you cross farmland to reach Auchtertyre Farm, with its wigwams, campsite and shop. Go straight across the farmyard/parking area and after the bridge bear left down the road. Just before the A82 turn left through a gate onto a path which heads through an underpass and follows a riverside path. At the stone bridge go straight across the minor road on a path passing an information board about Tyndrum Community Woodland.

Stage 6

Follow the River Cononish, passing a bench commemorating the battle of Dal Rìgh, or 'King's Field' where Robert the Bruce was defeated by English troops in 1306. Keep on the main track, ignoring the ford to the left and soon turn left onto a waymarked path. This links to a track, turn left onto it and soon cross the bridge over the Crom Allt and keep following the track until, after a gate, a signed path on the right heads through the sparse woodland. Pass the lochan on the right where legend has it that Robert the Bruce and his men abandoned their swords to try to hasten their escape.

Stage 7

Just before the pine woods a bare area of land is testament to Tyndrum's industrial past as a lead mining centre as it is the site of an old lead crushing plant and little vegetation will grow on the poisoned waste ore. Go through the gate and follow the path alongside the Crom Allt. The bridge is a short cut to the Pines campsite (one of two in Tyndrum) otherwise continue until the route reaches the minor road at the southern edge of Tyndrum. The route continues to the left, passing the By the Way campsite and hostel, but the main facilities of Tyndrum can be reached by heading right to the main road. Otherwise, turn left up the road and pass the campsite heading towards Tyndrum Lower Station. Just before the station, turn right through a gate to follow a riverside path leading to a side road which emerges on the A82 opposite Brodie's Mini Market at the north end of Tyndrum.

Next stage: Tyndrum to Inveroran

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