West Highland Way
|
|
West-highland-way.jpg
| Contents |
The Route
The path uses many ancient roads, including drovers' roads, military roads and old coaching roads and is traditionally walked from south to north; as well as increasing the sense of adventure tacking the route in this direction keeps the sun from one's eyes. The route is traditionally walked in seven to eight days, although fitter and more experienced walkers do it in six. It is possible to do it less, but this obviously means that you do not have as much time to appreciate the beautiful scenery you are walking through.
The path starts in the northern fringes of the conurbation of Glasgow, but soon emerges into open countryside. It proceeds by way of country roads, an abandoned railway, the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and scenic Conic Hill, to reach Balmaha on Loch Lomond. From here, the route follows the eastern shores of the loch to Inverarnan, crossing the Highland Boundary Fault.
The Way broadly follows the valley of Strathfillan before crossing the desolate yet beautiful Rannoch Moor and descending into Glen Coe. From here, the most mountainous part of the route climbs the Devil's Staircase (which is a strenuous slog, but not as fearsome as it sounds!) before descending into Kinlochleven. The final stage skirts the Mamore Mountains on an old military road and descends into Glen Nevis. From there, it is an easy stroll into Fort William.
The last stage passes the foot of Ben Nevis, and many walkers crown their achievement by climbing the highest mountain in Britain. However, it is unwise to set one's heart on this objective—the mountain is extremely dangerous in poor weather, which can occur at any time of year.
Racing
An annual race along the full north–south distance of the West Highland Way has been run since 1987. Starting around midnight on the morning of the longest day of the year runners proceed non-stop all the way to Fort William. Current male and female record holders are Wim Epskamp from The Netherlands (16 hours, 26 minutes, 50 seconds) and Kate Jenkins from Scotland (17 hours, 37 minutes, 48 seconds) both set in 2000.
Settlements on the Way
(Listed South to North.)
- Milngavie
- Carbeth
- Drymen
- Balmaha, Loch Lomond
- Rowardennan, Loch Lomond
- Tarbet
- Inversnaid
- Ardlui
- Inverarnan
- Crianlarich
- Tyndrum
- Bridge of Orchy
- Inveroran
- Kingshouse
- Kinlochleven
- Fort William
External links
- West Highland Way official website (http://www.west-highland-way.co.uk/)
- A trekkers account of following the Way (http://home.freiepresse.de/uwdel/whw.html)
- West Highland Way Race (http://www.westhighlandwayrace.org/)