We've mentioned our intentions only to our children - so as not to strain under pressure.
New boots - a walk from Granton to Cramond; probably a bit too ambitious: a tender heel.
Another walk down from above the Royal Mile to South of Princes Street - good exercise and thankful for the prevention-plaster used.
Spotted and felt a red spot on top of my foot and my bunyon is on firr.
Rest and learning from internet - getting as much nformation on blister prevention and breaking in of boots.
Then yesterday......I followed with good results the army method of breaking in boots. At first it sounded to extreme: fill up the boots and soak them in water for a while. Pour out, put on two pairs of socks and walk around in them all day at home.
Here's the sight for sore eyes - but the method got the thumbs up - even though it initially felt wrong to feel the water in the socks. That sensation soon was gone and actually the whole set up left my feet not really wet and warm.
Got a handful of Compeed products learned about the use of vaseline to serve as a barrier between heal and sock. Hardening soles of feet with surgical spirits. My feet haven't in a long time got so much attention. Gordon has been so gracious and generous and I feel confident with the number of walking trousers and Merino socks plus 2 pairs of liner-socks. These still have to be tested.
I was in the boots - walking around in the shop and then in the Botanics for 3 hours. Must say they feel softer and plan another soaking effort. My feet are still a bit sensitive but is already - I think - a bit more boot-fit.
There's a pile of clothing, bags, waterproofs in one corner of our home. I've experimented a bit with with our day-rucksack, but still have to pack and repack again, assemble a first-aid kit and decide what to put where.
Gordon has been amazing! What a wonderful resource the public library is. Right next to me are 5 West Highland Walk guide books. So I'm about to choose one and then use the others to fill in. Gordon and I plan to sleep in the Hammy and we will meet one another where the road and the path cross!
Scotland weather - for any time of the year prepare for the worst!
2nd August - Jesse's birthday!
1) Walked 12 km yesterday next to the busy Queensferry Road - North downhill and then back uphill from home via Davidsons Mains. Boot-apprenshive, totally tuned in to hotspots and laces that start to untie. 2 stops: one at a vet, one in Barnett Forest among the nettles:
2) Foot routine: took shoes socks off, turned inside out, microfire cloth - dried feet, not really wet - checked damage and slapped on the vaseline.2nd stop - 1 plaster.
3) Really tired on return after 2.5 hours. One enjoyable photo shoot of a meadow patch - decided not to take the Canon, but Gordon's light camera.
4) At home soaked feet in cold water, stuffed boots with microfibre cloths and put on surgical spirits.
5) Feet felt a whole lot better later evening and this morning.
6) Started the walk far too quickly - rather a slower but continued pace.
7) Took water but my legs felt weak on return - haven't eaten for the exertion. Had no food only water.
Too nervous to go and see what the weather holds.
Okay I'm going to try the Cicerone Guide: and also West Highland Way - official guide - 9th edition.
MILNGAVIE TO DRYMEN 19km (12 miles) Ascent 135m
MILNGAVIE TO CARBETH (7 km 4.25 m)
Pronounce Mull-guy - ample car parking.
1) Find the small obelisk in the centre of the town.
2) From the station, go left, through an underpass and go up steps to Station Rd - 150 yrds later becomes Douglas Street.
3) Pass the CROSS KEYS INN to reach theOBELISK - there's also a clock tower - the draped lady points in the wrong direction! (The Way leaves Douglas Str at the bridge)
4) Turn RIGHT - WAYMARKED down a ramped walkway and begin the walk through a supermarket service area.
5) Cross the car park, trending RIGHT, IGNORE the bridge on the left.
6) Walk out to meet a road, turn LEFT on a TAR path BESIDE A BURN for about 100m
7) The Way soon goes UNDER A ROAD onto a TREE LINED CUTTING with steep sloping banks - old railway.
8) The TRACKBED takes you to the back of Milngavie LIBRARYand leisure centre on the left.
9) Quite soon LEAVE RAILWAY ROUTE , go LEFT INTO WOOD to reach a LARGE POND.
10) At the pond GO RIGHT AND RIGHT AGAINa few strides later meet up with Allander Water river bank in pleasant woodland.
11) IGNORE THE BRIDGE and press on on the SIE OF THE BURN into the more open ALLANDER PARK.
12) Pleasant despite unglamorous warehouses on the other side of the burn - short-lived.
13) A WAYMARKED PATH leads you away from the burn to arise across the upper part of the park.
14 untidy rough moorland,trees bracken, gorse.
15) A SHORT HAUL climbs to first of many GOOD VIEWS - view of Glasgow suburbs and Kirkpatrick hills - lava flows.
16) The Way goes ahead, then LEFT THROUGH MORE WOODLAND.
17) IGNORE BRANCHING PATH ON THE LEFT and further on turnings at a crosspath.
18) Keep going ahead to enter MUGDOCK Country Park.
19 As you enter the park you cross a culverted STREAM - press on through the WOODLAND.
20) Walk along the former drive OF CRAIGALLIAN HOUSE flanked on the left by Allander Water.
21) Pleasant WOODLAND and birdsong, woodpeckers. See Official Guide p7 flower names.
21a) Somewhere a sign to visitor Centre - caf/loo/carparks/picnic
22) Ignore a tempting deviation to Mugdock Castle.
23) Keep on and leave Mugdock Wood AT A LANE.
24) Go LEFT, downhill for short distance. Leave the land on the right RIGHT through A STILE to enter an area managed by Loch Lomond countryside Park Ranger Service.
Insert history p30
25) ALLANDER WATER can be seen again - now stepped and having some cascades.
26) BOARDWALKS across a marshy area - along scrubland - and then below a plantation of pine.
27) Pine plantations change to more mixed woodland.
28) Suddenly, around a bend, the first glimpse of DUMGOYNE to the North (Western end of Campsie Fells).
29) Soon you reach CRAIGALLIAN LOCH and the fine Victorian mansion - Cragallian House.
30) From the Loch a BROAD TRACK heads on for a brief stretch of woodland.
31) The first of a number of holiday CHALETS down to the RIGHT
32) From here the Way bendsRIGHTto pass CARBETH Loch (much smaller and more secluded than Craigallian) - more chalets.
32a The Way goesUP TO JOIN THE ESTATE DRIVEWAY a short distance before it reaches the B821at a GATEWAY - could go down here to Blanefield and bus service.
33) The final section runs out to reach a ROAD AT A GATE. (yett)
34) Go LEFT ALONG THE ROAD for about 400m andLEAVE ROAD VIA A STILE on the RIGHT for a broad GRASSY TRACK - known as TINKER'S LOAN.
35) Broad Tinker's Loan is flanked on either side by dilapidatedSTONE DYKES
35 The track rises slightly into a stand of BEACH TREES and ends abruptly at A DYKE e crossed by a STEP-STILE
36) VIEW Suddenly you gaze out on a rugged exiting scene that rises to the long line of the Campsie Fells, Strathblane hills and knobbly conical Dumgoyne. Ben Ledi on the right.
37) Move forward at this threshold. See Ben Lomond in the distance on the left.
CARBETH - DRYMEN (12.5km 7.75 miles)
38) From theSTEP-STILE tackle the ROCKY TRACK - undulating, up and down, dropping steadily to a row of cottages - ARLEHAVEN
39) At the cottages, USE THEIR ACCESS TRACK to the RIGHTt which SOON BRANCHES TO THE LEFT onto a ROUGH TRACK across MOORLAND.
40) - to the left of Dumgoyach - on your right 5 DUMGOYACH STANDING STONES. - enough to view from a distance.
41) As your round Dumgoyach, (volcano)the PATH CROSSES STREaM (later feeds into Blane Water, rises a little and heads towards Dumgoyach FARM.
42) Keep to the LEFT OF THE FARM to reach a STILE AND PATH , pasture on the left, hedgerow on the right - takes you to farm access.
43) The FARM ROAD DECENDS to cross BLANE WATER at PLANK Dumgoyach Bridge.
44) 45)
46) A few more steps and LEAVE THE PATH to join a disused BLANE VALLEY railway.
47) This easy walking railway will be your guide for 6.5 km to GARTNESS. Can be muddy.
a bit of history on the rail line on page 34
48) Pass a series of field access crossings and lanes guarded by metal stiles.
49) At a clutch of gates - GLENGOYNE DISTILLERY on the right
50) Eventually the Way meets the A81 at the site of the former DUMGOYNE RAILWAY STATION Dumgoyne railway station - also here is the BEECH TREES INN.
51) PASS THE INN to a GATE TO BUSY ROAD turn LEFT for a few strides - then LEAVE THE ROAD to the RIGHT - through a STILE - NOT a gate.
52) Follow the grassy margin of an elongated field.
53) MORE STILES on a FENCED ROUTE you are BACK ON RAILWAY TRACK-BED.
54) More EMBANKMENT onwards to reachA ROW OF COTTAGES.
54) Go through STILE to go behind a small INDUSTRIAL unit (conservatories)
55) Keep through a BRIEF WOODED PASSAGE to reach a BACK LANE.
56) Cross the lane TO A STILE into more SPARSE WOODLAND (you may smell the close-by Killearn SEWAGE Treatment Works - for the quickening of footstep.
57) You come to behind the the scruffy rear of a GARAGE as you parallel the A81. A bit further is Killearn HOSPITAL sight mostly cleared.
58) In due course you reach A FARM ACCESS to which the Way is briefly diverted until you get to a GATE.
59) Dive through the gate, back on the boggy railway trackbed before passing under the B834.
Killearn is about 1.5 km (eastwards!) along the B834 - for REFRESHMENTS. see more on page 35
60) The Way presses on through pleasant WOODLAND at the back of COTTAGES before reaching A81 once more.
61) CROSS ROAD with care and return TO THE TRACKBED.
62) The trackbed is coming to an end squeezing BETWEEN HAWTHORN HEDGES.
63) As you approach the BRIDGE, there are BOARDWALKS that lead to WOODEN STEPS s up to the backroad to GARTNESS. Bye bye to the Blane Valley Railway.
64) Go LEFT TO GARTNESS , cross Endrick Water. See sandstone COTTAGESand smell burning peat.
64) THE MINOR ROAD pleasant undulates - watch out for traffic.
65) Continue on the road over the former Forth and Clyde junction Railway (untidy scrub)
66) From a top of a rise near near UPPER GARTNESS FARM - a splendid view over farmlands - peaceful.
67) Continue on the road as it passes Easter Drumquhassle FARM - glimpse lower part of Loch Lomond - then past a QUARRY on the left,, Gateside plantation on the right, and then finally starts to DESCEND GENTLY for DRYMEN.
68) Just AFTER A SHARP BEND the Way LEAVES THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT down steps to CROSS A STREAM.
69) Then follow a GRASSY PATH, climbing initially to a WAYMARK after which it is obvious to reach the A811
70) LEAVE THE FIELD BY STILE at the top on the LEFT TO MAIN RD Opposite is the Dryman PrimarySCHOOL. You are now in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
71) The Way turns Eastwards for a short distance along the main road - less than1 km to DRYMEN - on either the B858 or the minor road at Gateside.
Drymen 1238.
THE LOW ROAD CHOICE - go to the GARADHBAN WOODS North of Drymen by taking the minor road to Gartmore. which runs up from the head of the green.
===================================
DRYMEN TO ROWARDENNAN. 22.5 km - 14 miles (20 to 358 m)
Small shop in Balmaha nothing until Crianlarich. Bus services reasonable. Good paths or tracks most of the way. Major climb over Conic hill (358 m) near Balmaha. The lochside road to Rowardennan is twisty and up and down - with some good views from the woods. A harder day than what it seems by looking at the map.
See Dan Bailey Page 20
DRYMEN TO BALMAHA (10.5 km - 6.5 miles)
1) Back to DRYMEN school the A811 runs eastwards - there's a SIGNPOST. Brief and narrow RAMP onto an old section of the road.
2) Turn RIGHT to a corner to pick up a brief PATH between hedgerows and GARADHBAN FOREST on the left - and back on the A811 for a short way.
3) SIGNPOSTED STILE ON THE LEFT leave the road - never to see another road until Balmahah.
4)Walk along the edge of OPEN FIELD soon becomes Gorse-lined LANE emerging into another OPEN FIELD.
Blarnavaid Farm?
5) Reach STILE at the entrance of BUCHANAN FOREST. Walk along a broad track to meet a MAIN FOREST TRAIL
6) WAYMARK to the LEFT into conifers which are being cleared.
7) Reach a METAL BAR across the surfaced track to a meet a SURFACED track.
8) Turn LEFT go down a bit and then turn RIGHT into GARADHBAN FOREST.
9) Pleasant walking - fine cameos of distant hills, sometimes of Loch Lomond (capercaillie - might see!, thrashes noisily through the trees)
10) The trail starts to descend but still up and down - many burns from the forest, sound of water.
11) This trail ends at a WAYMARK - turns right to focus on CONIC Hill.
LESS STRENUOUS ALTERNATIVE
1) Follow the FOREST ROAD on the LEFT down to MILTON OF BUCHANAN and then along the road to BALMAHA
CONIC HILL - can be rough and muddy
12) Views over Loch Lomond - Conic Hill to the right, partly screened by trees.
13) Turn towards CONIC HILL to the RIGHT onto another section of FOREST TRAIL through GARADH BAN WOOD.
14) The trail changes into a NARROW GRAVEL PATH going up between trees to a SMALL GRASSY OASIS.
14) Path continues on through the forest finally emerging a BROAD STILE across a DEER FENCE with open MOORLAND and the bracken-clad flanks of Conic Hill, to the LEFT.
15) Great pics of Loch Lomond from here.
16) Leave forest on a wide grassy path flanked by bracken onto the moors.
17) The PATH SWINGS round to begin heading for Conic Hill preceded by tree-lined gorge of Burn of Mar.
18) GOOD STONY TRACK across the MOOR LAND. Cross KILLANDAN BURN in gorge by a FOOT BRIDGE.
19) Meet FENCE AND STILE on a path running down to the BURN OF MAR - great for a break.
20 Immediately across the BURN OF MAR a FLIGHT OF STEPS begins the up to Conic Hill - steep through bracken easier through Heather.
21) As path rises BEN LOMOND comes into sight. Loch Lomond, distant Ben Vorlich. The ascend takes about 30 min to the large CAIRN.
22) There is a steep slanting side-path to go to the highest point, views get better and better - retrace this steep path. Wallace Monument on Abbey Craig in the Stirling gap.
Conic Hill separates lowland from highland - the fault runs 260km
23) The easiest way down is to retrace your steps to THE WAY and continue Westwards.
24) The route drops into a small BASIN - CORRIE between 2 limbs of the ridge.
25) TURN AROUND through a GAP to the South East - to the RIGHT.
26) LEDGE, go down FLIGHT OF STEPS - bracken.
27) Follow PATH to the BOUNDARY of the forest and a KISSING GATE.
28) More steps on woodland path, develops to BROAD TRAIL descend to T-JUNCTION with another forest trail - turn RIGHT to large CAR PARK.
29) Loo blocks across the car park and info panel - go onto reach the B837 and the lapping waters of Loch Lomond at Balmaha. TURN RIGHT.
Balmaha - shop, information centre, pub, limited bus service.
===========================================================
BALMAHA - ROWARDENNAN (11.75 km - 7.25 miles) - ascent 200, - 655 ft.
Delightful section but no easy ramble - could maybe do with a rest here - especially if I went up Conic Hill. Endless pics on a clear day - deliriously happy with photos if the day is clear. There are 23 names islands on the Loch. 30x7km - between 24 and 190 m (80 - 623 ft) 16 species of fish
If you lose the route, go to minor road that parallels the Way, follow, pick up The Way again - take care on the road.
Don't hurry over this section - appreciate it all, oakwoods, gravel beaches.
30) Continue to the LEFT of LOW WALL. Ignore the main road steeply to the right, pass a WHITE COTTAGE on a TAR LANE.
31) At a WAYMARK leave the land, climb a FLIGHT OF STAIRS into trees.
32) Above the trees, the PATH CLIMBS through bracken to a HORIZONTAL PATH. Great view called CRAIGIE FORT - to the right Conic Hill.
33) A precarious DESCENT on wet rock and over tree ROOTS down to WATER EDGE.
34) At open GRASSY FIELD (no camping) keep LEFT at its BOTTOM EDGE to a FOOT BRIDGE in a DIP rising to another FIELD.
35) Walk on near SHORE and on to ARROCHYMORE POINT to shingle BEACH and car park at MILARROCHY - LOO.
36) Keep on between trees along SHINGLE - fine views over loch and Luss Hills.
37) A short stretch along THE ROAD and leave for FOOT PATH on the RIGHT.
38) The PATH emerges back on the road at BLAIR BRIDGE and SOON leaves it on the LEFT of the western section of the Queen E Park.
39) The Path is never far from the road, pleasant, eventually CROSSES a STREAM plank to a WAYMARK.
40) At the WAYMARK firts LEFT and immediately RIGHT up STEPS into woodland.
41) A BROAD TRAIL rises through the forest around a small upthrust (Cnoc Buidhe) become mature woodland - eerie.
42) DESCEND and elongated FLIGHT OF STEPS - let imagination run riot!
43) Not too long and the FOREST ROAD joins the road near CASHEL FARM.
44) Just on the other side of CASHEL CAMPSITE - leave the road, ASCEND a few STONE steps into woodland - brief diversion - MEET ROAD AGAIN near an old QUARRY.
45) Another brief WOODLAND LOOP before rejoining the road again. Now.....CROSS the road to the LOCH shoreline.
46) Walk along a PATHWAY beside a LOW DRYSTONE wall.
47) Eventually forced back on THE ROAD near SALLOCHY beyond this a WAYMARK - here ASCEND LEFT into OPEN Oak WOODLAND.
48) Pleasant woodland that leads your DOWN to the LOCH, a bit on starts a PUNISHING LITTLE CLIMB: ROCKY STEPS before you cross at the HIGHEST POINT.
49) DESCEND - far less demanding - for some distance never far from the LOCH SHORES. Then descends to an area where CARS HAVE ACCESS..
50) From the car-area keep ahead on a SURFACED TRACK until a FOOT BRIDGE over BURN.
51) The PATH continues along the SHORE, passed a UNI BOATHOUSE and field study and then moves STEEPLY into Ross Wood.
52) A DESCENDING PATH comes to a WAYMARK showing LEFT on PATHWAY till you come into a felled area - views of mountains across the lake.
53) Pass BEHIND a BUILDING to the SHORELINE.
54) Pass a COTTAGE, cross a BURN by a FOOTBRIDGE.
55) PATH more woodland to SECOND FOOTBRIDGE through a GAP in a WALL.
56) At the top great views of Ben Lomond and Ptarmigan.
57) Another STEEP WOODED HILL - then the PATH DROPS to the ROAD.
58) DO NOT go to the road. Turn LEFT into a CLEARED area to a WAYMARK at the far side.
59) Go DOWN STEPS - tall bracken, almost touching the road. To the LEFT down more STEPS.
60) Pass AROUND a small INLET within sight of the road.
61) Turn LEFT alongside a BROAD FOREST TRAIL - signposted - to continue the SHORELINE WOODLAND WAY.
62) Finally STEPS up and down up and down to come in sight of the ROWARDENNAN PIER.
63) A FENCE deflects you UP to the ROAD.
64) Go LEFT along the ROAD - past the ROWARDENNAN HOTEL, past the CAR PARK where it all peters out at the HOSTEL. toilets.
===============
ROWARDENNAN TO INVERARNAN 23km 14 miles (20-400m) No shops on this section.
Bus from Inverarnan to Glasgow. The roughest section of the way especially North of Inversnaid.
1) From the YOUTH HOSTEL start up a BROAD FOREST TRAIL which soon reaches PTARMIGAN LODGE.
2) A short way past the Lodge the LOW LEVEL route branches LEFT.
TAKE THE HIGH ROAD -STAY ON THE 4WD TRACK ignore side turnings a first big climb then gentle walk with some ups and downs 4km of uniform terrain a steep little crag - a taxing steep descend - the track shrinks to a woodland path
LOW ROAD
7) Shortly after the 2 ROUTES COMBINE the BROAD TRAIL ends in a lovely WOODLAND pathway.
8) WOODS - stay wet after rain. At a SMALL BURN, you reach the BASE of a BRACKEN-CLAD SLOPE with fewer trees but your return to the GREENERY.
9) At the CAILNESS BURN you leave the Queen E Forest Park. CAILNESS COTTAGE nearby.
10) Cross CAILNESS BURN by a LARGE FOOTBRIDGE.
11) The Way eases on toward INVERSNAID and WAYMARKED when needed, pleasant WOODLAND birdlife..
12) Ups and downs ROUND a SMALL ROCK BUTTRESS and go right DOWN to the LOCH and suddenly you are at THE FIRST OF TWO BRIDGES.
13 The TWO BRIDGES will take you across SNAID BURN - attractive WATERFALL to the CAR PARK at INVERSNAID HOTEL.
INVERSNAID to INVERARNAN
TOUGH BUT EASIER THAN IT USED TO BE..
Will need CONCENTRATION.
Still a fair amount of STRENOUS UP AND DOWN walking and have a few ROCKY SECTIONS to contend with.
Once you move away from the SHORELINE, the DIFFICULTIES END and you have EASIER WALKING.
14) From the FRONT of INVERSNAID HOTEL, cross the CAR PARK TO A WHW SIGN.
15) Enter the RSPB NATURE TRAIL along a GRAVEL PATH in front of a TOILET BLOCK, and soon ENTER WOODLAND.
16)A little later pass a BOAT HOUSE - great views- Ben Vorlich, Ben Vane and Ben Narnain.
17) A NARROW PATH RISES thru bracken to a SMALL BURN and FOOTBRIDGE.
18) The RSPB TRAIL CLIMBS to the RIGHT and crosses the BRIDGE to the RIGHT.
19) A SHORT CLIFF at the BASE of large tumble of BOULDERS - here is ROB ROY'S CAVE.
20) Could be DIFFICULT TO FIND.
21) Beyond the cave - RUGGED path plunges onward: gravelly shore line/boggy woodland stretches.
22) In poor weather you can feel very ISOLATED.
23) The route goes FURTHER UP THE GLEN past a long-ABANDONED CROFT on to POLLOCHRO.
24) Continue to reach the ALLT ROSTAN opposite Island I vow.
25) At the FENCE you leave one country for another.
26 More SCRAMBLING - relief to see OPEN BAY a short distance South of DOUNE.
27) A BURN flows into the loch at this point and start an EASY ASCENT.
28) Keep largely to OPEN GROUND as it treks accross to DOUNE.
29) At DOUNE there is a BOTHY and a restored FARM HOUSE. Can see the A82 from here.
30) Wander alongside the LOCH SHORE towards ARDLEISH.
31) Continue ABOVE ARDLEISH FARM and CLIMB to CROSS A SMALL RIDGE. This runs on to CROSS A DYKE by a STILE.
32) EASE UP to a SHALLOW GLEN to the EAST of CNAP MOR and DOWN to DUBH LOCHAN
From here you move from LOCH LOMOND to GLEN FALLOCH - say farewell to Loch Lomond.
33) Stay HIGH UP on the Way - 3 Munros Lui, Oss, Dubhcraig towering over the Moors of Glen Falloch
34) FINALLY the PATH DESCENDS easing through the WOODLAND and emerges onto LEVEL GROUND just south of BEN GLAS BURN.
35) A BRIDGE leading to A STILE finally brings you to BEINGLASS FARM. Above the BRIDGE - some FALLS.
(The FINAL STAGE to CRIANLARICH up Glen Falloch, over broad low col into Strath Fillan. Splendid. The glen river - varied.)
35) Cross the STILE, bear RIGHT to another STILE at a FOOT OF PATH, steeply climbs to the hillside ABOVE - AVOID the DIVERSION to Beinn Chabhair and...
36) Go LEFT along along a BROAD STONY access TRACK until as you approach the MAIN ROAD - LEAVE the track branching right on a rocky path.
37 UNEVENTFUL going - pass RUINED COTTAGES at BLACKCROFT.
38) LOOK OUT for TALL WAYMARK at BRIDGE.
39) From here a MORE SUBSTANTIAL TRACK and eventually DOWN to DERRYDAROCH - in a little hollow.
40) Immediately AFTER DERRYDAROCH cross the FALLOCH at DERRYDAROCH BRIDGE.
41) Turn RIGHT, traverse a SMALL BIRCH-CLAD HILLOCK then DESCEND to a CONSTRUCTED PATH running PARALLEL with the RIVER.
42) About 1KM from DERRYDARROCH the PATH swings LEFT under the RAILWAY LINE by a low CATTLE CREEP.
43) IGNORE STEPS just BEYOND the railway, JOIN the OLD ROAD for a while - work ROUND and PASS UNDER the A82 by a TUNNEL leading to STEPS that LEAD UP to the OLD MILITARY ROAD.
44) This road is your guide to CRIANLARICH.
45) Beyond the A82 the line of the MILITARY ROAD RISES STEADILY above the GLEN as it passes KEILATOR FARM before reaching a STILE and meeing of PATHWAYS at the EDGE OF THE WOODLAND West of Crianlarich.
46) Turn RIGHT at the STILE and DESCEND through WOODLAND - fine views of Ben More, Stobinian and Cruach Ardrain which emerges on the A82 at a ROUGH CAR PARK close to the RAILWAY STATION.
=================
CRIANLARICH TO TYNDRUM 10.5km (6.5 miles) Ascent 120m/395 feet.
Read information on page 65
ROUGHLY HALF WAY.
1) RETURN to the OLD MILITARY ROAD - 2 choices
a) a steady climb from the car park near the station or
2) Bogle Glen - both SIGNPOSTED, both grand views.
FROM THE HEAD OF BOGLE GLEN....
3) Start ascending on a GOOD PATH skirting the EDGE of a larch PLANTATION to the TOP of a SMALL RISE.
4) From there it DIPS to the LEFT before ASCENDING again - now FLANKED by TREES.
5) The PATH undulates in and out of TREES, gradually gaining HEIGHT - view Northwards over Strath Fillan to Ben Challum - getting better and better with every stride - promenade
6) The PATH DESCENDS gradually to cross HERIVE BURN by a WOODEN FOOTBRIDGE.
7) The PATH RISES to join a BROADER FOREST TRACK at a WAYMARK.
8) The route branches RIGHT. Look back and see Stobinian.
9) The ongoing track bends to the right, but....BRANCH LEFT at a WAYMARK onto a NARROW PATH through pleasant BROOM beside a STREAM.
10) The PATH is DEFLECTED RIGHT by the ALLT AN T-SAOIR and RUNS DOWN through larch to pass BENEATH the RAILWAY BRIDGE on the Oban line.
11) Beyond the BRIDGE you reach the OLD GLEN ROAD turn LEFT ALONG it to CROSS the BURN and onto a GRAVEL TRACK leading to the PRESENT DAY ROAD.
12) CROSS the MAIN ROAD and go INSTANTLY LEFT along a NARROW PATH above a WOODED EMBANKMENT.
13) The PATH leads to a STILE beyond which the Way DIAGONALLY crosses a PASTURE to reach the BRIDGE over the RIVER FILLAN.
14) The Way runs up to KIRKTON FARM - turn LEFT just BEFORE REACHING it to SWING ROUND to the site of ST FILLAN'S PRIORY.
Information page 67
15) From the PRIORY cross a CATTLE GRID and BRANCH LEFT on a BROAD TRACK that runs onto AUCHTERTYRE FARM.
16)n Beyond this you CROSS the ALLT AUCHTERTYRE and TURN LEFT to walk out to JOIN the A82, near the HOLY POOL
17) CROSS the ROAD - press on DOWN a ROUGH TRACK that is soon JOINED by the RIVER.
18) The PATH SWINGS ROUND to reach a SURFACED LANE near a BRIDGE.
19) Walk STRAIGHT ACROSS the lane (WAYMARK and keep going on a TRACK parallel with the RIVER.
20) On CROSSING and INFLOWING STREAM IMMEDIATE BRANCH RIGHT on a PATH for a short pleasant while beside the RIVER.
21) This PATH BRANCHES to the RIGHT again on a BROAD TRACK which VERY SOON LEAVES for a PATH on the LEFT that CUTS ACROSS a BOGGY CORNER to meet another BROAD TRACK going LEFT.
22) The way comes DOWN to CROSS the CROM ALLT by a WOODEN BRIDGE near the site known as DAL RIGH, THE KING'S FIELD.
Information page 68
23) Press on with the TRACK for a SHORT DISTANCE until you can LEAVE it, on the RIGHT at a WAYMARK for a NARROW STONY PATH.
24) This STONY PATH rises to PASS a SMALL LOCHAN and rambles on UNEVENTFULLY to reach a DERELICT AREA - just beyond at a GATE you approach the EDGE of the developed area that has grown around TYNDRUM.
25) A WAYMARK directs you up into WOODLAND with the large serious encounter with TREES -till the FINAL STAGES of the walk - on BESIDE THE RIVER to a BRIDGE.
26) Do NOT CROSS the BRIDGE- unless we stay here to reach a GROUP OF COTTAGES and SURFACED LANE.
27) At the LANE turn RIGHT to reach the facilities of TYNDRUM sooner.
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TYNDRUM TO BRIDGE OF ORCHY 11 km/6.75 miles
Never far from the road.
1) PICK UP THE TRAIL at the MAIN ROAD go up a SURFACED LANE beside a BURN.
2) The LANE ENDS then a BROAD STONY TRACK RISES UP the LEN to a GATE and a STILE - running close to the A82. for a while.
3) Press on NEVER FAR FROM THE ROAD, CLIMBS very STEADILY to reach the REGIONAL BOUNDARY at another GATE and STILE - once more crossing the BRITISH WATERSHED.
4) From the STILE, keep to the PATH which moves SLIGHTLY to the RIGHT beneath the Southern slopes of Beinn Odhar - and the shapely cone of Beinn Dorain DIRECTLY AHEAD set against the further heights of the BLACK MOUNT.
5) The TRACK continues to ASCEND for a SHORT WHILE and the LEVELS before beginning the LONG DESCENT into AUCH GLEANN more correctly GEANN ACH-INNIS CHAILEIN.
6) Before long the TRACK DROPS STEEPLY to the LEFT to CROSS BENEATH the RAILWAY LINE.
7) Beyond the RAILWAY LINE the track JOINS a BROADER TRACK leading down to the MAIN ROAD near the WATERSHED.
8) Walking forward into the GLEN - a invigorating sense of openness and freedom - the great sweeping sides of BEINN DORAIN draw the eye.
9) GRADUALLY the PATH DESCENDS to a FARM, close by which you CROSS the GLEN RIVER, the ALLT KINGLASS by a SINGLE-ARCH BRIDGE.
10) OVER the BRIDGE turn LEFT on a FARM TRACK.
11) A SHORT WAY on a SMALL WOODED RIVERSIDE GLADE invites a break.
12) Resume the trek below the high CRAGS AND GULLIES of BEINN DORAIN on the way to BRIDGE OF ORCHY STATION.
13) Easy to find route - the GLEN is high, wide, handsome and the way forward clear enough to follow on the darkest of nights.
14) When the TRACK reaches BRIDGE OF ORCHY STATION branch LEFT at a WAYMARK through a METAL GATE, under the RAILWAY to reach a ROAD.
15 The Way now abandons the rail line until Fort William. And here the Way also quits the main road until Glencoe.
16) Turn RIGHT go DOWN the LANE PAST the POST OFFICE to reach the MAIN ROAD opposite the BRIDGE OF ORCHY HOTEL.
17) CROSS THE ROAD and stay on the LANE that RUNS DOWN beside the HOTEL to CROSS the RIVER ORCHY by a BRIDGE - built in 1750
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BRIDGE OF ORCHY TO INVERORAN - 4 km/ 2.5 miles
1) LEAVE THE ROAD at a WAYMARK and ASCEND on an initially BOGGY PATH RISING easily into WOODLAND.
2) At the TOP OF THE FOREST the PATH SWINGS to the LEFT still RISING at a COMFY GRADIENT. View to East dominated by Beiinn Dorain and Beinn an Dothaidh.
3) Onward the PATH/MILITARY RD RISES among GRASSY HILLSIDES studded with heather.
4) As it CLIMBS, the PATH SWINGS AROUND and begins a pleasant TRAVERSE of the Northern hillside of Ben Inverveigh.
5) There are excellent views to the RIGHT of LOCH TULLA as it CROSSES A SHOULDER, a large CAIRN at the end of the RIDGE provides a SPLENDID view point of the LOCH the FOREST LODGE and the sprawling mass of granite mountains beyond.
6) The TRACK DESCENDS without DIFFICULTY to REJOIN the ROAD at the INVEORAN HOTEL.
Infomarmation on Droving p75
7) GO LEFT follow the ROAD ROUND to the BRIDGE over the ALLT TOLAGHAN - camp site. Shadowy hills - a landscape of raw elemental beauty.
8) Onward the ROAD runs FORWARD to reach the FOREST LODGE. - a former hunting lodge.
(The Way abandons the military road for the Old Glencoe Road.
9) STEP STILE beside the GATE at the FOREST LODGE for the OLD GLENCOE RD.
Beyond Forest Lodge is the magic that is Black Mount and Rannoch Moor - heathered braes, sweeping moorlands, rivers, burns, lochs of all shapes and sizes. A wonderland that can become a nightmare in bad weather. From Forest Lodge to Blackrock Cottage is 13 km (8 miles). Ba Bridge is the point of no return.
10) The road starts through a SMALL GATHERING OF PINE before beginning an UNRELENTING UPHILL HAUL to the first of 2 high points.
2) Here, on the threshold of the vast Coire Ba, you cross the British watershed for the penultimate time before EASING DOWN, past LOCHAN MHIC PHEADAIR RUAIDHE to reach the splendidly turbulent RIVER BA.
(Probably the most remote spot on the West Highland Way - perfect place for a break beneath great craggy summits, scree-riven gullies and the far hills of Achaldair.)
3) A SHORT WAY on from BA BRIDGE the TRACK passes on the LEFT, the remains of BA COTTAGE shieling.
(One of the most isolated shielings imaginable, nestling close by the ALLT CREAGAN NAM MEANN)
(A HUNDRED OR SO STRIDES further and you reach a TRACK that leads out across the southen slopes of Beinn Chaorach to the A82 a marginally shorter way of reaching the road in an emergency than continuing along the WAY)
4) STEADILY THE ROAD RISES AGAIN for its FINAL CROSSING of the WATERSHED - not far from a PROMINENT CAIRN - perched ON THE HILLSIDE - to the LEFT to the brother of Ian Fleming - Peter Fleming.
5) The TRACK becomes LESS CONSISTENT, CURVES around the massive sprawling flanks of MEALL a'Bhuirdidh and STARTS DESCENDING below the WHITE CORRIES to join the CHAIRLIFT ACCESS RD near BLACKROCK COTTAGE.
6) Here the WAy turns RIGHT and marches out to REJOIN the A82 BRIEFLY as it crosses the road.
7) Press on a DEGENERATED SURFACED TRACK that leads unerringly TO KING'S HOUSE HOTEL
(It feels as every part of the scenery is part of you and you are part of every bit of scenery. No words can describe this. Descriptions page 84)
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GLENCOE TO KINLOCHLEVEN.
14.5km 9 miles 175 meter 1230 feet
The Devil's Staircase isn't all that difficult.
1) At KING'S HOUSE HOTEL turn RIGHT on a surfaced lane, pass by a CAMPING AREA to meet a T-JUNCTION.
2) TURN LEFT, still on the SURFACED LANE, and keep along it to a WAYMARK before rejoining the A82.
3) TURN RIGHT off the lane and ONTO the OLD MILITARY RD once more.
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4) GRADUALLY the TRACK DESCENDS to CROSS a ROADSIDE FENCE and to run PARALLEL on a GRADED TRACK with the A82 for a SHORT DISTANCE.
5) Now CROSS A FENCE and head for the STAND OF PINE TREES at ALTNAFEADH.
6) A SHORT WAY ON, another FENCE CROSSING takes you on to a PATH that GRADUALLY DESCENDS to ROAD LEVEL, passing around SHEEP PENS.
7) Now the the great GLEN, LAIRIG GARTAIN, between Beuchaille ETive more and its sibling Buchaille Etive Beag eases INTO VIEW.
8) Eventually the PATH comes DOWN to the ROAD and runs alongside the ROAD for a SHORT DISTANCE.
9) SHORTLY as it reaches the ALTNAFEADH, the Way LEAVES THE ROAD, DIPPING to the RIGHT and CROSSING the ALLT NA FEITHE by a WOODEN FOOTBRIDGE
10) The PATH RISES into heather and grass MOORLAND at a WAYMARK SIGN.
11) A GOOD PATH RISES across the MOORLAND above ALTNAFEADH.
12) The route STEADILY GAINS HEIGH - improving views of GLENCOE and BLACK MOUNT.
13) FINALLY the ZIG ZAGS taking the sting out of the tail of the ASCEND, you CROSS a CAIRNED GAP between BEINN BHEAG and STOB MHIC MAHARTUIN - the highest point of the West Highland Way - 548 meters.
Great views especially to the north - first glimpse of Ben Nevis, CARN MOR DEARG and the MAMORES - more info on page 92.
14) Before plunging down to the Alt a Choire Odhair- bhig - take a refreshing moment at the TOP OF THE STAIRCASE.
15) DESCEND on rocky path- knowing you are entering a NEW STAGE of the Way - grass, heather
16) A ROCKY PATH sweeps DOWN to the BURN and slipping across the Northerly end of the narrow ridge SRON A CHOIRE ODHAIR-BHIG.
17) Stay on the path in bad weather.
18) Once you have crossed the tip and narrow ridge the Way continues to cross ALLT ACHOIRE ODHAIR-MHOIR and the BLACK PIPELINES come into sight.
19) At one point the WAY loops in a SW direction to cross the ALLT CHOIRE MHORAIR in a BIRCH-WOODED GLEN by a BRIDGE before carrying on to Kinlochleven.
20) Path BESIDE PIPES, it DEFLECTS to the RIGHT behind Aluminium works to a bRIDGE acrsoo the RiVER LEVEN.
21) Beyond the bridge - the path runs into the EDGE of a housing estate.
22) Short way further along the ROAD the Way leaves the road on the LEFT - to a CONSTRUCTED PATHWAY through WOODLAND, close to the RIVER.
23) and RISES on a PATHWAY on the RIGHT just as it reaches the ROAD BRIDGE )B863) through Kinlochleven.
24) A slanting TRACK leads up to the road and an INFORMATION PANEL.
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KIINLOCHLEVEN TO FORT WILLIAM 22.5km (14 miles) Ascent 400m (1315 ft).
1) STEADY RISE from KLL to gain LAIRIG MOR - fascinating and unexpected glen.
2) SWING NW leaving the MILITARY RD near BLAR A CHAORAINN for the final rush to Glen Nevis. and journey's end.
3) Long stage, no refreshments, little shelter.
4) Walk DOWN the ROAD roughly NW out of town to WAYMARK and SIGNPOST on the RIGHT (Footpath to Glen Nevis by Lairig).
5) the STONY TRACK rises STEADILY through BIRCH SCRUB.
6) At a WAYMARK - Branch LEFT at the FORK and cross a BURN and press on STEEPLY through more scrub, to reach a SURFACED LANE serving MAMORE LODGE.
7) Cross the HOTEL ACCESS, plod upwards through WOODLAND.
8) After a while upward - a JUNCTION with a track from the Valley Rd.
9) continue on this track in ZIG ZAGS for some distance till finally CLEAR of the woodland scrub.
10) This track rejoins the MILITARY road at the WAYMARK. Turn LEFT and begin GRADUAL DESCENT.
11) Walking is easier and easy to follow the road. - enjoy Munros behind Ballachulish and pinnacled sections of the Aonach Eagach (best rige in Britain) - the ridge leads the eye to the PAP OF GLENCOE (Sgorr na Ciche - closes the view to Loch Leven.
12) Easy to concentrate on surroundings the Way goes steadily to a High Point (Alt Nathrach)
13) DESCEND to 1st of 2 STEADINGS - ruins (Tigh- na-sleubhaich and Larigmore and bit further on.
14) Stone track continues across remote hill country along the Southern flank of the Western MAMORES.
15) FINALLY the Way ROUND the Southern flanks of M,ULLACH NAN COIREAN and its SW satellite MEALL A CHAORAINN to run NW with the LLT NA LAIRIGE MOIRE.
16) Most of the way through the GLEN the PATH DESCENDS - pass more shiellings before entering WOODLAND.
17) Many burns cross the Path - most easy to cross one or two a bit more difficult.
18) DESCEND TRACK - look out for CAIRN just before you get to BAR A CHAORAINN - page 98.
19) At the EDGE OF THE FOREST - the Way finally abandons Caulfield's road close by the REMAINS of a TOLL HOUSE - on this path since Glen Falloch.
20) If you are very tired stay with this road, easier stage into Fort William - still good views.
HARDER ROUGHER ROUTE through much woodland - slipping into Glen Nevis for final stretch to BRIDGE OF NEVIS.
21) Branch RIGHT from the OLD MILITARY RD just beyonD the iNFORMATION PANEL.
22) RISE on a TRACK, more FOREST - LARGE STEP-STILE over DEER FENSE.
23) Continue as a STEPPED PATHWAY before COMING DOWN to re-enter FOREST at another DEER FENCE.
24) QUICKLY it runs down to CROSS and ATTRACTIVE BURN by a FOOTBRIDGE.
25) Pass on through more MATURE LARCH AND PINE.
On the way fine views of MEALL AN T SUIDHE and BEN NEVIS - not the best side of Ben Nevis but the bulk still impresses.
26) BRIEF CLEARING - the TRACK goes through MORE FOREST.
27) DESCEND a CONSTRUCTED FLIGHT OF STEPS to a FOOT BRIDGE over a BURN beside a LARGE BOULDER.
28) Now more or less HORIZONTAL for some time then CLLIMB STEEPLY tot he TOP EDGE of the FOREST - for one final DEER FENCE.
29) Break out from the forest.
Could visit the Dun Deardail Fort.
30) STONY PATH steadily DESCENDS to reach a MAIN FOREST TRAIL which shepherds you down to the GLEN.
31) After some time at a SHARP BEND you meet a couple of WAYMARKS. Could go to the hostel. The other keeps LEFT for a little while until another WAYMARK that takes you off the forest trail - DOWN and EASY PATH to meet the GLEN ROAD.
32) Turn LEFT - follow the road to the BRIDGE OF NEVIS and the END OF THE WHW.
On the way a large boulder (p 103)
