TRAVIS TREK 6 - WEST HIGHLAND WAY - THE ROUTE
We plan to trek all 95 miles the traditional way this time, from south to north. Starting from Milngavie (all our English friends are recommended to get a proper Scottish pronunciation on that one!!) and finishing in Fort William. All over seven days of hopefully glorious weather - don't look at last years pics, you won't need to pack your shorts!!
I unfortunately won't be doing all those miles this time, apparently owing to the approaching twilight years, ahem - I think you will find I am still in my prime, being THE Scottish Guide Dog of the Year. Just in case you hadn't heard you can read all about that on the site. But I will certainly be enjoying some of the finest scenery in Scotland with you when I can, and when not I can safely hand over the reins to Helen to guide Scott. Just remember the right name this time Scott!!!! A wee note to remember about guiding, I guide Scott with my movements through the harness, when Helen takes over she has to use her voice. At the trickier parts of the route they need to really concentrate to do this. I did offer H my spare guide dog harness, but I don't think I'm allowed to print the answer!!
We hope you can join us on our journey, enjoying not only the scenery, the banter, laughs, blisters and mayhem but also the raising of funds and awareness for Guide Dogs for the Blind.
DAY ONE - SUNDAY 28 th MARCH | MILNGAVIE TO BALMAHA | (20 MILES)
Starting from the wee toon of Milngavie we set the boots and compasses northwards, leaving the granite obelisk which marks the start of the Way behind us. Although a long day of twenty miles stretches before us, this is a fairly easy route. The first five miles takes us to Carbeth passing by Craigallian Loch on your right and Carbeth Loch on your left..
The next seven miles take us onto Drymen where I truly believe the team can resist the lure of the local pubs!! Although on this stretch of the Way there is a path leading to the famous Glengoyne Distillery (head count marines please). Some spectacular views can be noted on this path initially the Campsie Fells and further along the Loch Lomond islands to the west. We cross over the A811 following this road for a short distance. For those of you who want to finish at Drymen you would turn left at the A811, then right following the B858 into the village. For the rest of the walkers its onwards to Balmaha, another 8 miles of good paths with an ascent of 292m via Conic Hill.
Access to Conic Hill can be restricted in April due to the wee lambs, and dogs are well forbidden. But alas as I will be having my afternoon nap by then the team have no excuse!
We enter a conifer plantation, Garadhban Forest, following the forest path for approx 6km to reach a crossroads. This is the point at where you can take the low level route or the Conic Hill route to Balmaha. Are you a man or a moose???? Might be decided on a wee blister check!!
At the summit if its clear, its possible to see Goats Fell on the Isle of Arran (southwest) and Ailsa Craig in the Clyde Estuary (south). Our route then takes us steeply through a corrie, via a staircase and more conifer forest. This path leads us to the village car park at Balmaha and the end of the first days trek.
Onto our hotel for the night and much needed refreshment. The Buchanan Arms Hotel in Drymen.
www.buchananarms.co.uk
DAY TWO - MONDAY 29 TH MARCH | BALMAHA TO INVERSNAID | (14 MILES)
Leaving Balmaha the path hugs the shores of Loch Lomond as we head towards Rowardennan. The path follows the shore around Arrochymore point before rejoining the road at Milarrrochy Bay. For the next three miles the Way criss-crosses the road before ascending up a steep stony path into Ross Wood. As we descend towards the shoreline apparently if the water level is low you may be able to see the remains of a stone age crannog. But as this is Scotland in March, what are the chances of low levels of water??
We meet the road just south of Rowardennan. This is the starting point if you wish to climb Ben Lomond. Am sure there will be a few marines who could hike up there while we are having our tea break!
We are now at our half way point and hopefully not lost any stragglers in the pub at the Rowardennan Hotel. By the entrance to the youth hostel we bear left to follow the way through oak woodland. After 1 km the Way divides, the higher path follows an easier forest track and the lower path goes down some steps toward the shoreline. This path can be harder going with some scrambling. Not recommended if carrying large rucksacks, that is unless your called John!! (marine from last trek with a rather large pack on his back, which to this day is still a mystery!). If we venture on this lower path we will find Rob Roy's prison so no misbehaving beforehand.
The two paths rejoin and the path hugs the shoreline until we reach Inversnaid crossing the Snaid Burn.
The weary feet will then be transported to the Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel at Kinlochard.
www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/foresthill
DAY THREE - TUESDAY 30 th MARCH | INVERSNAID TO CRIANLARICH | (13 MILES)
This next seven miles is probably the toughest and roughest of all the routes with many ups and downs. But all with an enjoyable ringside seat to view Loch Lomond. Might have to have a Travis pamper day for this one, pedicure paws anyone??
We will find Rob Roys cave about 1km into this walk helpfully pointed out by white painted word CAVE!! After about 3km of the ups and downs of this changeable terrain from boggy paths to shore gravel the Way reaches Alt Rostan burn. Just beyond here there is a bridge above the loch where either side has to be taken with great care. But then a picnic spot awaits by the bay south of Doune.
The Way then becomes easier reaching Ardleish which is the ferry point to reach Ardlui. Continuing up the hill the Way passes the eastern shore of Dubh Lochan. The three peaks of Ben Lui, Ben Oss and Ben Dubhcraig can be seen from here.
Descending towards Beinglass Burn we reach Inverarnan where we might be tempted for a spot of lunch at the Drovers Inn. Royal marine protection please, the stuffed animals can be a tad scary, just ask C/Sgt Rodgers???
This second half of the day provides an easier six miles on good tracks much of which is an old military road. Maybe the marines will entertain us with a marching song??
After passing Beinglas Farm for approx 1km the way starts a steady climb following the River Falloch. After 2km looking to your left you will see the Falls of Falloch.
The Way then passes under the railway and main road by a sheep creep (low tunnel) but don‘t tell Scott how low or for how long, we got him to stay down for a good mile and a half last time. Heading uphill towards a conifer plantation we reach a fence, the Way continues to the left but our journey for the day ends here at Crianlarich.
We are now half way through our trek, so we will be looking forward to celebrating tonight at the Ben More Lodge Hotel. Am sure many of us will remember the hangovers from last year, what a curry , what a night!!
Be sure to check out the white washed wall in the back lounge, Travistrek 5 have been immortalised!! Hopefully so will Travistrek 6. Looking forward to seeing Brian, the footie mad Geordie who has promised a slap up meal (Ben Mores world famous curries) and entertainment for a mere tenner !!
www.ben-more.co.uk
DAY FOUR - WEDNESDAY 31 st MARCH | CRIANLARICH TO BRIDGE OF ORCHY | (13 MILES)
This is a fairly easy day of good paths and tracks with some moderate ascents and descents. The impressive Ben More can be seen to the right as we begin our day. Great care needs to be taken crossing over the A82 as today we will do this several times. From Crianlarich we cross the stile to continue north west., where Hervie Burn is crossed by a footbridge. We use the Kirkton Bridge to cross the River Fillan. Kirkton farm is on the left, among the trees here lies the ruins of St Fillans Chapel. We continue on towards Auchtertyre Farm where you will see the famous wigwams. Crossing over the A82 again we follow the River Cononish until we reach Tyndrum and the famous Green Welly Shop. Cup of tea and scone anyone? Or a bonio?
From Tyndrum the Way continues on similar terrain and we walk amid some outstanding scenery. The path runs parallel to the A82 and the railway line, crossing the rail tracks twice before rejoining the military road. Crossing a burn 3 miles from Tyndrum we are at the foot of Ben Dorain. But don't worry we don't plan to climb that, not today anyway! From here its 3 miles to Bridge of Orchy, this is the beginning of the really mountainous scenery.
Our stop for tonight is the fabulous Bridge of Orchy Hotel where my favourite hoteliers, Nadia, Duncan and Izelle will be, so looking forward to my visit here.
www.bridgeoforchy.co.uk
DAY FIVE - THURSDAY 1 st APRIL | BRIDGE OF ORCHY TO KINGS HOUSE | (13 MILES)
Crossing the River Orchy we steadily climb through pine forest and moorland before descending to the Inveroran Hotel. Sorry to disappoint but we will be too early for opening times.
The next 11 miles can be a deceptively easy route but only if the weather is good. There is no shelter and it is extremely exposed as you are now on Rannoch Moor, the largest uninhabited wilderness in the UK.
From Victoria Bridge you can view Loch Tulla. An old drove road marks the Way whilst the old military road climbs higher to the left. The two meet just before Ba Bridge. This is the half way point and in adverse weather conditions its advisable to turn back.
After two bridges the military road bears to the left whilst we continue around Meall a Bhuridh. A cairn marks the summit at 450m from which we will have excellent views down to Glen Coe. As we descend you can see the chairlift at the Glen Coe Ski Centre.
We return for our second night at the Bridge of Orchy Hotel.
www.bridgeoforchy.co.uk
DAY SIX - FRIDAY 2 nd APRIL | KINGS HOUSE TO KINLOCHLEVEN | (9 MILES)
Starting off from the Kings House Hotel where with any luck you can share some breakfast with the local red deer, we continue along an old military road which winds its way along the A82 into Glencoe. Continuing along the path until we reach the parking area at Altnafeadth. This is a great vantage point to appreciate the mountainous senery of Glencoe and the mighty conical mountain that sits on the left, Buachaille Etive Mor.
From here the way turns right leaving the road and begins a steep zigzagging climb up the Devils Staircase. The cairn at the top is at 548meters and marks the highest part of the way and is a nice place for a 10 minute break to admire the views and maybe a little liquid refreshment!
The path now winds slowly down to Kinlochleven and you will eventually come across the pipes that pump water to the towns Hydroelectric Power Station which was essential for the towns now defunct Aluminium Smelter, the original reason for the towns existence.
Our stop for tonight is the MacDonald Hotel in Kinlochleven where one of our walkers claims that she had the second best steak of her whole life last year! (she certainly didn‘t leave any for me!).
www.macdonaldhotel.co.uk
DAY SEVEN - SATURDAY 3 RD APRIL | KINLOCHLEVEN TO FORT WILLIAM | (14 MILES)
Leaving Kinglochleven the path climbs through woodland and picks up the old military road.
At an altitude of 250m you can see far up the glen ahead which is enclosed on both sides by mountains. The Way runs up the middle of the glen reaching 335m before passing by some ruins of farm buildings at Tigh-na-Sleubhaich. A good place to shelter if the weather is anything like last year!
The half way point is the tree plantations at Blar a Chaorainn. We continue through more plantations, crossing several burns as we near Glen Nevis. By now we should be able to see the huge bulk of Ben Nevis in the distance.
You will be glad to know its all downhill now. Continue down the path passing a small graveyard before you meet the road running through Glen Nevis. Turning left here, we walk along the road to reach the visitor centre and end of the West Highland Way.
Our final night tonight will be at the Alexandra Hotel www.strathmorehotels.com/alex_site |
