Wow, the West Highland Way, what an incredible adventure and the best way to say goodbye to Scotland for a year.
I can’t recommend the way more- if you wild camp, all you need to buy is food. On the second day, we met the two Pedro's, who have over the last few weeks become true friends for life.
Day 1- Milngavie to a few miles past Drymen
Absolutely beautiful first day. We camped a few miles past Drymen in Galadbhan Forrest, incredible; it felt like we were in a wee magical bubble.
Day 2- Drymen to a few miles past Rowardennan- including Conic Hill
We climbed Conic hill at around 8am, the views from the top were incredible, we could see a real chunk of the route we had completed and were yet to do. Just also found the best Coffee and Vegan Cake in Balmaha cafe!!
Just after Balmaha, we met Pedro and Pedro, who we ended up walking the rest of the way with.
We camped at an incredible viewing point at Loch Lomond.
Day 3- Rowardennan to Crianlarich to the off-route campsite
The route takes you alongside Loch Lomond, it is so beautiful and probably the most challenging of all days. The trail is full of rocks, branches and tree roots. At some points it was difficult to squeeze our big camper bags through the tiny gaps- but it was so fun.
We camped Strathfillan Wigwams, the site is a few miles off the route, however, the extra miles are worth it when you see the view and have a wee shower.
Day 4- Crianlarich to Bridge of Orchy to Inveroran
Day four was amazing, the terrain was so diverse, and the landscapes were so beautiful.
The first few miles took us through Ewich forest which had the most amazingly HUGE RED mushrooms I have ever seen!!! Then to Tyndrum to refuel with oh so incredible Vegan Chocolate Banana bread (we got numerous slices) from the Real Food Café and stock up at the Green Welly Stop, then off to the Bridge of Orchy.
The last part of the route that day took us over Rannoch Moore, it was so beautiful to watch the sunset behind the hills!! – One of my favorite moments.
We camped just past Rannoch Moore and the Inveroran hotel.
We invitied all the midges in the world for a party that night; mums, dads, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandpas, cousins, second cousins. It was a real midge festival. Vilius even slept with his midgey net covering his face!!!!
Day 5- Inveroran to Kingshouse to Kinlochleven; Completed on the 28th of August, my grans birthday, I was able to celebrate in her memory at the top of the Devil’s Staircase; the highest point of the way. It was emotional, but so beautiful.
First hot breakfast at Inveroran Hotel- hot porridge and coffee with oat milk!!! The guys refuelled with 2 bacon and egg rolls each haha!!
We stopped off half way to get dry and refuel at the Glen Nevis Ski Resort, then headed past Kingshouse, over the devil’s staircase and down to Kinlochleven.
We camped at nice wee campsite called Blackwater campsite Kinlochleven- also, midgey heaven, however, the campsite had an amazing drying room which totally made up for the swarms of midges.
Day 6- Kinlochleven to Fort William
The final day was WET and WINDY, we can’t really complain though as we had such incredible weather the full way. But it was tough, especially cause we all had a hugeeeeee bags and terrible waterproof “ponchos”. Thankful we tore those up and put them in the bin half way through the day!
We arrived at the finish, the new finish, in the centre of Fort William at around 2pm. It was so funny to see the extended finish line. The route takes past the old finish then takes you on a huge tour through the city centre- past all the shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. I can’t help but think it’s a Scottish joke, trying to encourage tourists and hikers to refuel, get drunk and buy lots of WHW souvenirs.
We camped at the fully kitted out Glen Nevis Campsite on the last night. Voted the best campsite in Scotland; The site has laundry facilities, a fully packed shop, amazing showers and incredible views of Ben Nevis. On a nice day, I can see this being a dream spot for all campers. However, we arrived in the stormy rain.
We woke up at around 6am with puddles in our tent- it was a real Scottish way to end the way. We were so lucky to literally run from the tent down to the laundry facilities, spending the next few hours sheltering from the rain.
~Hands down one of the best trips ever and has sparked a new passion to explore more hiking trails around the world.
"There's no such thing as the wrong weather, just the wrong clothes"- Billy Connolly.
👁❤🐑 xxx