The West Highland Way
1996

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The West Highland Way Glasgow - Fort William; long distance walk.

Isles of Skye, Lewis & Harris Yet another whirlwind (any other kind?) tour.

Mainland Scotland Edinburgh, Castles, Monuments.

Information: Background; Reading; Links; & Maps: Scotland (Index) ; W. Highland Way; Skye; Outer Hebridese.

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Background:
The West Highland Way was opened in in 1980; it's a long-distance walk that links Milngavie ('mull-guy'), on the outskirts of Glasgow, with Fort William, 'capital' of the Highlands.
It's 95 miles (you know I did those extra five miles somewhere!) from start to finish. I spent 5 days on the trail; some tough days, some not so tough; though most other people had a more relaxed pace.
The route is very well marked. It ranges from lowland paths & bridalways, to some pretty steep climbs & exposed old military roads. The Devil's Staircase wasn't as bad as it sounds, but the 'summer' weather over Rannoch Moor was really awful. I wore everything I had, and it all got wet!
Accommodation shouldn't be a problem unless you're used to better. I camped for all but one night, at Kinlochleven. There's a good camp-site there too, but the bunk-house drying-room & steamy dorm rescued me from what might otherwise have been a pretty miserable night.
It's probably wise to plan, & call ahead if you don't have a tent, but available accommodation ranges from posh(ish) hotels, through B&B's, to bothies & even some tepees!
Most places are very 'hiker friendly'. I managed a hot shower, and at least one pub meal every day. There's no need to rough-it, but it don't make for a cheap holiday!

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Reading
The West Highland Way (There's a surprise!)
Author: Anthony Burton
Ordnance Survey/Aurum Press (ISBN 1-85410-391-1)
Good guide, complete with 1:25,000 OS map segments for the whole walk.

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Links:

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