West Highland Escape - Detailed Description

Arrive Starting Point: Bridge of Orchy

Bridge of Orchy consists of a Hotel, Bunkhouse and Rail Station and little else. It is a great introduction to the idea that you will be able to get away from it all and forget the day to day of modern life. It is easily reached by bus or train from Glasgow. (around 2 hours)

Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse—12 Miles

Our favourite section of the West Highland Way. A couple of miles after leaving Bridge of Orchy you are gifted with a stunning view over Inveroran.

From there you skirt Loch Tulla and then join the military road across Rannoch Moor, a wonderful, lonely and exposed place that was once covered by a giant icecap and is today covered in bog.

There is no shelter and in bad weather it can be exposed. In good weather it is simply inspiring. Kingshouse provides great views of Buachaille Etive Mor, Scotland’s most photographed mountain.

Kingshouse to Kinlochleven—9 Miles

From Kingshouse you follow an old military road to Altnafeadh, which gives great views of the famous ‘weeping glen’ and site of the Glencoe Massacre in 1692.

Then you zigzag up the Devil’s Staircase to the highpoint of the Way at 548m, which gives stunning views towards Ben Nevis, given clear weather.

From here you wind our way down into the pretty little town of Kinlochleven, the end to a very pleasant day.  Kinlochleven Facilities: Hotels, pubs, Co-op supermarket, cash machine, post office, internet, Ice Factor Climbing Centre. 

Kinlochleven to Fort William—14 Miles

The initial sharp climb out of Kinlochleven is worth it for the fantastic views it brings and once over the top you follow a wonderfully remote valley past deserted sheilings towards Fort William.

Approximately half way through the day you enter a beautiful area of cultivated forest and follow a narrow winding track until you reach the saddle which brings you into Glen Nevis. 

Ben Nevis towers ahead and you can clearly see the mountain track which snakes up the southern side of Britain’s highest mountain. At this point you bear left and follow a wide forestry road down to the Ben Nevis visitor centre and then the final two miles are along the Glen Nevis road. This brings you to the end of your short break on the outskirts of Fort William and time for a few well earned beers.

Depart Fort William

Fort William is on a main train line back to Glasgow and is also well serviced by Intercity bus. The train more or less follows the route of the West Highland Way back to Glasgow, while taking the bus will take you through the truly stunning Glen Coe.

Walking Direction

This walk is only available from South to North due to baggage delivery restrictions.

Tailor Made Holidays

We are always more than happy to tailor our standard itineraries to suit. Just let us know what you would like and we will be happy to arrange your tailor made walking holiday.