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West Highland Way (North) - tour description
This short tour starts at the remote settlement of Bridge of Orchy,
on the southern edge of the great wilderness of Rannoch Moor.
We believe this northernmost section to be the very best part
of the excellent West Highland Way National Trail - it is certainly
the part which takes you furthest from towns and roads. Although
isolated, Bridge of Orchy has a train station with regular links
with Glasgow and (by Scotrail direct overnight sleeper train -
not Saturday nights) with London and other parts of southern England.
If you arrive early in the day it is possible to ride back along
the way to Tyndrum on the train or bus and do the 6-mile walk
back to Bridge of Orchy in the afternoon. From Bridge of Orchy
the way crosses the barren Moor of Rannoch to Kingshouse (reputed
to be Scotland's oldest inn; previous visitors have included the
Wordsworths, who didn't like it). Much of the route traces one
of the 'military roads' built by General Wade in the 18th century
as part of the English campaign to subdue the Highlanders After
crossing the dramatically named 'Devil's Staircase' a night is
spent back down near sea level between the tidal inlet of Loch
Leven and the rugged summits of the Mamore Range. The tour ends
at the foot of Britain's highest peak Ben Nevis (4406 feet) -
the summit is accessible to hikers if you spend an extra day in
Fort William. Although we advertise this as a 4-night tour, it
is possible to fit this excellent walk into an even shorter time
by spending night 1 on the sleeper train from London or southern
England (it is possible to join the train at Crewe) and starting
the walk to Kingshouse on arrival in Bridge of Orchy in the morning
(after a spot of breakfast, that is!) Please enquire about this
option.
'Well, we're back in the US and longing for
Scotland! The [Discerning Traveller West Highland Way North] hiking
tour was definitely the high point of our trip. We really enjoyed
it.' S. Wasserkrug.
West Highland Way (North) - tour details 2006
A Discerning Traveller self-led hiking tour
Duration: 4 nights Tour code: B4
Dates: Mid-May to end September, start any day (but note
that if you are planning to use the overnight sleeper train this
does not operate on Saturday nights).
Grade: Moderate hiking. Well waymarked, generally easy
going underfoot. Some long ascents and descents.
Nearest international airports: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Prestwick.
Train stations: Start of tour: Bridge of Orchy; end of
tour Fort William.
Overnight stops:1 Bridge of Orchy; 2 Kingshouse; 3 Kinlochleven;
4 Fort William.
Accommodation: Small hotels inns, and guest houses; mostly
with en-suite or private facilities, which can be guaranteed throughout
for a supplement.
Meals included: 4 breakfasts; evening meals can be obtained
locally without pre-booking. Packed/picnic lunches are also obtainable
locally from the accommodation. There are no shops en route except
at Kinlochleven and Fort William.
Baggage: Baggage is transported each day that you move
on to new accommodation. On this tour only one piece of baggage
per person is included in tour price, weight limit per bag 20kg/44
pounds.
Extra nights: These can be included at time of booking. Charged
at cost plus 10%. If you want to have a go at climbing Scotland's
highest peak Ben Nevis you should spend an extra day in Fort William.
The dramatic pass of Glencoe is accessible by bus from Kingshouse
or Kinlochleven or Fort William, but in each case you would need
an extra day if you want to complete the walk as well. Remember
that it is possible to leave Fort William in the evening by the
sleeper train (not Saturday nights) so you could spend a day here
without booking an extra night.
Factsheet: This provides more details before you book.
The code for this tour's factsheet is FSB. Enquiry
form
West Highland Way (North) - tour price 2007
- B4E (ES or private facilities throughout). £320.
Extra nights: from £40 per person per night.
Single supplement: £60.
- Prices per person on basis of two people in double or twin-bedded
rooms. 4 nights bed and breakfast, with baggage transfers,
maps and route directions.
- This tour is availabale for single travellers on payment of
the single supplement
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Telephone and fax 0(044) 20 7431 1071. E-mail:info@discerningtraveller.co.uk

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