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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