West Highland Way - Page 3

Tyndrum - Wild camping about 10 km after Bridge of Orchy

The route from Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy runs along the railway line through a beautiful mountain gorge. On the right side we are flanked by 2 mighty mountains, just before the village we cross again the railroad line through a "cattle tunnel." The route is comfortable to walk, the weather still great, soon we reach the railway station of Bridge of Orchy. The town itself consists of only a few houses next to a hotel. After a short rest we cross the bridge over the River Orchy.

Steep uphill, we follow a path to the Mam Carraigh, from here you had a gigantic view. The following descent to the Inveroran Hotel was very stony, but rewarded with magnificent views. After a short lunch break, our trail continues past the Forrest Lodge on an old military road to the Rannoch Moor, the largest moor in Scotland. In summer, it’s supposed to be unbearable here because of the midges, now it seems to be too icy here for them. The Highlands are hardly inhabited, but the next 11 km became even more lonely. It went uphill, now and then a piece of forest lined our way.

It started to snow, and we were looking for a place to stay. A few kilometers further we found it, sheltered from the wind between a few man-high hills one was protected from the vagaries of the weather. Although the sun came out again, the wind kept it freezing here. During dinner, we watched the deer on the opposite side of the forest, while a small bird watched us. Unusually tame, he came pretty close for a few bread crumbs. Enjoy the gigantic surroundings in the sunlight, then it was time for a wind-repellent tent.

Wild camping about 10 km after Bridge of Orchy - Kinlochleven

Immediately on the first kilometers we met Rick, he had pitched his tent not far from us. The route continued slightly uphill, only at the top you had a clear view into the next valley, again flanked by mountain giants. After crossing the A82 we stopped at the Kingshouse Hotel and watched the roe deer, which even ate out of the hand. From there we went on towards Altnafeadh, constantly the mighty Stob Dearg next to us.

From Altnafeadh a rocky path winds up steeply to Devil’s Staircase. Despite rain, we had a beautiful view of the entrance to the Glen Coe upstairs. The last kilometers to Kinlochleven were extremely stony, extreme wind and rain did not make the path any easier. Passing a kind of pumped storage plant we went steeply into the valley, we crossed a small bridge with a beautiful waterfall and finally landed on the campground at the entrance to the village.

After the longed-for hot shower, a hot meal was once again the plan. So off to the local pub, very cozy and loud. Here you could sit for a long time after an icy day of course, so after the hot meal it went seamlessly to the whisky tasting: Highland whisky, I’m thrilled and warmed up in the end. 🙂.