Crossing a corner of Rannoch Moor at the foot of the majestic Black Mount range, this stage is one of the best bits of the WHW. For the first time on the trail (for those heading north) the wild surroundings give the impression of really entering the west Highlands proper. The moor is uniquely impressive, a desolate expanse of peat ringed (at a distance) by mountains. The WHW follows the course of an old military road here, a long leg where the lack of shelter will be noticed on a windswept day. Fast teams might combine this leg with stage 6 to Kinlochleven, but pub fans will probably want to break the route with an evening in the Kingshouse.
Detailed description
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Difficulty: ModerateDistance: 12.15 miles (19.55 km)
Total ascent: 491m
Steepest Gradient: 12% (1 in 8)
Time: 4 – 6 hours (Walking)
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Additional Information
Start Bridge of Orchy Hotel, NN297396; Finish Kings House Hotel, NN259546
Nearest town:
Oban or Fort William
Terrain:
Easy paths and gravel tracks, with even a little bit of tarmac now and then. A couple of climbs but nothing major.
Seasonal variations:
It can be extra bleak on Rannoch Moor in the winter, and obviously deep snow here is going to slow progress a bit.
Weather and Hill Conditions: SAIS: Glencoe – mwis: West Highlands – Met Office: West Highlands
Public transport:
Bus or train to Bridge of Orchy, but from here the WHW and railway part company and a bus on the A82 is your only option.
Guidebooks:
West Highland Way, Dan Bailey, pb. Pocket Mountains http://www.pocketmountains.com/product/west-highland-way
Maps:
OS Explorer 377 (1:25,000), OS Explorer 384 (1:25,000), OS Explorer 385 (1:25,000), Harvey/BMC Ben Nevis (1:40,000), OS Landranger 41 (1:50,000), OS Landranger 50 (1:50,000)
Accommodation:
Bridge of Orchy Hotel (and bunkhouse) 01838 400208
Inveroran Hotel 01838 400 220
Kings House Hotel 01855 851259 - 'wild' camping is also welcomed here, though some tolerance for midges is required in season.
Find more Listings near this route
Tourist info:
Tyndrum (08452 255 121)
Further Routes
by Dan Bailey UKH
- Meall na Teanga & Sron a' Choire Ghairbh - The Loch Lochy Munros 6 Nov, 2023
- Bynack More 19 Oct, 2023
- Beinn a' Mhuinidh 4 Oct, 2023
- Loch Ossian round - Seven Munros by Train 15 Sep, 2023
- Beinn Dronaig - 30km of Solitude 23 Aug, 2023