The West Highland Way - Stage Three (Inverarnan to Bridge of Orchy)

The West Highland Way is the most established of Scotland’s long distance walking routes. This is the third of a five stage route, staying at prebooked accomodation along the way.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: The West Highland Way in Five Days

Technical sheet

15400732
A Stirling walk posted on 30/09/21 by El Sud. Last update : 01/06/22
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 29.55 km
  • ◔
    Calculated time: 10h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: No
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 533 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 391 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 340 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 18 m

Description

(S) From Beinglas head North. keeping the River Falloch on your left. The route bends to the right following the river and the main A82 road.

(1) Go through a small wood to reach the Falls of Falloch in Glen Falloch. The path stays with the river, crossing to the other side near Derrydaroch.

(2) Our route continues to follow the river and the road, crossing the railway and the road near Carmyle Cottage. Climb slowly left to join the Old Military Road past Keilator, Caisteal Ghriogair, through Bogle Glen and bear left through the forest near Crainlarich keeping North-West-North.

(3) Once out of the forest, cross over the railway and turn left along the A82 road. Take the path off to the left, over the River Fillan (past the remains of St. Fillan's Church), past Kirkton Farm and a cemetary to reach Auchtertyre.

(4) Cross the stream Allt Auchtertyre and head back to the river, crossing the main A82 road. Stay North of the river to Dalrigh, where the route swings North again following Crom Allt and the railway.

(5) Go through Tyndrum, staying with the stream, crossing the road and following the railway.

(6) Cross the railway to pick up the Old Military Road again as the shadow of Beinn Odhar looms large to the right at 901m above sea level.

(7) Cross the railway again to follow Allt Coire Chailein as far as the bridge at Allt Kinglass.

(8) Cross the bridge and bear left in a North-West direction following the railway (to the right) and the river (to the left). Beinn Dorain looms ominously in front and to the right after the bridge, at 1,076m above sea level it's probably best for us to follow the route, skirting the crags rather than having to climb the mountain.

(9) Cross the railway again to follow the wall a little higher up the slope. Come back down again to cross the railway at the station and walk into the Bridge of Orchy.(E)

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 18 m - Beinglas
  2. 1 : km 3.18 - alt. 110 m - Small wood
  3. 2 : km 6.34 - alt. 159 m - River
  4. 3 : km 13.13 - alt. 176 m - Forest
  5. 4 : km 14.93 - alt. 181 m - Auchtertyre
  6. 5 : km 18.9 - alt. 232 m - Tyndrum
  7. 6 : km 20.4 - alt. 300 m - Railway
  8. 7 : km 22.05 - alt. 298 m - Allt Coire Chailein
  9. 8 : km 24.4 - alt. 202 m - Allt Kinglass
  10. 9 : km 26.53 - alt. 214 m - Railway
  11. E : km 29.55 - alt. 160 m - Bridge of Orchy

Useful Information

This is a fairly comfortable route, following the A82, the railway to Fort William and a number of rivers. There are no steep climbs nd generally it's the Old Military Road through the glens. Check the light hours to ensure you reach Bridge of Orchy in good time. Tyndrum is an alternative if the days are short. If the weather is wet and cold, make sure you have the right gear. It's a good idea to sort out your accomodation and book well in advance.

The West Highland Way is the most established of Scotland’s long distance walking routes. Officially opened on 6th October 1980, it celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2020. The WHW stretches 96 miles (154 Km) from Milngavie to Fort William, taking in a huge variety of scenery along the way, from countryside parks to loch-shores and open moorlands to steep mountains.

Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

During the walk or to do/see around

There's plenty to see along the way. Keep a steady pace but stop occasionally to enjoy the scenery. Enjoy the route and look out for wildlife along the way. Don't rush, just enjoy the journey and make the most of the moment.

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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.

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