-You cannot wild camp along the stretch of trail that runs along the shore of Loch Lomond between March and October. - 1 mixed dorms of 10 bunks, with en-suite facilities including multiple showers. The River Orchy is a popular destination for canoeists and white water rafters and the dominant summits of Beinn Dorain and Beinn an Dothaidh attract hillwalkers. The area is very wooded, which is unusual for Scotland. Read more: How Much it Cost Us to Hike the West Highland Way. There are four waterfalls where the current is fast but exciting for swimming (Use a … We were really hoping to find some woodland camping etc. There are no facilities here, but there is a potable water tap next to the main entrance of the hotel. Next day you can ride back the way you came or head on to Bridge of Orchy and Tyndrum for the train back to Taynuilt. Hikers may be a little shocked by the high prices of some of the campgrounds along the Way, but they are still the best value around. You’ve got two nice options for camping on Stage Six, depending on how much luxury you’re looking for. We particularly liked the wide brim hat model because it kept the net from touching our faces, giving us more breathing room and keeping the midges further away. A walkers paradise in the West Highland Way with 32 well-appointed rooms Book Direct 01838 400 208 Awesome guide for the WHW, did it late October (2018) and couldn’t have had better weather. Situated near Swindon and 17.9 miles away, as the crow flies from Bridge of Orchy. Fort William is another 2.5 miles up the trail. It’s possible that you’ll encounter snow in the Scottish Highlands from October through April. Outlets can be in high demand at campgrounds, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait for your chance to charge. *In addition to what you’ll find in Inverarnan, you can detour to Crianlarich (15 minutes from the trail each way) halfway through your walk tomorrow (Stage 4). Regardless of when you complete your trek, it is almost guaranteed to rain at some point. Glasgow is the most common entry point for West Highland Way walkers traveling from abroad. This is a fabulous time to walk the WHW, although it can be quite wet. Plus, many include hot showers, indoor lounges, and other small luxuries (and for the purists shaking their heads at this level of “glamping,” just see how you feel after walking in freezing rain all day or being attacked by midges!). In July and August, it can get quite hot if the sun is shining. Camping is by far the most economical way to trek the WHW. You’ll need to bring/filter your own water and utilize Leave No Trace practices when it comes to your rubbish and bathroom needs. The trail passes through farmland, tangled forests, wild moors, and villages, with each landscape presenting its own wayfinding challenges. If the Bridge of Orchy hotel is a little rich for your blood, here you'll find camping with an infinitely better view and a price point you just can't beat. Tuesday day / overnight - somewhere between Bridge of Orchy & Glencoe Weds overnight - Ballachulish in a Pod and doing some Segway and laid on outdoor activities ... Wild camping it … Has anyone wild camped near/next to Loch Ossian? Glad you are enjoying our guide! Wild Camping . I did the WHW solo in eight days but ended up finishing too early on day four and five. While it’s true that Scotland is expensive, your West Highland Way adventure doesn’t have to be. However, if they train ahead of time and keep reasonable expectations, walkers of all ability levels should be able to complete the West Highland Way – and enjoy themselves while doing it! However, with a little thoughtful planning, you can keep your pack weight manageable while still ensuring you have everything you need to be comfortable on the trail and while relaxing at the inns, campgrounds, and villages along the way. Take a detour from the busy main roads connecting Dalmally and Bridge of Orchy via Tyndrum and enjoy a pleasant stretch of Scotland's ancient Caledonian forest. Thank you for any insights you have…. The same rule for shoes applies to backpacks: make sure you complete several practice hikes with your bag packed the same way (and with the same weight) you’ll carry on the West Highland Way. Any idea if this is possible? Most walkers take 6-9 days to complete the West Highland Way. Camping next to a car park is theoretically allowable, but sounds a bit pointless to me, it is hardly wild camping and you might as well use a proper campsite with facilities. Wild camping is permitted in Scotland, including along much of the West Highland Way route. If more basic and free accommodation is what you’re after, keep walking a bit further to reach the Kingshouse Hotel. The trail is relatively quiet and the midges tend to be less of a problem later in the season. If you’d like to stop a bit earlier in the day, Doune Bothy is the best option. Way nicer place to camp, near a creek and way less traffic. Camping is permitted within an area 400m past the hotel. I’m not sure the exact reason the Blackwater Hostel only accepts two-person tents, but my guess is that it is based on the physical space of their site. You’ll need to book (non-camping) accommodation in advance. Bridge of Orchy Hotel/inn B&B/Guest house Self catering Campsite Baggage transfer Transport Booking services Guided walks Bunkhouse/hostel Food & drink Shops & provisions Attractions Bike Hire Try to search: sport , business We’ve noted the availability of these in our stage-by-stage camping guide below. Here’s what the walk’s official site, westhighlandway.org, says about wild camping: “Under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, wild camping is permitted. Nearly all of the campgrounds along the West Highland Way will allow you to charge phones and other devices for free, as will many pubs and guesthouses. Reading about the ‘black spots’ where only small tents are allowed – why is this? The area is very wooded, which is unusual for Scotland. For those completing the WHW in eight days, stage three is a loooong one. Sallochy Campsite Website or email sallochy.wardens@forestryandland.gov.scot. In terms of your bathroom options, there’s a wooded area directly behind the campsite. Can’t wait to hike the WHW! The old adage, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear,” couldn’t be more true when it comes to the West Highland Way. Many consider the West Highland Way to be one of the best long-distance hikes in all of Europe. Midges, those tiny biting flies that come out in massive swarms that come our at dusk and in cloudy, still weather conditions, are an unfortunate reality on the West Highland Way. Scotland uses the British pound and cash is king on the West Highland Way. You are going to get rained on at some point while walking the West Highland Way- this is Scotland after all. Make sure to book a lochside site, as the main camping area can get noisy and crowded. We’ve made note of places where you could lengthen or shorten your itinerary in the stage-by-stage guide. Get the lowdown on all of the need-to-know West Highland Way  essentials in order to kickstart your trip planning. This village is the perfect place to meet new people. This 10-page printable guide has everything you need to get started planning your adventure. This could be a good option for those starting late and/or those who really want to camp at all costs. However, keep a few things in mind: For more information, check out The Scottish Outdoor Access Code website, which has a ton of great guidelines for wild camping in Scotland. Pick up your guide below and if your not satisfied for any reason we’ll give you a full refund! West Highland Way Packing List – Be sure you’ve got everything you need! It is located on a lovely spot alongside the river and also conveniently located in the center of town. Secondly, if you’re fit, I would suggest to do the WHW in six or seven days. If doing Ben Nevis you could camp in one of the remoter glens in … We like the kind with two USB ports built in to maximize our charging time. This small campground is surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque farmland. Be sure to read our entire series on the West Highland Way to learn everything you’ll need to know for your trip! Don’t let them! Be advised that the area can be a bit boggy and level spots are hard to come by. - … The 50+ page guide contains West Highland Way resources you won’t find anywhere else, including: We truly believe this is the best guide available for the camping on the WHW. Riding the southbound train through the rugged Highland scenery upon completion of the WHW is a highlight for many trekkers. The middle section of the walk traces the entire length of the storied Loch Lomond, allowing walkers to experience its wild, tangled shoreline. One of our favorite parts of hiking the West Highland Way! Your email address will not be published. West Highland Way Trip Report – Know what to expect! A nasty blister can be catastrophic on a multi-day trek like the WHW! Just off the Bridge of Orchy are some tented seating with benches and fire pits. Nearby the Loch Lomond area: The town of Rowardennan is about three miles up the trail past Sallochy. They ended up with midges getting trapped inside their nets! Check the official guidance but the camping management zones effectively stop road and lochside camping. As you approach the campground, you’ll see the higher numbered lochside pitches first. Drymen Camping is located in a peaceful, pastoral setting. Leave no trace by: taking away all your litter, removing all traces of your tent pitch and of any open fire and not causing pollution. Although no direct route via train is available to Glencoe, it is possible to use the West Highland Railway line and travel to Bridge of Orchy from Glasgow Queen Street. https://www.campervanlife.com/travel-guide/europe/britain/scotland The first camping area you’ll come across is the Glencoe Mountain Resort, reached via a very slight detour off the main trail. While certain places will be able to accommodate your needs (make sure to ask in advance), that will be the exception and not the norm. As you walk north along Loch Lomond, you’ll reach the Milarrochy Bay campsite first, then you’ll see Cashel about a mile further, and if you keep going for another mile or so, you will reach Sallochy. Be prepared for shorter days and therefore fewer daylight hours for walking. Enjoy your hike! Our friends bought cheap insect nets and the holes in the mesh turned out to be too big. For better or worse, many of the campgrounds, guesthouses, and pubs along the WHW now offer Wifi. Thanks Tobias! Whatever you do, get a good quality net that is specifically designed for midges. Be aware of the increasingly shorter days as the month progresses. Stage 6: Bridge of Orchy to Glencoe/Kingshouse, Stage 7: Glencoe/Kingshouse to Kinlochleven, Stage 8: Kinlochleven to Fort William/Glen Nevis, sallochy.wardens@forestryandland.gov.scot. You’ll be covering long stretches of undulating terrain with a variety of underfoot conditions. Read our awesome articles about navigating on the West Highland Way! The village consists of a collection of mostly white buildings grouped around the Bridge of Orchy Hotel. Here are some great things about staying at the Bridge of Orchy Bunkhouse: - Situated right on West Highland Way. Here is a list of the main campsites on the West Highland Way, organised by location, there might be a couple more that I’ve missed. If the weather is nice, make sure to soak your tired feet in the river while you take in the views of the quaint stone bridge and the green hills beyond. You will pass through many villages with public drinking fountains or cafes that will fill your bottles for you, but make sure to plan ahead and carry 1-2 liters of water each day. Wild camping is permitted just over the stone bridge from the hotel, and campers have access to public toilets behind the bunkhouse. Additionally (for those with deeper pockets), many of the hotels, guesthouses, and pubs serve meals. While it’s possible to travel by foot from Glasgow to the official start in Milngavie, most hikers will opt for a faster method of transit. The fifth section of the West Highland way between Tyndrum and the Bridge of Orchy or alternatively to Inveroran is the shortest section. Hiking Highlight. Day 5: Wild camp before Bridge of Orchy to Glencoe Mountain Resort 12 miles The day began by finishing walking along the military road to Bridge of Orchy, which with the relatively easy walking and good views went by very quickly. While not the same as the solitude of your tent, they offer many of the advantages of wild camping. One of the many wonderful things about the West Highland Way is that you don’t need to worry about carrying (and eating) eight days’ worth of underwhelming freeze-dried backpacker meals. Potable water (just to the right of the hotel entrance on the outside of the building), Toilets (with purchase, when the hotel bar is open). In addition to accommodation, food is the other major expense that can make or break a budget. The riverside picnic a… The West Highland Way is traditionally walked from south to north, but you can easily trek in either direction. Detailed maps and GPS navigation for the hike: "Bridge of Orchy – Mam Carraigh Loop from Bridge of Orchy" 02:34 h 9.13 km ... Wild Camping on Mam Carraigh. Suggested itineraries. Stop to view the rapids of Eas Urchaidh waterfall (where a track leads up into the forest should you wish to stretch your legs), or make use of the riverside picnic benches at Catnish. That being said, don’t rule out the possibility of warm and sunny days. All of the hotels, guesthouses, and campgrounds provide potable water. Sign-up below to get your FREE Starter Kit! ), How to Find All of your Campgrounds on the West Highland Way. Both ends of the hike are easily accessed by public transportation. Furthermore, we strongly suggest using GPS to make your life easier and less stressful. Services are widely available along the route, simplifying resupply and logistical considerations. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Beinglas Farm to the village of Inverarnan. The southern portion of the walk is characterized by bucolic pastoral landscapes, rolling green hillsides, and peaceful woodlands. You’ll need to detour about 10 minutes uphill off the trail to reach the Bunkhouse, but they do offer a free pickup service. If the Bridge of Orchy hotel is a little rich for your blood, here you'll find camping with an infinitely better view and a price point you just can't beat. Learn from their mistake and make sure you invest in the right gear when it comes to this one. Please also note that within the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park camping byelaws operate between March and September.”. You can use the facilities in the hotel bar during opening hours. There you’ll find supermarkets, banks, a pharmacy, a hospital, restaurants/bars, an outdoor retailer, a post office, a library, and bus and train connections. With flat spots and room for ten plus tents, this spot has everyone you could want for a wild camping spot. However, it can be pretty hard to fully appreciate that special type of magic when you’re trudging along for hours completely soaked to the bone. Be advised that the area can … Finally, By the Way Hostel and Campground is another well-located option, but be advised that they will only accept one or two-person tents and they will not accept any campers if there has been a significant amount of rain, due to the ground being too water-logged. Unfortunately, you won’t be the first person to use these natural facilities, and they were a bit polluted with human waste when we were there. #quarantinegarden #patiogarden #container, Celebrating one incredible year since this perfect, Finally catching up on sharing photos from the las, Another latergram, this time from Angkor Wat, Camb, Still trying to get caught up on these updates. I think this was the most beautiful place to camp during my WHW hike a few weeks ago. This is inside the national park and therefore has different rules. It’s worth the extra walking though! I thought there was some kind of permit available :/. I'll be getting off the train at Corrour Station at the beginning of my trip at the end of the month, and am wondering if there's somewhere suitable alongside the loch amongst the trees for a night, on it's northern side most likely. There are no facilities, but you are welcome to eat with us if you let us know in advance. The Met Office website is a good resource for detailed and accurate forecasts. On a final note, believe us when we say that you will enjoy your trip infinitely more if you train ahead of time. In the north, the Way traverses the best of the Scottish Highlands, one of Britain’s last remaining expanses of true wilderness. If you’re purchasing a new pack, most good outdoors stores have experienced staff that will help you find the right fit and style for your needs. This detour is highly recommended if you’d like to resupply at a proper supermarket. The Guide includes everything you’ll need to have an awesome experience on the WHW. Our stage-by-stage camping guide is written for south-north trekkers, but can easily be reversed. Nearby Glencoe Mountain: Besides the ski resort and the Kinshouse Hotel, there are no other services close by. Our downloadable Guide to Camping on the West Highland Way is ultimate resource to help you plan your perfect trip. You’re welcome! Moreover, Drymen is your last opportunity to visit a full grocery store along the trail until you reach Tyndrum. We chose to stay at Sallochy and highly recommend that you do the same for a number of reasons. The Bridge of Orchy offers an astounding wild-camping spot, but camping on Rannoch Moor isn't a great idea - it's pretty humid and as previously mentioned the weather can get pretty nasty! While the hike officially ends in the town of Fort William, you can stop a couple of miles earlier in the town of Glen Nevis and pitch your tent at the Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park. Don’t forget to pack a pack cover and your trekking poles! How to Find All of Your Campgrounds on the West Highland Way- Free downloadable GPS waypoints! Wild camping spot over the Bridge of Orchy. Beinglas Farm is the traditional stopping point, and will be a welcome sight for those who walk the entirety of stage 3 to reach it. Additionally, the Rowchoish and Doune Bothies are simple, free options that may be appealing to campers. All in all, I imagined the bridge a bit more idyllic, none of the pictures really shows the numerous buildings around the bridge ... After the bridge, however, begins one of the most beautiful parts of the way! It’s possible to camp every night (many long-distance treks require at least one or two expensive hut stays). There's a single track road from Bridge of Orchy which follows a river. The Bridge of Orchy Hotel currently permits wild camping to the rear of the premises. Where do we even begin when discussing the famous (er, infamous) Scottish weather? Here is a nice youth hostel in the train station. Bridge of Orchy camping. Quintessential Highlands camping at Strathfillan. 10 Essentials for the West Highland Way – The quick and dirty basics. This type of camping is lightweight, done in small numbers and only for two or three nights in any one place. 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