Boots and Tent

Morning all...........

Well we have our boots and tent. I decided to look further a field than the ones in go outdoors (see previous page) and I've bought a pair of Berghaus Goretex boots on ebay for a steal £38 and Jo has bought a pair of Salomom Goretex at an even bigger steal at £21.

Again after looking a tad further a field the tent we have bought can be seen on the following link we paid £50 for it inc postage from ebay used two times and mint condition

Our Tent (please note not my YouTube page)

So as you can see we are getting there on the equipment procurement front but a few bits to go yet I'd say.....

Catch ya all soon

(all comments appreciated)

Preparation Walk

We did our first test walk and what a walk, considering this time last year I could barely walk due to my hip problem this was a massive thing, we did a ten mile circular walk through towns, villages, fields along a river and through a forest, this was done through http://www.lrwg.org.uk/home/index.html and was very well organised.  Pity I work most weekends cause I'd join this group but they do most of ther walks on Sunday.  But that mustn't put me off.  A great day, even though I was knackered at the end.

 old john in Bradgate Park (highest point in Leicestershire.......

 well deserved pub stop......

Meet the Walkers

Here's a few of our walkers confirmed on the route, as others confirm for sure I'll post them here and if your on "The Way" next June perhaps you'll give us a shout.......

 .....this is me (left) and Graham (right) at my annual Summer BBQ in August this year, I think its fair to say we'd both perhaps had a drink or six by this point. This vacant look may be simulated in Fort William when we complete the walk......

 .....at that very same BBQ here you find Trev and Ant (right) both keen on getting on "the way" and more than game for a wee beer in the evenings as we sit by the tents.

......last but by no means least here is the lovely, the gorgeous Jo, my love, my life, my best friend.

Planning Stage Two: Boots and Tent

From what I read on the forums and hear from fellow walkers your "boots" are thee most important part of your kit and without decent boots you could be in for "a hell of a week".  I've looked around and tried on a few different types both leather and fabric and decided on these Boots

I found them to be the most comfortable and speaking to the chap in Go-Outdoors they are one of their best sellers. With a pair of normal socks plus a pair of thick walking socks these fitted perfectly.  They have an eVent lining which is similar to Goretex providing a complete waterproof seal, essential on "the way" for dry feet.

I've also been looking at tents and almost decided on this Tent However Jo may change her mind about the tent as she is a little undecided..........womans prerogative and all that.

It's got a 3000mm rated Hydrostatic head which is more than enough for summer camping in the Highlands any less than 2000mm would be unsuitable due to potential penetration of water into your living quarters.......not good!


Next piece of equipment to buy is a Jacket and water proofs, I'll quite happily shell out £35 for waterproofs and never take them out of my bag........oh yeh a bag.....I need one of them too.......

Planning Stage One: Route and Accommodation

 West Highland Way June 2012 Proposed Route and Accomodation

Well here we are in the planning phase now and well on the way (no pun intended). We have decided to follow the conventional direction from Milngavie to Fort William although I understand some people do it in reverse and finish in Milngavie.  That wouldn't suit me as I'm looking forward to meeting people on the way and catching up with them as the week goes on and with most people following the South to North approach that decided it....

After travelling to Milngavie we will set up camp for the first night here at............

BankellFarm, Milngavie

Bankell Farm campsite is open all year round, andhas 50 pitches on sheltered, well-drained grass.

The campsite is south facing and surrounded bytrees and open countryside. There are toilet and hot shower facilities, and adishwashing area.

Walkers can leave their cars here while they walkthe West Highland Way, and there are services available to transport yourluggage.

CampingCharges

£6 per person per night

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Then the fun begins on Day 1
 

 

Milngavie to Carbeth

 Summary:

• Distance / Time: 5 miles (8 km) / 3 to 4 hours
• Total Ascent: 148 m
• Total Descent: 69 m
• Max Height: 130 m
• Terrain: A relatively simple start to the Way on footpaths, tracks and lanes with no major climbs.
• Refreshments: Milngavie, Mugdock Country Park, Blanefield
• Toilets: Milngavie, Mugdock Country Park, Blanefield
• Places of Interest: Mugdock Country Park

 

Carbeth to Drymen

Summary:

• Distance / Time: 7 miles (11.2 km) / 3 to 4 hours
• Total Ascent: 271 m
• Total Descent: 238 m
• Max Height: 163 m
• Terrain: A relatively simple stage on footpaths, minor roads and made up path on dismantled railway trackbed.
• Refreshments: Dumgoyne, Drymen
• Toilets: Drymen
• Places of Interest: Standing stones, Duntreath Castle, Glengoyne Distillery.

DrymenCamping
Drymen Camping is set in beautiful farmland,one mile from the village of Drymen with Loch Lomond and the Campsie Fells a 5minute drive away. Drymen camping is situated right on the West Highland Way,11 miles from the start at Milngavie making it a perfect stop for the firstnight.
Facilities include:  Showers, toilets, undercover cooking area,fresh drinking water, washing machine and tumble dryer.
CampingCharges       £5 per person per night

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Day 2

Drymen to Balmaha

Summary

• Distance / Time: 8 miles (12.8 km) / 4 to 5 hours (via Conic Hill)
• Total Ascent: 292 m (via Conic Hill)
• Total Descent: 437 m (via Conic Hill)
• Max Height: 310 m (via Conic Hill)
• Terrain: Good paths or tracks most of the way. The only significant ascent being the section of the route over Conic Hill near Balmaha.  There is a low level alternative.  
• (Please note that dogs are not allowed in the two enclosed fields on the east approach to Conic Hill during the lambing season, even on a lead. The season normally lasts for around three weeks at the end of April and early May. Temporary signage will be in place. This does not affect access with a dog to Conic Hill from the Balmaha direction.)
• Refreshments: Balmaha
• Toilets: Balmaha
• Places of Interest: Boat trips are available from Balmaha to Inchcailloch, part of Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve. Visitors' Centre at Balmaha car park.

Balmaha to Rowardennan

Summary:

• Distance / Time: 7 miles (11.2 km)  / 3 to 4 hours
• Total Ascent: 373 m
• Total Descent: 378 m
• Max Height: 88 m
• Terrain: Good paths or tracks most of the way but can be twisty and undulating in places.  Most of the route runs between the road and the shore of Loch Lomond.  Short sections on minor roads.
• Refreshments: Rowardennan
• Toilets: Milarrochy
• Places of Interest: Boat trips are available from Balmaha to Inchcailloch on Loch Lomond. Visitors Centre at Balmaha car park. Ben Lomond.

RowardennanYouth Hostel
A lovely setting right on the banks of thefamous Loch Lomond, the views from our youth hostel lounge are breathtaking.Set in the heart of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park the youthhostel offers great facilities and an unrivalled location. Laze on the beach,fish, or walk up Scotland's most southerly Munro, Ben Lomond (974m, rightbehind the hostel). Facilities include laundry (£2 per wash), meal service,licensed.
YouthHostel Charges            : £17 per person per night + £3.00 for a temporarymembership to use the youth hostel.

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Day 3

Rowardennan to Inversnaid

Summary:

• Distance / Time: 7 miles (11.2 km) / 4 to 5 hours
• Total Ascent: 544 m
• Total Descent: 547 m
• Max Height: 149 m
• Terrain: This stretch is mostly forestry track following the eastern shore of Loch Lomond with occasional diversions onto a rocky path with crags and boulders.
• Refreshments: Inversnaid  
• Places of Interest: Rob Roy’s Prison, RSPB reserve.

Inversnaid to Ardlui and Inverarnan

Summary:

• Distance / Time: 7 miles (11.2 km) / 4 to 5 hours
• Total Ascent: 387 m
• Total Descent: 150 m
• Max Height: 252 m
• Terrain: This is by far the roughest section of the Way, where the path makes a tortuous route along the side of Loch Lomond with many ups and downs. A hard walk but the scenery is superb.
• Refreshments: Ardlui, Inverarnan,
• Places of Interest: Rob Roy’s Cave

BeinglassFarm Campsite
Beinglas Farm Campsite sits below Ben Glas,from which it takes name, and the “Grey Mares Tail Waterfall”, and offers fineviews from all parts of the site.

The Facilities at Beinglas Farm Campsite

The large campsite shelter not only offers aconvenient refuge from the elements, but also boasts several amenities to helpmake a visit more comfortable.

There isan outdoor shelter with seating for forty people, kitchen area with largecooker, laundry with ironing & drying facilities, pay-phone, drinks machineand pool table.

Our well-stocked shop has all the essentialsfor every type of visitor, such as groceries, camping gas, batteries andblister kits! Snacks, meals and beverages, including beers and wines, are alsoavailable. Packed lunches can be provided, but must be ordered the eveningbefore.
CampsiteCharges      £7.50 per person per night

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Day 4 

Inverarnan to Crianlarich

Summary:

• Distance / Time: 6 miles (9.6 km) / 3 to 4 hours
• Total Ascent: 374 m
• Total Descent: 150 m
• Max Height: 252 m
• Terrain: The path and tacks are mainly well-surfaced, much of the way consists of an old military road. Moderate ascents and decents. The way bypasses Crianlarich to the west, but a spur path leads into the village, the halfway point on the route.
• Refreshments: Crianlarich 
• Toilets: Crianlarich 
• Places of Interest: Grey mares tail (waterfall), The Falls of Falloch.

Crianlarich to Tyndrum

Summary:

• Distance / Time: 6 miles (9.6 km) / 3 to 4 hours
• Total Ascent: 248 m
• Total Descent: 263 m
• Max Height: 334 m
• Terrain: Good paths and tracks with some moderate ascent and descent, but nothing unduly difficult and nowhere far from services. A straightforward day of glen and low pass walking amid outstanding mountain scenery.
• Refreshments: Tyndrum,
• Places of Interest: St Fillans Chapel, (remains) it was raised to a Priory by Robert the Bruce in 1318 and thereafter enjoyed some measure of privilege and protection from the kings of Scotland.

Tyndrum By The Way Hostel
First of all, why the name ‘By the Way’?  Simple, thehostel is right beside the West Highland Way, In fact you can sit having acoffee in the hostel dining room and watch the Way walkers pass less than sixmetres away. Hence, it is literally ‘By the Way’.
The hostel has a large common room and kitchen area containing all thefacilities you would expect to find, including: microwave, cooker, oven,instant boiling water (via dedicated Lincat boiler), fridge, chopping boardsetc. All cutlery and crockery is also provided.-
Hostel Charges          £16 per person per night

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Day 5 

Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy

Summary:

• Distance / Time: 7 miles (11.2 km) / 3 to 4 hours
• Total Ascent: 183 m
• Total Descent: 254 m
• Max Height: 334 m
• Terrain: Good paths and tracks with some moderate ascent and descent, but nothing unduly difficult and nowhere far from services. A straightforward day of glen and low pass walking amid outstanding mountain scenery.
• Refreshments: Bridge of Orchy

Bridge of Orchy to Inveroran

Summary:

• Distance / Time: 2 miles (3.2 km) / 1 to 3 hours
• Total Ascent: 175 m
• Total Descent: 164 m
• Max Height: 323 m
• Terrain: This is a short, straightforward stage which acts as an introduction to the wilderness of Rannoch Moor.
• Refreshments: Inveroran 

Wild Camping

Camping without facilities is permitted at Bridge of Orchy,Inveroran (400m West along the road from the Inveroran Hotel).

Wild camping - Accesslegislation in Scotland gives people the right of access over most land andwater as long as they do so responsibly. Please follow the ScottishOutdoor Access Code. Namely:-

• LIGHTING FIRES - Never cut down or damage trees. Use a stove of possible. If you must have an open fire keep it small and under control and remove all traces before leaving.
• HUMAN WASTE - Carry a trowel and bury your waste and urinate well away from open water, rivers and streams.
• LITTER- Take away all of your rubbish, particularly bottles, cans and plastics and leave your campsite as tidy as you would wish to find it.

Wild Camping Charges        £0

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Day 6 

Inveroran to Kingshouse

Summary:

• Distance / Time: 10 miles (16 km) / 4 to 5 hours
• Total Ascent: 336 m
• Total Descent: 270 m
• Max Height: 446 m
• Terrain: The surface is mainly good underfoot but on Rannoch Moor you are highly exposed in bad weather. There is no shelter of any kind available until you reach the White Corries ski centre (12 km) The scenery is spectacular but if conditions are poor, this can be a very tough stage of the Way. 
• Refreshments: Kingshouse, Glen Coe Ski Centre  
• Places of Interest: Glen Coe Ski Centre

Wild Camping

The campground at the rear of the Kings House Hotelis an excellent spot for basing yourself in the Glencoe region, be it forwalking or climbing.

The campground is very open and the wind can blow very strong through here somake sure your tent is well pitched.

Pitches available - roughly 30 spots for tents
Cost – £0
Campfires allowed - No

The Kings House Hotel has a climbers bar at the rear of the main hotel which isusually busy. Drinks, good food and a friendly atmosphere are guaranteed.

Most evenings before sunset, the campground will have the local deer paying avisit to see what food is on the go. They are tamer here than at other pointsin the country, however please remember that they are WILD animals.

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Day 7

Kingshouse to Kinlochleven

Summary:

• Distance / Time: 9 miles (14.4 km) / 4 to 5 hours
• Total Ascent: 423 m
• Total Descent: 659 m
• Max Height: 547 m
• Terrain: The surfaces are mainly good but you are very highly exposed at its highest point you are at 550m before a long descent down to Kinlochleven, although short it’s still a hard stage in bad weather.
• Refreshments:  Kinlochleven
• Places of Interest: The Devils Staircase. At 550m (1850ft) this is the highest point along the way.  The Ice Factor (National ice climbing centre) Kinlochleven

Highland Lodge

Highland Lodge is owned and run by Callum andCaroline Macinnes, who can assure you of a very warm Highland welcome.

The bunkhouse has 8 rooms, each with 4 bunks.Facilities include:

·        Fully equipped self-catering kitchen.

·        Dining/tv lounge

·        Drying room

·        Two sitting areas

·        Ladies & Gents showers toilets etc.

Highland Lodge Charges     £13 per personincluding bedding per night

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Day 8 

Kinlochleven to Fort William

Summary:

• Distance / Time: 16 miles (24 km) / 7 to 8 hours
• Total Ascent: 735 m
• Total Descent: 737 m
• Max Height: 333 m
• Terrain: Very good paths at this last stage, there is a steep climb out of Kinlochleven, then there is no more serious gradients, the path through Nevis Forest is a bit rough then on to some tarmac descending down into Fort William.
• Refreshments: Fort William.
• Toilets: Fort William
• Places of Interest: The way goes through Lairigmor, this section of the walk boasts 11 Munros (Mountains over 3000feet).