recommended route
Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse
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Sunrise Above Loch Tulla in InveroranPhoto: Fraser MacRae, Macs Adventure
There is a steep climb as you leave Bridge of Orchy, but you are rewarded with some of the best views in Scotland (in our humble opinion). A short descent brings you to the isolated Inveroran Hotel.
Arguably the most scenic section of the West Highland Way; leave Inveroran and skirt Loch Tulla before joining the track across Rannoch Moor - a wonderful, lonely and exposed place that was once covered by a giant icecap and is today covered in bog. There is no shelter and in bad weather it can be exposed, whilst in good weather Rannoch Moor is simply inspiring. The 17th century Kingshouse Hotel affords the best views of Buachaille Etive Mor, Scotland’s most photographed mountain.
Glencoe: If you are staying in Glencoe then a transfer from Glencoe Ski Centre Car Park to nearby accommodation in Glencoe (returning to Kingshouse the next day) will be provided. Please check your individual trip information to find out what your transfer arrangements are.
To reach the ski centre turn off the WHW left onto the minor road up to the ski centre approximately 18 km from Bridge of Orchy.
Track types
Show elevation profileRest stops
Bridge of Orchy HotelInveroran Hotel
Glencoe Mountain Resort Café
Kingshouse Hotel
Safety information
As there is little shelter for this section make sure you are prepared for all weathers. Carry a waterproof and some sun cream
Please take extreme care crossing the A82 road to reach Kingshouse Hotel.
Maps
If you wish to carry a hardcopy map, we would recommend buying the West Highland Way map from Footprints. Alternatively, you may wish to print the daily maps directly from our app.
Guidebook
If you wish to bring a guidebook, we would recommend Trailblazer's West Highland Way: Milngavie to Fort William by Charlie Loram.
Macs Adventure Blogs
Using our decades of experience we have written several blogs containing helpful tips, daily wildlife information, lunch stops, where to eat, FAQ and more. Please follow the link below to read our West Highland Way insights:
https://www.macsadventure.com/walking-holidays/category/walking/west-highland-way/
Tips and hints
Noted on the interactive map are a couple notable points of interest. Click the icons on the map for more information.Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
*** To help you follow the route with confidence we provide these route notes to help you. The West Highland Way is well waymarked, but we strongly suggest that you follow the GPS tracks in the Macs Adventure smartphone app to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable and problem-free day. The daily maps can also be printed from the web version of the app should you wish to take paper copies with you. ***
Follow the road between Bridge of Orchy Hotel and Stance cottage. Cross the bridge to follow the trail into the forest and ascend to the viewpoint at Mam Carraigh – a great place to spot birds of prey soaring above the moor.
Descend on the trail to the remote Inveroran Hotel and turn left to join the single-track road, taking care of traffic as you follow this quiet country road for 1.50 km. At Forest Lodge, where river flows into Loch Tulla, the Way picks up an old Drove Road and continues along the base of the Black Mount Munros before crossing the edge of the Rannoch Moor and winding its way between small lochans to cross the Ba Bridge. The scenery on this section of the West Highland Way is spectacular even on cloudy days the low light lends a special moodiness to the ancient landscape.
After Ba Bridge ascend slightly on a good path keeping a look out for the pyramidal peak of the much photographed and iconic mountain of Buachaille Etive Mor (“meaning Great Herdsman of Etive”). The sheer dark grey face boasts a multitude of popular traditional rock-climbing routes, while hillwalkers normally approach the ascent from the north on a well-built and less intimidating path. The Way skirts the base of Meall Bhuiridh (1108m), the Munro that’s home to the Glencoe Ski Centre. At 17.60 km turn right to walk down the minor road leading up to the ski centre, and with great care cross the A82 (this is a busy road with a speed limit of 60 mph) to continue on the trail towards Kingshouse.
Approach Kingshouse Hotel from the SE, pass the bunk houses and head into the hotel for some well-earned rest, recuperation, and refreshments after a long day on the trail!
Note
Coordinates
Equipment
Sturdy hiking boots, warm clothes and a waterproof/wind-break layer are all required. The weather can change quickly so be sure to take all equipment even if the weather looks okay. A waterproof cover for your rucksack is also useful.
Ensure your phone is fully charged; if you doubt the battery will last throughout the hike, it would be beneficial to bring a power bank.
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- 8 Waypoints
- 8 Waypoints
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