Ok, the planning is nearly done. We have a couple of more questions about the Scotland portion of the trip.
After we stop in Edinborough for a day or so we think we want to walk part of the West Highland Way but we're not sure which part of it. At the moment we are thinking we take a bus from Glasgow to Drymen, walk the Way from there to Rowardennan on one day, spend the night in Rowardennan and the next day walk on to Inverarnan and take a bus back to Glasgow.
-Or-
Take a train from Glasgow up to The Bridge of Orchy and then walk to Kingshouse, spend the night in Kingshouse and then the next day walk to Kinlochleven from where we catch a bus back to The Bridge of Orchy and then take the Train back down to Glasgow.
Can anyone who lives in that area or been to those places help provide us with a little bit of insight?
Thanks!
That's a pretty tough decision. I assume that you've been reading up on it and have an idea of what they involve? The Loch Lomond sections are easier walking with spectacular views of the Loch. You end at the Drover's Inn which is a hoot on a good night. Rannoch Moor is true barren moorland - also amazing scenery. But its tough walking in anything but good weather. When I walked the WHW, I took in a few mountains, but I think Rannoch Moor was the most tiring part. As with any exposed moorland if the weather breaks, its fucking miserable. But I don't want to dissuade you of that option - if the weather is good, its just astonishingly beautiful.
I would plan for doing either and choose which based on the weather. I'd much rather walk Loch Lomond than Rannoch Moor & Glencoe if you have that particularly West of Scotland weather of light wind and persistent drizzle.
In honesty, I think it's better to go that way. You feel you're returning to home, so it's an easier journey.
The first time I ever walked the WHW, this wasn't true - I was at boarding school in Helensburgh at the time. However, provided "home" is something you look forward to returning to, I concur.
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