Walking Holidays in Britain’s most Beautiful Landscapes

West Way

Discover the dramatic mountain scenery of the West Highlands on the classic Scottish long distance route. The route begins in near and after 95 miles of outstanding scenery, finishes in Fort William, at the foot of , Britain’s highest mountain. In between you will follow the banks of , cross the vast expanses of , and enjoy spectacular views of the mountains of Glencoe and beyond. A great introduction to the Highlands.

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Summary the going is rougher and others where it Why do this walk? can get muddy. The side of Loch Lomond - • A tremendous route joining the Scottish is infamous for its difficult tree roots. Today is mainly rugged walking over loch side lowlands with stunning Highland scenery. rocks and tree roots with some scrambling. • Walk along the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch How Much Up & Down? Not too much considering This can be a wild and demanding section of Lomond with great views of the mountains. where you are! Over 4000m of ascent in total, with the Way, especially north of . • Cross the remote wilderness of Rannoch climbs of 300 - 500m on most days. The 2 biggest Moor, with its unique landscape. climbs – 500m up the Devils’ Staircase, and 700m Crianlarich - Inveroran • Savour the excitement & achievement out of , are saved for the final 2 days. With typical highland walking in glens and over low as you near Fort William, with passes with moderate ascents and descents, on Ben Nevis towering above. Signposting: Good. mainly well surfaced paths and tracks. There are many fine mountain views to be enjoyed today. Essential Info Navigation: Signposting is good and the route Length 4 - 10 nights follows well defined paths, so no particular Inveroran - Kinlochleven Full Route Length 95 miles /152 km difficulties. But there are sections of remote A moderate to hard day with amazing Shortest Break Length 47 miles / 75 km wilderness (Rannoch Moor), and higher mountain scenery. The terrain is mainly good terrain (where you may be in the mist on a underfoot but it is highly exposed and can Grade bad day) so you need to be able to navigate be difficult in bad weather - be prepared! Moderate to Challenging – these aren’t places you want to get lost. Thousands of regular walkers complete the WHW Kinlochleven - Fort William every year – but remember Route Starting with a steep climb out of Kinlochleven this is a challenging Milngavie - followed by rough paths in Nevis Forest, your final route passing through The Way starts in Milngavie, a suburb of Glasgow. day finishes with a gentle descent into Fort William. increasingly remote and It travels across rolling hills and lowland plains. mountainous terrain. There are some longer days This is an easy pleasant walk along the valleys of Additional Days too. This is a route for experienced walkers. Blane and Endrick with good views of the hills. Terrain: Varied – lowland meadows, Drymen - Rowardennan Today’s village earns much of its living by providing foothills, loch sides, remote moorland, and The Way continues with a mixture of good goods, services and accommodation to passing high mountain passes – it has it all! woodland paths, moderate gradients on travelers, mostly motorists heading up or down the What’s it like underfoot? The route is generally and hillside tracks. The approach busy A85 and A82 trunk roads. In doing so, Tyndrum well maintained, but there are sections where to Loch Lomond is very picturesque. is carrying on a long tradition. The village’s origins

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date back to the days when droves of highland Getting There: between overnight stops, provide you with maps cattle from the north and west passed through en By Air: The nearest international airport is and guidebooks, and all the details you need for route to markets in central bringing lots Glasgow (GLA). There is a regular shuttle bus a successful holiday. You just turn up and walk! of tired, hungry and thirsty drovers with them. into Glasgow city centre (approx 25 mins). This is a good location for a “rest day” in order to Glasgow to Milngavie is 7 miles, you can either: Inbuilt flexibility travel along the picturesque West Highland Train take a taxi from Glasgow city centre; travel by Our holidays are designed to be flexible and can Line to visit Oban – a coastal resort with a difference train directly to Milngavie, this takes 25 minutes; therefore be tailored to suit your requirements. - the town and its bay are virtually land-locked, or travel by bus, which takes 40 minutes. If you’re looking for something different, or giving it a sheltered setting. For memorable views By Public Transport: Milngavie has a railway extra, from the holidays described here, give walk up Oban Hill to McCaig’s Tower or take a station. Most services will pass through Glasgow. us a ring and we’ll do our best to please! walk to Ganavan Sands and relax on the beach. By Road: Milngavie is 7 miles north of Glasgow. For Glasgow, travel on the M6 You can start on any day you like. We can Fort William north followed by the A74 (M). From Glasgow, arrange extra nights at any of the overnight Fort William is the capital of the West Highlands, follow the A81 direct to Milngavie. stops, allowing for rest days or giving you situated at the head of Loch Linnhe. It’s not the more time to explore the locality. Or you prettiest of towns, but there are good number Returning from Fort William: can book part of a walk if you don’t have of shops, and some good outdoor stores to By Public Transport: Fort William has the time to complete the entire distance. browse around or buy new gear. A lot of people a railway station. Most services will take an extra day here to climb Ben Nevis – pass through Glasgow (GLA). How to Book Britain’s highest mountain (1344m / 4409ft). By Road: Head for either Glasgow (107 Once you have decided which holiday you It’s a long day, and the weather can be harsh, miles) or Edinburgh (136 miles) depending wish to book, please fill in the form at the so make sure you are fit and prepared! on the direction of your final destination. back of this brochure and either post or fax it to us. We will get in touch with you shortly Getting There and Away How our holidays work afterwards to confirm your holiday details. General travel information on the West Highland We specialise in self guided walks because we Way area will be in your holiday pack, including think it’s the best way to really experience local Alternatively you can book on our website – train and bus timetables where available. landscapes, cultures & history. You walk under www.mickledore.co.uk , or Detailed instructions on getting to your first night’s your own steam, at your own pace, safe in the telephone us in office hours. accommodation by car, or on foot from the nearest knowledge that we have organised everything, train or bus station, will also be included in the and help is only a phone call away. We book Accommodation holiday pack on individual accommodation maps. all your accommodation, move your luggage Good accommodation and friendly hosts are

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an essential part of any holiday . We make Full English or Continental breakfast. day’s walking and recommended on a special effort to find the hidden gems, as Guidebook A guidebook with route information, this holiday as there will not always be well as keeping a close eye on the quality maps, photos and background information. a handy shop or cafe on the route. of the more mainstream accommodation. Information of Services Along the Route Off Road Parking If you are travelling As well as visiting the accommodation ourselves, A comprehensive Service Info sheet, including by car we can usually arrange off road we ask all our customers to complete a short services such as cash points, banks, post parking for the duration of your trip. (There evaluation on each night’s accommodation, offices, village shops, inns, cafes and taxis. may be a small charge for this). which then gives us an insight in to the day-to- Maps 1 waterproof 1:40000 map from Arrangement of return transport We can also day operation, and lets us spot any potential Harvey Maps covering the whole route. arrange your transfer back to your car, (or advise issues before they become a problem. We Personal Itinerary A personal itinerary you when public transport is a better option)! have three former Keswick guest house owners setting out each overnight stop, including on the staff – so we know the industry well. large scale maps of each accommodation, What’s not Included to ensure you find it easily. Evening Meals Your evening meal isn’t The West Highland Way includes a great variety Emergency Telephone Support If you get in included in the package, but we include full of accommodation , including small country to difficulties during your holiday, we are always details and recommendations for each evening hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts, farm available to help, even out of office hours. meal in your itinerary. You will normally house accommodation, and Victorian town 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoors We will be within walking distance of a pub and/ houses. In selecting the accommodation we issue you with a 15% Discount Card valid at all or restaurant, or where there is good food look for helpful, friendly hosts with good quality, Cotswold Outdoor stores, and online, for the available at the accommodation, we’ll book characterful accommodation close to the . whole year on confirmation of your booking. that for you. Allow about £20.00 per night. Transport to the Start & Single Rooms Options Away from the Finish We are happy to book single rooms on this Luggage Transport We will transfer your Taxi or Bus transport if you need walk at a supplement, but can’t normally book luggage between each overnight stop – leave to miss a stage You will need to pay more than 2 single rooms for any 1 group. your luggage at the accommodation when you for your own transport but we can set off in the morning, it will be moved on to your help you to make arrangements. What We Provide next B&B. You only need to carry a small day Travel Insurance Even if you are based in All Holidays sack with the clothes and provisions you require the UK travel insurance is worth having. Accommodation Overnight Bed and Breakfast during the day’s walk. We ask you to limit your accommodation in selected hotels, farmhouses, luggage to one bag per person, up to 18kg . Prices village inns, guest houses and family B&Bs. Packed Lunches Provided for each Detailed prices for all our holidays are available

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on the website www.mickledore.co.uk . • 15% discount card for all your outdoor standards in all aspects of tour operating. About Mickledore equipment purchases from Cotswold Outdoors. Mickledore Travel abides by AITO’s Code Mickledore Travel is based in Keswick at the • 100% financial protection – in the very of Conduct and adheres to the Quality heart of the English Lake District. We are one unlikely event of Mickledore’s financial Charter which can be viewed at www.aito. of the leading specialists in self guided walking failure, you receive a full refund. com. Visit the website to find out more about and cycling holidays in the UK, and provide the Association or call 020 8744 9280. a friendly, professional and flexible service. Book With Confidence Financial Protection Client Feedback We are walkers and cyclists ourselves, so it really Your payments are fully protected against We’re proud of our reputation for quality holidays matters to us that you have a good holiday. We are our financial failure. We are members of the on the West Highland Way. There are plenty of still a small business, with a lot of local knowledge, Association of Independent Tour Operators customer reviews on our Website but here’s a and personal enthusiasm for the outdoors. If you’ve (AITO), and have arranged bonding through couple of comments to give you a flavour: got any queries, we’re always happy to help, so ABTA. This means that in the unlikely event don’t hesitate to pick up the phone or drop us an of our financial failure, any monies you have “The service was flawless. At the end of a long day of email, or call in and see us if you’re in Keswick. paid to us will be refunded. This bonding is fully walking the last thing a person wants to think about is compliant with the Package Travel Regulations “is my reservation correct and will my bag be there”. We specialise in UK holidays, and by concentrating and provides 100% financial protection. I did not think about either of those things once! We on what we consider the best routes, we get to know had a wonderful time and I would highly recommend the , accommodation, and local area intimately. AITO Quality Statement Mickledore. Regards, Nancy - happy customer.” Nancy Raskin, Maryland, USA. • All your accommodation has been carefully selected and is regularly monitored. “We will be doing the whole route in future and • We listen to you and tailor each holiday would love to stay at the same B&B’s. Many 1166 to meet your requirements. thanks. I have been in the travel industry for • We have an excellent level of customer service. 20 years and Mickledore is up at the top. You • We have over 20 years experience, and Mickledore Travel is a member of the give us great service with what we got. Many very high levels of customer satisfaction. Association of Independent Tour Operators. thanks again and keep up the good work.” • Peace of mind – help is only ever The Association represents Britain’s leading Nick Hassett, Stockton on Tees, UK. a telephone call away. independent tour operators. It promotes • We are all outdoor enthusiasts – we high levels of professionalism and a shared know what makes a good holiday, concern for quality and personal service. and we want you to have one! The Association encourages the highest

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Our Itineraries

The Whole Route: Milngavie – Fort William 95 miles / 153 km We offer 4 holidays covering the whole route - the longer the holiday, the shorter you have to walk each day.

Milngavie to Fort William in 6 days Walking Code: WH7 Milngavie to Fort William in 7 days Walking Code: WH8

Miles km Miles km

Day 1 Travel to Milngavie for your first night's accommodation Travel to Milngavie for your first night’s accommodation

Day 2 Milngavie to Drymen 12 19 Milngavie to Drymen 12 19

Day 3 Drymen to Rowardennan 14 23 Drymen to Rowardennan 14 23

Day 4 Rowardennan to Crianlarich 20 32 Rowardennan to 14 23

Day 5 Crianlarich to Inveroran 16 26 Inverarnan to Tyndrum 13 21

Day 6 Inveroran to Kinlochleven 19 31 Tyndrum to Kingshouse, then transfer to Glencoe / Kinlochleven 19 31

Day 7 Kinlochleven to Fort William 14 23 Transfer back to Kingshouse then walk to Kinlochleven 9 14

Day 8 Depart from Fort William after breakfast Kinlochleven to Fort William 14 23

Day 9 Depart from Fort William after breakfast

Milngavie to Fort William in 8 days Walking Code: WH9 Milngavie to Fort William in 9 days Walking Code: WH10

Miles km Miles km

Day 1 Travel to Milngavie for your first night's accommodation

Day 2 Milngavie to Drymen 12 19 Milngavie to Drymen 12 19

Day 3 Drymen to Rowardennan 14 23 Drymen to 6 10

Day 4 Rowardennan to Inverarnan 14 23 Balmaha to Rowardennan 8 12

Day 5 Inverarnan to Tyndrum 13 21 Rowardennan to Inverarnan 14 23

Day 6 Tyndrum to Inveroran 9 14 Inverarnan to Tyndrum 13 21

Day 7 Inveroran to Kingshouse, then transfer 10 16 Tyndrum to Inveroran 9 14 to Glencoe / Kinlochleven

Day 8 Transfer back to Kingshouse then walk to Kinlochleven 9 14 Inveroran to Kingshouse, then transfer 10 16 to Glencoe / Kinlochleven

Day 9 Kinlochleven to Fort William 14 23 Transfer back to Kingshouse then walk to Kinlochleven 9 14

Day Depart from Fort William after breakfast Kinlochleven to Fort William 14 23 10

Depart from Fort William after breakfast

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Our Itineraries Turn over for our Booking form →

Half Routes : Milngavie to Crianlarich - Dramatic Scenery along the banks of Loch Lomond 46 miles / 74 km

Milngavie to Crianlarich in 3 days Walking Code: WHL4

Miles km

Day 1 Travel to Milngavie for your first night's accommodation

Day 2 Milngavie to Drymen 12 19

Day 3 Drymen to Rowardennan 14 23

Day 4 Rowardennan to Crianlarich 20 32

Day 5 Depart from Crianlarich after breakfast

Crianlarich to Fort William - A fine walk through the 49 miles / 79 km

Crianlarich to Fort William in 3 days Walking Code: WHH4

Miles km

Day 1 Travel to Crianlarich for your first night's accommodation

Day 2 Crianlarich to Inveroran 16 26

Day 3 Inveroran to Kinlochleven 19 31

Day 4 Kinlochleven to Fort William 14 23

Day 5 Depart from Fort William after breakfast

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t: 017687 72335 e: [email protected]omickledorecok w: www.mickledore.co.ukmickledorecok

Booking ormForm ontactContact etailsDetails Address: TTelephone:elephone: Mobile / Alternative TTel:el: Email: Emergency Contact No: orYour Holiday Holiday Name: Holiday Code: (Hadrian’s(Hadrian’s Wall Wall: Add: Add an an “R” “R” if ifstarting starting in in the the West West) ) Date of First Night: Date of Last Night: artyParty Members

TTitleitle First Name Last Name Date of Birth

Options Rooms Reuired:Required: Rest Days (give date & location)

Luggage TTransportransport No. Double Rooms

Packed Lunches No. TTwinwin rooms

OOffff Street Parking (there is normally a charge for this) No. Single Rooms

TTransferransfer required (additional charge) No. TTripleriple Rooms (Double & Single)

Comments (special diets, other requirements, etc): aymentPayment

Holiday cost per person I encloseI enclos ae cheque a chequ fore f theor t hdeposite deposi valuet valu (madee (GBP payable only, mad to Mickledoree payabl e tTravelo Mickledor Ltd) e T ravel)

Rest Days OR please debit my Visa/VisaI would Debit/Mastercard/Mastercard like to pay by card (we will contact Debit/Solo you (deleteto arrange as appropriate) this). Card number: TTotalotal cost per person I would like to pay by bank transfer (we will contact you to arrange this). Valid from: Expires: Security number*: Number in group *The last 3 digits on the back of the card

TTotalotal group cost I authorise Mickledore Travel to charge a 20% deposit to my card now and the remaining balanceI confirm 6 weeks that before the abovecommencement details are of correct my holiday, and that (for I havecard paymentsread the terms only). and Deposit (20% of TTotalotal Cost) I confirmconditions that the availableabove details on the are website. correct and that I have read and accept the terms and conditions available on the website. Signed ______Date ______Signed: Date: Name ______Single and solo supplements will be added where applicable. Name:

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