Fit and Fabulous Nordic Walking 11th – 18th April 2020

Come and join us for an 8 day adventure of a lifetime, walking what is described as the most popular long distance walking route in , running from the outskirts of to the foot of Ben Nevis, where you will get the opportunity to climb the world famed mountain, weather permitting. The 154km (just under 96 mile) path was Scotland’s first long distance route and is a fabulous way to discover the Scottish Highlands. The route begins in , going through Country Park, along the shores of Loch Lomond, past Ben Lomond, across Rannoch Moor, and past the pyramid shape of the mountain Buachaille Etive Mor to Glen Coe. It then climbs the Devil’s Staircase, which is the highest point along the way, at 1850 ft, before descending to cross the River Leven at Kinlochleven, entering Lairigmor and Glen Nevis, and finishing at Gordon Square in Fort William. With your bags carried from destination to destination, pit stops set up along the way for snacks and drinks, and a professional and experienced team leading and entertaining you through the fabulous Highlands, whilst staying at some of the best accommodation available on the route to indulge in wonderful food, hospitality and wee drams, what better way is there to achieve this fantastic walking route? This is a unique and bespoke package created with you in mind. What’s not to love?

Daily Walking Itinerary Departure day - 11th April. Flight to Glasgow, where you will be met at the airport and taken to the first hotel for a hearty meal and given time to prepare and rest up with a good night’s sleep in preparation for the 6 day walk.

Day 2 – 12th April Milngavie to Drymen Climb: 965ft Distance: 12 miles Today you start your route at Milngavie and will take in the notable sights of , Mugdock Country Park, the Campsie Fells, Drumgoyne and Glengoyne Distillery on route to Drymen. A relatively flat walk today and gradual embrace into the Highlands.

Day 3 – 13th April Drymen to Rowardennan Climb: 3382ft Distance: 15 miles Once you have met up with today’s walk leaders you will be lead through a walk of pure delight: a walker’s paradise. Take in the breath-taking views of loch Lomond and the scenery that runs along its banks, as we take in the fabulous Conic Hill to ascend and then descend to walk the banks of this large and most beautiful loch.

Day 4 – 14th April Rowardennan to Crianlarich Climb: 3611f t Distance: 20 miles You will continue along the banks of the lovely and lush Loch Lomond, whilst winding through some forest paths you can truly immerse yourself in the splendour of this beautiful land.

Day 5 – 15th April Crianlarich to Inveroran Climb::2845ft Distance:15 miles This day will take you to Tyndrum where you will once again be immersed in stunning scenery near the world-famous railway line, passing Ben Dorain and Bein Chaorach mountains to Bridge of Orchy. Not only can you take your fill of stunning flora, you can too take your fill of wild deer and other wildlife along this glorious path. A truly stunning walk.

Day 6 – 16th April Inveroran to Kinlochleven Climb: 2436ft Distance: 19 miles This day is sure to surpass expectations of flora and fauna, as we walk through the excellent scenery through the pass of Glencoe,then ascend over the hillside and drop down to the beautiful town of Kinlochleven. On this path wild deer are regularly seen, and in several locations. The mountains serve to provide some of the most fantastic views of the Highlands.

Day 7 – 17th April Kinlochleven to Fort William Finish Climb: 2184ft Distance: 15 Miles With your hearts eager to complete this journey, your final day of walking will not disappoint. With the long slow assent to the pass where the Glencoe massacre took place. Stunning scenery to a forest and a winding path through it for the first view of Ben Nevis opposite. The path winds down the hillside to Fort William via Glen Nevis .A final drive to the hotel and hearty meal, and optional wee dram, for an evening of celebrating and sharing of stories having completed this amazing walk through be proud of what you have achieved. Take a rest and then to decide for the final day and the walk up Ben Nevis.

Day 8 – 18th April Ben Nevis if possible. Climb: 4529ft Distance: 9.5 miles Weather conditions permitting, a walk-up Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. with spectacular views all the way up and down. It has been known for there to be snow on the top at this time of year, and therefore cannot be guaranteed. Should it be safe, and you choose to surmount the week’s achievements with a mountain climb, then you will be in excellent hands: with highly experienced and successful mountain leaders. An alternative trip will be arranged should this not be possible. And for those wishing to stay firmly on level ground, you can partake in all that Fort William has to offer, including the rather fine ‘Nessy’ ale.

All distances are approximate, with some days having a higher mileage than others. This is because of location, access for vehicles etc. At the end of each day, you will be taken to your fantastic accommodation for the night, where a meal will be served and an optional wee Dram can be purchased and you can share in the delights of the day with fellow walkers and like minded souls. One of the fabulous things about this walk is that you will be walking the same path as the many others staying in the accommodation, so you will not only be able to enjoy the company of RNW, but of all the others that travel the world to walk this incredible path.

Recommended travel arrangements

Whilst all of the minibus journeys are included once reaching Glasgow, there are a few things to consider in your planned journey to and from the Highlands.

Flights: Return flights; Details are not currently available for our dates, and as soon as they are you will be notified.

Train: an award-winning train ride can be taken from Fort William to Glasgow where you can sit and indulge in the most spectacular views. Whilst this is an additional cost, you will be rewarded with the spectacular scenery and met at the train station in Milngavie and taken to the airport for the flight home. click here to discover what this iconic railway journey has in store. The minibus will take you from the station to the airport for the recommended flight.

Price Confirmation Fee: £125 Non members £99 Members of Ridgeway Nordic Walking (non refundable and secures your place) Guide Fee : Based on 2 people Sharing approx. £1499 (minimum 9 walkers) Single room supplement will apply and will be confirmed upon request. Hotel space is limited on this path so the earlier this is booked the higher probability of securing a single option. Price will be confirmed by 1st July 2019 Early bookings will secure the best available accommodation and later bookings may be placed in alternatives . All bookings must be made by 1st June. The earlier bookings are confirmed, the higher probability of best accommodation.

To book and secure your place: Places are secured by receipt of 1- Confirmation fee to Ridgeway Nordic Walking £125 non members £ 99 members 2- £125 Guide Fee deposit Paid direct to Outdoor Challenge Events

Balance to Outdoor Challenge Events - £1374 by 1st January 2020 Minimum 9 Maximum 12 (refunds given if trip cancelled)

What is included in price • Transport to and from the airport when using recommended flights. • All accommodation is included and is of a good 4* standard. Accommodation is very limited on this path, and books up early. Early booking is essential to secure these high quality hotels. One is 3* due to the location and a lack of available accommodation. • Transport from the end of the walking day to the accommodation and return to the start of the next day. • Fully trained, experienced, qualified mountaineer guides/leaders and first aiders walking with you daily. • All bag transfers daily. • Access to the minibus at points throughout the day for clothing etc.

All meals included from when we arrive at the hotel from the first night and will include: • Breakfast • All drinks, snacks, sandwiches during the day, or hot or cold food at lunchtime depending on: the weather, location, accessibility for the minibus. • Evening meals each day while on the walk, up to when we depart from Fort William • on the last day. • Tea and coffee when included in the meal. • Dietary requirements can be catered for when notified at point of booking.

What is NOT included in price ▪ Flights to and from Glasgow approx. £100-£150 return.* ▪ Train from Fort William to Glasgow/Milngavie (optional) £25-£35 ▪ Alcoholic drinks/bar ▪ Personal travel and medical Insurance

*These are based on this year’s prices and may change.

Vivo Fitness Ltd and Ridgeway Nordic Walking reserve the right to change details of any Itinerary. Timings are approximate. Accommodation is based on best available at time of booking and may be subject to change due to the limited accommodation on route