2013
w w w. w e s t h i g h l a n d w a y f a r e r. c o . u k
The struggle against the elements epitomised in this powerful wooden sculpture, “Cliff,� by Ewen Lawrie, standing outside the Kingshouse Hotel in Glencoe.
Plus: The Great Glen Wayfarer
West Highland Wayfarer 2013 Page 2
Above, Tom Weir’s beloved Ben Lomond, and below, the lochside village of Gartocharn in earlier times
Tom Weir, man of the hills UNTIL his death in the year 2000, the names of Tom Weir and Loch Lomond were virtually synonymous. Tom, who lived in the Lomondside village of Gartocharn, was a tireless campaigner for the great outdoors and a powerful advocate and defender of country ways. His widow Rhona was in the news recently when she tried, unsuccessfully, to hand a petition against windfarms to Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond. Mr Salmond was too busy to accept it. Tom. a recipient of the John Muir Trust’s Lifetime Achievement Award, would have approved of this defence of the hills he loved so much. At the beginning of this year a campaign was started to mark Tom Weir’s life with a statue to be erected near where Tom lived in the village of Gartocharn, If you would like to donate to the campaign go online to www.lochlomond-trossachs.org or, if you prefer, send a cheque to: Tom Weir Memorial Fund c/o Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Headquarters Carrochan Carrochan Road Balloch G83 8EG
Glenburn
Guesthouse
GLENARDRAN Guest House 3 star Visit Scotland Open all year n All rooms en-suite n Satellite TV in all bedrooms n Discounts for extended stays n n
CRIANLARICH FK20 8QS 01838 300 236 www.glenardran.co.uk Email: phil@glenardran.co.uk
West Highland Wayfarer 2013 Page 3
Family run B&B Open all year • All bedrooms en-suite • Wi-fi • Parking •
19 Castle Street, Huntly AB54 8BP
T: 01466 792798 E: glenburnguesthouse@fsmail.net
www.glenburnguesthouse.co.uk
Crianlarich – all roads lead there…
FOR THE road traveller it looks like somewhere really big. The name appears on road signs from miles around – from North, South, East and West. It's not that it's any sort of let down when you get there – but well, it's a small village at an important meeting of the ways. Before Mother Nature had her way in the 60's with a major landslip it was big in railway terms too, with both an Upper and a Lower station and a direct route through to Stirling and Edinburgh. Alas, that is no more, but you can still choose either Oban or Fort William from here and village offers a commendable choice of eating, sleepingand shopping facilities.
24/7 Cars Crianlarich/Tyndrum Taxis
Licensed: 4 • 6 • 8 passenger taxis 24 hour 7 day service (except Dec 25/26) Phone: Ian Armstrong on 01838 300307
www.247taxis.co.uk
Crianlarich Hotel At the midway point on the West Highland Way you deserve a break. We offer you a warm welcome and excellent facilities. Fully licensed, we are open to nonresidents for all meals, we have free WiFi , comfortable log fires, an excellent boot-room and a small but tempting bookshop. All rooms are en suite and fully bookable on line – please see us at:
www.crianlarich-hotel.co.uk • e: info@crianlarich-hotel.co.uk
Station Tearoom Crianlarich, on station platform
TEAS • COFFEES • SNACKS • LIGHT MEALS Book ahead meals • Homemade hot soup Summer months, open early till late • Packed lunches can also be ordered • Arrangements can be made for Group Bookings outwith these hours
EVERYONE WELCOME E: nadiad1984@btinternet.com www.crianlarich-station-tearoom.co.uk Tel: (tearoom): 01838 300 243
Ben More Lodge B&B Lodges Lodges, B&B Bunkhouse all en suite, Food Food & & Bar Bar, LiveMusic, Music, Free Free wi-fi Live wi-fi Pets welcome welcome, Pets Main Road, Crianlarich, FK20 8QS Tel: 01838 300210 www.ben-more.co.uk email: info@ben-more.co.uk
Storm clouds gather over Ben More (through the arches) as a steam special bound for Fort William crosses the Fillan viaduct just outside Crianlarich.
The Rod and Reel Lounge Bar & Restaurant
Main Street, Crianlarich FK20 8QN
Telephone and fax (01838) 300271
Long regarded by climbers and walkers as a popular rendezvous, the Rod & Reel is a family-run bar and restaurant. You can find good food and a relaxing drink in our friendly and comfortable atmosphere. We are open all year, and invite walking/ fishing clubs to ring Lesley or Liz to book for that special occasion.
ARDLUI HOTEL
MARINA AND HOLIDAY HOME PARK Ardui, Loch Lomond, Argyll G83 7EB Office: 01301 704 243/269 Fax: 01301 704 268 info@ardlui.co.uk www.ardlui.co.uk The Ardlui Hotel is a warm and comfortable country house hotel, with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with 10 comfortable en-suite bedrooms LOUNGE • RESTAURANT • BAR MEALS • PUB
Boots cleaned & dried. Packed lunches available The Ardlui Holiday Home Park with camping facilities is adjacent to the hotel, with shop, laundry and showers. Ardlui has a railway station and bus stop. ARDLEISH - ARDLUI FERRY - HOIST THE BALL TO CALL FERRY APRIL/SEPT/OCT 9AM - 5PM MAY/JUNE/JULY/AUG 9AM - 7PM OUT OF SEASON & OTHER TIMES BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH ARDUI HOTEL - GIVE US A CALL
West Highland Wayfarer 2013 Page 2
Above, Tom Weir’s beloved Ben Lomond, and below, the lochside village of Gartocharn in earlier times
Tom Weir, man of the hills UNTIL his death in the year 2000, the names of Tom Weir and Loch Lomond were virtually synonymous. Tom, who lived in the Lomondside village of Gartocharn, was a tireless campaigner for the great outdoors and a powerful advocate and defender of country ways. His widow Rhona was in the news recently when she tried, unsuccessfully, to hand a petition against windfarms to Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond. Mr Salmond was too busy to accept it. Tom. a recipient of the John Muir Trust’s Lifetime Achievement Award, would have approved of this defence of the hills he loved so much. At the beginning of this year a campaign was started to mark Tom Weir’s life with a statue to be erected near where Tom lived in the village of Gartocharn, If you would like to donate to the campaign go online to www.lochlomond-trossachs.org or, if you prefer, send a cheque to: Tom Weir Memorial Fund c/o Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Headquarters Carrochan Carrochan Road Balloch G83 8EG
Glenburn
Guesthouse
GLENARDRAN Guest House 3 star Visit Scotland Open all year n All rooms en-suite n Satellite TV in all bedrooms n Discounts for extended stays n n
CRIANLARICH FK20 8QS 01838 300 236 www.glenardran.co.uk Email: phil@glenardran.co.uk
West Highland Wayfarer 2013 Page 3
Family run B&B Open all year • All bedrooms en-suite • Wi-fi • Parking •
19 Castle Street, Huntly AB54 8BP
T: 01466 792798 E: glenburnguesthouse@fsmail.net
www.glenburnguesthouse.co.uk
Crianlarich – all roads lead there…
FOR THE road traveller it looks like somewhere really big. The name appears on road signs from miles around – from North, South, East and West. It's not that it's any sort of let down when you get there – but well, it's a small village at an important meeting of the ways. Before Mother Nature had her way in the 60's with a major landslip it was big in railway terms too, with both an Upper and a Lower station and a direct route through to Stirling and Edinburgh. Alas, that is no more, but you can still choose either Oban or Fort William from here and village offers a commendable choice of eating, sleepingand shopping facilities.
24/7 Cars Crianlarich/Tyndrum Taxis
Licensed: 4 • 6 • 8 passenger taxis 24 hour 7 day service (except Dec 25/26) Phone: Ian Armstrong on 01838 300307
www.247taxis.co.uk
Crianlarich Hotel At the midway point on the West Highland Way you deserve a break. We offer you a warm welcome and excellent facilities. Fully licensed, we are open to nonresidents for all meals, we have free WiFi , comfortable log fires, an excellent boot-room and a small but tempting bookshop. All rooms are en suite and fully bookable on line – please see us at:
www.crianlarich-hotel.co.uk • e: info@crianlarich-hotel.co.uk
Station Tearoom Crianlarich, on station platform
TEAS • COFFEES • SNACKS • LIGHT MEALS Book ahead meals • Homemade hot soup Summer months, open early till late • Packed lunches can also be ordered • Arrangements can be made for Group Bookings outwith these hours
EVERYONE WELCOME E: nadiad1984@btinternet.com www.crianlarich-station-tearoom.co.uk Tel: (tearoom): 01838 300 243
Ben More Lodge B&B Lodges Lodges, B&B Bunkhouse all en suite, Food Food & & Bar Bar, LiveMusic, Music, Free Free wi-fi Live wi-fi Pets welcome welcome, Pets Main Road, Crianlarich, FK20 8QS Tel: 01838 300210 www.ben-more.co.uk email: info@ben-more.co.uk
Storm clouds gather over Ben More (through the arches) as a steam special bound for Fort William crosses the Fillan viaduct just outside Crianlarich.
The Rod and Reel Lounge Bar & Restaurant
Main Street, Crianlarich FK20 8QN
Telephone and fax (01838) 300271
Long regarded by climbers and walkers as a popular rendezvous, the Rod & Reel is a family-run bar and restaurant. You can find good food and a relaxing drink in our friendly and comfortable atmosphere. We are open all year, and invite walking/ fishing clubs to ring Lesley or Liz to book for that special occasion.
ARDLUI HOTEL
MARINA AND HOLIDAY HOME PARK Ardui, Loch Lomond, Argyll G83 7EB Office: 01301 704 243/269 Fax: 01301 704 268 info@ardlui.co.uk www.ardlui.co.uk The Ardlui Hotel is a warm and comfortable country house hotel, with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with 10 comfortable en-suite bedrooms LOUNGE • RESTAURANT • BAR MEALS • PUB
Boots cleaned & dried. Packed lunches available The Ardlui Holiday Home Park with camping facilities is adjacent to the hotel, with shop, laundry and showers. Ardlui has a railway station and bus stop. ARDLEISH - ARDLUI FERRY - HOIST THE BALL TO CALL FERRY APRIL/SEPT/OCT 9AM - 5PM MAY/JUNE/JULY/AUG 9AM - 7PM OUT OF SEASON & OTHER TIMES BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH ARDUI HOTEL - GIVE US A CALL
West Highland Wayfarer 2013 Page 5
West Highland Wayfarer 2013 Page 4
Brodies
The hills of Glencoe can look magnificent in the sun, but looks can deceive and they can suddenly turn treacherous at almost any time of the year. The year 2013 has been a particularly savage one on Scotland's peaks and there has been a tragic total of fatalities. Though the West Highland Way skirts Glencoe proper there is always a temptation to make a diversion into the challenging peaks. Those who do so should be very sure that they are well prepared. Danger lurks in them thar hills.
PINETREES LEISURE PARK
Tyndrum, Perthshire FK20 8RY HIKERS HUTS - CARAVANS - LOG CABIN FOR UP TO 6 PEOPLE - CAMPING MODERN TOILET BLOCK - LAUNDRY - PLAY PARK
ALL FULLY SERVICED PITCHES TELEPHONE 01838 400 349 WWW.ENQUIRIES@PINETREESCARAVANPARK.CO.UK
The Outdoor Store – we are now located in the main building. In our new and spacious shop we have everything for sore feet! Socks and footwear, blister kits to walking poles, maps, West Highland Way T-shirts, waterproofs and much, much more. Get your passport stamped here! Restaurant – our self-service restaurant has won national acclaim over the years. We offer an excellent range of freshly cooked food, both hot and cold, served in generous portions at reasonable prices. The Snack Stop – The Snack Stop is now located behind the Filling Station and will open early morning and late evening! Most of our homemade goodies can be bought here including our delicious new fresh homemade pizza. Filling Station – camping accessories, groceries, chemist items, beers, wines , spirits, phone cards, batteries and other essential supplies are available. Whisky Galore – if you need a tipple to keep you going, this is the shop to visit. Goodies and Gifts – newspapers, books, food, gifts, toys and a whole lot more. The Perfect Present – a quality range of gifts and mementoes.
The Green Welly Stop All major credit and debit cards accepted Tax Free shopping for overseas visitors
“Cliff,” the whole tree wooden sculpture by Ewen Lawrie adorning the grounds of the Kingshouse Hotel, the historic hostelry on the West Highland Way. The sculpture is one of many from the hands of the local artist.
Karol Lentas Builders Ltd All General Building Work Undertaken www.kklbuilding.com +44 (0) 77 66 60 40 62
01651 843 246
kklbuilding@mail.com
Snack Stop: April – October 7.00am – 9.00pm November – March 4.00pm – 9.00pm Main building including The Outdoor Store: April – October 8.30am – 5.30pm November – March 8.30am – 5.00pm
The perfect spot for a halfway stop!
On WHW 11/2 miles south of Tyndrum £15 per person per night.Under 15s £10 per night. Kirkton Farmhouse available for groups up to 14. Luxury camping in wigwams, yurts and lodges. Pitches also available. Self catering facilities. Farm Shop on site Breakfast available. Superb mountain views. E-mail: wigwam@sac.ac.uk Website: www.sac.ac.uk/wigwams Tel: 01838 400251
WALKING HOLIDAYS
We specialise in arranging your self-guided walking holiday on the west highland way, including:
Good quality accommodation n Luggage Transfers n Guide book & Map n
mail@thegreenwellystop.co.uk www.thegreenwellystop.co.uk Specialists also in the: Great Glen Way, Rob Roy Way, Speyside Way, St Cuthbert's Way and other long distance walks. Save time and effort by using our professional service to make all the arrangements for your walk. Quality accommodation Luggage transport Free advice GUIDED AND SELF-GUIDED INCLUSIVE WALKING PACKAGES ALSO AVAILABLE
BEINGLAS CAMPSITE We're on the way!
Open all Year
West Highland Way
Tyndrum, Perthshire Scotland, FK20 8RY Tel: 01838 400271 Fax: 01838 400330
Filling Station April – October 7.00am – 10.00pm November – March 8.00am – 9.00pm
Strathfillan Wigwams and Campsite
Personal itinerary to suit your needs 32 Mansefield, Tyndrum, Perthshire, FK20 8RQ
Tel: 01838400338 info@walkersways.co.uk www.walkersways.co.uk
Lounge Bar and Restaurant
Our popular bar on the WHW serves delicious food all day
Bed and Breakfast chalets
Relax and enjoy the views on the veranda.. All rooms en-suite
Shop and Outdoor Store
Well stocked with groceries, camping & out door equipment
Wigwams
Warm cosy camping cabins sleeping up to 4 persons in each
Camping- Outdoor shelter- Laundrette Beinglas Campsite Inverarnan
Loch Lomond Dunbartonshire G83 7DX
Tel 01301 704 281
WWW.beinglascampsite.com E-mail: info@beinglascampsite.com Proprietors: Tim & June Palmer
Kings House Hotel Glencoe, Argyll PH49 4HY Tel: (01855) 851259
OPEN ALL YEAR This ancient drovers’ inn offers oustanding hospitality, set amidst scenery which will simply take your breath away. www.kingy.com
West Highland Wayfarer 2013 Page 5
West Highland Wayfarer 2013 Page 4
Brodies
The hills of Glencoe can look magnificent in the sun, but looks can deceive and they can suddenly turn treacherous at almost any time of the year. The year 2013 has been a particularly savage one on Scotland's peaks and there has been a tragic total of fatalities. Though the West Highland Way skirts Glencoe proper there is always a temptation to make a diversion into the challenging peaks. Those who do so should be very sure that they are well prepared. Danger lurks in them thar hills.
PINETREES LEISURE PARK
Tyndrum, Perthshire FK20 8RY HIKERS HUTS - CARAVANS - LOG CABIN FOR UP TO 6 PEOPLE - CAMPING MODERN TOILET BLOCK - LAUNDRY - PLAY PARK
ALL FULLY SERVICED PITCHES TELEPHONE 01838 400 349 WWW.ENQUIRIES@PINETREESCARAVANPARK.CO.UK
The Outdoor Store – we are now located in the main building. In our new and spacious shop we have everything for sore feet! Socks and footwear, blister kits to walking poles, maps, West Highland Way T-shirts, waterproofs and much, much more. Get your passport stamped here! Restaurant – our self-service restaurant has won national acclaim over the years. We offer an excellent range of freshly cooked food, both hot and cold, served in generous portions at reasonable prices. The Snack Stop – The Snack Stop is now located behind the Filling Station and will open early morning and late evening! Most of our homemade goodies can be bought here including our delicious new fresh homemade pizza. Filling Station – camping accessories, groceries, chemist items, beers, wines , spirits, phone cards, batteries and other essential supplies are available. Whisky Galore – if you need a tipple to keep you going, this is the shop to visit. Goodies and Gifts – newspapers, books, food, gifts, toys and a whole lot more. The Perfect Present – a quality range of gifts and mementoes.
The Green Welly Stop All major credit and debit cards accepted Tax Free shopping for overseas visitors
“Cliff,” the whole tree wooden sculpture by Ewen Lawrie adorning the grounds of the Kingshouse Hotel, the historic hostelry on the West Highland Way. The sculpture is one of many from the hands of the local artist.
Karol Lentas Builders Ltd All General Building Work Undertaken www.kklbuilding.com +44 (0) 77 66 60 40 62
01651 843 246
kklbuilding@mail.com
Snack Stop: April – October 7.00am – 9.00pm November – March 4.00pm – 9.00pm Main building including The Outdoor Store: April – October 8.30am – 5.30pm November – March 8.30am – 5.00pm
The perfect spot for a halfway stop!
On WHW 11/2 miles south of Tyndrum £15 per person per night.Under 15s £10 per night. Kirkton Farmhouse available for groups up to 14. Luxury camping in wigwams, yurts and lodges. Pitches also available. Self catering facilities. Farm Shop on site Breakfast available. Superb mountain views. E-mail: wigwam@sac.ac.uk Website: www.sac.ac.uk/wigwams Tel: 01838 400251
WALKING HOLIDAYS
We specialise in arranging your self-guided walking holiday on the west highland way, including:
Good quality accommodation n Luggage Transfers n Guide book & Map n
mail@thegreenwellystop.co.uk www.thegreenwellystop.co.uk Specialists also in the: Great Glen Way, Rob Roy Way, Speyside Way, St Cuthbert's Way and other long distance walks. Save time and effort by using our professional service to make all the arrangements for your walk. Quality accommodation Luggage transport Free advice GUIDED AND SELF-GUIDED INCLUSIVE WALKING PACKAGES ALSO AVAILABLE
BEINGLAS CAMPSITE We're on the way!
Open all Year
West Highland Way
Tyndrum, Perthshire Scotland, FK20 8RY Tel: 01838 400271 Fax: 01838 400330
Filling Station April – October 7.00am – 10.00pm November – March 8.00am – 9.00pm
Strathfillan Wigwams and Campsite
Personal itinerary to suit your needs 32 Mansefield, Tyndrum, Perthshire, FK20 8RQ
Tel: 01838400338 info@walkersways.co.uk www.walkersways.co.uk
Lounge Bar and Restaurant
Our popular bar on the WHW serves delicious food all day
Bed and Breakfast chalets
Relax and enjoy the views on the veranda.. All rooms en-suite
Shop and Outdoor Store
Well stocked with groceries, camping & out door equipment
Wigwams
Warm cosy camping cabins sleeping up to 4 persons in each
Camping- Outdoor shelter- Laundrette Beinglas Campsite Inverarnan
Loch Lomond Dunbartonshire G83 7DX
Tel 01301 704 281
WWW.beinglascampsite.com E-mail: info@beinglascampsite.com Proprietors: Tim & June Palmer
Kings House Hotel Glencoe, Argyll PH49 4HY Tel: (01855) 851259
OPEN ALL YEAR This ancient drovers’ inn offers oustanding hospitality, set amidst scenery which will simply take your breath away. www.kingy.com
West Highland Wayfarer 2013 Page 6
In the hills – two wheels good… OVER THE YEARS the Fort William area has given itself the title of Outdoor Capital – of Britain, of Europe, of the world ? – you can extend the scope as far as you like. Quite apart from being the final destination of the most popular (and longest established) long distance walk, the Fort William area also hosts an ever growing number of outdoor events. Some are very established in the calendar and two of the most popular are for contestants whose means of transport is two wheels rather than four. In May, from the third to the eleventh, the hills of Lochaber are alive to the sound of throaty exhausts as bikers compete in the renowned Scottish Six Day Trials. Action takes place all around the area from eight in the morning till eight in the evening. The main car park at the entry to the town is taken over with the teams and their backup and there are a number of spin-off events for golden oldies and the like. The following month, from June 7 to June 10, the Nevis Range is a far more silent place as contestants battle it out on their state of the art mountain bikes for the Mountain Bike World Cup. Some spectacular action can be seen in and around the Leanachan Forest each day from 10am to 6pm. For those who simply prefer two legs to two
wheels there is plenty of challenge. Probably the most spectacular event is the long established Ben Nevis Race. This year it is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 7th. Starting point is the Town Park and the idea is simple: you race to the top of Ben Nevis and back down again. You need to be pretty good, though, since the record time is, unbelievably, less than an hour and a half! Fancy a bit more variety? August is triathlon time - with the Half Big Ben Nevis Triathlon and the full Big Ben Triathlon. Organisers are No Fuss Events. The West Highland Way itself plays host to two major events in the year. One is the Caledonian Challenge, a team competition organised for charity which takes place over the 15th and 16th of June. Teams start out at Gairlochy, north of Fort William and pass through check points along the Way to finish (hopefully) at the Strahtfillan Wigwans, just south of Tyndrum. Still more challenging is the West Highland Way Race. This starts at the official starting point of the Way, at Milngavie Railway Station and ends at the Lochaber Leisure Centre in Fort William. All these events require prior registration Busy end to a week of exertions as a group of walkers congregate arund the (hidden) to participate nnd full details can be found at seated figure of the walker at the end of the Way. Dominating the scene is the tower crane respective websites. that spelt development – and a welcome budget hotel – at the official end of the Way
Ossian’s HOTEL
Lasting legacy of Victorian hydro power THE RIVERSIDE CHIPPIE would like to welcome you to
KINLOCHLEVEN Come and enjoy our range of freshly cooked takaway foods Riverside Road, Kinlochleven PH50 4QH
Tel: 01855
831349
West Highland Wayfarer 2013 Page 7
KINLOCHLEVEN, the one and only settlement of any size on the northern part of the West Highland Way, owes its existence to aluminium. In the Victorian spirit of ‘can do,’ enlighted engineers saw the potential in the hills around the village for hydro generation on a substatial scale. With its easy access to the high seas the perfect place for an aluminium smelter.
Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park • AA Campsite of the Year 2006
AA HHhh
Our award winning park is situated at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, on our small highland estate amidst the picturesque scenery of Scottish mountain and glen. We offer clean, modern and well equipped facilities including Motorhome Service Point on park and our spacious Restaurant and Lounge is only a few minutes walk.
For the full ‘picture’ please send for our colour brochure to:– Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park, Glen Nevis, Fort William Inverness-shire PH33 6SX Tel: (01397) 702191 Fax: (01397) 703904 E-mail: holidays@glen-nevis.co.uk Website: www.glen-nevis.co.uk
Proof of the rightness of their thinking can be found in the continued highly successful operation of the power station that produced the megawatts of clean electricity. Though the smelter has closed, the power station, right on the line of the Way, churns out huge quantities of (highly subsidised) power, adding a tidy annual income to the coffers of the multinational owners, Rio Tinto Alcan.
BY THE LOCH SHORE NEAR KINLOCHLEVEN
Caolasnacon
Kinlochleven PH50 4RJ
(01855) 831279
MAPS West Highland Way
The Mallaig Line • The Kyle Line
Caravans to let, touring caravan and campsite facilities South shore road 3 miles. On bus route from Kinlochleven
£1.50 each, sent post free or from local outlets Famedram, PO Box 3, Ellon AB41 9EA maps@famedram.com
Farr Cottage Lodge and Activity Centre Fort William Independent Hostel Accommodation
Prices start at £15pppn in shared rooms and £18pppn in private double rooms. All rooms are heated. Group discounts available Farr Cottage, Corpach, Fort William Scotland PH33 7LR 01397 772315 E: mail@farrcottage.com • www.farrcottage.com
Farr Cottage Lodge is situated in Corpach, just 4 miles from Fort William town centre, with breath-taking views of Ben Nevis and across Loch Linnhe in the outdoor pursuits capital of UK. We have a licensed bar, Satellite and DVD T.V. lounge, drying room and a laundry service is available. We have bike hire available. We organise outdoor activities such as white water rafting, canyoning, fishing, 4x4 tours and many more 4* Visit Scotland Self catering facilities Breakfast, picnic lunches by pre-arrangement Vegetarian and coeliac diets catered for
Stay on the West Highland Way?
We’ve got it covered.
� Scotland’s largest network of tourist Youth Hostels � Private, family and en-suite rooms available � Home cooked meals and self-catering facilities Crianlarich Youth Hostel, Station Road, Crianlarich, FK20 8QN Tel: 01838 300 260 Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, Glen Nevis, Fort William, Inverness-shire, PH33 6SY Tel: 01397 702 336 Rowardennan Youth Hostel, by Drymen, Glasgow, G63 0AR Tel: 01360 870 259 Glencoe Youth Hostel, Ballachulish, Argyll, PH49 4HX Tel: 01855 811 219
Book online at hostellingscotland.com Scottish Youth Hostels Association (also known as SYHA) is a registered Scottish charity, No. SCO13138
INVERARDRAN HOUSE CRIANLARICH FK20 8QS Open All Year
SELF BED & CATERING from £21 pppn, en suite available BREAKFAST continental and fully cooked scottish breakfasts provided • packed lunches drying facilities • pick up and drop off
Euros welcome Evening meal available Please contact Janice & John Christie T:(01838) 300240 • M: 07979 690004
janice@inverardran.demon.co.uk • www.inverardran.demon.co.uk
High Street Fort William PH33 6DH
Tel 01397 700857 ossiansfw@aol.com
Home cooked meals in the centre of town, served all day Disco every weekend
En suite rooms available Walkers & Climbers welcome
Bank Street LODGe StaBLeS reStaUrant FOrt WiLLiam (01397) 700070
Situated in town centre with a variety of accommodation including dormitory rooms and double, twin and family en-suite rooms – close to bus and train stations. Ideal situation for walkers, hikers etc. TV Lounge, Drying Room and use of kitchen for self-prepared meals also available. wi-fi zone now available
e-mail:bankstreetlodge@btconnect.com bankstreetlodge@btconnect.co.uk• www.bankstreetlodge.co.uk e-mail: www.bankstreetlodge.co.uk
Johnston & Bacon's 1937 Gazetteer of Scotland
just
£9.99
northern books po box
3
ellon ab41
9ea
www.northernbooks.co.uk
Ben Nevis and its Observatory The extraordinary story of life in the weather station on the summit of the Ben Northern Books from Famedram , PO Box 3 Ellon AB41 9EA www.northernbooks.co.uk
Our Visitor Centre incorporates a permanent exhibition, a Video Programme featuring Hector McDram a snack bar and shop. OPEN ALL YEAR Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm Easter to September - Saturday 10am - 4pm July to August - Monday to Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 4pm. Sunday 12pm - 4pm October to Easter - Saturday, Sunday and Evenings by arrangement BEN NEVIS DISTILLERY (FORT WILLIAM) LTD., Lochy Bridge • Fort William • PH33 6TJ Tel: 01397 702476 • Fax: 01397 702768
West Highland Wayfarer 2013 Page 6
In the hills – two wheels good… OVER THE YEARS the Fort William area has given itself the title of Outdoor Capital – of Britain, of Europe, of the world ? – you can extend the scope as far as you like. Quite apart from being the final destination of the most popular (and longest established) long distance walk, the Fort William area also hosts an ever growing number of outdoor events. Some are very established in the calendar and two of the most popular are for contestants whose means of transport is two wheels rather than four. In May, from the third to the eleventh, the hills of Lochaber are alive to the sound of throaty exhausts as bikers compete in the renowned Scottish Six Day Trials. Action takes place all around the area from eight in the morning till eight in the evening. The main car park at the entry to the town is taken over with the teams and their backup and there are a number of spin-off events for golden oldies and the like. The following month, from June 7 to June 10, the Nevis Range is a far more silent place as contestants battle it out on their state of the art mountain bikes for the Mountain Bike World Cup. Some spectacular action can be seen in and around the Leanachan Forest each day from 10am to 6pm. For those who simply prefer two legs to two
wheels there is plenty of challenge. Probably the most spectacular event is the long established Ben Nevis Race. This year it is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 7th. Starting point is the Town Park and the idea is simple: you race to the top of Ben Nevis and back down again. You need to be pretty good, though, since the record time is, unbelievably, less than an hour and a half! Fancy a bit more variety? August is triathlon time - with the Half Big Ben Nevis Triathlon and the full Big Ben Triathlon. Organisers are No Fuss Events. The West Highland Way itself plays host to two major events in the year. One is the Caledonian Challenge, a team competition organised for charity which takes place over the 15th and 16th of June. Teams start out at Gairlochy, north of Fort William and pass through check points along the Way to finish (hopefully) at the Strahtfillan Wigwans, just south of Tyndrum. Still more challenging is the West Highland Way Race. This starts at the official starting point of the Way, at Milngavie Railway Station and ends at the Lochaber Leisure Centre in Fort William. All these events require prior registration Busy end to a week of exertions as a group of walkers congregate arund the (hidden) to participate nnd full details can be found at seated figure of the walker at the end of the Way. Dominating the scene is the tower crane respective websites. that spelt development – and a welcome budget hotel – at the official end of the Way
Ossian’s HOTEL
Lasting legacy of Victorian hydro power THE RIVERSIDE CHIPPIE would like to welcome you to
KINLOCHLEVEN Come and enjoy our range of freshly cooked takaway foods Riverside Road, Kinlochleven PH50 4QH
Tel: 01855
831349
West Highland Wayfarer 2013 Page 7
KINLOCHLEVEN, the one and only settlement of any size on the northern part of the West Highland Way, owes its existence to aluminium. In the Victorian spirit of ‘can do,’ enlighted engineers saw the potential in the hills around the village for hydro generation on a substatial scale. With its easy access to the high seas the perfect place for an aluminium smelter.
Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park • AA Campsite of the Year 2006
AA HHhh
Our award winning park is situated at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, on our small highland estate amidst the picturesque scenery of Scottish mountain and glen. We offer clean, modern and well equipped facilities including Motorhome Service Point on park and our spacious Restaurant and Lounge is only a few minutes walk.
For the full ‘picture’ please send for our colour brochure to:– Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park, Glen Nevis, Fort William Inverness-shire PH33 6SX Tel: (01397) 702191 Fax: (01397) 703904 E-mail: holidays@glen-nevis.co.uk Website: www.glen-nevis.co.uk
Proof of the rightness of their thinking can be found in the continued highly successful operation of the power station that produced the megawatts of clean electricity. Though the smelter has closed, the power station, right on the line of the Way, churns out huge quantities of (highly subsidised) power, adding a tidy annual income to the coffers of the multinational owners, Rio Tinto Alcan.
BY THE LOCH SHORE NEAR KINLOCHLEVEN
Caolasnacon
Kinlochleven PH50 4RJ
(01855) 831279
MAPS West Highland Way
The Mallaig Line • The Kyle Line
Caravans to let, touring caravan and campsite facilities South shore road 3 miles. On bus route from Kinlochleven
£1.50 each, sent post free or from local outlets Famedram, PO Box 3, Ellon AB41 9EA maps@famedram.com
Farr Cottage Lodge and Activity Centre Fort William Independent Hostel Accommodation
Prices start at £15pppn in shared rooms and £18pppn in private double rooms. All rooms are heated. Group discounts available Farr Cottage, Corpach, Fort William Scotland PH33 7LR 01397 772315 E: mail@farrcottage.com • www.farrcottage.com
Farr Cottage Lodge is situated in Corpach, just 4 miles from Fort William town centre, with breath-taking views of Ben Nevis and across Loch Linnhe in the outdoor pursuits capital of UK. We have a licensed bar, Satellite and DVD T.V. lounge, drying room and a laundry service is available. We have bike hire available. We organise outdoor activities such as white water rafting, canyoning, fishing, 4x4 tours and many more 4* Visit Scotland Self catering facilities Breakfast, picnic lunches by pre-arrangement Vegetarian and coeliac diets catered for
Stay on the West Highland Way?
We’ve got it covered.
� Scotland’s largest network of tourist Youth Hostels � Private, family and en-suite rooms available � Home cooked meals and self-catering facilities Crianlarich Youth Hostel, Station Road, Crianlarich, FK20 8QN Tel: 01838 300 260 Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, Glen Nevis, Fort William, Inverness-shire, PH33 6SY Tel: 01397 702 336 Rowardennan Youth Hostel, by Drymen, Glasgow, G63 0AR Tel: 01360 870 259 Glencoe Youth Hostel, Ballachulish, Argyll, PH49 4HX Tel: 01855 811 219
Book online at hostellingscotland.com Scottish Youth Hostels Association (also known as SYHA) is a registered Scottish charity, No. SCO13138
INVERARDRAN HOUSE CRIANLARICH FK20 8QS Open All Year
SELF BED & CATERING from £21 pppn, en suite available BREAKFAST continental and fully cooked scottish breakfasts provided • packed lunches drying facilities • pick up and drop off
Euros welcome Evening meal available Please contact Janice & John Christie T:(01838) 300240 • M: 07979 690004
janice@inverardran.demon.co.uk • www.inverardran.demon.co.uk
High Street Fort William PH33 6DH
Tel 01397 700857 ossiansfw@aol.com
Home cooked meals in the centre of town, served all day Disco every weekend
En suite rooms available Walkers & Climbers welcome
Bank Street LODGe StaBLeS reStaUrant FOrt WiLLiam (01397) 700070
Situated in town centre with a variety of accommodation including dormitory rooms and double, twin and family en-suite rooms – close to bus and train stations. Ideal situation for walkers, hikers etc. TV Lounge, Drying Room and use of kitchen for self-prepared meals also available. wi-fi zone now available
e-mail:bankstreetlodge@btconnect.com bankstreetlodge@btconnect.co.uk• www.bankstreetlodge.co.uk e-mail: www.bankstreetlodge.co.uk
Johnston & Bacon's 1937 Gazetteer of Scotland
just
£9.99
northern books po box
3
ellon ab41
9ea
www.northernbooks.co.uk
Ben Nevis and its Observatory The extraordinary story of life in the weather station on the summit of the Ben Northern Books from Famedram , PO Box 3 Ellon AB41 9EA www.northernbooks.co.uk
Our Visitor Centre incorporates a permanent exhibition, a Video Programme featuring Hector McDram a snack bar and shop. OPEN ALL YEAR Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm Easter to September - Saturday 10am - 4pm July to August - Monday to Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 4pm. Sunday 12pm - 4pm October to Easter - Saturday, Sunday and Evenings by arrangement BEN NEVIS DISTILLERY (FORT WILLIAM) LTD., Lochy Bridge • Fort William • PH33 6TJ Tel: 01397 702476 • Fax: 01397 702768
GREAT GLEN WAYFARER w w w. w e s t h i g h l a n dway f a r e r. c o . u k
2013
RUSH HOUR at Fort Augustus as the pleasure boats pile up, along with a Royal Naval vessel to pass out of the Caledonian Canal and into the 'open sea' of Loch Ness. Fort Augustus lies roughly half way up the Great Glen Way as it progresses towards Inverness at the head of Loch Ness. Many walkers find the Great Glen Way a good introduction to long distance walking as it offers both an easier walk and a shorter distance than its southern brother the West Highland. Those who have gobbled up the hundred odd miles of the West Highland may yearn for more when they reach Fort William. For them it is Inverness next stop!
The route of the Great Glen Way, which leads on from Fort William to Inverness The Eagle Barge Inn, Restaurant and Pub
Richmond house hotel
The Eagle is moored at Laggan Locks on the Great Glen Way. We are open for lunch and evening meals, teas coffees and real ales etc.. Bookings strongly advised for evening meals, seafood specialist. Check out www.theeaglebarge.com. We look forward to seeing you.
Enjoy stunning loch views, freshly caught, local seafood and a glass of wine in a warm and inviting atmosphere the perfect recipe for celebrating your completion of the West Highland Way
Call us now to book a table on or each guest at your table, on presentation of this advert T o w n P ie r • F o r t W illia m • P H 3 3 6 D B www.crannog.net/restaurant.asp
Lady Andorina, our ‘Wee Floating Bunkhouse’ Lady Andorina is a 70ft Ketch built for a Spanish Count in the 1951. She is now our floating bunkhouse and the cabins have twin bunks in. The inside is either polished mahogany, oak or cherry, depending which cabin you’re in. She is moored next to the ‘Eagle’ above, so you don’t even have to leave the GGW to eat and bed down!! Check www.andorina.co.uk Bookings & enquiries for both 07789858567
Friendly and Welcoming atmosphere with good Scottish cooking. Restaurant and traditional lounge bar with a fine range of traditional malt whiskys. Richmond House is an ideal base for touring all points :south to Fort William, west to Kyle of Lochalsh and Skye, north and east to Inverness. Main Street Fort Augustus Telephone: 01320 366719 Email: richmondhouseschool@tiscalli.co.uk
the House of Clan Jamfrié The shop at the end of the way 129 High Street, Fort William, Scotland • Telephone 01397 704406 • (including the upstairs gallery)