THE WEST HIGHLAND WAY

The West Highland which was opened in 1980 and runs from Milngavie on the outskirts of Glasgow to Fort William, the way follows paths, old railway tracks and drovers road through a variety of outstanding scenery. It has always been a long held ambition to complete this walk and this year I took the plunge , booked a weeks holiday and went for it. As I was unsure of my capabilities when walking consistently day after day I decided that I would camp, therefore that would save me from the problem of having to commit myself to a destination each night, this way I will be flexible and please myself. I went out and purchased a new small tent, a quality 3 season sleeping bag, and a Thermorest self inflating mattress, got to look after the old body at my age.

Once I had packed and felt the weight, doubts set in, my back is not brilliant at the best of times, after a quick rethink I decided to use a pack carrying service and after checking the Internet, I arranged to use Travel-lite based in Milngavie. A wise move, just enjoy the walk, also what I liked was I did not need to commit myself to far ahead, just decide in the morning how far you are going , choose from numerous Travel-lite depots on the route, put your destination on the label. Simple as that.

Milngavie to Drymen Weather overcast but dry Left Milngavie at 1000rs and arrived at Drymen at 1430hrs Camped at Easter Drumquahassle Farm Distance today 12 miles - 20km Culmative distance 12 miles - 20km
	Looking north towards Dumgoyach
Sun 21/04/02
Drymen to Rowardennan Weather -Rain all day Stayed at Youth Hostel which gave me the opportunity to dry out. Superb location Distance today 15 miles -24km Culmative distance 27 miles - 43 km
	Loch Lomond
Mon 22/04/02
Rowardennan to Crianlarich Weather rain all day. As it was raining I decided to push on to Crianlarich and stay at the Youth Hostel- Left at 0900hrs, a very long day, almost 21miles and the walk up Lach Lomond from Inversnaid to the end of the Loch was very tiring, arrived at Crianlarich at 1700hrs very tired and wet, I have never walked this distance in one day before. Distance today 21 miles - 33km Culmative distance 47 miles - 76km
	A view of Loch Lomond between the showers
Tues 23/04/02
Crianlarich to Inveroran Hotel Good weather on this day Distance today 15miles - 24km Culmative distance 62 miles -100km
	The wild camp 400 metres from the Inveroran Hotel
Wed 24/04/02
Inveroran Hotel to Kinlochleven Good weather all day Distance today 18 miles - 29 km Culmative distance 80 miles - 129 km
	Some of the superb scenery near the Kinghouse Hotel
Thur 25/04/02
Kinlochleven to Fort William Good weather all day Stayed at Macdonalds Campsite Kinlochleven Distance today 15 miles - 24 km Culmative distance 95 miles - 153 km
	The view up the Loch fromMacdonalds Hotel and Campsite

Thursday 25/04/02 Arrived at Fort William at 1600hrs
	Journeys end- What a superb walk
To anyone contemplating this walk- my advice is go and do it. You will have the time of your life. I am already looking forward to the next time only I might just stop off on the way to climb a few of those magnificent peaks alongside the trail