West Highland Way

counterculture
counterculture Posts: 507
edited January 2009 in MTB rides
anyone here ever done it? how long did it take? any advice for it?

me and my mate are gonna do it in May (during the week to avoid ramblers) so all info is appreciated
i spent all me money on whisky and beer!!!

Comments

  • Gribbind
    Gribbind Posts: 8
    Yes did it some 7 years ago now.

    All cycleable except the West side of Loch Lomond that in the steep forest section immediately alonside the lake (just beyond Hotel) is a long carry at times over narrow threadlike and rooty path.....but worth it. Watch out for the wild goats. You'll smell them before you see them!

    Did it solo over two long days in high summer.

    Best sections are first bit across to Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Descent into Kinlochleven and the forest sections leading into Glen Nevis (above Fort William)

    A great and very scenic ride, 95% rideable.
  • Gribbind
    Gribbind Posts: 8
    Also.....Tyndrum is a handy half way point. Stay here if you are doing it as a 2 dayer.

    I rented a small caravan for the night in the static home park. Site has a shop too for provisons. Cafe for meals in Tyndrum.
  • counterculture
    counterculture Posts: 507
    aye we were looking at tyndrum as a good halfway point, been told about the west side of loch lomond, was advised to get the ferry over the loch and then rejoin the WHW along a bit. but might just hikey bikey.
    i spent all me money on whisky and beer!!!
  • sniper68
    sniper68 Posts: 2,910
    Done it twice.South to North,then North to South.Prefer North to South personally.We did the Great glen way north to south,the the WHW north to south straight after. 8) As said the top section(if going south to north)of Loch Lomond is a real carry.Get to the Hotel at Inversnaid,take the ferry and ride up the A82 and rejoin the WHW at the top of Loch Lomond.We did this on our North to south journey and it saved 6km of carrying 8)
    We're planning on doing it both ways in 2010,with an rest day in Fortbill :D
    Lynskey R480

  • Gribbind
    Gribbind Posts: 8
    Being something of a carrying masochist I would recommend the carry.

    Its a beautiful and wild part of the Loch.

    Worth doing once at least.
  • sniper68
    sniper68 Posts: 2,910
    Gribbind wrote:
    Being something of a carrying masochist I would recommend the carry.

    Its a beautiful and wild part of the Loch.

    Worth doing once at least.
    I would agree also,except when is really humid and you're getting eaten by the midges :lol: Also thats the only part of the entire ride where we go hassled by walkers.I have the official WHW book and as thats the only section they ask you not to ride,walkers take this to mean "bikes are banned" :roll:
    Lynskey R480

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