Kinlbri one

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This is a stunning route into the west Highlands! Following the West Highland Way (it is the best route between the two nodes), the path is well signposted and well maintained so all you have to do is enjoy the scenery - and so much scenery there is!

I started from Bridge of Orchy, where there is a hotel for any refreshments and facilities if required, or if you just wanted to sit on one of the nearby benches by the river and enjoy views of the pretty, stone bridge above the rushing river. Portaloos are also available nearby if you need.

The path starts as a gentle climb towards Mam Carragh, then descends towards Inveronan Hotel. We then started into Rannoch Moor, where the land opens into a large expanse of what looks like bog and moorland. In a way, it looks like nothing, but it is a vast, beautifully bleak sort of atmosphere that envelops you totally. Even with the good path, it felt wild and rugged.

After crossing Rannoch Moor, we reached Kingshouse, where things changed again. We took in the picturesque views of the Glencoe mountains, taking a rest stop at the public toilets available, and then we followed a path along the road for a bit before turning north and heading up the Devil's Staircase. This part can be a bit steep, but it is worth the climb for the beautiful views of Blackwater Reservoir and the surrounding hills.

Once over the top of Devil's staircase, we followed the path around the hills, when the Mamores mountain range suddenly appeared before us. We had a clear-ish day, so we were lucky to be able to get far-reaching views of the mountains beyond Kinlochleven. It was absolutely gorgeous.

The rest of the path is pretty straightforward, but the long descent into Kinlochleven felt endless on the knees. If you're doing the same direction, I'd buckle in for a long trudge down, but it is completely worth it for the views you got from the higher points. I had poles, which were a big help with the impact on the knees. In Kinlochleven, you'll find a decent base with amenities and refreshments, and it's also a good base for exploring Glencoe and the Mamores.

Whether or not you're doing the West Highland Way, this is absolutely a treat of a route, giving you everything from lowland walking to climbing a small summit with sweeping views.

If this is a little long, you can easily split this route into 2 by camping somewhere along the way - some beautiful spots!.

I'm sure some day walkers will do this in a day but if you're carrying packs, this is a two-day chap with free camping at Kingshouse Hotel where the route crosses the A82.
North of this, the route takes you past Glencoe and up the Devil's Staircase. South, you track old droving routes across Rannoch Moor, an utterly wild and unforgiving place, but gorgeous nonetheless. And because you're on the West Highland Way, you're never far from a hiker if you run into trouble.

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