West Highland Way: Inveroran - Kingshouse
Introduction to the West Highland Way
Packing for the West Highland Way
Glasgow
Milngavie to Conic Hill
Conic Hill to Rowardennan
Rowardennan to Inverarnan
Inverarnan to Tyndrum
Tyndrum to Inveroran
Inveroran to Kingshouse
Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
Kinlochleven to Fort William
Waking up in Inveroran was a stark reminder on how annoying Scottish midges can be. I had a swarm waiting for for me just outside my tent. For those who don’t know, midges detect you from carbon dioxide you exhale, so the only way to stop them hunting you is to stop breathing.
Scottish Midge Bites
Having a swarm of midges around your camp is difficult to ignore, the best thing to do is to pack up and get moving. We ended up having breakfast on Rannoch Moor just to escape the midge swarms.
Breakfast out of the way of the midge storms
It’s only ten miles to Kingshouse from the hotel and most of the paths are very good. However, this section crosses Rannoch Moor which is exposed and featureless so care should be taken when attempting this section. Those walking this section in winter should be experienced and know how to use a compass.
Don’t stray off the path
It took about 4 hours to reach the Kingshouse Hotel by which time thick cloud has almost completely masked Buachaille Etive Mor. For those wanting to stay at Kinghouse there is FREE camping on field behind the Hotel.
My only complaint with the West Highland Way is that it doesn’t take you through Glen Coe, which in my opinion is one of Scotlands finest Glens. It’s worth spending at least two days around Kingshouse just to explore Glen Coe and Glen Etive.
Rather than stay at the exposed Kingshouse I hithced a lift down into Glen Coe village and camped at the Red Squirrel Campsite. To be honest the campsite is terrible and very expensive, £7.50 per person and doesn’t include showers but it gives you an opportunity to explore the surrounding area. The campsite does allow fires which helps keep the midges under control.
Glen Coe from the campsite.
If you do take my advice and camp in Glen Coe, the Clachaig Inn offer good food and warm place to spend the evening.