On the West Highland Way - Scotland from its wild side
Great waters and ghost stories
The first highlight on the way is Loch Lomond. Scotland's largest lake is nestled between rolling hills and measures about 39 km from north to south. The same length runs along the eastern shore from Balmaha to Inverarnan.
The route along Loch Lomond is relatively demanding. While the infrastructure is mainly restricted to the west bank, I find a quiet, wooded landscape to the east, perfect for walkers and nature lovers. The shore path is heavily affected by erosion, some paths are even completely destroyed. Diversions are regularly set up on site, but a little spirit of adventure won't hurt!
Between Inversnaid and the northern end of the lake, I am immersed in a famous legend. Rob Roy was a Scottish outlaw who became a folk hero through tales of his exploits in the mid-17th century. I visit a small cave – the place where Rob Roy hid from the Duke of Montrose's men.
![Drovers Inn, Inverarnan](https://img0.oastatic.com/img2/51017721/800x-s/variant.jpg)
Untouched nature and the devil's staircase
A detour to Britain's highest mountain
After overcoming the Devil’s Staircase, the route continues steadily downhill to Kinlochleven in Glen Nevis and on to Fort William, the destination of the West Highland Way. The town lies at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain. Although it is not an official part of the West Highland Way, the ascent of the 1344-metre peak is a thrilling finale for many long-distance hikers.The West Highland Way is the first official long-distance hiking trail in Scotland and runs from Milngavie north of Glasgow to Fort William.
![Profile picture of Joern Perschbacher](https://img2.oastatic.com/img2/7270613/120x120c/variant.jpg)
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Loch Lomond is Britain's largest body of fresh water. 24 miles long, up to 5 miles wide and at its ...
The hideaway of Scotland's most famous outlaw.
The Devils Staircase is a steep, zig zag path that climbs the ridge giving spectacular views over ...
The West Highland Way is the first official long-distance hiking trail in Scotland and runs from Milngavie north of Glasgow to Fort William.
At 1345 m high Ben Nevis marks the highest point in the UK and Ireland.
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