Travel
Getting to and from the West Highland Way
There is now a free Traveline app for the iPhone http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/traveline-scotland/id401685994?mt=8
Blackberry users can use the mobile-friendly- http://mobile.travelinescotland.com/welcome.do and
http://trafficscotland.org/pda/
By Rail
Glasgow is readily accessible from most UK mainline railway stations, for information about timetables call the National Rail Enquiries on 08457-484950 or log onto www.thetrainline.com
Glasgow has two mainline stations: Central, which serves southern Scotland and the rest of Britain, and Queen Street, serving north and east Scotland. A shuttle bus service operates between the two stations. Trains to Milngavie depart from both stations, twice an hour from each, however if using Central Station change trains at Partick.
If you are intending to complete the walk in stages or start at Fort William, the access to Crianlarich, Tyndrum, Bridge of Orchy and Fort William is from Glasgow Queen Street, on the West Highland Line. The service on the West Highland Line is considerably less than that between Glasgow and Milngavie and particular attention should be given to the train times as winter and summer timetables operate.
By Bus or Coach
Travel by coach is usually cheaper that rail travel but may be considerably slower, particularly on long journeys with a lot of stops.
The central bus station for Glasgow is Buchanan Street. First Bus operates a service to Milngavie. (Call Traveline, 0870 608 2608 for details) Scottish Citylink (0870 550 5050) run a coach service between Glasgow and Fort William which has several stops along the West Highland Way. (i.e. Inverarnan, Crianlarich, Tyndrum, Bridge of Orchy, Glen Coe and Ballachullish) It is advisable to book in advance for this service.
Winter timetable
http://www.citylink.co.uk/timetables/Winter12/Glasgow2Skye.pdf
Summer Timetable
Not yet available
By Car
Leave the M8 at junction 16 and follow signposts for Aberfoyle onto A804 and then A81, the A81 goes direct to Milngavie.
No dedicated Car Park exists at either end of the walk. There is free parking outside Milngavie railway station with CCTV coverage or you can park outside the police station. You should inform the police of your intentions and give them your registration number and emergency contact number.
Some B&B/Hotel establishments in Milngavie and Fort William may allow you to leave your vehicle, possibly for a fee. Please make these arrangements in advance directly with the establishment.
If leaving your vehicle unattended for any length of time please ensure that you take all valuables with you. If this is not practicable at least make sure they are out of sight.
WATER BUS (Ferries)
Scheduled Water Bus ferry services between the eastern and western shores of Loch Lomond afford walkers the option of booking accommodation on the western shore and returning to the Way the following day to continue the route. The ferries allow walkers and cyclists to enjoy shorter stretches of the Way along the‘bonnie banks’ as they provide a link to public transport on the A82. All vessels on ferry services have bike racks, bar, tea /coffee facilities. Dogs welcome.
For Further details contact Cruise Loch Lomond on 01301 702356
or email enquiries@cruiselochlomond.co.uk
ROWARDENNAN WATER BUS FERRIES
Rowardennan – Tarbet (45 mins)
(01 Apr – 30 Oct 2013)
DEP Rowardennan:.......1045 & 1645hrs
DEP Tarbet: .....................08.45; 1000 & 1600hrs
Rowardennan – Luss (30 mins)
(01 Apr – 02 Oct 2011)
DEP Rowardennan:.......0930hrs
DEP Luss:.........................1615hrs
BALMAHA WATER BUS FERRIES
Balmaha – Luss (45 mins)
(01 Apr – 02 Oct 2013)
DEP Balmaha:.................1045; 1215; 1400 & 1530hrs
DEP Luss:.........................1000; 1130; 1315 & 1445hrs
INVERSNAID WATER BUS FERRIES
Inversnaid – Tarbet (30 mins)
(01 Apr – 30 Oct 2013)
DEP Inversnaid:..............1200; 1415 & 1630hrs
DEP Tarbet: .....................1130; 1345 & 1500hrs
Inversnaid – Inveruglas
Contact Inversnaid Hotel - 01877 386223
DEP Inveruglas: .............1600hrs
The West Highland Way Rambler
This service is operated by Cruise Loch Lomond and offers a day's cruise with the opportunity to enjoy a section of the West Highland Way along Loch Lomond, check this site for details -
http://www.cruiselochlomond.co.uk/day-trippers/
