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Getting to and from the West Highland Way

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 that 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/winter2009/Glas2Skye.pdf

Summer Timetable

http://www.citylink.co.uk/timetables/Summer10/Glas2Skye.pdf

 

 

By Car

Leave the M8 at junction 16 and follow signposts for Aberfoyle onto A804 and then A81, the A81 goes direct to Milngavie.  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 establishments will allow you to leave your vehicle, this is your best option if leaving a vehicle in Fort William.  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.

 

Ferries

There are a number of ferry services on Loch Lomond, however most are seasonal and do not run to regular timetables. Please check their availability during your planning stage:

 

Rowardennan - Inverbeg

The ferry service between Rowardennan to Inverbeg
is currently not operating and the information we have
is that it will not operate for the remainder of this year.

 

Tarbet - Rowardennan

Operates from April to end of October

Departs Tarbet Pier    10.00 - - arrives Rowardennan 10.45
Departs Rowardennan 10.45 - - arrives Tarbet          11.30
Departs Tarbet Pier    16.00 - - arrives Rowardennan 16.45
Departs Rowardennan 16.45 - - arrives Tarbet          17.30

Contact Cruise Loch Lomond +44(0)1301 702356
e: enquiries@cruiselochlomond.co.uk


Tarbet - Rowardennan - Inversnaid
    (West Highland Way Rambler)

Operates from April to end of October

Departs Tarbet Pier 10.00 for Rowardennan
Departs Inversnaid Pier 16.30 for Tarbet

Contact Cruise Loch Lomond +44(0)1301 702356
e: enquiries@cruiselochlomond.co.uk

 

Inversnaid - Inverbeg

Contact Inversnaid Hotel +44(0)1877 386223
e: enquiries@lochandglens.com

 

Ardleish - Ardlui

Contact Ardlui Hotel +44(0)01301 704243
e: info@ardlui.co.uk