JASPER AND TOMMY'S ADVENTURES IN SCOTLAND: The West Highland Way North (part 1): Bridge of Orchy to Victoria Bridge, Argyll and Bute

A solitary tree sits against the stunning background of munros at Màm Carraigh. As always, Jasper's having a great time exploring! (click/tap to enlarge image)

The West Highland Way is a 96 mile long distance walking route that stretches from Milngavie (pronounced mill-guy) near Glasgow to Fort William in the western Highlands. Over time, we plan to walk the whole route in parts, along two main sections: the south section from the start of the route to Bridge of Orchy and the north section from Bridge of Orchy to Fort William. We will be swapping back and fore between the sections. The two sections will be broken up into sequential numbered parts and the walks will usually be there and back routes. More information on the West Highland Way can be found on their official website.

The section that runs from Bridge of Orchy onwards is often cited as the most picturesque part of the route . This walk covers a there and back route from Bridge of Orchy to the car park at Victoria Bridge, passing some great views of Loch Tulla. The route is approximately 3 miles each way.

Our walk is a fairly sustained but reasonably gradual climb for much of the outward route before we drop down into Inveroran. The return direction involves a shorter but sharper uphill section back up from Inveroran. Paths are good and not particularly muddy even after rain. Jasper and Tommy were off the lead for most of the walk with the exception of a couple of short, quiet road sections. The route is well sign posted but I will provide some navigational pointers along the way. You'll find portaloos at the Bridge of Orchy just after the bridge itself and at the Victoria Bridge car park. You can stop off for refreshments at the Bridge of Orchy Hotel at the start and the Inveroran Hotel near the end. Both are dog friendly.

All information is current as of our last visit in August 2022. Route maps, GPX navigation file and Google Maps link for the car park at the start point, can all be found at the end of the article. All images can be clicked/tapped to enlarge.

If you're travelling to Bridge of Orchy from the south on the A82, you might want to stop off at Tyndrum as there are a number of eateries there. The Green Welly Stop and The Real Food Café are of particular note. Both places are also dog friendly and there's plenty of parking too.

The Real Food Café, Tyndrum (click/tap to enlarge image)

Our walk starts at the car park to the left of the Bridge of Orchy Hotel

Exit the car park following the short, twisting path that leads down to another path. Turn right on the path, passing behind the hotel.

The path soon comes to the "Bridge of Orchy". Cross over the bridge.

North view of River Orchy from the bridge

South view of River Orchy from the bridge

After crossing the bridge, there's a nice picnic area along the river on the right hand side and a chance for the boys to get a dip!

Opposite the picnic area is a small parking area where the West Highland Way continues. You'll also find portaloos here.

The heather lined path gradually climbs and Jasper capitalises on the photo opp!

The path bends and continues to climb between these two distinctive tree posts. The route from here to Inveroran is easy to follow - just stick to the main path.

The view back south with Tommy looking effortlessly cute as usual!

Looking back on two other walkers who have stopped atop a hill to admire the view

Great views of Loch Tulla along the route

Jasper sitting pretty amidst the heather

Tommy at the lone tree at Màm Carraigh

View down towards Inveroran

The path comes out on the road through Inveroran. You can stop off for a drink at the Inveroran Hotel and there's a beer garden opposite.

The route continues along the road to a bridge over the river Allt Tolaghan where you'll find a popular camping spot.

It's another chance for Jasper and Tommy to have a splash about!

A little further along the road, we reach Victoria Bridge Car Park

There's a good amount of car parking here with the main parking off to the right

The main parking area at the end of this section. There are also portaloos here. Time to retrace our journey back to Bridge of Orchy.

Jasper managed to find a discarded ball on the way back!

Someone camped up for the night in quite a striking location

As mentioned earlier, I'll be posting the next section of the route at some point in the future with the intention of eventually ending up at Fort William.