JASPER AND TOMMY'S ADVENTURES IN SCOTLAND: The West Highland Way North (part 3): Loch Ba, Highland south towards Victoria Bridge, Argyll and Bute

Wednesday 8 February 2023

The West Highland Way North (part 3): Loch Ba, Highland south towards Victoria Bridge, Argyll and Bute

A very excited Jasper backed by the picturesque snowy mountains as we cross Rannoch Moor (click/ tap to enlarge)

Here's the third part of our there and back walk along the north section of the West Highland Way (WHW) that runs from Bridge of Orchy to Fort William. Last time we ended our walk at the edge of Rannoch Moor. This time access and parking dictated that we walk in a southerly direction to the point where we stopped last time and then return northwards. The route is approximately 7 miles (3½ miles each way).

We parked in the A82 north bound lay-by just opposite Loch Ba. The lay-by is the same side of the road as our walk, so there's no need to cross over. Take particular care to keep dogs under control near the main A82 as it is a fast and dangerous section of road.

Our route crosses the moor to pick up the WHW again heading south. It's not a route out to the WHW that I'd ordinarily recommend unless you're a particular fan of marsh, mud and bog. When we walked it last month however, everything was frozen and we just had to skirt the numerous icy patches. There are still three burns to cross though (two can be avoided if preferred) and of course the dogs needed to be kept away from the frozen ponds and lochans along the route. It's a path more suited to the sure footed and some will find it better to head further north to the Glencoe ski centre and walk south on the WHW from there. That alternative route is longer but pretty easy. I'll be covering the section from the ski centre in the future.

The reward for walking across the moor to the WHW when the winter conditions are right though, is the spectacular view of the mountains ahead. The WHW section itself also affords some fine snowy views and you can spot skiers and snowboarders on the slopes in the distance too.

You'll find a link to the parking location on Google Maps, route maps and GPX navigational file at the end of the article. All images can be clicked / tapped to enlarge. Information is current as of our last visit in January 2023.

Here are some photo highlights and route notes:

The path starts near the top of the layby, continues over a little wooden crossing and up to a frozen pond. The path then turns left heading away from the road and out across the moor (click / tap to enlarge)

The path continues across Rannoch Moor with the beautiful snowy mountains behind.

Tommy staying comfy in his little fleece as we cross the frozen moorland!

The barren moor stretches off into the distance with the snowy mountains framing the view ahead

The first burn to cross where once a bridge existed but now it's necessary to hop across on the stones

We chose to detour down stream instead and move some rocks around to make an easier crossing

The second burn crossing along the route was frozen over and we definitely didn't fancy our chances walking across! The West Highland Way lay over the other side in the far distance.

Instead we deviated from the path, turning right to follow the burn over the rough ground to the bridge. At the bridge we turn left to follow the West Highland Way. The detour also avoids having to cross the third burn. Our route continues south on the WHW to where we ended our previous walk.

A lovely wintry scene

One of the many bridges across the icy burns of the West Highland Way

Plenty of great photo opportunities along the way

Tommy in a dramatic pose, probably imagining himself as some kind of clan leader commanding his men (well, Jasper anyway) to scour the land in search of snacks!