The old end to the West Highland Way on the outskirts of Fort William
Walking one of Britain’s most popular long-distance routes will require a little more effort from this week.
The West Highland Way gained an extra mile or so with an extension into Fort William from its former finish at the unprepossessing roundabout at Nevis Bridge. Estimates for its popularity range from 50,000 walkers a year up to 100,000.
The exact end is not yet marked, but a favourite for the new terminus would seem to be Gordon Square, at the west end of the town. Businesses have been largely in favour of the move, as reaching the new end point for the West Highland Way would entail walking the whole length of the High Street with all its tempting retail delights.
The Gordon Square end would also chime with the route’s starting point – an obelisk outside Costa Coffee in Milngavie’s pedestrian precinct.
Not all walkers agree with the new end, which will extend the total length of the West Highland Way to 154km (96 miles). Some opinion says a more logical and fitting finish to the route, which passes through some of the southern Highlands’ most scenic countryside, would be the Argyll roundabout near the railway station, where the Great Glen Way starts.
But that would avoid passing most of the shops, pubs and restaurants in the town.
However, the authorities also have their eyes on the Great Glen Way, with an extension to that route so its beginning coincides with the end of the West Highland Way.
Scottish National Heritage approved Highland Council’s plans to extend the WHW, and this week environment minister Roseanna Cunningham gave it the go-ahead.
Jez Bragg: 15h 44mins to cover the 95 miles
The adoption of Fort William’s west end as the culmination of the route marks a return to the way’s early days when, unlike now, the path avoided Glen Nevis and took a more direct route from Loch Lùnn Da Bhrà via the road into Fort William, entering the town on its south-western side.
The West Highland Way was opened in 1980 and passes alongside Loch Lomond, through Glen Falloch, Strath Fillan, Glencoe, Kinlochleven with its final few kilometres in the shadow of Ben Nevis.
The fastest traverse of the route was in June 2006 by long-distance expert runner Jez Bragg, who took 15h 44mins to cover the 95 miles. He might now have to consider digging out his running shoes for an attempt on the lengthened route.
Walking one of Britain’s most popular long-distance routes will require a little more effort from this week.
The West Highland Way gained an extra mile or so with an extension into Fort William from its former finish at the unprepossessing roundabout at Nevis Bridge. Estimates for its popularity range from 50,000 walkers a year up to 100,000.
The exact end is not yet marked, but a favourite for the new terminus would seem to be Gordon Square, at the west end of the town. Businesses have been largely in favour of the move, as reaching the new end point for the West Highland Way would entail walking the whole length of the High Street with all its tempting retail delights.
The Gordon Square end would also chime with the route’s starting point – an obelisk outside Costa Coffee in Milngavie’s pedestrian precinct.
Not all walkers agree with the new end, which will extend the total length of the West Highland Way to 154km (96 miles). Some opinion says a more logical and fitting finish to the route, which passes through some of the southern Highlands’ most scenic countryside, would be the Argyll roundabout near the railway station, where the Great Glen Way starts.
But that would avoid passing most of the shops, pubs and restaurants in the town.
However, the authorities also have their eyes on the Great Glen Way, with an extension to that route so its beginning coincides with the end of the West Highland Way.
Scottish National Heritage approved Highland Council’s plans to extend the WHW, and this week environment minister Roseanna Cunningham gave it the go-ahead.
The adoption of Fort William’s west end as the culmination of the route marks a return to the way’s early days when, unlike now, the path avoided Glen Nevis and took a more direct route from Loch Lùnn Da Bhrà via the road into Fort William, entering the town on its south-western side.
The West Highland Way was opened in 1980 and passes alongside Loch Lomond, through Glen Falloch, Strath Fillan, Glencoe, Kinlochleven with its final few kilometres in the shadow of Ben Nevis.
The fastest traverse of the route was in June 2006 by long-distance expert runner Jez Bragg, who took 15h 44mins to cover the 95 miles. He might now have to consider digging out his running shoes for an attempt on the lengthened route.
