A long distance walking trip taking you from Milngavie in Glasgow through some knockout scenery to Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis.
We took six days to do this last July and some parts of the walk were quite challenging, particularly ascending the Devil's Staircase at Glencoe, and descending Conic Hill into Balmaha (which most people seemed to do on their derrieres!) Despite having spent a small fortune on midge repellent, rain macs and waterproof trousers, we didn't come across one midge and only had an hour of rain in the whole week.
Walking into Glencoe in blistering sunshine is a memory I don't think will ever leave me, but some of our highlights of the trip were the very well deserved pints at the end of a long walking day! The best of these was at the Drover's Inn in Inverarnan, on the banks of Loch Lomond. Formerly an inn for the highland cattle drovers, it hasnt been decorated in centuries. A roaring fire, amazing steak pie and a folk band had us staying there til the wee hours, despite our 10 mile hike the next day.
Lowlights included a sleep-free night at the Rowardennan YHA, an otherwise beautiful old house on the banks of Loch Lomond, less enticing when trying to kip in a room full of snoring hikers. The best night's sleep we had was in the Bridge of Orchy Hotel. About half way into our week, this little hotel had all the mod cons we needed, including a bath, which at that point seemed heaven sent.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable challenge that I'd do again in a heart beat. Take walking poles and compeed blister plasters, be prepared for changeable weather and you'll have a great time.

www.west-highland-way.co.uk/

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Àite Cruinnichidh is a hostel on the outskirts of Roy Bridge in the Spean Valley, a short drive out of Fort William.

It's a fantastic kayaking destination for people who are more adventurous. Tere are a large number of fantastic white water rivers nearby at a range of grades from 2/3 upwards. The Roy, the Upper Spean and the Arkaig are almost on the doorstep. For those in need of an introduction there are a number of guiding companies who operate locally and if the weather is not right for kayaking there are a host of other activities in the area to entertain you.

The hostel is family run and the owners are always welcoming. They have fantastic drying facilities – very important for a kayaking holiday - and a good knowledge of the area. It also sports a sauna, which is a great way to unwind of an evening.

Starting at £12 a night, if you are looking for a cheap base for a fantastic white water kayaking holiday then this a great place to start, either for a small or larger group of people.

www.highland-hostel.co.uk/
Train Station: Roy Bridge
Phone: 01397 712315

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