If you wish to do this better to concentrate on northern end nearer Fort William as much more spectacular scenery. You could catch train from Glasgow Queens Street Station to Tyndrum and walk north to Fort William in 4 days, then catch train back to Glasgow.
If you plan to do this ensure you book your accommodation in advance. There are companies that transport baggage between overnight stops to give you less to carry on walk. You will need waterproof walking boots and clothing for this walk no matter what time of year.
At just under 100 miles it would be an exceptional achievement to cover the entire length in just 4 days.
What sort of daily mileage can you manage?
Definitely focus on the Northern part. The first stretch, Milngavie to Drymen is pretty dull. The Rowardennan to Inverarnan stage is very tough going, and something I will never do again in my life!
A couple of options:
Day one: You could get the bus from Glasgow to Inverarnan (the Drover's Inn) and hike to Tyndrum. The bus leaves at 10am and gets in 11:34. It's a 12 mile hike, so you'd still get to Tyndrum at a reasonable hour.
Day two: The next day would be a long one - Tyndrum to Kingshouse (or the Glencoe Ski Centre, which has accommodation). 18-19 miles depending on where you stop.
Day three: Then you get a shorter day of 9 miles to Kinlochleven. Includes the Devil's Staircase, but to my mind the descent into Kinlochleven is tougher and more tiring than the climb out of Glencoe.
Day four: Kinlochleven to Fort William. 16 miles.
If an 19 mile day sounds too much and you want to shorten it, you could make:
Day one: train to Crianlarich (departs 8:22, arrives 10:07) and hike to Bridge of Orchy or Inveroran (12 or 15 miles)
Day two: hike onwards to Kingshouse (9 or 12 miles depending on the start point)
Day three and four: as above
Or you could make it even shorter by starting from Tyndrum, as suggested above. The option of starting at Crianlarich is appealing, because that is the half way point of the West Highland Way, so you would be doing exactly the Northern half.
There are a few bag carrying services. I used Travel-Lite when I did the way.
The biggest problem you will have is accommodation. It is (relatively) plentiful in Tyndrum. Kingshouse only has one hotel and bunkhouse, and cabins at the Glencoe ski centre, although you can get a taxi into Glencoe village. There is one expensive hotel at Bridge of Orchy and one small hotel at Inveroran. Kinlochleven has a much better range.
My West Highland Way trip report: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=88081
You know, there's been quite a few times I've posted questions on here. I eagerly await answers, so I can read them, digest them, ask further questions, and thank the folk that have taken the time to respond.
I will never understand folk who post questions, get detailed responses, and don't bother to respond in any form.
It's quite simple really...you have been trolled. That is why i stopped trying to help people on here years ago.
will never understand folk who post questions, get detailed responses, and don't bother to respond in any form.
--
Sometime people ask the question and don't revisit for a week or two because they are getting on with their lives and it is just part of the planning stage.
I never worry because it is like holding a door open for someone, getting a smile and a thank you is great but wouldn't stop me holding a door open again if someone just walked straight through.
Aye, anonymister, I know what you mean. I don't expect everyone to me like me. But when I post a question, I eagerly await responses. I can't imagine posting a question, and then waiting a week or two to check back.
It won't stop me responding in future - or holding doors open for people :-)
Thank you for your kind responses, I appreciate the time you have taken to help me try to plan.
