Day 4: Inverarnan to Tyndrum – A Journey Through History, Folklore, and the Scenic Highlands
Day 4 of my West Highland Way adventure takes us from the lively Beinglas Campsite in Inverarnan to the quiet beauty of Tyndrum. This stretch of the trail is packed with breathtaking scenery, captivating folklore, and a glimpse into Scotland’s rich history. From the roaring Falls of Falloch to the legend of Robert the Bruce’s lost sword, today’s hike offers a unique blend of nature and storytelling.
The day began at Beinglas Campsite, where the atmosphere is always buzzing with hikers and travelers. After grabbing a quick breakfast and waving goodbye to the friendly crowd, I set off for the next part of my journey. As I made my way along the trail, I soon reached the Falls of Falloch, a beautiful waterfall nestled in the heart of the Highlands. The sound of water crashing down was both invigorating and calming, reminding me of the natural wonders that this trail has to offer.
📍 Watch the beginning of the hike and the Falls of Falloch here:
Continuing on, the trail opened up to stunning valley views toward Crianlarich. The rolling hills and lush greenery were quintessentially Scottish, and I couldn’t help but feel in awe of the beauty around me. As I trekked deeper into the countryside, I came across a charming Highland sheep farm, where I encountered some curious woolly creatures. The sheep, grazing peacefully, added a touch of authenticity to this Highland adventure.
📍 Check out the sheep farm and valley views here:
After a short rest at Crianlarich, I continued on through a tranquil pine forest. The towering trees provided a refreshing change of scenery, and the quietness of the forest offered a moment of solitude in contrast to the lively valleys. As the day progressed, I reached the Crianlarich Crossroads, marking the halfway point of the West Highland Way. The panoramic views from this spot are some of the most stunning on the trail, making it a perfect place to pause and take in the surrounding beauty.
📍 Experience Crianlarich and the pine forest here:
As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, I reached a small Lochan where the Legend of the Lost Sword awaited. According to folklore, this is where Robert the Bruce and his army discarded their weapons, including his legendary sword, the Claymore, after a battle. The story of the lost sword adds a fascinating historical layer to the landscape, and standing by the loch, I could almost feel the weight of history surrounding me. The legend of Robert the Bruce’s sword not only highlights Scotland’s rich cultural heritage but also evokes a sense of adventure that has defined this entire hike.
📍 Discover the Legend of the Lost Sword at Lochan here:
With the day drawing to a close, I reflected on the experiences of the day. From the charm of the Highland sheep to the historical depth of Robert the Bruce, Day 4 of the West Highland Way was one filled with nature, history, and Scottish folklore. As I made my way into Tyndrum, I knew that this was only a taste of the wonders yet to come.
Keywords:
- West Highland Way Day 4
- Falls of Falloch
- Crianlarich to Tyndrum
- Highland sheep farm
- Legend of Robert the Bruce
- Scottish folklore
- Pine forest hike
- Lost sword of Claymore
- Rannoch Moor
- Scenic hiking in Scotland