Day 5: Hiking the West Highland Way – From Tyndrum to Rannoch Moor
Day 5 of my journey along the West Highland Way offered a true immersion into the rugged beauty of the Scottish wilderness. Leaving the quaint village of Tyndrum, I set out on a breathtaking adventure toward Rannoch Moor, one of the wildest and most remote landscapes in Scotland. From the friendly encounter with Highland cows to tackling the challenge of Mam Carraigh, this day was packed with unforgettable moments.
The morning began with a peaceful walk through Tyndrum, where I reflected on the days ahead while being greeted by rainbows after a recent shower. The atmosphere was calm, a perfect start to what would become one of the most scenic days on the trail.
📍 Watch my departure from Tyndrum here:
As I made my way toward the Bridge of Orchy, the landscape started to open up, and I was delighted to meet some iconic Highland cows grazing near the trail. Their slow, curious movements and wild shaggy coats added a distinctly Scottish charm to the day. Passing the Bridge of Orchy was a moment filled with history and natural beauty. The sight of the Orchy River cutting through the valley, accompanied by the majestic backdrop of the Highlands, was truly spectacular.
📍 Discover the beauty of Bridge of Orchy and the Orchy River:
With the Inveroran Hotel just ahead, I was ready for a well-deserved break. After a challenging morning, a hearty lunch at this historic hotel provided the perfect refuel for what lay ahead. The quiet charm of the hotel, nestled beside Loch Tulla, made it a memorable stop before pushing on toward Rannoch Moor.
📍 See the hike from the Bridge of Orchy to Inveroran Hotel:
The next major challenge was the ascent of Mam Carraigh, a climb that opened up sweeping views of the surrounding Highlands. The trail was steep, but as I reached the top, I was rewarded with incredible vistas of Beinn Dorain to the north and Loch Tulla to the west. Standing at the summit, with the wind in my face and the vast expanse of wilderness ahead, I felt a deep sense of connection to the landscape.
📍 Watch the ascent of Mam Carraigh and its stunning views:
By mid-afternoon, I was entering the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor, a place known for its isolation and haunting beauty. The landscape seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction, with bogs, lochs, and mountains creating a scene straight out of a Highland painting. Passing over the Rannoch Moor Bridge, the silence of the moor was profound, broken only by the distant calls of birds.
As evening approached, I reached my wild campsite at the Ba Cottage ruins. Setting up camp here was like stepping back in time, surrounded by the remnants of a bygone era in one of Scotland’s most remote areas. The peaceful solitude of the camp, combined with the day’s achievements, made it a perfect place to rest and reflect.
📍 Experience the journey through Rannoch Moor and wild camping at Ba Cottage:
This day along the West Highland Way offered everything that makes hiking in Scotland special—stunning landscapes, historic landmarks, and a true sense of adventure. From the quiet beauty of Tyndrum to the remote wilds of Rannoch Moor, Day 5 captured the essence of exploration in the Scottish Highlands.
Keywords:
- West Highland Way Day 5
- Rannoch Moor hiking
- Bridge of Orchy
- Mam Carraigh ascent
- Highland cows Scotland
- Ba Cottage wild camping
- Inveroran Hotel
- Beinn Dorain views
- Loch Tulla
- Scenic hiking Scotland
- Scottish wilderness