West Highland Way advice

[MynameisCasper]

I'm not sure if this is the right place. MOD's please feel free to move this thread if it isn't in the right section.

It looks like I am going to do the West Highland Way in may this year. We'll be doing this from north to south because allegedly this is less hard.
I am really looking forward to this trip and have heard that there are luggage carriers that will take your luggage from hotel to hotel. Can anyone recommend me a service like this?
I also would like your advice on what bike to bring. I can choose between a Dekerf Implant which is a hardtail or a Rocky Mountain Slayer http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/allmtn-fu ... 47crx.aspx

If I take the Slayer, I will upgrade the fork to a lighter one.

The last question I have concerns clothing. Over here in The Netherlands, May is usually a nice month. Begin of spring and approx 11C. But I have no idea what it's like over there. What type of clothes can you recommend me?

Thanks

Casper

 

[The Ken]

Got a mate that did it 2 years back, south 2 north, I'll pester him to answer this thread,.

I know he travelled light, small rucksack, stayed in b&b's and rode a rigid cannondale killer v. Did it over 4 days - day 2 along loch lomond side was the worst section and I think got the train back to the start. They were in a group of 4.

May is a good time of year but take midgy repellent as they are out by then.

I have also met people that did it north 2 south in 1 day, but they were not on holiday.

 

[The Ken]

Also your avatar is a Scottish seagull, from aberdeen, hold onto your food tightly when you are over here.

 

[The Ken]

I did the great glen way too, fantastic, comfortable 2 day trip, fast 1 dayer, fire roads mainly but stunning scenery.

 

[MynameisCasper]

May is a good time of year but take midgy repellent as they are out by then.

Good tip :!: Thanks for that

 

[MynameisCasper]

I would use a suspension bike, no question.

If you have time, think about adding the Great Glen Way on.

Thanks for the congratulations! I am thinking of tuning the full susser as well. The Great Glen Way... :roll: I don't think we'll have enough time but will check. Pictures look great IMHO

 

[kaiser]

I've done it (walking) south to north, the guidebooks recommend this way. I'll try to remember why :? could be something to do with the sun or the terrain getting progressivley more difficult. Also the scenery improves the further north you get. One thing I would say is that most people will be going south to north, which will mean less trail traffic if your following them. And I'd rather walk up the Devils staircase than ride down it. 2 days should be plenty and which ever way you go the drovers at the top of loch lomond would be a good stopping point.

Clothing wise is impossible to say, 4 seasons in a day is not uncommon.

I posted someones blog entry in the MacRetro section once, I'll try to dig it out.

 

[RobMac]

K Ive walked it as well and the guide books say south to north due to the terrain getting progressively more difficult, like you said.

.

 

[capitanfigueras]

Walked it two years ago and used these guys for moving our gear. Very good service.

http://www.travel-lite-uk.com/howwework.htm

 

[Mr Panda]

Not done it but I'd definitely go south to north as the scenery improves dramatically that way.

If you go north-south you start in the mountains of Lochaber and travel down through Glencoe ending up in the flatlands of...........Bearsden :roll:

Much better to travel towards increasingly more interesting terrain in my opinion, and as has been suggested - continue along the Great Glen to Inverness

:twisted: