Bridge of Orchy
(59 miles / 94 km) – A Wee Stop Before the Wilderness
By the time you reach Bridge of Orchy, you’ll be deep into the West Highland Way, feeling both exhilarated and exhausted. More of a hamlet than a village, Bridge of Orchy is not so much a destination as it is a key waypoint, offering weary walkers a brief but essential pause before heading into the wild and remote beauty of Rannoch Moor.
This small but significant stopping point is often described as a gateway to the Highlands, marking the transition from the rolling glens you’ve walked through so far into Scotland’s vast, untamed wilderness. Whether you're stopping overnight, grabbing a meal, or just taking a short rest, this is a place to recharge before one of the most iconic sections of the trail.
A Welcome Rest & Good Food
Though Bridge of Orchy itself is tiny, it provides a few crucial amenities for walkers. The most notable is the Bridge of Orchy Hotel, a warm and welcoming stop with comfortable accommodation, a restaurant, and a well-stocked bar. Many walkers choose to stay here overnight, while others just pause for a hearty meal before continuing.
What to Expect at the Hotel
A well-earned pint – The bar serves local ales and whisky, perfect for a celebratory toast to the journey so far.
Comforting meals – The restaurant offers high-energy meals like venison stew, fish and chips, and warming soups—exactly what you need before heading into Rannoch Moor.
Cosy accommodation – If you need a proper bed, this is one of the last good places to stay before entering a much more isolated stretch of the route.
Friendly atmosphere – The hotel is always filled with fellow walkers, meaning plenty of chances to swap stories and gather morale before the next big challenge.
Limited alternatives exist for those not staying overnight, so this is the ideal place to refuel and prepare before pushing forward.
The Surroundings & Scenery
Despite its small size, Bridge of Orchy offers some of the most stunning landscapes so far. The Bridge of Orchy itself, an old stone bridge built in 1751, stands as a reminder of the historic military roads that once connected the Highlands.
Look around, and you’ll see the landscape shifting before your eyes—the rolling green hills of earlier sections now give way to stark, dramatic peaks, signaling that the true Highlands have arrived. Just north of the hamlet, the trail starts to climb towards Mam Carraigh, a fantastic viewpoint where many walkers pause to take in the majestic scenery before heading further into the wild.
Heading into Rannoch Moor – One of Scotland’s Most Remote Landscapes
Leaving Bridge of Orchy, the West Highland Way enters one of its most legendary sections—Rannoch Moor, a vast, open wilderness stretching for miles in every direction.
This is a place of epic beauty and deep isolation—there are no towns, shops, or signs of modern civilisation. The moor itself is a high, exposed plateau dotted with lochs, rivers, and peat bogs, creating a landscape that feels otherworldly.
Walking across Rannoch Moor is a unique and unforgettable experience. With no shelter from the elements, the weather here can be unpredictable, shifting from sunshine to wind and rain in minutes. Walkers should be prepared for strong winds, mist rolling over the hills, and some of the most awe-inspiring views of the entire journey.
Practical Tips for Bridge of Orchy
Stock up at the hotel – This is one of the last places for hot food, snacks, and drinks before heading into remote terrain.
Book accommodation in advance – The Bridge of Orchy Hotel is popular with walkers, so if you plan to stay overnight, reserve early.
Check the weather forecast – Rannoch Moor is exposed and treacherous in bad conditions, so knowing what’s ahead is crucial.
Enjoy the views – Take a moment to appreciate the scenery from Mam Carraigh, just outside Bridge of Orchy.
Brace yourself for isolation – The next stretch has no villages or facilities, so ensure you have enough supplies.
A Short Stop Before One of the Most Remote Stretches of the Way
Bridge of Orchy may be small, but it’s an essential stop—one last touch of civilisation before the wild, open landscapes of Rannoch Moor. The road ahead is one of the most dramatic sections of the West Highland Way, taking you through miles of untouched wilderness with nothing but mountains, moorland, and the sky above.
Take your time, rest up, and enjoy the Highland hospitality because you’re stepping into the true Scottish wilderness after this. The adventure is far from over—it’s only getting wilder.
➡ Distance to Kingshouse: 12 miles / 19 km
