Ruta do Mar Shorter Stages?

[Peregrina 2013]

I would like to walk Ruta do Mar and Camino Inglés next spring and have the Cicerone new guidebook. I've tried planning my daily walking distances following the guidebooks information and also a variation but some days the mileage always ends up being longer than I'd like to walk. Has anyone done this route in shorter stages? Is it possible to only walk 15-18 km a day and not be concerned about finding lodging/food? Your insight and experience will certainly guide me in my planning and I will be very grateful for your help.

Ultreïa,

Mary

I would like to add that I have looked at magwood's blog on this particular route and her daily distances are too long for me. I would like to see detailed lodging information along the entire way to help me plan my stages and have a better idea of how many days I will spend walking to get to Ferrol.

 

[miguel_gp]

Hi Mary, are you wanting to stay in just Albergues, just Private Accommodation or any combination that fits the 15-18 km requirement?

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Hi Mary, are you wanting to stay in just Albergues, just Private Accommodation or any combination that fits the 15-18 km requirement?

Hi Miguel,

No, I am definitely open to staying at other type of lodging along the way. Any information you can give me will be very helpful!! Thank you so much for responding to my post

 

[E7k]

Hi - Did this w my daughter 3 years ago … don’t miss! We find this link pretty helpful - she gives daily notes - i do have to say we followed her route p closely … i think you could shorten most of the days but i know there wold be I think 2 you’d have to do a work around or cab it. I have memories of this one nature preserve that was long … no water, nada. Also, we did stay in all private accommodation but it was all very reasonable.

Caminos del Norte / Ruta do Mar / Ingles

Click on the links below to read the post…. 2016…the next camino Ten days and counting Everything but the kitchen sink Last day of near normality Day 1, Irun to San Sebastián 26.5 km Da…

magwood.me

(hope this helps a little)

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Hi - Did this w my daughter 3 years ago … don’t miss! We find this link pretty helpful - she gives daily notes - i do have to say we followed her route p closely … i think you could shorten most of the days but i know there wold be I think 2 you’d have to do a work around or cab it. I have memories of this one nature preserve that was long … no water, nada. Also, we did stay in all private accommodation but it was all very reasonable.

Caminos del Norte / Ruta do Mar / Ingles

Click on the links below to read the post…. 2016…the next camino Ten days and counting Everything but the kitchen sink Last day of near normality Day 1, Irun to San Sebastián 26.5 km Da…

magwood.me

(hope this helps a little)

E7k, thank you for your reply and information. I definitely will do it, and seems like taxis/public transport will be an option so that is encouraging! Will go to magwood's blog and read carefully
Kind regards,
Mary

 

[Peregrina 2013]

E7k, thank you for your reply and information. I definitely will do it, and seems like taxis/public transport will be an option so that is encouraging! Will go to magwood's blog and read carefully
Kind regards,
Mary

E7k, thank you for your reply and information. I definitely will do it, and seems like taxis/public transport will be an option so that is encouraging! Will go to magwood's blog and read carefully
Kind regards,
Mary

I have looked at magwood's blog on this particular route and her daily distances are too long for me. I would like to see detailed lodging information along the entire way to help me plan my stages and have a better idea of how many days I will spend walking to get to Ferrol.

 

[miguel_gp]

Hi Miguel,

No, I am definitely open to staying at other type of lodging along the way. Any information you can give me will be very helpful!! Thank you so much for responding to my post

Hi Mary, sorry for the delay getting back to you. I'm afraid I don't have any detailed information on the Ruta do Mar but I have attached a link to my Google Map of the Ingles stages, with accommodation and transport links clearly marked. I try to keep it as up-to-date as possible as and when I hear about changes. Most accommodation icons have links to their website/booking com entry. Hope it helps with your planning.

Feel free to DM me if you want any more detailed information.

Camino Ingles Route and Accommodation @ Feb 2020 - Google My Maps

The map shows the Camino Ingles route from both A Coruna and Ferrol, together with some of the accommodation on or close to the route. Some of the old route variations have been shown where it is known that these are still requested by Pilgrims but these are not necessarily still way-marked now...

www.google.com

 

[peregrina2000]

I would like to see detailed lodging information along the entire way to help me plan my stages and have a better idea of how many days I will spend walking to get to Ferrol.

Hi @manoll,
Sounds like a great plan. I have been participating in some detailed planning threads for a couple of remote caminos where there are no albergues, and I have been surprised to see how much information you can get off of google maps. Their information about lodging has been incredibly accurate. Once you get the name of the places, you can usually just find direct contact information and go from there.

Good luck!

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Hi @manoll,
Sounds like a great plan. I have been participating in some detailed planning threads for a couple of remote caminos where there are no albergues, and I have been surprised to see how much information you can get off of google maps. Their information about lodging has been incredibly accurate. Once you get the name of the places, you can usually just find direct contact information and go from there.

Good luck!

Hi Laurie,
That is such a great idea! It definitely is encouraging to know that I can check for places to stay and it looks like information is current and there are more choices than what the guidebook has to offer. Thank you!
Take care!
Mary

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Hi Mary, sorry for the delay getting back to you. I'm afraid I don't have any detailed information on the Ruta do Mar but I have attached a link to my Google Map of the Ingles stages, with accommodation and transport links clearly marked. I try to keep it as up-to-date as possible as and when I hear about changes. Most accommodation icons have links to their website/booking com entry. Hope it helps with your planning.

Feel free to DM me if you want any more detailed information.

Camino Ingles Route and Accommodation @ Feb 2020 - Google My Maps

The map shows the Camino Ingles route from both A Coruna and Ferrol, together with some of the accommodation on or close to the route. Some of the old route variations have been shown where it is known that these are still requested by Pilgrims but these are not necessarily still way-marked now...

www.google.com

Hi Miguel, thank you so much for this invaluable link! It's going to be of great help when I begin setting up the dates for the stages on the Camino Inglés. Right now my hope is to travel to Spain the week after Easter, if vaccinated US citizens are allowed to enter the country at that time I appreciate your kindness and willingness to share more information and as winter progresses and flying there becomes a reality, without a doubt I will contact you!

 

[Tia Valeria]

I would like to walk Ruta do Mar and Camino Inglés next spring and have the Cicerone new guidebook. I've tried planning my daily walking distances following the guidebooks information and also a variation but some days the mileage always ends up being longer than I'd like to walk. Has anyone done this route in shorter stages? Is it possible to only walk 15-18 km a day and not be concerned about finding lodging/food? Your insight and experience will certainly guide me in my planning and I will be very grateful for your help.

Ultreïa,

Mary

I would like to add that I have looked at magwood's blog on this particular route and her daily distances are too long for me. I would like to see detailed lodging information along the entire way to help me plan my stages and have a better idea of how many days I will spend walking to get to Ferrol.

We walked way back in 2015 so I have been checking our blog - Camino 2015 - posts for June. We used only private accommodation, pre-booked. We also skipped some of the long stages where there was no food or accommodation. Also we had limited time and needed to reach Ferrol to walk the Inglés. The FEVE, if times work, and taxis will help. @Dave 's guide varies a little from the route we worked out and you might find our stops shorten some of the days. After such a long time we cannot be certain which places we used are still open etc.
In San Andrés you lose the phone signal at the top of the hill, at the turning to Cedeira, but the lady in the cafe used the radio phone to call us a taxi, so very kind of her.
Hopefully you can work out your stops - most of our days would have been within your 15kms.
Buen Camino

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Tia Valeria, your advice is always valuable and I appreciate your experience. Thank you so much for having such a detailed blog, I've been looking at it and find it very useful. My friends and I are looking forward to doing this wonderful Ruta do Mar and the Camino Inglés in April and May next year
Ultreïa!

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Thank you all for your suggestions, support and advice! In 3 weeks we'll be on our way I am so excited to finally get back to a Camino
Here is my itinerary with shorter stages We have made all our accommodation reservations for this part of our Camino, so no concerns on whether or not we'll find a place to stay for the evening. For the Camino Inglés our plan is to go with the flow and stay in the albergues along the way because the infrastructure is well established for the pilgrims.


Day 1: Ribadeo to Praia das Catedrais 17.80 km (11.06 mi)


Day 2: Praia das Catedrais to Foz 21.80 km (13.54 mi)


Day 3: Foz to Burela 19.70 km (12.24 mi)


Day 4: Burela to San Cibrao (Ciprián) 13.00 km (8 mi)


Day 5: San Cibrao to Viveiro 22.20 km (13.79 mi)


Day 6: Viveiro to O Vicedo 21.41 km (13.30 mi)


Day 7: O Vicedo to O Porto de Espasante 17.42 km (10.82 mi) (Taxi to Ortigueira*)


Day 8: Ortigueira to San Andrés de Teixido 22.40 km (13.91 mi) (Taxi to Cedeira*)


Day 9: Cedeira to Valdoviño 19.16 km (11.90 mi)


Day 10: Valdoviño to Ferrol 23.41 km (14.54 mi)

* Arranged

 

[peregrina2000]

Looks so great! Is there a place to stay right at Praia das Catedrais? You probably already know this, but you can check online to see when low tide is and that is just absolutely the best time to go.

You’ve already got things figured out, but I wonder if you have seen @magwood’s blog? She walked the Ruta del Mar 5 or 6 years ago.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Looks so great! Is there a place to stay right at Praia das Catedrais? You probably already know this, but you can check online to see when low tide is and that is just absolutely the best time to go.

We're actually staying in Reinante about 2.5 km inland at Pensión Elena And we definitely are planning to be at Praia das Catedrais at low tide. I'm sure it will be a memorable highlight of my Camino

Indeed, yes I saw @magwood’s blog and right away knew that I wouldn't be able to cover the daily long distances that she walked. Her blog is chock full of helpful information, and I loved her photos and description of the daily stages she did!

 

[alipilgrim]

I hope you'll write about your journey! Buen Camino!

 

[Peregrina 2013]

I hope you'll write about your journey! Buen Camino!

I definitely will report about the Ruta do Mar and my experiences along the way! Thank you so much for your good wishes!

 

[pilgrimjim]

Thanks to you all for your helpful thoughts. Hoping to walk the Do Mar in September but wondering about the best way to get from Madrid to ribadeo. Rome2Rio suggests flying to A Coruna and taking a bus from there. Agree???

 

[Magwood]

Thanks to you all for your helpful thoughts. Hoping to walk the Do Mar in September but wondering about the best way to get from Madrid to ribadeo. Rome2Rio suggests flying to A Coruna and taking a bus from there. Agree???

I haven’t any alternative suggestions but if you take this option check out the airline Volotea. They seem to be very cheap with generous luggage allowances.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Thanks to you all for your helpful thoughts. Hoping to walk the Do Mar in September but wondering about the best way to get from Madrid to ribadeo. Rome2Rio suggests flying to A Coruna and taking a bus from there. Agree???

We flew to Madrid on AA and from Madrid to Oviedo on Iberia in April. Stayed in Oviedo for a couple of days and then took the bus to Ribadeo. It took about 2h 30m.

 

[CatPhillips]

We flew to Madrid on AA and from Madrid to Oviedo on Iberia in April. Stayed in Oviedo for a couple of days and then took the bus to Ribadeo. It took about 2h 30m.

Hi Peregrina, I've just started playing with the idea of doing the Ruta do Mar and the Ingles for my Camino in September. I saw that you had arranged all your accommodations ahead of time, yes? So I'm wondering if that's necessary (or can I make arrangements a day or two before)? Would you say it's a lot more expensive than staying in albergues? Any other advice? I've done a bunch of caminos already and I'll be going alone. Don't mind a little solitude, especially if it's a trade off for some excellent views and good food.

Or should I just stick with the Ingles/Finisterre/Muxia route?

Cat

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Hi Cat, the reason I made accommodation arrangements ahead of time was because there is no infrastructure for Peregrinos along the Ruta do Mar yet, because it is just recently been recognized by the Xunta de Galicia as an official Camino de Santiago, so the albergues are far and few in between. Because of Covid - so many closures, I wanted to make sure that places were open and I had a place to stay according to my daily itinerary - I just did not want to find myself having to walk longer than planned to find lodging. Yes, accommodations were more expensive than staying at an albergue but I really didn't have much of a choice. With a group of 5 it was economically feasible to stay at apartments, pensiones and hotels.

In September I don't think you'll have any trouble booking a day or two ahead. Yes, the views are absolutely breathtaking and, of course the food is incredible all along the Ruta do Mar! You will have solitude - I personally loved it, and honestly it's what I enjoy the most as I walk my Caminos.

When we finished the Ruta do Mar we stayed in Ferrol for 3 nights and then my husband and I went on to do the Camino Inglés - which is wonderful - but quite different than being by the sea. In Santiago we spent 4 nights and went on to Porto for a few days before going to Madrid to visit family and then fly back home.

I have been to both Finisterre and Muxía but never walked the Camino to get there. This Camino is well established and I imagine it's also very beautiful. So now you have choices to make, but I'm pretty sure you wouldn't regret doing the Ruta do Mar. The Mar Cantábrico is raw and wild!! Don't hesitate to get in touch if you have more questions, I'll be glad to help

Ultreïa!

Mary

 

[CatPhillips]

Thanks, Mary. I appreciate the info. It sounds lovely. I'll consult the guidebook and make a decision. I do plan to walk the Ingles after and then maybe to Finisterre and Muxia if I have time.

 

[pilgrimjim]

Thanks, Mary. I appreciate the info. It sounds lovely. I'll consult the guidebook and make a decision. I do plan to walk the Ingles after and then maybe to Finisterre and Muxia if I have time.

Hi Cat!
My friend and I will not be far behind. Leaving Ribadeo on September 28. Walk well and leave bread crumbs!

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Thanks, Mary. I appreciate the info. It sounds lovely. I'll consult the guidebook and make a decision. I do plan to walk the Ingles after and then maybe to Finisterre and Muxia if I have time.

I am not sure if you've seen this Spanish government website of the Camino Natural del Cantábrico - which we followed to the end because Ruta do Mar is not signed yet, at all! They have excellent maps that you can print or simply download to use on your mobile phone.

Camino Natural de la Ruta del Cantábrico

Camino Natural de la Ruta del Cantábrico

www.mapa.gob.es

So, my suggestion is do not follow the guide when it takes you inland because the locals have no clue where the trails are and you could very easily get lost. The Camino Natural del Cantábrico is the way to go, and most of all, it's well marked;-)

 

[CatPhillips]

I am not sure if you've seen this Spanish government website of the Camino Natural del Cantábrico - which we followed to the end because Ruta do Mar is not signed yet, at all! They have excellent maps that you can print or simply download to use on your mobile phone.

Camino Natural de la Ruta del Cantábrico

Camino Natural de la Ruta del Cantábrico

www.mapa.gob.es

So, my suggestion is do not follow the guide when it takes you inland because the locals have no clue where the trails are and you could very easily get lost. The Camino Natural del Cantábrico is the way to go, and most of all, it's well marked;-)

Thanks, Mary. I did find that webpage and it looks helpful. I also bought the Cicerone guidebook for the Ingles and the Ruta do Mar. It's been good; I've been planning all morning. Looks like they give alternative routes pretty often and then suggest one or the other. I was also able to download klm files to use on maps.me from Cicerone.

It looks doable in about 7 days and there are a few hostels and even the hotels seem reasonably priced. I might have to take a taxi one day at Teixido (or walk an extra 10k, we'll see how that plays out). I might go ahead and book things ahead of time before i leave, just for the peace of mind.

And this webpage had a lot of good info, if anyone's interested: https://www.goingthewholehogg.com/west-highland-way-guide/

Thanks for your help.

 

[CatPhillips]

Hi Cat!
My friend and I will not be far behind. Leaving Ribadeo on September 28. Walk well and leave bread crumbs!

Hey Jim, good for you! Have you done any advanced planning? I'm doing my first draft planning this morning. I'm a little nervous about getting off the beaten path but that's the fun of it, yes?

Have a good walk!

 

[CatPhillips]

Thanks, Mary. I did find that webpage and it looks helpful. I also bought the Cicerone guidebook for the Ingles and the Ruta do Mar. It's been good; I've been planning all morning. Looks like they give alternative routes pretty often and then suggest one or the other. I was also able to download klm files to use on maps.me from Cicerone.

It looks doable in about 7 days and there are a few hostels and even the hotels seem reasonably priced. I might have to take a taxi one day at Teixido (or walk an extra 10k, we'll see how that plays out). I might go ahead and book things ahead of time before i leave, just for the peace of mind.

And this webpage had a lot of good info, if anyone's interested: https://www.goingthewholehogg.com/west-highland-way-guide/

Thanks for your help.

Oops! Sorry wrong link! Unless you're doing the West Highland Way! LOL!

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Oops! Sorry wrong link! Unless you're doing the West Highland Way! LOL!

Not a problem, Cat! I'm actually thinking of doing the John Muir Way in Scotland and just received my guidebook;-) This look very doable as well! Thanks!

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Thanks, Mary. I did find that webpage and it looks helpful. I also bought the Cicerone guidebook for the Ingles and the Ruta do Mar. It's been good; I've been planning all morning. Looks like they give alternative routes pretty often and then suggest one or the other. I was also able to download klm files to use on maps.me from Cicerone.

It looks doable in about 7 days and there are a few hostels and even the hotels seem reasonably priced. I might have to take a taxi one day at Teixido (or walk an extra 10k, we'll see how that plays out). I might go ahead and book things ahead of time before i leave, just for the peace of mind.

And this webpage had a lot of good info, if anyone's interested: https://www.goingthewholehogg.com/west-highland-way-guide/

Thanks for your help.

You'll be fine and I think it's pretty smart to book ahead of time! I don't think you'll have any problem getting a taxi to pick you up in San Andrés de Teixido - it's really worth it spending time there without being in a hurry!

 

[VNwalking]

Just noticed this thread, and have bookmarked it for future reference.
Thanks, @Peregrina 2013 . Your photos of this route are definitely putting this one on my list.

Leaving Ribadeo on September 28. Walk well and leave bread crumbs

I hope you both leave us all some virtual breadcrumbs, @pilgrimjim and @CatPhillips !

 

[CatPhillips]

Not a problem, Cat! I'm actually thinking of doing the John Muir Way in Scotland and just received my guidebook;-) This look very doable as well! Thanks!

I'm walking the West Highland Way with my partner the first two weeks of September and then flying over to Spain to walk a Camino. Planning both simultaneously. Three and a half weeks to go!

 

[Peregrina 2013]

I'm walking the West Highland Way with my partner the first two weeks of September and then flying over to Spain to walk a Camino. Planning both simultaneously. Three and a half weeks to go!

I hope you have a memorable journey, Cat!! You'll have to tell me all about the WHW! I am in the beginning of my planning for spring next year

 

[pilgrimjim]

Hey Jim, good for you! Have you done any advanced planning? I'm doing my first draft planning this morning. I'm a little nervous about getting off the beaten path but that's the fun of it, yes?

Have a good walk!

We’ve been planning for several months and have reservations for every night. We chose this route partially because of the numbers of people walking the Frances and Portugal, Covid still being a concern. We also have some uncertainty after Teixido but I’ve been using both Cicerone and Wikiloc to plan. As mentioned by another, we’re often following the Cantabrico route as it stays closer to the coast and is better marked.
Buen Camino

 

[Peregrina 2013]

I'm walking the West Highland Way with my partner the first two weeks of September and then flying over to Spain to walk a Camino. Planning both simultaneously. Three and a half weeks to go!

Cat, may I ask you about the West Highland Way. Are you planning on going with an outfitter that includes your lodging and bag transportation? Would you mind sharing any information that could help me plan for the WHW? My friends and I talked about it and are very interested in pursuing this for next next year. If you'd like to, feel free to send me a PM. Thanks so much!

 

[CatPhillips]

Hi Peregrina, I don't mind sharing at all! My partner and I have planned it all out ourselves so it's doable but takes a little time. I'm using the Cicerone guidebook by Terry Marsh. To book places to sleep, I've used Booking.com, hostellingworld.org.uk, hostalworld.com, and I've emailed some places directly.

We're doing it in 8 days, so the longest day is 24k and the shortest is 10k. The guidebook can help you break it down differently if you want to do it in less days. We're doing a combination of hostels and inns, some fairly cheap and some pretty expensive. I was told last week that it's important to book meals in advance, too, so I went back and made reservations in some places where it seemed there were few options.

This is our first time in Scotland so first time on the WHW. I can't guarantee that this is the best way to do it, but I'll report back!

We start in Milngavie, or course, and end in Fort Williams. Flying in and out of Edinburgh from the states.

These are the stages we're doing:

DAY 1

Walk to Dryman (20k/12.5m)

Sleep at Angel Cottage (Booking)

DAY 2

Walk to Rowardennan (24k/15m)

Sleep at Rowardennan Lodge (https://www.hostellingscotland.org.uk) This might change.

DAY 3

Walk to Inverarnan (24k/14m)

Sleep at Drovers Inn (confirmed through email)

DAY 4

Walk to Crianlarich (10.5k/6.5m)

Sleep at Crianlarich Hostal (Booking)

DAY 5

Walk to Bridge of Orchy (22k/14m)

Sleep at Bridge of Orchy Hotel (booked through hotel)

DAY 6

Walk to Kinghouse (19k/12m)

Sleep at Kinghouse Bunkhouse (booked through hotel)

DAY 7

Walk to Kinlochleven (14k/9m)

Sleep at Blackwater Hostal (Booking)

DAY 8

Walk to Fort William (24k/15m)

Sleep at Fort William Backpacker (hostalworld)

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Hi Cat, a huge THANK YOU!!! This is extremely helpful to begin my planning and I look forward to hearing about your adventure when you get back! May you have fair weather and stay well throughout to enjoy your journey!!

Buen Camino, Cat!

Mary

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Hi Peregrina, I don't mind sharing at all! My partner and I have planned it all out ourselves so it's doable but takes a little time. I'm using the Cicerone guidebook by Terry Marsh. To book places to sleep, I've used Booking.com, hostellingworld.org.uk, hostalworld.com, and I've emailed some places directly.

We're doing it in 8 days, so the longest day is 24k and the shortest is 10k. The guidebook can help you break it down differently if you want to do it in less days. We're doing a combination of hostels and inns, some fairly cheap and some pretty expensive. I was told last week that it's important to book meals in advance, too, so I went back and made reservations in some places where it seemed there were few options.

This is our first time in Scotland so first time on the WHW. I can't guarantee that this is the best way to do it, but I'll report back!

We start in Milngavie, or course, and end in Fort Williams. Flying in and out of Edinburgh from the states.

These are the stages we're doing:

DAY 1

Walk to Dryman (20k/12.5m)

Sleep at Angel Cottage (Booking)

DAY 2

Walk to Rowardennan (24k/15m)

Sleep at Rowardennan Lodge (https://www.hostellingscotland.org.uk) This might change.

DAY 3

Walk to Inverarnan (24k/14m)

Sleep at Drovers Inn (confirmed through email)

DAY 4

Walk to Crianlarich (10.5k/6.5m)

Sleep at Crianlarich Hostal (Booking)

DAY 5

Walk to Bridge of Orchy (22k/14m)

Sleep at Bridge of Orchy Hotel (booked through hotel)

DAY 6

Walk to Kinghouse (19k/12m)

Sleep at Kinghouse Bunkhouse (booked through hotel)

DAY 7

Walk to Kinlochleven (14k/9m)

Sleep at Blackwater Hostal (Booking)

DAY 8

Walk to Fort William (24k/15m)

Sleep at Fort William Backpacker (hostalworld)

Hi Cat, My hope is that you are well and had an unforgettable experience in Scotland last year! I would imagine you are planning new adventures for the near future, right?

It's been a few months, but I'm all set for the West Highland Way with two of my dearest adventure seeking peregrinas, beginning on the 24th of April. We'll be doing shorter stages and walking for 10 days instead of 8. We'll arrive in Glasgow on the 21st and spend 3 nights there before heading to Milingavie. At the end we'll head from Port William to Edinburgh and stay for 5 nights with the intent of seeing as much as we can

I just wanted to ask how your trip was and if you have any suggestions on things we must do and not miss, and also any warnings that might help us prevent a bad experience.

I look forward to hearing all about your time on the WHW. Many thanks for your insight Cat!

Mary

 

[CatPhillips]

Hi Mary,

We had a great time! Everything went well and we had (mostly) good weather. The Scottish people were so friendly. We made a point of asking the locals how to pronounce the names of their towns (we videotaped them). It was fun and most were more than willing to go along. The highlands are grand and beautiful and we loved it all.

I think I'd add a warning about the section from Rowardennan to Inverarnan. Starting from Rowardennan and ending in Inversnaid (where the routes come together again) you have a choice of going along the lake or taking the (easier) upper route. We chose the lower route along the lake and it was beautiful but I found it very challenging. There were lots of streams to cross and things to climb over and at some point my knee decided to give out. So when we got to Inversnaid (at the Inversnaid Hotel) we decided to skip the second half. I just couldn't do another several miles of the same difficult terrain. We were able to catch a ferry across the lake and then a bus to the Drover's Inn. I'm sure younger, fitter people wouldn't have any problem but from what I heard, it is the most difficult walking, technically.

Hotels and lodging review:

Drover's Inn was interesting and worth seeing, if that works with your schedule. History, good food, and really friendly service, and last but not least the great collection of taxidermied animals. A little weird but, like I said, worth seeing.

Kinghouse was beautiful. We stayed at the bunkhouse (which was nice) but ate at the lodge. Amazing view from the restaurant. And excellent food.

The Bridge of Orchy Hotel was also lovely. Highly recommended. You're right on the river and it's beautiful. The food there was also really good.

Also the Angel Cottage in Dryman was wonderful. Sweet owner and great breakfast. Loved that place. And we ate at the Clachan Inn in Dryman. Good food and even better atmosphere.

Have a great trip! Let me know how it goes.

Cat