Craiglands B&B

We are blessed with a range of excellent places to eat but It is essential to pre-book evening meals, particularly since Covid.


In the main square and 10 minutes walk from our B&B, you will find:
The Black Horse, Grassington (our favorite for pub grub, atmosphere, and attention to COVID guidelines)
Grassington House, Grassington (for something special is truly stunning)
Forrester’s Arms, Grassington (pub grub)
Devonshire Arms, Grassington (pub grub, gets VERY busy)
The Old Hall, Threshfield is the closest to us
The Fountaine Inn, Linton (stunning setting + great food) – (1-mile steady amble over the fields)

Must-Have Advice, Tips, and Info for First Time Long Distance Hikers

Walking your first long distance trail? The only thing that can match the thrill of your upcoming adventure is the feeling of overwhelm which comes with attempting to plan and prepare for your trip.

From how to get to the start of the route, and what to take, to what to expect on the way, and even what essentials to pack. 

That’s why we have taken the time to round up a full rucksack load of tips and tricks for walking your first long distance trail in the UK. Partially put together with the help of our experienced community of long distance hikers. 

This article is designed for walkers staying in hostels and B&B’s rather than camping or wild camping.

Plan Early

Long distance hiking is only growing in popularity. UK trails are some of the best in the world and despite our relatively small size as a nation, we have a lot of walking on offer. That being said, there are some trails which tend to attract a lot of attention, and its perfectly OK if you have planned to walk one of the busiest routes. For example the West Highland way, Hadrian’s wall Path, or South West Coast Path.

Rooms sell out quickly on these routes, so to avoid lengthy transfers to and from the trail, in a hotel several miles from the route, plan early. 6-12 months in advance is ideal for getting availability in the hotels you want, but if you can plan easier than that, you have the first pick.

Book Direct for the best price

To get the best room rate in a B&B, Hotel or Hostel, book direct, especially if the place you want to book with is showing availability on Booking.com, Expedia etc. Often these sites take a big commission, and your accommodation will be delighted to offer a small discount for your direct booking. 

Book online for speed

That being said, if you don’t have time to call around and book direct then most places can now be booked online. Be sure to double check that the accommodation you are booking is in the right location, and make sure you are aware of some of the different cancelation and payment policies before you commit. Most B&B’s are pay on arrival or departure, but many will also want to take card details as a backup, or a small deposit. 

Be careful of AirBnB

I’ve not got much against AirBnB. I’ve used it myself lots of times. However luggage transfer companies do sometimes struggle to deliver to unmanned accommodations. Make sure that if your AirBnB is a remote access accommodation, or is a homestay, that somebody is there to receive, and hand over your luggage if thats being moved for you. 

Make table reservations

If booking your own trip, be sure to make table reservations at local restaurants. Some destinations and overnight stops get very busy, and with only one or two restaurants available the spaces fill up quickly. To avoid disappointment, call in advance and book yourself a table. You will thank yourself for it later. 

Compare luggage transfer costs

On most of the major long-distance trails, you will find a range of luggage transfer options. Compare costs and weight limits as they all vary a little. On all of our walk pages, we offer a luggage transfer comparison to help you get the best rates and prices. 

Don’t skip the travel insurance

If coming from overseas don’t skimp on travel insurance. Our health service is free for some services to international visitors, but not all. 

Shop around if you use a tour operator

You may have come across a number of tour operators on you way to this article. Thats great, and I imagine you may be considering booking with one of them. Be sure to do your homework on tour operators. Some are better than others. 

Buy train tickets early, but no too early. 

The optimal time to buy your train tickets is 12 weeks ahead of travel. You can buy all train tickets online, which is cheaper, and easier than buying them at the stations. Also, many rural stations, which are often the gateway to the start of your walk do not have ticket machines so buying tickets here is not possible. 

Don’t expect nice trains like in the EU

Our trains are old and outdated, especially on lesser-used lines. Don’t expect them to be modern trains like in the EU unless you’re on a long journey on a mainline. 

Check parking arrangements in advance

If you are planning on arriving at the start of your walk by car, be sure to pre-book a car parking space in advance. If you are staying at a B&B or Inn sometimes this is available. Alternatively, there are car parking apps that allow you to rent a private space on a driveway. 

Carry cash

The vast majority of businesses will take card payments. If you are traveling from overseas make sure you have a debit card, such as a Visa Debit. Also, have a float of cash for grabbing an ice cream or hailing a cab in an emergency. 

Call your B&B’s ahead of time

If you are staying with B&B’s it’s really helpful to give them a call ahead of time to let them know when you will be arriving. The difference between a hotel and B&B is the host will be expecting you and will be concerned if you don’t show. You will also have an opportunity to discuss your breakfast options with your host.

Expect to be offered a full English each day

A full English breakfast is a typical offering at most accommodation. You may well get very fed up with them after 14 days of walking. Don’t worry, cereal and toast are also on offer. 

Don’t pack your laptop

The best advice here is to keep it simple. And unless you are planning on incorporating your hike into a work trip, leave the laptop or tablet at home! Enjoy the opportunity to disconnect from the world and save yourself the risk of expensive electronics being damaged in transit. 

Pack light

Talking about your day pack here assuming your having your bags moved. Pack light during the day. You don’t need as much as you think you do.

Look after your feet

I recommend bringing a lightweight first aid kit. As part of that kit have some foot care kit. Fix up hot spots before they turn into blisters, and give your feet room to breath on longer days (taking shoes off during lunch). Also keep stones out of your boots. 

Go slow

There will be lots to see on your trail. From the many varieties of trees, streams and rivers, distant views, wildlife, beautiful stone-built cottages. Your walk will be rich in history and culture and the people you meet will be friendly and welcoming. Take it slow, enjoy it as if you’re sipping on a well-aged wine or enjoying some decadent chocolate.

Expect bad weather

Optimism is important, and here at DistanceHiker we have an optimistic outlook on life. However when it comes to the british weather, verge on the side of caution with the weather. Even if your not walking on higher ground, be sure to pack essentials for bad weather such as waterproof trousers and jackets. We can get bad weather in the middle of th summer months, despite increasingly warmer temperatures year on year. 

Pack sunscreen

As the previous point it is getting warmer each year. Pack sunscreen. Theres a good chance you will need it if you are walking in the summer months. 

Plan miles you can manage

A lot of guidebooks will be broken into 10-15 mile sections. Don’t feel you have to tackle your walk based on the suggestions of a guidebook. Most walking routes have a number of ways you can tackle the trail. If you need alternate daily breakdowns of milages and overnight stops look at the itineraries on walking holiday companies websites. They often give you an accurate idea of milages, and overnight stops where your likely to find accommodation. If you are comfortable walking 8 miles a day then walk 8 miles a day. If you only want to walk 3-4 then walk 3-4. After all, this is your walk. 

Bring an umbrella 

Lightweight hikers may scoff at this. There are some good quality, strong and lightweight hiking umbrellas out there. They serve two purposes. When it rains, you stay dry and when it shines, you stay cool.

Read your guidebook, and explore your maps before you go

I strongly recommend reading your guidebook from start to finish, and exploring your maps before you go. Therefore, you will be well prepared for any difficult sections but also features along the way. 

However don’t over plan

This advice is personal. Don’t over plan to the mile. There’s something to be said about taking things as they come and simply enjoying the walk without having every detail planned out.

Pack wholesome food

It’s important to pack good quality wholesome food to keep you going while on the trail. Dried or fresh fruit, nuts, good quality cereal bars. It all helps, eat little and often as you go, refuelling for a good lunch in the middle of the day. 

Hydrate

I recommend a good quality bladder over a set of water bottles. And I mean good quality – don’t cheap out on a bladder. You will regret it when your pack is soaked with the contents of your bladder. That aside, a good quality bladder will allow you to have cool water on hot days, on tap as and when you need it. They hold a good amount of water, and centralize the weight of the water on your back, making the heaviest thing in your bag more comfortable to carry.

Hike your own hike

You have probably heard this before. Hike your own hike. Quite simply, don’t worry about the fast packers hiking past you at a lightning pace, caring the lightest kit on the market.

The Best Time Of Year To Walk West Highland Way

The West Highland Way is a 96 (154 Km) mile Scottish National Trail.  The Trail takes walkers from Milingavie to Fort William, taking in an excellent variety of scenery, from moorland, open park, lochs, and tough mountain terrain. 

Most walkers complete the route from South to North, finishing in Fort William, with the chance to walk Ben Nevis as a final achievement. However walking in reverse is possible, but puts the harder miles at the beginning of the route. 

But When Is The Best Time Of Year To Walk The West Highland Way?​

We recommend hiking the West Highland Way  April and June, and in September and October. The weather is generally milder at this time of year, with less chance of hot, or wet days, or even obscure cold days (We have had snow in April before!). During these months the ground likely to be dry and walking conditions therefore easier, and safer.

Accommodation along West Highland Way opens up between mid March and October, with transport links also ramping up their operations.

It’s also benefit to avoid August when all schools and universities have broken up. During this time expect busy trails, expensive or sold-out hotels and inns.

Whenever you decide to walk the West Highland Way, note that Scottish Weather is sure to be unpredictable, and plan for the worst.

Also, plan for the midges, which are probably worse than rain. Midges are worse between May-September, with the peak being in August. If bad accommodation options/prices and busy trails wasn’t enough, the Midges should convince you to book outside this month.  

Lets Look At When To NOT Walk The West Highland Way (If Avoidable)​

Let’s start with when, if you can help it to avoid walking the West Highland Way July and August (Midges!)

Often the months of July and August are hot, and the attractions along the path are filled with excited families taking time off for the school holidays. 

Accommodations are full and those available are expensive, and probably not great, and sure there’s a lot going on but you may not get the peace and quiet you hoped for. That being said, if you are younger and wanting to walk the path as part of a break from college or university, staying in hostels this time may be perfect for you, but please plan well in advance!

However, for the independent walker, looking for some calm away from the crowds I strongly recommend avoiding walking between mid July and the end of August. 

May – Almost Perfect, But A Few Bank Holidays​

May is a busy month on the waking calendar with a few bank holidays. Regardless the weather is often good in May, with the spring bloom fading, and the summer flowers beginning to show. The bank holidays do however make booking accommodation tricky if your booking late in the year. They also create busy hotspots on nice days, with crowds pouring out of Glasgow and surrounding towns to enjoy the route and the local countryside. 

June & September – Less Families, More Walkers​

June is often much quieter, and outside the holiday season, while September is again, the other side of the summer holidays. Both months tend to be busier with fellow walkers, yet quieter with the general public enjoying the long-distance route.

March, April & October – Quiet Trails, But Be Careful Of The Weather​

March, April, and October are the quieter months, however, the weather tends to be either glorious sunshine, or flooding the locality. Be warned, either is possible so don’t be disheartened if you find yourself walking 7 days in the rain. It does sometimes snow in March too.

But Whatever Your Choice…​

British weather is temperamental. Sure, we get great summers here, but we can also get two weeks of rain in the middle of June. Prepare for the worst, and enjoy the best. Happy Hiking!

The Best Daypacks For Long Distance Hiking

Many of us now choose to have our bags moved along Britains finest long distance routes. This leaves us with the advantage of traveling light, without the need for a heavy 50L bag on our back, carring everything we need to enjoy our holiday and adventure.

Osprey Hikelite 26 Rucksack

Design

The Hikelite features a slender narrow and minimalist design with everything a pack needs and nothing more. It's nothing we have not seen before but it stands up the test of time.

Durability

The pack is constructed with 100 denier fabric. That's tough for a pack that only weighs 0.7kg

Functionality

The pack features a large front mesh pocket, internal storage, two generous water bottle pockets and two compression sacks.

Price

For £80.00, this pack isn't the cheapest, but you get the Osprey Guarantee to back up your purchase.

Technical Specifications

Weight

455g

Volume

25L

Dimensions

48 x 28 x 28

Denier

100

Back System

Wire frame with foam

our verdict

The Osprey Hikelite 26 is a well featured and durable day pack. It features a striking design in its Shiitake Grey as show, but also features 6 colours in total. 

The pack features a vented back panel, which really helps with mosture movement/less sweat when your taking on the harder climbs. 

For the size some may find the single corded waist strap to be too narrow and cutting but the pack isn’t designed to be a weight carrier so this generally shouldn’t be an issue.

The little featured here make a real difference such as the scratch free sunglasses and electronics pocket, and the internal key attachments plus the choice to remove the hip-belt.  

Overall, this is an excellent, lightweight hiking pack and an ideal choice if Osprey is on your radar. 

our ratings

dESIGN

4.5/5

DURABILITY

5/5

FUNCTIONALITY

5/5

PRICE

4/5

total rating

4.7/5

Montane Halogen 25 Daypack

Design

The Montane Halogen 25 L day pack embraces a timeless design, using tough ripstop grid style fabric, and minimal features.

Durability

With well made durable plastic buckles, backed up by a 210 denier ripstop fabric, you can throw this pack around with little issue.

Functionality

Being a technical mountain use pack, this is a highly functional pack. Day hiking scratches the surface of what this pack can do.

Price

The Montane Halogen 25 has an RRP of £85.00.

Technical Specifications

Weight

871g

Volume

25L

Dimensions

51 x 28 x 20

Denier

210

Back System

Open Mesh

our verdict

The Montane Halogen pack has been designed as a technical mountain pack but I included it as I feel these often make for the best day packs for long distance hiking.  Why? Well if a pack is comfortable enough for a long day in the mountains, its certainly good enough for a long day on your long distance trail.

The pack is constructed with RAPTOR Geo fabric, which is marketing linguo for a tough 210 denier ripstop fabric. The pack features two generous hip belts, and an open mesh back system. Honestly I’m not a huge fan of open mesh systems as they are prone to collecting dirt and don’t clean down as easy but it does allow for reasonable airflow. 

Being a technical mountaineering pack, the profile of the pack is slim, with its compression straps, thin and descreet so to avoid too many flapping parts when your walking. Everything tucks away neatly. Walking poles can be securely attached using the same sysem designed to attach ice axes. That’s a pretty standard feature for this type of pack, but its’ good its not been missed.

Overall, the Montane Halogen 25 

our ratings

dESIGN

4.5/5

DURABILITY

5/5

FUNCTIONALITY

5/5

PRICE

4/5

total rating

4.6/5

Lowe Alpine Aeon 27

Design

This is a generously sized yet slim profile pack designed for moving light in the hills.

Durability

Like previous models the pack features a 210 denier outer fabric but is fronted with a thin stretchy mesh which will snag easily.

Functionality

The Lowe Alpine Aeon 27L is a remarkably well featured pack designed for a number of uses from mountain biking to hiking.

Price

This pack is the most expensive of the bunch at £90.00 but also has the biggest volume at 27L.

Technical Specifications

Weight

0.854 kg

Volume

27L

Dimensions

52 x 25 x 22 (medium)

Denier

210

Back System

Velcro Adjustable open grid

our verdict

The Lowe Alpine Aeon 27 has been marketed as a true all-rounder pack. Designed for everything from mountaineering use to a lightweight overnighter. This generously sized back has a huge entry zip, along with two generous side pockets, a large front mesh pocket, two more mesh hip belt pockets and a top pocket. 

It features Lowe Alpines ‘Air Contour’ back system which creates an anatomically shaped back system which moulds to the shape of the users back when pulled tight. This creates a very stable pack, even when used for fast-paced activities. 

The hip belts are also generously sized and enable lots of movement. 

Naturally, the pack features pole grippers, large zip pulls and a hydration pouch. 

This is not the lightest pack, but it features the most comfortable back system of the range shown here. 

our ratings

dESIGN

5/5

DURABILITY

4.5/5

FUNCTIONALITY

5/5

PRICE

4.5/5

total rating

4.7/5

Berghaus 24/7

Design

The Berghaus 24/7 has been designed to suit hikers, and commuters alike. Nothing to 'techical' here.

Durability

Like previous models the pack features a 210 denier outer fabric but is fronted with a thin stretchy mesh which will snag easily.

Functionality

The Lowe Alpine Aeon 27L is a remarkably well featured pack designed for a number of uses from mountain biking to hiking.

Price

At £40.00 you cannot go too far wrong for your money. It's not feature heavy, but it's definitely worth your attention.

Technical Specifications

Weight

455g

Volume

25L

Dimensions

50 x 28 x 20

Denier

600

Back System

Foam and Air Mesh

our verdict

This pack was not really designed for a specific use. Opposed to previous packs, which were made for a range of uses, the Berghaus was very much designed as simple daypack for anything you fancy using it for. Think of it as an entry level bag. 

That being said, it’s made of strong stuff, with a 600 (yes 600!) denier fabric. It does have walking pole loops, a waist cord, and hydration pouch.

I’m a little unsure of how useful the crab is on the outside but I am sure if you hike with a dog that would make a useful poo bag clip…

Overall, this is a competitively prices pack, which will be great for shorter day hikes. If you were to load it up to 25L with water, spare clothes and a good lunch you will not find it overly comfortable. But for most short summer hikes it’s perfectly adequate. 

And it looks nice too. 

our ratings

dESIGN

3.5/5

DURABILITY

5/5

FUNCTIONALITY

4/5

PRICE

5/5

total rating

4.3/5

How long does it take to walk the West Highland Way?

The West Highland Way is one of Britains finest Backpacking treks, beginning just outside the beautiful city of Glasgow and finishing at the easy going seaside town of Fort William. The entire walk should be achievable in about a week providing that you are walking at a leisurely pace and are acclimatized to any other elements, such as weather conditions.

However I would like to make the point that there is no right, or wrong way to walk this route. Here are the differences in how to walk the West Highland Way.

The Slow Way

Slow travel is taking a huge quantum leap. 

For many walkers, and I dare say the majority, taking the route slow is becoming really popular, regardless of age.

Why?

Well it’s simple. You can sample all there is to sample along the route. By eliminating the huge daily mileage, you instantly free yourself up to enjoy the views, attractions, pubs and tea rooms available on route. 

One example of an easy itinerary is this one below, as adapted from Contours Walking Holidays

Travel to Milngavie
Day 1: Milngavie to Drymen – 12 miles / 19km
Day 2: Drymen to Balmaha – 6.5 miles / 10.5km
Day 3: Balmaha to Rowardennan – 7.5 miles / 12km
Day 4: Rowardennan to Inverarnan – 14 miles / 22km
Day 5: Inverarnan to Tyndrum – 13 miles  /21km
Day 6: Tyndrum to Inveroran – 10 miles  / 16km
Day 7: Inveroran to Kingshouse – 10 miles / 16km
Day 8: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven – 9 miles / 14.5km
Day 9: Kinlochleven to Fort William – 14 miles / 22km
Depart from Fort William

This itinerary, with an average daily milage of 10.6 is an ideal starting point a slow walk. 

Doing it in halfs

How long to walk the West Highland Way if you want to walk the West Highland Way but you don’t have 10 days spare? Well, It’s perfectly acceptable to walk the route in two halves. A good mid-way stopping point is Tyndrum which has two train stations giving you public transport back to the start. Moreover, a few of the luggage transfer companies offer returns to the start of the route for a reasonable price. 

Walking the West Highland Way really quickly 💨

Whether you enjoy a personal challenge, sponsored walk, trail run, or your just too damn hardcore and simply want to tick the trail off your list in a weekend (please write and let us know how you do!), there are itineraries to suit.

Personally, I feel there is no shame in enjoying the comfort of a B&B if you are walking/running/unicycling the route in 4 days. 

Either way, Hillwalk Tours offers an excellent option of routes, including a 4-day challenge hike from Inveroran to Fort William. There are other companies offering challenge hikes too, such as the West Highland Way Challenger, which offers walk support, or the West Highland Way Race

Really, it’s all about your personal ability.

Know your limits, and if you don’t take it easy.

So there you have it. How long to walk the West Highland Way. Be sure to pick a route based on your ability rather than feeling like you have to overachieve. Slow is great, so is fast. There really is no right or wrong way to walk the route. Know your limits, and if you don’t take it easy.

Walk or run the route happy rather than bent and broken, from biting off more than you can chew. 

If you would like some help booking your West Highland Way walk, perhaps take a look at our recommended businesses, and luggage transfer companies

Money-Saving Tips For Your Long Distance Hike!

I have spent a lot of time thinking about putting together the ultimate money-saving long-distance hiking resource for everyone who wants to hike the UK. The Ultimate Money-Saving Long Distance Hiking Guide is my attempt to put all of my knowledge into one place and make it easy for other hikers to do their research with less effort. There are many places on the internet that cover long distance hiking in general, but I wanted this to be another tool that long distance hikers could refer back too.

Travel

1. Plan Your Travel To/From Your Destination In Advance.

If your using public transport, or even a hire car to reach the start of your trail I suggest planning and booking these services in advance. Don’t leave it until the last minute to get your bookings in, otherwise, the prices hike, especially for trains.

Travel Off-Peak

Off Peak travel is almost always cheaper. It’s quieter too, so try to plan your travel around Off-Peak Times. Off Peak in the UK is any time other than mornings (commuting hours), afternoons and weekends.

Bus Travel Is Still Cheaper

For the ultimate budget, experience travel by bus. National Express or Megabus are two reasonable options that often offer open returns to allow you to be more flexible with your arrangements.

Hitch Hike

Ok, ok not for everyone but if your really keen on saving the pennies hitch hiking may be for you.

Booking Accommodation

Book In Advance

The same rule applies to accommodation as it does for travel. Let me put it this way. If you make arrangements 4 weeks before you start walking all the cheap rooms will have gone and the price of your walking break will go up.

If however, you plan ahead the price will be a lot better since the budget rooms will still be available.

Stay In Hostels

Hostels still offer a great choice for budget-conscious travelers. Don’t be afraid to jump in a dorm room too. Often they offer an opportunity to get to know other hikers walking in the same direction and therefore a bit of company the next day. Just don’t forget to pack earbuds. There’s always a snorer ZzZzZzzzzz…

Book Out Two Nights

If public transport is adequate you will often find the rate for two nights is better than a rate for a single night, especially on weekends. Essentially B&Bs would rather you book for two nights so its always worth asking if they can offer you a better rate for an extended stay.

Book Out More Than Two Nights

Again, if you can make use of public transport why not book 3-4 nights, such as on sections of the Hadrian’s Wall Path where buses are available to take you along sections of the walk.

AirBnB

Airbnb isn’t quite what it used to be but some good deals can be found there. It should still be on your radar.

Camp! 

It’s cheaper than the rest, however, you do need to carry your kit.

Or do you… Check out Hadrian’s Haul luggage transfer services.

Saving Money On Food & Drink

Bring A Thermos Flask

Instead of stopping at each coffee shop you find bring some coffee or tea with you. That way, whenever you get a nice view you can stop for a brew.

Buy Lunch From Your Accommodation

Most B&Bs offer a packed lunch for about £5.00. It’s often far tastier and better value than the pre-packaged lunches you can buy from a Tesco express. It’s also more portable and lighter on the stomach than a heavy pub lunch.

Skip Dessert

Desserts are always the most overpriced, yet nutritionally lacking part of any evening meal. By all means enjoy eating out, but skip dessert.

Eat In

Most B&Bs will be happy for you to order in a take-away (if available in your area), or better still will cook for you. Often much cheaper than going out to the pub for an evening meal.

Visit Your Chippy

Fish and chips are always a winner and often the cheapest option