One of the main bits of advice we could offer anyone visiting Greenstone Lodge is bring sensible footwear, and when we say sensible we don’t mean a nice pair of brogues or just anything that isn’t a 4 inch heal. We mean a solid, sturdy sort of shoe that could take a punch, is ideally waterproof, and if possible has a grip similar to the grip of Mark Felix, the British Strongman famous for his strong grip.
Walking boots are best if you have them, since moving here we’ve barely been out of ours, they hit all the above criteria and are ideal for long hikes and exploring the Scottish Highlands, they are also brilliantly comfy to boot! Our other shoes have spent so long on the shoe rack I assume they have become institutionalised, and at this point it would probably be very upsetting for them to be taken outside. Once you have you footwear sorted you can explore the walks in the area.
There are too many to mention within a short drive from Greenstone Lodge, but we also have various walks straight from the door. To start with we are directly on the West Highland Way, and you can go in either direction. If you go right you cross over the Bridge that gives the Bridge of Orchy its name, and start travelling uphill for around a mile and a half. Its worth the effort as the views keep getting better the higher you go, once at the top you’re rewarded with the breath-taking sight of the surrounding Munros and the views down to Loch Tulla, you can then descend into Inveroran, stopping off for a drink at the Inveroran Hotel which I believe has one of the best beer gardens in Britain. You can then walk back to Greenstone Lodge along the tiny road past the loch and the river Orchy.
Its around 5.5 miles altogether, but if you fancy taking your boots for more of a day out you can carry on past Inveroran and follow the track heading towards Loch Dochard. This route takes you along the Abhainn Shira river and over little bridges including Victoria Bridge, various little wooden ones and the impressivly rickety Clashgour Bridge, its normally very quiet as it isn’t part of the West Highland Way, and offers a different view of the Munros from the valley below. It feels quite timeless as all signs of humanity slowly disappear and you start expecting to see a heard of grazing dinosaurs somewhere in the distance.
You could also carry on along the West Highland Way from Inveroran, through Rannoch Moor and towards Glencoe, its about 12 miles but there is a bus back, although it’s a good idea to pre book a ticket as it can get busy.
If you head left out of Greenstone Lodge, cross the road and go up the hill, within 3 minutes you will be at the foot of Beinn Dorain, a Munro measuring a height of 1076m, only 9 metres shy of Mount Snowdon. This can be climbed if you are feeling particularly adventurous or alternatively you can head the 7 or so miles to Tyndrum on the West Highland Way and then catch a train back to the Bridge of Orchy.
If all this sounds like a lot of effort and you’re main priority is just relaxing and enjoying the food at our vegan B&B, there is a great option that allows you to see some nature without needing to train for it first. There’s a lovely circular route around the forest next to the Bridge that takes you about 40 minutes to complete and has some great views through the trees to Glen Orchy. This one probably doesn’t even need walking boots. If you really want to spoil yourself why not take a Greenstone Lodge picnic or two with you, you’re on holiday after all!
