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West Highland Way

West Highland Way

steesh_1

By steesh_1

26 July 2008 06:06

I'm wild camping along the West Highland Way in August. Where is best to resupply water and what's best to get it clean?

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LFTO Answers Team

By LFTO Answers Team

Mike McManus from The West Highland Way says: "Assuming you are seeking to enjoy a 100% outdoor experience, and not carry bottled water, then the availability of water along the line of the West Highland Way will not be a problem.  The best source is running water - don't be put off by a tea like colouration but do assume that all water is contaminated and not fit for use without treatment and do not believe the myth that cascading water is safe.

"There are two main options, one chemical based, chlorine or iodine, the other filtration.  The former has the disadvantage of leaving a taste in the water requiring a second treatment to remove it and possible intolerance of the chemical employed.  The latter’s disadvantages are cost and the need to carry the filtering equipment.  Each option has its champions, who regard the other as not worth consideration. A third option is boiling, if you have the means and fuel to do so. Click here for full and comprehensive details of sourcing safe water from the wild."
 

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Where can I get water on the West HIghland Way?

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bearhugger

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bearhugger says

Re: Where can I get water on the West HIghland Way?

In Scotland getting water is easy. Open your mouth wide. Then point it skywards!

22 August 2008 23:43

BigDug

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BigDug says

Re: Where can I get water on the West HIghland Way?

A couple of the pubs on the route have outdoor taps. Failing that you can ask inside. The only bit thats very hard to get water is up the side of Loch Lomond, but as ptc says, we've had a lot of rain. The wee streams that come off the side of Ben Lomond will be good enough to drink. 2L shouold be enough to see you through any of the days, unless it's an absolute scorcher of course ;)

13 August 2008 09:46

lasty

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lasty says

Re: Where can I get water on the West HIghland Way?

PTC knows the score but as he says it IS a low level walk , so water really needs to be purified . i took a hand-pump but hardly ever used it as i filled up 2 liters , mostly on campsites and that did me for the day ......

Don`t be afraid to ask as the way is well thought of and supported - as you`ll find , most of all - ENJOY !!!

 

12 August 2008 21:16

ptc

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ptc says

Re: Where can I get water on the West HIghland Way?

This can be an issue at times, right now though there's been so much rain that all the burns coming from the hills are fast flowing and usable. Much of the Way is low level and some through farm land, neither of which is good for water, but one of these is ideal http://www.petesy.co.uk/?p=196

There's plenty of places to fill up from a tap as well, hotels, campsites, garages and the like. You won't be stuck.

12 August 2008 18:18

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