Book Review - Trailblazer Guide - West Highland Way

Trailblazer Guides are going from strength to strength with a regular supply of new titles and updated editions of existing titles. This recent 2nd edition offers the same attention to detail of the major Scottish Trail.

The WHW does have its afficionados and the author of this guide, Charlie Loram, must be one of these as he writes with passion and enthusiasm about the route. Sadly the West Coast of Scotland suffers more than its fair share of rain. Yet reading this guide will lift your spirits as you cover the route from the outskirts of Glasgow to Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis under sunny skies.

The guide is practical and has not allowed anything to get in the way of this clearly designed focus. This is a book that endeavours to get you from A to B providing information that is accurate and useful. Hand drawn maps provide visual guidance and pick out the tricky details of route navigation.

A small selection of colour photos provide some pictorial content and never overshadow the practical nature of this book. despite the focus on producing a working guide, the book does make excellent fireside reading. You will soon find yourself getting out the diary and seeing if you can fit a visit into your schedule!

Verdict – Trailblazer are building on success here with a second edition. Practical and worth every penny this book should be a part of any walker's library that is intending to walk the WHW. Prefect for pre-trip planning and for taking with you, this is a must for all walking the glorious West Highland Way.

Review date - 5th February 2008 - Reviewed by LJ