We survived and returned back to the states this past Wednesday evening!!
We flew into Edinburgh, then bused down to Glasgow for a one night stay before taking the train to Milngavie to start the trail hike. Glasgow is a bit rougher, to us, than Edinburgh but is less expensive too. We stayed at the Grasshopper Inn right by the train station; stayed there based on suggestions from people on this forum. It's advertised as a luxury hotel but was a bit basic. People who worked there were very nice.
Train to Milngavie was no issue to get tickets and travel. Stayed over night in Milngavie, a small town, before starting the trail on August 27th. Bought Smidge spray for repelling the midges we heard so much about. Hiked about 12-13 miles to the village of Dryman. Stayed in a lovely B&B with very small beds and warm rooms! Second days hike took us to the Conic Hill heading towards our goaf 14.5 miles to Rowardennan. It was a national holiday so the trail was a bit crowded. And for me, brutal. After a few miles of gentle incline it became increasingly steeper. Reaching the top of the hill, a brief squall came up. And the descent was just as bad= large somewhat flat boulders that were very slick from the rain. Got into the small park/town of Balmaha and had some lunch. Knew I had to go another 7 miles to get to our hotel- my legs were pretty shredded by then.
Day three, I could not hike- too wiped out. My husband headed out for another 14 miles towards Inveraman- actually to Ardlui, which is across a loch and one takes a ferry to get there. He encountered wet weather for much of it, and he commented that that section of the trail was very difficult, with lots of clambering over large boulders and uphills. My challenge was finding transportation to reach Ardlui- I had to get a very expensive Taxi from Rowardennan back to Balmaha; then a ferry from Balmaha to a town of Luss; then a bus to Ardlui.
Day 4 hike was towards the town of Tyndrum. I started out with my husband but after about 4 miles, I knew my legs wouldn't sustain me. SO again, I turned back and got a bus into Tyndrum. Stayed at some cottages run by a very kind older couple. She even did our laundry (for a fee) which was wonderful.
Day 5 hike was 19 miles- spouse went without me. I caught a bus to Kinghouse-. I pre-booked a ticket and it turned out it was to the wrong place, so I had to purchase another ticker from the driver. Kinghouse Hotel has a bit of history and is just in the middle of nowhere, it seems. But the staff was nice, the room was large with a king sized bed! Food was pricey for dinner but it's the only place to eat. They also have a bunkhouse with many rough looking people who stayed there :)
Day 6 was a 9 mile hike to the town of Kinlochleven. Only day we encountered midges! I handled it pretty well- last few miles were very boring- going along with the water pipes and electric lines. Inn we stayed at was decent and again, lovely people who we encountered there.
Last hike was a 15 mile challenge to reach Ft. William. Hubby handled it just fine while I once again took a bus. We stayed in a lovely place called Myrtle Bank B&B. Ft. William is a bustling town and we were wishing we spent an extra day there. Lots of little shops and restaurants. On a beautiful loch.
WHW trail scenery was amazing and all the people we met each day were very nice and interesting! Each town/village was the same- friendly nice people!
Bus trip back to Edinburgh took about 5 hours total, with a bus change in Glasgow. We chose to stay at an airport hotel, the Moxey, because we had a 6am flight 2 days later and didn't want the hassle of getting transport .
Edinburgh Airport is very efficient and well run.
Edinburgh is a lovely city; lots of hills but great sights. We went to Berties Proper Fish and Chips and a had a nice lunch.
Thanks again to all who so kindly gave suggestions and advice!