Several taxi operators serve the West Highland Way, providing transport for hikers, whether it's for baggage transfer, shortcuts, or simply getting to or from the trail.
Here are some of the main taxi companies and services along the West Highland Way:
1. Taxi Services for Shortcuts
If you want to skip a section of the West Highland Way, or if you need to get to or from a certain point quickly, taxis can be a convenient option. For example:
Milngavie to Drymen: A short taxi ride can bypass the first 7 miles of the trail if you're short on time or prefer not to hike the initial section.
Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy: If you want to skip the 6-mile stretch between Tyndrum and Bridge of Orchy, local taxis are available.
Kinlochleven to Fort William: You can avoid the Devil's Staircase by taking a taxi from Kinlochleven to Fort William, skipping this steep section of the trail.
2. Taxi Operators Along the West Highland Way
Here are some local taxi services that can be contacted along the West Highland Way:
West Highland Taxis: Based in Kinlochleven but can cover from Tyndrum to Fort William.
BOO Cars: Based in Bridge of Orchy.
Alistair’s Taxis: Based in Ballachulish and have no geographical limits. Has an 8-seater and prefers to book via phone.
Glencoe Taxi Services: A reliable option for anyone in the Glencoe area needing to travel short distances along the trail.
Crianlarich Cars: Pre-booked service only.
3. Booking Taxis
Booking in Advance: It's advisable to book taxis in advance, especially during the busy tourist seasons (spring and summer) when demand is high. You can usually do this by calling the taxi companies directly or using online booking services if available.
Availability: Some taxi companies may require you to call them for pick-ups from certain spots along the trail. Having their contact details on hand can help you arrange transport if needed.
4. Taxi Costs
Cost Estimates: Taxi fares along the West Highland Way vary depending on the distance, but typical short journeys (such as from Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy) may cost around £15 to £25. Longer journeys, such as Kinlochleven to Fort William, might cost closer to £30 to £40.
Group Rates: If you’re traveling with a group, you may be able to get a better rate, as you can split the fare.
5. Other Transport Services
In addition to taxis, there are also shuttle services available along the West Highland Way that can transport you between accommodations or specific trail sections. These shuttle services can often be arranged through your accommodation or with local transport providers.
Summary:
Taxi operators along the West Highland Way provide essential transport services for hikers. Whether you need a lift between towns, want to skip sections of the trail, or arrange baggage transfer, local companies like Tyndrum Taxis, Fort William Taxis, and Glencoe Taxis offer reliable services. Be sure to book in advance, especially during busy times, to ensure availability.
