It took time each evening to move one or two cars ahead to where we intended to finish walking the next day. We were glad we went to this effort, for several reasons.

First, we were aware while planning the week that some people were likely to be more fit for walking the West Highland Way than others. By having cars available each day, one or more individuals could decide to take a day off from walking. They could take their car and do something else in the scenic Highlands, to give their feet a rest. A few people took advantage of that option.

Second, having our cars along meant we didn't have carry a weeks worth of clothing. While walking we carried only what we might need during the day. We didn't need to carry anything that we would need in the evening or later in the trip.

Third, some of us also put extra walking gear into the car that we probably wouldn't need. One person found herself wishing for a larger pair of boots. Another person had a spare pair of boots that fitted well. This is a benefit of not being limited to a small amount of luggage. None of us were experienced enough to select a minimum amount of gear to put into a backpack.

Sixth, we decided to take four cars for the three couples. That gave each couple the convenience on most mornings to put our luggage in our own car before walking, since only the extra car had been moved ahead to the next day's destination. The extra car also covered the eventuality that one or two couples might have to depart without completing the West Highland Way, whether due to injury or emergency back home. The extra car allowed as few as two people to complete the week of walking. We were glad that none had to leave before the end of the week.

For all of these advantages, some of us had to drive from one to four hours each evening. Along the middle portions of the West Highland Way, the driving wasn't arduous. For example, when we got to Ewich House two people could have showers while four of us drove back to Beinglas to get the three cars left there. Two of the four cars returned to Ewich House while the other two drove on the Inveroran to leave one car there. This longest drive took about an hour.

However, it's far more difficult to shuttle cars along Loch Lomond. The West Highland Way goes up the east shore of the loch and the only road is along the west shore. The night we stayed in Balmaha, it was a one hour drive back around the south end of the loch and up the entire west shore to leave two cars at Beinglas, and then it was an hour drive back to Beinglas. That evening we ate at a restaurant along the way.

Staying the next night at Inversnaid created twice the driving. We enjoyed staying at Inversnaid Lodge, it was one of the best places we stayed, but it is a very long drive to get there by car. From Beinglas it was a two hour drive back to Inversnaid, via Crianlarich, Lochearnhead, Callander and Aberfoyle, to retrieve the car left there. Then it was nearly two hours back to a shower, dinner and bed.

Were we to walk the West Highland Way again, we would choose a different plan. To avoid the four hours of driving, we would rather carry a toothbrush and extra clothing in our backpack and stay at Inversnaid without a car. The alternate plan would be to walk from Rowardennan to Beinglas, perhaps stopping at Inversnaid for lunch.

It was great having cars available in Fort William so that we could return to our different destinations.