Rannock Moor! - 10 miles of emptiness beween the Inveroran Hotel and Kingshouse which is at entrance to Glencoe. With dark, low clouds and some light rain the weather provided a suitable backdrop to the remote and desolate landscape. We made it to Kingshouse for lunch before setting off into Glencoe and then the 1000 foot climb up the Devil's Staircase into the Leven Valley.
Half way up the Devils Staircase it began to rain in earnest and didn't leave off until we were about 50 feet from our b&b in Kinlochleven.
I forgot to mention I developed a small blister on the side of my big toe two days ago on the northern shores of Loch Lomond and that caused my toe to be a little sore occassionally today. But I found a cure - a 5 minute break and a chocolate bar. My only blister of the journey so far.
Saturday, 16 May 2009
Friday, 15 May 2009
Day 52
After 4 days of sunshine, we have returned to cloudy weather with occasional light rain and gusty winds. Still on the West Highland Way, we are now at a small hotel in the middle of nowhere about two miles north of Bridge of Orchy on the edge of Rannoch Moor and surrounded by mountains which are all shrouded in cloud. If it sounds bleak let me tell you it is.
Just under 16 miles today; 19 miles planned for tomorrow.
My son, Chris, is due to join us this evening for the weekend.
Last night we met another end to end walker - Mark. He's walking north to south and planning a 1600 mile trip to be done in three stages over the next eighteen months to two years. We always knew that if we were to meet any other end to enders it was most likely on the West Highland Way because it's much easier this way than going through the Cairngorm Mountains. He seemed sane but you never know.
Bt the way, John, I do read the comments on this blog but only about every 5 to 7 days. That's because it's quite hard to navigate the internet using my Nokia phone so I usually only get to read the comments when I have access to a desktop pc (like today) so keep them coming!
Just under 16 miles today; 19 miles planned for tomorrow.
My son, Chris, is due to join us this evening for the weekend.
Last night we met another end to end walker - Mark. He's walking north to south and planning a 1600 mile trip to be done in three stages over the next eighteen months to two years. We always knew that if we were to meet any other end to enders it was most likely on the West Highland Way because it's much easier this way than going through the Cairngorm Mountains. He seemed sane but you never know.
Bt the way, John, I do read the comments on this blog but only about every 5 to 7 days. That's because it's quite hard to navigate the internet using my Nokia phone so I usually only get to read the comments when I have access to a desktop pc (like today) so keep them coming!
Thursday, 14 May 2009
Day 51
Quite a hard day. Nearly 21 miles from the Rowardennam Hotel to Crianlarich on the West Highland Way, nearly all off road, of course, but including 5 or 6 very difficult and slow miles alongside the northern part of Loch Lomond.
Had problems accessing email and the internet with my mobile phone but Vodafone eventually were able to sort it out after 45 minutes or so. That's why I've only just done yesterday's blog.
We are now me than three quarters of the way through. The mileage to date now stands at 793. Tomorrow should be an easy 16.
Tonight's b&b, Glenardran House, is very nice - especially after a tough day.
Had problems accessing email and the internet with my mobile phone but Vodafone eventually were able to sort it out after 45 minutes or so. That's why I've only just done yesterday's blog.
We are now me than three quarters of the way through. The mileage to date now stands at 793. Tomorrow should be an easy 16.
Tonight's b&b, Glenardran House, is very nice - especially after a tough day.
Day 50
A significant day! Shortly after leaving Drymen we met two madmen. That is to say.....we met two other madmen, John and Doug, also walking from Lands End to John O'Groats. It was fun to compare notes. They had set off after us and taken a different route, avoiding the Pennine Way.
In one of life's coincidences it turns out that John and Andrew have mutual friends who live in the Orkneys. And John used to work for Xerox in Marlow with someone I know.
John and Doug were booked into the Rowardennan Hotel like us and we had an enjoyables evening later enhanced when Doug produced a guitar and started singing folk songs. We hope to meet up with them again in Kinlochlevan on Saturday and also Fort William on Sunday.
In one of life's coincidences it turns out that John and Andrew have mutual friends who live in the Orkneys. And John used to work for Xerox in Marlow with someone I know.
John and Doug were booked into the Rowardennan Hotel like us and we had an enjoyables evening later enhanced when Doug produced a guitar and started singing folk songs. We hope to meet up with them again in Kinlochlevan on Saturday and also Fort William on Sunday.
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Day 49
Kirkintilloch to Drymen, 18 miles, of which 10 was on a disused railway and the last 7 were on the West Highland Way.
Good weather again but not as warm as forecast.
We are staying at the same b&b in Drymen as we stayed at when we walked the West Highland Way 4 years ago but it's gone sadly down market.
Good weather again but not as warm as forecast.
We are staying at the same b&b in Drymen as we stayed at when we walked the West Highland Way 4 years ago but it's gone sadly down market.
Monday, 11 May 2009
Day 48
Fine weather all day which was very welcome after the rain of the last 3 days. Initially, we were on the Union Canal then at the Falkirk Wheel (impressive) we switched to the Forth and Clyde Canal to take us to Kirktintilloch.
I think we are beginning to aclimatise to Scotland. Things are different here - the way they speak, the money, the vegetables (neeps and tatties, for example) and farm animals such as the haggis.
I think we are beginning to aclimatise to Scotland. Things are different here - the way they speak, the money, the vegetables (neeps and tatties, for example) and farm animals such as the haggis.
Sunday, 10 May 2009
Day 47
A one mile walk back to the canal, then we followed the Union Canal west to Falkirk for 18 miles.
After a fine morning (one brief shower) we had several prolonged showers in the afternoon. So, once again, we arrived at our accomodation wet.
Steve has now returned home. Another day of canal walking tomorrow.
After a fine morning (one brief shower) we had several prolonged showers in the afternoon. So, once again, we arrived at our accomodation wet.
Steve has now returned home. Another day of canal walking tomorrow.
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