Thieves road (Fort William to Dalwhinnie) - Day 3

A 44 mile hike from Fort William in the Highlands to Dalwhinnie in the Cairngorms.

Time taken: 4 days
Distance: 70 km
Ascent: 500m

Day 3 (4 September, 2017)

On day 3, I leave Meanach bothy in my damp clothes and head for the abandoned Culra bothy where I had planned to wild camp. For anyone who doesn't know, Culra bothy was closed for asbestos issues. The path out of Meanach is extremely boggy but improves as Loch Treig is approached. I pass by Stoineag bothy, Loch Treig, Corrour Station and Loch Ossian. It was a very long day and I didn't make it to my destination. I spent the final hour walking in the dark with my headtorch eventually having to wild camp on top of some heather, a couple miles short of Culra bothy.

Thieves road (Fort William to Dalwhinnie) - Day 2

A 44 mile hike from Fort William in the Highlands to Dalwhinnie in the Cairngorms.

Date walked: 02/09/2017
Time taken: 4 days
Distance: 70 km
Ascent: 500m

Day 2 (3 September, 2017)

On day 2, I climb the Nevis Gorge and pass Steall Falls to follow the faint (and very boggy) path to Meanach bothy. To my dismay the heavens soon open up and it's not long before I am returned to my Amphibian roots. Due to the heavy rain I had to put away the camera until I eventually got to the bothy. For anyone wishing to try this route you will almost certainly need to take a map if you don't want to get lost! You've been warned!!

Thieves road (Fort William to Dalwhinnie) - Day 1

A 44 mile hike from Fort William in the Highlands to Dalwhinnie in the Cairngorms.

Date walked: 02/09/2017
Time taken: 4 days
Distance: 70 km
Ascent: 500m

Day 1 (2 September, 2017)

I begin my 44 mile hike from Fort William after arrival by train late afternoon (and after a quick visit to Morrisons for supples).
I pick up the path of the West Highland Way and begin walking out towards Glen Nevis where I find a reasonable camping spot close to the lower falls.

You can view all the photos from the trip here:
https://www.flickr.com/gp/156143109@N02/1wZ90x

The Scottish National Trail - Aberfeldy to Pitlochry

Aberfeldy to Pitlochry - 9 miles/4 hours

After a moderately peaceful night camping by the River Tay and the B846, I leave Aberfeldy on the riverside path to follow the Rob Roy Way to Pitlochry where I finish this 6 day trip. 9.5 miles, easy day.

I already walked the next section between Pitlochry and Blair Atholl the previous year, in reverse order so decided to skip it this time round and start the next 6 day expedition from Blair Atholl.  However, just for a bit of fun I threw together a video of the section, walking in reverse motion from Pitlochry to Blair Atholl!

The Scottish National Trail - Glen Almond to Aberfeldy

Glen Almond to Aberfeldy - 20 miles/12 hours

I cover the next 20 miles between Glen Almond and Aberfeldy, joining back up with the Rob Roy Way (Amulree alternative) and passing Loch Freuchie.  I stop for Noodles at a random shooting hut before descending into Aberfeldy where I set up camp by the River Tay.

The Scottish National Trail - Comrie to Glen Almond

Comrie (Water of Ruchill) to Glen Almond - 16 miles/11 hours

Following the Walkhighlands description I continue on the trail towards Loch Freuchie, re-joining the Rob Roy Way at Glen Almond.  I pass through the village of Comrie for supplies and quick lunch stop before heading back into the hills.
I spend the evening camping in the beautiful Glen Almond.  16 miles approx.

The Scottish National Trail - Callander to Comrie

Callander to Comrie - 16 miles/8 hours

On day 3, I cover the next 13 miles of the trail between Loch Venachar (near Callander) and Comrie.
I lose track of the official route at Auchinner farm and find myself following the minor road, on the wrong side of the river (Water of Ruchill) towards Comrie. Luckily I find a church and after a small prayer I am presented with an excellent camping spot by the Water Of Ruchill, a few miles short of Comrie.