The Scottish National Trail - Camban bothy to Morvich

Distance: 9 miles, Ascent: 365m

So I never managed to get up at first light as planned, I slept in and missed the bus that I had intended to get, which would have connected with a second pre-booked bus from Inverness.

Plan C was initiated, I left the bothy around 8am and enjoyed a soggy descent through Gleann Lichd, finally reaching Morvich at about quarter to 12.  I didn't have too long to wait for the next bus to Inverness, hopping on at the Jac-o-bite restaurant at Ault a' Chruinn.

This concludes my walking adventures for 2017 and I aim to continue the trail from Morvich sometime in 2018.  I may even start from fort William and make a third attempt at completing the Cape Wrath Trail, as the Scottish National Trail basically follows the same route upon reaching Morvich. I'll continue my blogging in April 2018.

The Scottish National Trail - Cluanie to Camban bothy

This stage begins with a boggy walk through the An Caorann Mor to remote Alltbeithe hostel in the uppermost reaches of Glen Affric. The route then heads west through the wild upper glen, passing Camban bothy and finally making a very scenic descent down Gleann Lichd.

Distance: 8 miles, Ascent: 365m

Click bottom right of video to view full screen.

I leave Cluanie along the A87 (passing Loch Cluanie) and then head North into the An Caorann Mor, back into the hills, following the Allt a'Chaorainn Mhor for some miles.

The rain becomes heavy and the path extremely boggy as I reach Glen Affric Youth Hostel and turn South West into Fionnglean to reach Camban bothy. The plan was to keep going to Morvich on the same day to be on time for the bus the following morning but I was soaked through and cold. I decided the sensible thing would be to stay at the bothy and try to leave at first light.

The Scottish National Trail - Garrygualach to Cluanie

Distance: 13 miles/10 hours

Yet another long day on the trail as I walk 14 miles and climb 669m across the hills to Cluanie, where I find an ideal camping spot beside the river. It was pitch dark when I arrived so it's a good job I always carry my head torch.  I took a walk down to the Cluanie Inn where they were kind enough to give me some fresh drinking water which I used to make my noodles once I got back to my tent.

The Scottish National Trail - Loch Lochy to Garrygualach

Distance: 15 miles/8 hours

The journey continues as I leave Loch Lochy behind and head for the abandoned farmhouse at Garrygualach (no longer abandoned).  I walk approximately 16 miles, with 5 extra miles added due to the location of my overnight camp which was off the route.  I arrive at the farmhouse to find it under renovation and after a quick look in a private bothy, I find a small camping area by the river.

The Scottish National Trail - Blackburn bothy to Loch Lochy

Blackburn of Corrieyairack bothy to Loch Lochy 
11 miles/7 hours

Click on bottom right of video to view full screen

I set off from Fort Augustus after descending from Blackburn bothy.
Upon arrival in the village, I have a stroll down to Loch Ness and then stock up on supplies before I begin to follow the Caledonian Canal towards Laggan Locks, following the old Invergarry railway line along the banks of Loch Oich.

In the second half of the video I stop for lunch at Loch Oich before continuing along the old railway line to Invergarry Station where I rejoin the canal towpath and continue on the Great Glen Way to Laggan Locks. From Laggan locks I continue to follow the Great Glen Way for a short distance to reach a fine camping spot at Loch Lochy, a few miles short of Mandally.

Thieves road (Fort William to Dalwhinnie) - Day 4

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 4 (5 September, 2017)

On the final day of the trip, after finding myself pitched up on a bed of heather at about 600 metres, I descend to the abandoned Culra bothy. I then pick up an easy path to Loch Ericht, where I follow another easy (but very long) track along the loch to my final destination, Dalwhinnie.

You can view all the photos from the trip here:

https://www.flickr.com/gp/156143109@N02/1wZ90x 

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