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

Cape Wrath Fail - Day 1

I attempted the Cape Wrath Trail for a second time in July 2017. The original plan was to complete the trail in approximately 15 days while recording my progress as a video blog.
I would be walking the first 4 days solo before meeting up with my dutch friend at Shiel Bridge.
Unfortunately due to extremely sodden wet, blistered feet plus navigation issues, I only made it as far as Shiel Bridge before giving up. So I now share with you my 4/5 day expedition, presented in the form of 4 videos and one photo album of The Cape Wrath FAIL! 

Day 1 - Fort William to River Callop, near Glenfinnan

I arrived at Fort William late afternoon and spent the first evening at Glen Nevis campsite before making a start from Camusnagaul the next morning.  It stayed mostly dry as I walked approximately 18 miles between Camusnagaul and Glenfinnan.  I was able to follow my Harvey's map through Cona Glen without getting lost and after a long days walking, I eventually found a fairly decent spot to set up camp by the River Callop, about 2 miles short of Glenfinnan.

Ben Nevis on a clear day

Date walked: 08/10/2016
Time taken: 6 hours
Distance: 17 km
Ascent: 1352m

I spent 6 days completing the West Highland Way. On the seventh day, I ascended Ben Nevis.  It took me 6 hours in total from Glen Nevis campsite, following the mountain path route described on Walkhighlands website.

The weather had miraculously been great all week, perfect conditions for going up Ben Nevis for some clear views at the top. Much better than my previous visit in 2011 when it rained most of the way up and there was zero visibility at the top.

I spent the last hour and a half descending in darkness, good job I took the head torch! 
It felt cool to be one of the torches coming down the hill instead of just the usual spectator watching from the Glen.