I walked this 28 mile stretch for the first time in July 2013.
After a 7 day hike in May on the West Highland Way I thought that would be enough to see me through for a few months but this was not the case and after just a few weeks back in the chicken coop (office), I was eager to plot my next escape. Discussions were soon in place with my fellow trekkee and our next wee trek would be a section of the SUW, backpacking it over a weekend starting Friday 26 July.
I decided on the stretch from Sanquhar to Beattock via Wanlockhead due to the location and mileage that would be involved. My mate coming from Dumfries and myself heading down from Aberdeen, we would 'alight' at Sanquhar railway station. For many years I had passed Sanquhar station while travelling to Dumfries, always noticing the sign, "Alight here for the Southern Upland Way", so it just had to be done!
The plan was to wild camp by Wanlockhead on Friday evening, and spend Saturday night at Brattleburn Bothy, several miles from Beattock, before crawling into Beattock on the Sunday. We would enjoy a few Voddy's and play some tunes after reaching the bothy but unfortunately things never do go quite to plan...
Friday - Sanquhar to Wanlockhead
Distance: 8 miles Ascent: 440 metres
So the weekend finally arrived, I was all geared up, caught my train and set off on my mini adventure, glad to see the back of the city for a while. The Weather was pretty decent for a change, sun shining brightly, though a little breezy. Arriving at Wanlockhead, my fellow trekkee was sitting at the platform waiting for me. We head to Spar for some supplies before heading for the hills, towards Wanlockhead.
Once at the top of the hill we missed a waymarker which would have taken us directly across a field to Cogshead, instead, we ended up following a landrover track. It got us to Cogshead but with an extra 5 miles or so added onto the route! Never mind, we still had plenty of daylight left. It wasn't too long before we arrived at Wanlock Water, catching a glimpse of the old mine workings with some great views, finding our perfect wee camping spot by the river.
Once set up we explored the mine workings and enjoyed a few well deserved Beers before sun down, and got attacked by Midges of course. I was prepared though, High strength Deet spray kept em from biting too much. I think it was the Beer they were after.
Saturday - Wanlockhead to Brattleburn Bothy (I wish!)
Distance: 15 Miles
Total ascent: 990m
It had stayed dry through the night and had been very peaceful, waking up about 8am I popped my head out the tent and was greeted by a solo backpacker. We had a quick chat, he was walking in the opposite direction heading back towards Sanquhar.
We got up and packed away our gear before a quick Coffee, then hit the road towards the village.
We stopped outside the Visitor Center/Mining Museum/Tea rooms to use the facilities and stock up on supplies. Unfortunately the shop didn't open until 11am, reducing our chances of actually making it to the bothy before dark.
The time we finally got round to leaving Wanlockhead it was about half past 11, about 3 hours wasted.
We soon plodded on up a massive hill that felt like it was never going to end to reach the Radar station at 710 meters before heading into the Lowther Hills. Once into the Lowther Hills, it didn't end there as we were up and down like a rollercoaster for pretty much the rest of the day... and night! Strenuous but great for calorie burning.
It was pretty much a rollercoaster ride throughout the day, over the hills and far away, up and down like a Yo-Yo, but some great views
Just as we thought the hill climbing was over, another one was right round the corner and the next one wasn't even a hill, more of a mountain in disguise!!
Eventually we made it to Daer Reservoir, early evening and thought we must be nearly at that bothy by now, thinking we could see it at the other side of the reservoir but no... haha, no we were far from it...
Past the reservoir it was more uphill, and it was just never ending. We stopped for a rest admiring the views of the reservoir, the sun had disappeared and the clouds were getting darker when suddenly a big RUMBLE. The weather had taken a turn for the worst, Thunder in the distance!
The rain came on, as we pushed ourselves up the hill ahead of the thunder, heading for the bothy, not realising it was still miles away. The thunder got closer and the rain continued to get worse.
We finally reached the top, (apparently 567 metres high) then descended to Greskine Forest but couldnt find the waymarker after that, and as it was beginning to get dark. we were f*!k!ng LOST! The rain was getting heavier, the sky was getting darker and Thunder was getting closer, so we had to just call it a day and pitch the tents in the first suitable place. We had to face it, we were not going to make it to the bothy, there wasn't going to be any hard earned rewards.
Tired and pee'd off, we headed back up to the top of the hill we had just descended from and pitched the tents in the farmers field, and just in the nick of time as the rain became torrential. It was now pitch dark and for the next hour we heard Thunder as we hid in our tents hoping not to get struck by lightning.
Torrential rain carried on right through the night, I was dehydrated and had no water, I had to swap my Snickers bar with Trekkee for half of his can of Lager just so I could have a drink! Luckily I managed to collect about a litre of rain water with the mess tin through the night which I purified in the morning and carried in a bottle.
Sunday - Greskine Forest - Beattock - Moffat
The next morning after a crappy sleep, we got up about 8am and packed away our soaking tents as it continued to rain. Our aim now was just to get back to civilization as soon as... but there was no quick route, we were still about 6-7 miles from Beattock and still lost! We descended back down to Greskine Forest to see if we could find the waymarker, and sure enough it was there!! Just hiding away behind the undergrowth, easier to see in daylight!
We were no longer lost but due to the torrential rain, the paths in front of us had now turned into streams, marshes and bogs! New boots ruined. It was not a very pleasant walk into Beattock, but on the brighter side of things, we passed the bothy! ! :roll:
Once we made it to Beattock we walked an extra mile into Moffat and got picked up at the garage.
Overall it was an interesting adventure, one I will always remember but I think if I ever do the whole of the Southern Upland Way in the future, I'll be skipping this section.
We made a wise decision to go back up the hill and pitch the tents, otherwise we would of been walking for miles in the dark, in torrential rain trying to find that bothy. It would have turned into an absolute nightmare, we would probably have ended up pitching the tents on low ground and being water logged in the morning. If we had only left Wanlockhead 2 hours earlier we could have made it, but you live, you learn, as they say.
gallery here - https://get.google.com/albumarchive/100408387173570597610/album/AF1QipOxk3BVrnWMK53zszVDBFQ8sTXVqC_nUuD3bFmM?authKey=CJfDwdbw9rHiOw
Friday, 26 July 2013
Saturday, 18 May 2013
The West Highland Way in 7 days
The West Highland Way was Scotland's first long distance route and
remains by far the most popular. Stretching for 151km from Milngavie on
the edge of Glasgow to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, the route
offers a fabulous introduction to the Scottish Highlands.
The 154Km (96miles) route starts at Milngavie (approx 7 miles north of Glasgow) and passes through Mugdock Country Park, follows the shores of Loch Lomond, passing Ben Lomond, through Glen Falloch and Strathfillan, crossing Rannoch Moor, past Buachaille Etive Mor to the head of Glencoe, climbing the Devil’s Staircase, descending to the Loch Leven before entering Lairigmor and Glen Nevis and finishes at Gordon Square in Fort William.
This was my first time walking the West Highland Way. I have lived in Scotland all my life but I never really took an interest in the outdoors until 2011 after dragging myself up Ben Nevis in an effort to lose weight. That was followed up in 2012 by walking stages of the Great Glen Way, after that there had to be a plan for 2013 and there it was. My friend agreed to join me on the challenge to complete West Highland Way, and we set a date for 18 May 2013.
May 17 finally arrived. My father transported us to Milngavie on the Friday afternoon, the kind chap would act as our baggage transfer service for the week.
Upon arrival in Milngavie we paid Tesco a visit before heading to Bankell Farm, 2 miles east of Milngavie where we would spend our first night before our big adventure. The campsite was fairly busy and fairly cheap at £6.00 per night. It thankfully stayed dry for the evening as we pitched our tents for the first time of the 2013 season. Then we got down to business, celebarting the start of our adventure with the first bbq of the season, washed down with some Stellas.
Day 1 - Saturday 18 May 2013
Milngavie to Carbeth - 5 miles
Carbeth to Drymen - 7 miles
My father drove us to Milngavie Centre, where we got our picture taken stood by the obelisk, the starting point of the WHW. We popped into Costa for a quick Latte before making a move about 10am. We made our way to Drymen, a 12 mile walk passing through Mugdock Country Park and Carbeth as the rain came on heavy. We ran for cover at the Glengoyne Distillery, taking advantage of the lower priced tour.
Upon reaching Drymen, we pitched up at Drumquhassle farm before taking a walk into the village, where there is a few shops, pubs and a hotel. There is also a bank with a cash machine.
Day 2 - Sunday 19 May 2013
Drymen to Balmaha - 8 miles
Balmaha to Sallochy Bay - 4 miles
We left Drymen through the Garadhban forest (or what used to be a forest) and climbed over a very misty Conic Hill to eventually arrive at Balmaha and the foot of Loch Lomond.
We made use of the facilities at Balmaha before replenishing our supplies at the village shop and heading off around the loch, towards Rowardennan. We didn't go as far as Rowardennan as we had pre-booked camping at Sallochy Bay, about 3 miles before Rowardennan. This is a really nice place to camp, especially if you book a pitch by the loch (which I did).
We arrived at Sallochy Bay at about 4.30pm and then waited a short while for the warden to arrive so that we could show our reservation, rent a firepit and buy some firewood. We chose a perfect spot by the lochside where we could play music without disturbing anyone then got the BBQ fired up, and the tunes fired on.
It stayed dry throughout the evening and even the temperature through the night was awesome, as I remember not even needing my sleeping bag. It was a grand evening.
Day 3 - Monday 20 May 2013
Sallochy Bay to Rowardennan - 2-3 miles
Rowardennan to Inversnaid - 7 miles
Inversnaid to Inverarnan - 7 miles
Several hours later after regaining consciousness, we woke up to a beautiful morning by Loch Lomond, the sun was shining, the birds were singing.
We had breakfast (the usual porridge pot and a coffee) before packing everything back into the van and setting off on a long walk towards Inverarnan. My Dad would meet us at the other end.This would be our hardest day of the week, a walk of approx. 17 miles to reach the top end of Loch Lomond. The plan was to get a nice meal at the Drovers Inn when we finally arrived at Inverarnan.
It took us a couple of hours to reach Rowardennan where we stopped for a drink in the beer garden at The Rowardennan Hotel. Then we carried on through Rowardennan, passing the Youth Hostel and the route up to Ben Lomond, following forest tracks and some of the lochside path to reach Inversnaid where many other WHW walkers were congregating.
It must have been around 4pm that we passed through Inversnaid. It had turned out to be a nice day.
We stopped at the Inversnaid hotel to use the facilities and enjoyed a cold glass of Coke before pressing on. We thought about ordering food but decided against it as we'd brought noodles. So we continued on a little farther until we reached a small beach area where we sat down for a rest and made our noodles.
The next stage was interesting as we followed a rocky lochside path to reach the top of Loch Lomond. It actually felt like we were on an obstacle course as we scrambled over steep muddy paths, giant rocks and tree roots, climbed over gates and crossed small wooden bridges for the next few miles. A real life game of snakes and ladders it was, but an enjoyable experience and the many ferile goats we met here also seemed to be enjoying themselves. I'm not so sure it would've been enjoyable if it had been raining.
We continued along the lochside path into the evening, eventually passing by Doune bothy. There was nobody home so we gave the place a quick inspection. It was up to my standards.
Some time (much) later we finally completed the bonny banks of Loch Lomond and began to approach Inverarnan as the sun began to set. We passed a herd of wild deer while nearing completion of the loch, they seemed a little offended by our presence.
We finally stumbled into Beinglas campsite (Inverarnan) at about quarter to 10, slightly later than expected. My father had been (impatiently) waiting there for us, in his van, for some time and was now rather angry at the time it had taken us to arrive! It was too late to go to the Drovers Inn as they stopped serving food at 10pm and we still had to get the tents pitched up. We got the tents up then ordered some hot food at the Beinglas campsite bar as they were just preparing to close. Then it was time for some much required sleep. zzzzzzzzzzzz
The 154Km (96miles) route starts at Milngavie (approx 7 miles north of Glasgow) and passes through Mugdock Country Park, follows the shores of Loch Lomond, passing Ben Lomond, through Glen Falloch and Strathfillan, crossing Rannoch Moor, past Buachaille Etive Mor to the head of Glencoe, climbing the Devil’s Staircase, descending to the Loch Leven before entering Lairigmor and Glen Nevis and finishes at Gordon Square in Fort William.
This was my first time walking the West Highland Way. I have lived in Scotland all my life but I never really took an interest in the outdoors until 2011 after dragging myself up Ben Nevis in an effort to lose weight. That was followed up in 2012 by walking stages of the Great Glen Way, after that there had to be a plan for 2013 and there it was. My friend agreed to join me on the challenge to complete West Highland Way, and we set a date for 18 May 2013.
May 17 finally arrived. My father transported us to Milngavie on the Friday afternoon, the kind chap would act as our baggage transfer service for the week.
Upon arrival in Milngavie we paid Tesco a visit before heading to Bankell Farm, 2 miles east of Milngavie where we would spend our first night before our big adventure. The campsite was fairly busy and fairly cheap at £6.00 per night. It thankfully stayed dry for the evening as we pitched our tents for the first time of the 2013 season. Then we got down to business, celebarting the start of our adventure with the first bbq of the season, washed down with some Stellas.
Day 1 - Saturday 18 May 2013
Milngavie to Carbeth - 5 miles
Carbeth to Drymen - 7 miles
My father drove us to Milngavie Centre, where we got our picture taken stood by the obelisk, the starting point of the WHW. We popped into Costa for a quick Latte before making a move about 10am. We made our way to Drymen, a 12 mile walk passing through Mugdock Country Park and Carbeth as the rain came on heavy. We ran for cover at the Glengoyne Distillery, taking advantage of the lower priced tour.
Upon reaching Drymen, we pitched up at Drumquhassle farm before taking a walk into the village, where there is a few shops, pubs and a hotel. There is also a bank with a cash machine.
Day 2 - Sunday 19 May 2013
Drymen to Balmaha - 8 miles
Balmaha to Sallochy Bay - 4 miles
We left Drymen through the Garadhban forest (or what used to be a forest) and climbed over a very misty Conic Hill to eventually arrive at Balmaha and the foot of Loch Lomond.
We made use of the facilities at Balmaha before replenishing our supplies at the village shop and heading off around the loch, towards Rowardennan. We didn't go as far as Rowardennan as we had pre-booked camping at Sallochy Bay, about 3 miles before Rowardennan. This is a really nice place to camp, especially if you book a pitch by the loch (which I did).
We arrived at Sallochy Bay at about 4.30pm and then waited a short while for the warden to arrive so that we could show our reservation, rent a firepit and buy some firewood. We chose a perfect spot by the lochside where we could play music without disturbing anyone then got the BBQ fired up, and the tunes fired on.
It stayed dry throughout the evening and even the temperature through the night was awesome, as I remember not even needing my sleeping bag. It was a grand evening.
Day 3 - Monday 20 May 2013
Sallochy Bay to Rowardennan - 2-3 miles
Rowardennan to Inversnaid - 7 miles
Inversnaid to Inverarnan - 7 miles
Several hours later after regaining consciousness, we woke up to a beautiful morning by Loch Lomond, the sun was shining, the birds were singing.
We had breakfast (the usual porridge pot and a coffee) before packing everything back into the van and setting off on a long walk towards Inverarnan. My Dad would meet us at the other end.This would be our hardest day of the week, a walk of approx. 17 miles to reach the top end of Loch Lomond. The plan was to get a nice meal at the Drovers Inn when we finally arrived at Inverarnan.
It took us a couple of hours to reach Rowardennan where we stopped for a drink in the beer garden at The Rowardennan Hotel. Then we carried on through Rowardennan, passing the Youth Hostel and the route up to Ben Lomond, following forest tracks and some of the lochside path to reach Inversnaid where many other WHW walkers were congregating.
It must have been around 4pm that we passed through Inversnaid. It had turned out to be a nice day.
We stopped at the Inversnaid hotel to use the facilities and enjoyed a cold glass of Coke before pressing on. We thought about ordering food but decided against it as we'd brought noodles. So we continued on a little farther until we reached a small beach area where we sat down for a rest and made our noodles.
The next stage was interesting as we followed a rocky lochside path to reach the top of Loch Lomond. It actually felt like we were on an obstacle course as we scrambled over steep muddy paths, giant rocks and tree roots, climbed over gates and crossed small wooden bridges for the next few miles. A real life game of snakes and ladders it was, but an enjoyable experience and the many ferile goats we met here also seemed to be enjoying themselves. I'm not so sure it would've been enjoyable if it had been raining.
We continued along the lochside path into the evening, eventually passing by Doune bothy. There was nobody home so we gave the place a quick inspection. It was up to my standards.
Some time (much) later we finally completed the bonny banks of Loch Lomond and began to approach Inverarnan as the sun began to set. We passed a herd of wild deer while nearing completion of the loch, they seemed a little offended by our presence.
We finally stumbled into Beinglas campsite (Inverarnan) at about quarter to 10, slightly later than expected. My father had been (impatiently) waiting there for us, in his van, for some time and was now rather angry at the time it had taken us to arrive! It was too late to go to the Drovers Inn as they stopped serving food at 10pm and we still had to get the tents pitched up. We got the tents up then ordered some hot food at the Beinglas campsite bar as they were just preparing to close. Then it was time for some much required sleep. zzzzzzzzzzzz
Day 4 - Tuesday 21 May 2013
Inverarnan to Crianlarich - 6 miles
Crianlarich to Tyndrum - 6 miles
It started off another bright and sunny morning as we set off on a 6 mile walk, across open moorland, towards Crianlarich, followed by another 6 mile walk, mostly through forestry to reach Tyndrum.We didn't need to stop at Crianlarich for anything so avoided the turn off and kept walking.
It was a reasonably short day, arriving in Tyndrum by mid afternoon. We got the tents put up at 'By the Way' campsite then my Dad drove us back down to Inverarnan where we enjoyed a meal at The Drovers, since we never made it the previous night.
Then it was back to the campsite for another peaceful sleep, seeing us fit for another long walk.
Day 5 - Wednesday 22 May 2013
Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy - 7 miles
Bridge of Orchy to Inveroran - 2 miles
On day 5 we were joined by some of my family members, who had driven all the way up from the south for a long weekend at Glencoe. They drove up early to meet us by the Green Welly Stop where we grabbed a Coffee and supplies before heading off towards Bridge of Orchy. We got off to a late start but this would be our shortest day, covering only 9 miles to reach Inveroran.
We picked up the old military road, never losing sight of the railway to arrive at Bridge of Orchy 7 miles later, where we stopped for lunch at a picnic bench by the river.
My family left us at this point and drove off to Glencoe to do their own thing. My Dad stuck around with our gear for an hour until we reached Inveroran.
It didn't take us long to reach Inveroran as the weather began to take a turn for the worst. The Inveroran camping area was a little further on past the Inveroran Hotel. The original plan once reaching the camp was to have another bbq and a tipple by an open fire, I had even collected some firewood but unfortunately it wasn't meant to be as we began to experience all seasons of the year in one day.
We became tent bound for the rest of the day as the area was suddenly bombarded by giant hailstones followed by random showers of rain, sleet and snow. It got very cold, winter had somehow returned in the space of a few hours. There wasn't much to do except cook inside my tent which I now know was a stupid thing to do!!
That was followed by an afternoon nap.
Throughout the evening more random walkers turned up, including some brave dude with a bivvy bag. I think he was drunk.
Day 6 - Thursday 23 May 2013
Inveroran to Kingshouse - 10 miles
Kingshouse to Kinlochleven - 9 miles
Woke up to a cold morning and forced myself out of my sleeping bag, unzipping the tent for a peek outside. Most folk had already left and we were behind as usual, the man in the bivvy was still lying there though, not sure if he was actually alive or not. I woke JP up and told him to get a move on as we had a long day ahead of us, a 19 miler to reach Kinlochleven.
We packed up and waited for my father to arrive in the van as he was once again taking our gear (lazy I know but he offered). The weather had calmed down a bit.
We had some breakfast at the van before starting the next stage, towards Kingshouse.
It rained pretty much all the way.
We stopped at the Glencoe Ski Centre cafe for a Coffee before plodding on a little further to reach Kingshouse, taking in some magnificent views of the mountains of Glencoe.
Upon reaching Kingshouse, the usual herd of wild deer were congregating outside the hotel, getting a little cheeky because we wouldn't feed them.
We were hungry but didn't stick around for Venison as the weather was pretty rubbish, we just wanted to push on, making our way around the back of the hotel, where there is a wild camping area for anybody who is interested.
We made our way along the grassy path, which becomes parallel to the main road past Glencoe, to arrive at the bottom of Devils Staircase. Some would say climbing Devils Staircase is the worst part of the walk but it was far from it, although maybe because we didn't have any packs to carry.
We then pondered on over through the mountains towards Kinlochleven (in the rain!!).
Eventually we were graced with the first views of Kinlochleven peeking through from the valley below, we began descending through the forest to reach Kinlochleven about 7pm. My Dad was waiting for us and gave us a lift to the campsite.
I had hoped to camp at the Macdonald Hotel & Campsite but forgot to book and they were all full up so we settled for the Blackwater Hostel instead. When we arrived it must have been about 8pm. It was very busy but we managed to find a space and got the tents pitched up before a walk up the town.
Day 7 - Friday 24 May 2013
Kinlochleven to Fort William - 16 miles
Our final day had arrived and after a steep climb out of Kinlochleven we were eager to reach the finish line. We made our way through the mountains, stopping at the ruined farmhouse for lunch as the big bright thing in the sky made its return.
We stopped again for a noodle break about 2pm as the weather got really hot. It stayed nice for the rest of the day and we began looking forward to a nice cold beer and a long overdue barbecue.
...and after a depressing stroll through yet another de-forested forest (what a mess), we eventually arrived at Glen Nevis campsite about 4pm where pitched up before walking the last couple of miles into the town to reach the original, and then the official end of the West Highland Way. Some other walkers offered to take our pic, which we accepted then it was off to Morrisons for the barbecue and Beers, lots and lots of Beers.
Inverarnan to Crianlarich - 6 miles
Crianlarich to Tyndrum - 6 miles
It started off another bright and sunny morning as we set off on a 6 mile walk, across open moorland, towards Crianlarich, followed by another 6 mile walk, mostly through forestry to reach Tyndrum.We didn't need to stop at Crianlarich for anything so avoided the turn off and kept walking.
It was a reasonably short day, arriving in Tyndrum by mid afternoon. We got the tents put up at 'By the Way' campsite then my Dad drove us back down to Inverarnan where we enjoyed a meal at The Drovers, since we never made it the previous night.
Then it was back to the campsite for another peaceful sleep, seeing us fit for another long walk.
Day 5 - Wednesday 22 May 2013
Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy - 7 miles
Bridge of Orchy to Inveroran - 2 miles
On day 5 we were joined by some of my family members, who had driven all the way up from the south for a long weekend at Glencoe. They drove up early to meet us by the Green Welly Stop where we grabbed a Coffee and supplies before heading off towards Bridge of Orchy. We got off to a late start but this would be our shortest day, covering only 9 miles to reach Inveroran.
We picked up the old military road, never losing sight of the railway to arrive at Bridge of Orchy 7 miles later, where we stopped for lunch at a picnic bench by the river.
My family left us at this point and drove off to Glencoe to do their own thing. My Dad stuck around with our gear for an hour until we reached Inveroran.
It didn't take us long to reach Inveroran as the weather began to take a turn for the worst. The Inveroran camping area was a little further on past the Inveroran Hotel. The original plan once reaching the camp was to have another bbq and a tipple by an open fire, I had even collected some firewood but unfortunately it wasn't meant to be as we began to experience all seasons of the year in one day.
We became tent bound for the rest of the day as the area was suddenly bombarded by giant hailstones followed by random showers of rain, sleet and snow. It got very cold, winter had somehow returned in the space of a few hours. There wasn't much to do except cook inside my tent which I now know was a stupid thing to do!!
That was followed by an afternoon nap.
Throughout the evening more random walkers turned up, including some brave dude with a bivvy bag. I think he was drunk.
Day 6 - Thursday 23 May 2013
Inveroran to Kingshouse - 10 miles
Kingshouse to Kinlochleven - 9 miles
Woke up to a cold morning and forced myself out of my sleeping bag, unzipping the tent for a peek outside. Most folk had already left and we were behind as usual, the man in the bivvy was still lying there though, not sure if he was actually alive or not. I woke JP up and told him to get a move on as we had a long day ahead of us, a 19 miler to reach Kinlochleven.
We packed up and waited for my father to arrive in the van as he was once again taking our gear (lazy I know but he offered). The weather had calmed down a bit.
We had some breakfast at the van before starting the next stage, towards Kingshouse.
It rained pretty much all the way.
We stopped at the Glencoe Ski Centre cafe for a Coffee before plodding on a little further to reach Kingshouse, taking in some magnificent views of the mountains of Glencoe.
Upon reaching Kingshouse, the usual herd of wild deer were congregating outside the hotel, getting a little cheeky because we wouldn't feed them.
We were hungry but didn't stick around for Venison as the weather was pretty rubbish, we just wanted to push on, making our way around the back of the hotel, where there is a wild camping area for anybody who is interested.
We made our way along the grassy path, which becomes parallel to the main road past Glencoe, to arrive at the bottom of Devils Staircase. Some would say climbing Devils Staircase is the worst part of the walk but it was far from it, although maybe because we didn't have any packs to carry.
We then pondered on over through the mountains towards Kinlochleven (in the rain!!).
Eventually we were graced with the first views of Kinlochleven peeking through from the valley below, we began descending through the forest to reach Kinlochleven about 7pm. My Dad was waiting for us and gave us a lift to the campsite.
I had hoped to camp at the Macdonald Hotel & Campsite but forgot to book and they were all full up so we settled for the Blackwater Hostel instead. When we arrived it must have been about 8pm. It was very busy but we managed to find a space and got the tents pitched up before a walk up the town.
Day 7 - Friday 24 May 2013
Kinlochleven to Fort William - 16 miles
Our final day had arrived and after a steep climb out of Kinlochleven we were eager to reach the finish line. We made our way through the mountains, stopping at the ruined farmhouse for lunch as the big bright thing in the sky made its return.
We stopped again for a noodle break about 2pm as the weather got really hot. It stayed nice for the rest of the day and we began looking forward to a nice cold beer and a long overdue barbecue.
...and after a depressing stroll through yet another de-forested forest (what a mess), we eventually arrived at Glen Nevis campsite about 4pm where pitched up before walking the last couple of miles into the town to reach the original, and then the official end of the West Highland Way. Some other walkers offered to take our pic, which we accepted then it was off to Morrisons for the barbecue and Beers, lots and lots of Beers.
Saturday, 20 April 2013
Bennachie, Aberdeenshire (Mither Tap & Oxen Craig)
Walking Mither Tap, Craigshannoch & Oxen Craig via Bennachie Centre
Caught the 9am bus from Aberdeen Union Square to Pitcaple, then walked the country roads from Pitcaple to Bennachie Centre. Finally arrived at our destination, Bennachie Centre just after 11am.
If travelling by car, this whole journey would only have taken 30 minutes.
We took the timeline trail through the forest (or what used to be a forest!) and began to ascend the three peaks of Bennachie. We arrived back at the Bennachie Centre for 5pm then had another hours walk ahead of us back to Pitcaple bus stop.
Saturday, 23 February 2013
Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire - 23 Feb 2013
Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress located upon a rocky headland on the north-east coast of Scotland, about 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) south of Stonehaven. The surviving buildings are largely of the 15th and 16th centuries, but the site is believed to have been fortified in the Early Middle Ages.
Got the morning train from Aberdeen to Stonehaven and walked the coastal path from Stonehaven directly to the Castle. Spent a few hours there before walking back to Stonehaven the same route.
#Dunnottar #Stonehaven #Castle
Got the morning train from Aberdeen to Stonehaven and walked the coastal path from Stonehaven directly to the Castle. Spent a few hours there before walking back to Stonehaven the same route.
#Dunnottar #Stonehaven #Castle
Monday, 24 September 2012
South Loch Ness Trail
South Loch Ness Trail: Loch Tarff to Foyers
24 and 25 September 2012
This official 28 mile trail starts at Loch tarff, near Fort Augustus and ends at Torbeck on the edge of Inverness. Due to adverse weather and lack of time, I only made it as far as Dores Beach on the first occasion. I later completed the route in 2014.
If you ever walked the Great Glen Way and enjoyed the views over Loch Ness, then this is an excellent alternative on the opposite side of the Loch. It is possible to walk all the way to Inverness if you are feeling ambitious, or complete a full circuit of Loch Ness (Loch Ness 360).
It was a fairly enjoyable 2 days walk, although the weather was not the best.
Upon leaving Loch Tarff at the beginning the view becomes very open while traversing over hills through miles of felled forestry. This is followed by some stretches on minor roads, passing through farmland and some more forest areas before eventually descending to Loch Ness. There is a lot of road Walking but as it follows the loch there are plenty of opportunities to go down to the loch and walk along the pebbles.
Stayed overnight in the tent, pitched up beside a parking area by the banks of Loch Ness. It became very windy through the night, so camping by the loch was a bit scary, felt like I was going to wake up in the loch! A tree got blown down onto the road, lucky I was not underneath it!
24 and 25 September 2012
This official 28 mile trail starts at Loch tarff, near Fort Augustus and ends at Torbeck on the edge of Inverness. Due to adverse weather and lack of time, I only made it as far as Dores Beach on the first occasion. I later completed the route in 2014.
If you ever walked the Great Glen Way and enjoyed the views over Loch Ness, then this is an excellent alternative on the opposite side of the Loch. It is possible to walk all the way to Inverness if you are feeling ambitious, or complete a full circuit of Loch Ness (Loch Ness 360).
It was a fairly enjoyable 2 days walk, although the weather was not the best.
Upon leaving Loch Tarff at the beginning the view becomes very open while traversing over hills through miles of felled forestry. This is followed by some stretches on minor roads, passing through farmland and some more forest areas before eventually descending to Loch Ness. There is a lot of road Walking but as it follows the loch there are plenty of opportunities to go down to the loch and walk along the pebbles.
Stayed overnight in the tent, pitched up beside a parking area by the banks of Loch Ness. It became very windy through the night, so camping by the loch was a bit scary, felt like I was going to wake up in the loch! A tree got blown down onto the road, lucky I was not underneath it!
Friday, 22 June 2012
The Great Glen Way in 6 days
Walking the Great Glen Way
Completed over 6 days and 3 visits to the Highlands.
(Click bottom right of video for full-screen)
22 June 2012
My friend and I started from Invermoriston in the afternoon of Fri 22 June 2012, after travelling 128 miles from Aberdeen. We only had 3 days off work (Fri-Sun), and had not originally planned to walk the whole of the way, it was just going to be an overnight trek from Invermoriston to Inverness. My first attempt at a long distance walk.
So we arrived in sunny Invermoriston early afternoon and headed to the car park where our bag transfer chauffeur service (my father) was waiting. We prepared ourselves with Midgy Lotion before making our way up some very steep hills and through the surrounding forest high above Loch Ness. After several hours and a long walk that felt like a weeks expedition, we arrived in Drumnadrochit around 8pm and pitched our tents at Borlum Farm Camping Park. My Dad was waiting to meet us in his van which was kitted out like a camper.
The following day we set off towards Inverness around noon after a morning visit to Urquhart Castle. We walked as far as Abriachan Eco-Cafe and Campsite, via the lovely Abriachan Forest trail before torrential rain arrived and we decided to call it a day, We backtracked to Abriachan Forest, where there was shelter and some facilities.
Our chauffeur drove us back to Inverness in the morning.
21 September 2012
We returned to the Highlands on 21 September 2012 to start the walk from the beginning at Fort William.
We got as far as the Caledonian Canal in Corpach before heading off in totally the wrong direction towards Mallaig! Don't Ask!! Luckily, after about 30 mins we realised we were lost and walked back to the canal to find the way markers, then followed the canal (duh!) and arrived in South Laggan as it was beginning to get dark. Have no fear, our chauffeur (my father) was at hand, with our gear. He took us to Faichemard Farm Touring Caravan and Campsite in his van. (great little campsite) We had planned to wild camp and found a great informal campsite spot about 45 minutes walk south of South Laggan but because it was already getting dark and we weren't carrying our gear, we settled for the formal campsite. Of course the rain then came on.
22 September 2012
The following morning we were escorted back to South Laggan to continue the walk where we left off.
Once again, we lost our way and walked up the wrong side of the Canal and through some very rough woodland, and across some farmland before finally making it to the swing bridge where we were reunited with the official route.
After a scenic walk around Loch Oich, followed by a stroll along the canal we arrived in Fort Augustus around 3:30pm and enjoyed a well deserved portion of Fish and Chips from the local Chippy.
It was too late to start walking to Invermoriston, as we didn't want to be putting up the tents in the dark again so we were driven up to the forest where we got the tents up before dark and then enjoyed a few Beers.
Fri 12 April 2013.
Got the bus from Inverness to Fort Augustus on Friday, arrived in Fort Augustus at noon. Went a quick walk to the bottom of Loch Ness for some pictures then set off alone on the trail to Invermoriston. This time booked into the Premier Inn at Inverness just for a change.
It was a very lonely walk, passing only one forestry worker who was collecting logs.
Can't help but get angry over the amount of trees they have cut down.
I arrived in Invermoriston just in time for the bus back to Inverness.
My friend joined me on the Saturday to continue the walk from Abriachan Cafe & Campsite, the point where we stopped in June 2012. So we got off the bus at the Clansman Hotel on the A82, and climbed the hill through Abriachan Woods to Abriachan Forest and onto the Great Glen Way. We could have started from Drumnadrochit but did not see any point in walking the same trail for a second time.
We had lunch at the Eco-Cafe Campsite(it had to be done) before setting off on the final stage to Inverness.
We finally arrived in Inverness around 6pm on Saturday Evening, in plenty of time for the pub.
Sunday, 14 August 2011
Ben Nevis by the mountain path
My first walk up Britain's highest mountain in 2011.
Travelled to Fort William by bus and spent the weekend camping at Glen Nevis campsite.
Started the long ascent to the summit of Ben Nevis the following morning.
It took approximately 8 hours. The weather was pretty grim but managed to keep going to reach the top. This was the start of many more camping/walking adventures.
Travelled to Fort William by bus and spent the weekend camping at Glen Nevis campsite.
Started the long ascent to the summit of Ben Nevis the following morning.
It took approximately 8 hours. The weather was pretty grim but managed to keep going to reach the top. This was the start of many more camping/walking adventures.
Finally reached the summit but due to the weather there was nothing to see!
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