As predicted, I’m a little sluggish this morning. Peering outside, everyone else has gone. Oh well; it’s a short day, with only 15 miles to Fort William, so who needs to rush?
I cross the River Leven, vibrant against the welcome blue sky, and force my muscles back into life on the steep climb into the mountains.
There are fine views across Loch Leven and the Pap of Glencoe.
A military road makes walking easy through Lairigmore pass. The trail has burst into life. Perhaps due to the weather, the Easter holidays, or seven day hikers starting last Saturday. It’s hard to take a photo without capturing a procession of brightly coloured backpack rain covers. I’m not sure I’d want to walk this in May; I’ll take the wet weather.
Ben Nevis rises over the horizon. The magnificent mountain will watch over me all the way to Fort William.
The path up “The Ben” does not look too difficult from here; another illusion. One for another time.
With perfect symmetry, a light rain begins to fall as I reach the “sore feet statue”, marking the end of the trail.
I can’t face walking back down the trail to a campsite, being slightly wet and tired. The guys I drank with last night had planned to relax under a roof tonight, so I deserve a bit of (relative) luxury too. The Travelodge is next to the statue, above the Wetherspoons. I get a room and celebrate with a hot shower and cold beer.
Loch Linnhe, a sea loch, is not far from the hotel. It feels a long way from the open sea, and the next time I pass through here will be on my coastal walk.
It’s been a wonderful five days, exceeding my high expectations. Thank you Scotland. One to cross off the bucket list!
Walk distance: 15 miles.
Total distance: 96 miles.
Well done Tony.
BTW, don’t bother with the “Tourist route” when you do the ‘Ben’, i’ve always gone up via the Carn Mor Dearg arete and descended via the tourist path.
Thanks Alan. Just had a look at that route. Looks spectacular. I may pick your brains when I get around to it.
Well done Tony. Great photos as per usual
Thanks Mike. It was a lot of fun, despite the rain!
Well done! What magnificent scenery from the path. We know the road from Fort William to Glasgow only too well but I think I’d rather walk it than drive after seeing your walk (as long as it wasn’t raining all the time)!
Thanks Sulewath. The path awaits! 🙂
Congratulations on the achievement! I’ve just read all the posts, great pictures. I’ve done bits of the West Highland Way (some several times) but never the whole thing. If I did I would definitely go for the hotel and baggage moving option though, I’m a softie. One of my cousins has done it a few times with her friends, mainly fuelled by Prosecco I suspect 😀😉.
Thanks Anabel. All ways of walking and all methods of fuelling are good (unless you need an early start!). Whatever gets you out there. 🙂
Well done Tony, an enjoyable read and great photos as usual. I’m sure the well deserved cold beer was a satisfying moment on completing the hike. All the best.
Thanks Rich. I am starting my coastal section of Scotland from Carlisle on Sunday. Hopefully the weather will be a little kinder.