Day 85 - July 3rd - Kingshouse to Kinlochleven - 9.7 miles
So far, with the exception of the tough second half of the walk along Loch Lomond, I was beginning to think that the WHW was just going to be a sequence of walks through the hills. Today, all that changed. The mountains really started to make their presence felt. They closed in impressively on all sides.
The route from Kingshouse climbs gradually along the old military road
until it rises steeply up "The Devil's staircase" ( everyone agreed that was a bit of Scottish over-selling) a zig zag path that rises over a saddle at 1800 feet.
The views into GlenCoe and Glen Etive were fabulous as the weather rolled in quickly.
The showers of rain increased in intensity as we walked higher.
Once over the top of the saddle the weather improved
We caught up with Marianne and Dot who'd just brewed up some fresh mint tea - well that's what they said it was!!
Marianne and her partner have just started refurbishing a house near Ullapool - their retirement project. She'll no doubt be using her space planning experience to full effect.
Dot lives on North Uist and teaches through the medium of Gallic and is a fluent French speaker. Her husband and sons both play the pipes. That must be skirling when they all get together!
On the outskirts of Kinlochleven we were met by Emma's husband Dave who'd walked up to meet us with twins Rory and Alfie and Jess with a sore paw.
We were also hoping to meet up with Elspeth and Charles visiting from New Zealand for a Bortholomew (of Bartholomew maps) family gathering. We 'd heard on the way that unfortunately Charles had contracted Covid whilst on Skye. Fortunately, he was feeling OK.
Early evening, Emma had very kindly arranged some fizz so we sat outside braving the rain and midges...
before retiring indoors for supper and games of pool against the local one-legged hustler!
Guess who kept on winning?!
Then Sally and I went back to the hotel and caught up with Alec and Anne from Glasgow and Joe with a number of admirers from the US who were all building up to celebrate July 4th at midnight. Fortunately the barman called time before things got too messy!!!!
A full day!
Zzzzzzzz
Total distance walked so far = 1051 miles
Total ascent so far = 122 945 feet
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If you'd like to contribute to any or all of the great charities I'm supporting, here are the relevant links.
- Parkinsons UK - My dad had Parkinsons in his latter years and the research work this charity funds and the support it provides to patients and their families is invaluable. - https://www.justgiving.com/
- Just Wheels UK - this is a small charity set up to provide wheelchairs in a rural community in Tanzania. It does this through funding training, education and the local fabrication and servicing of bespoke wheelchairs. My nephew uses a wheelchair and as he grows I can see the life changing freedoms that proper wheelchairs can bring to both users and their families.-
- RNLI - these are the brave guys who selflessly head out to sea to help others. I volunteer at Littlehampton RNLI shop and often meet families of those who’ve had first hand experience of their loved ones being saved from the sea. Having sailed for years I can say thankfully we’ve never had to call on the RNLI's services but it’s amazing what it does to know they are there
I've found memories of a lovely holiday by Lough and Glen Drive. Fantastic mountains round there. I hope the weather is brightening up for you......
ReplyDeleteHi Barrie. Loch Lomond is really beautiful but I hadn't anticipated the walking to be so tough. You made the right choice joining me from Peebles to West Linton. D
ReplyDelete