West Highland Way (second half)

2-3 June 2018

We realised we hadn't done much hiking this year and the feet were starting to hitch. In preparation of our big hike in the Dolomites in September, and with "good" weather forecasted, we headed for a 2 day hike along the West Highlands Way. I walked the route years ago, and last year I run the half Glencoe Gathering marathon. While running through those places I thought Paul should definitely see them and the route was added to the “to do” list. We only had 2 days though, so that we opted for the best bit, Bridge of Orchy to Fort Williams, with the idea to climb Ben Nevis on our last day.

Day 1: Bridge of Orchy to Kinlochleven – 34 km

We knew the day would have been long but couldn't get started before 11am, as apparently the Caledonian Sleeper can't be booked online...nor at the station, Scotrail works in mysterious ways... Still, the days are long in June so that easy easy we set off on a sunny day, eager for climbs, paths and beautiful sceneries. Indeed we got all of them, a bit too much maybe as when we got to Kinlochleven we could barely stand up and my feet were full of blisters (never got them before in my life!). The Devil's Steps was not too bad, but the last descent on a steep dirty road killed us, altogether it was still an amazing day. The little village was infested with midges but at least we were not camping, instead we had a pleasant night at the Forest View Guesthouse and a well deserved dinner at the local pub (whatever you do, don't go to the MacDonald Hotel, their policies are even more idiotic than Scotrail's ones!)

Day 2 – Kinlochleven to Fort Williams – 24km

The legs were still sore however we knew it would be a “shorter” day. Midges were still around but by then I didn't have any free space left on my body for them to bite. Slowly slowly we went up the first climb and then it opened in a beautiful valley, at the end of which we could start to see Ben Nevis. Beautiful day and views, but by the time we reached town the legs were definitely not up for more action. We just headed to the Travel Lodge to vegetate, and the day after just went for a stroll around Cow Hill, I'm sure Ben Nevis will still be around when we will go next time!