Six Sunny Days in June

[trainspotter]

Two of us,both 55+ and no previous long distance walks to our names ! A sunny morning as we got the train to Milngavie.0830 arrival,The AMS Baggage van waiting in the carpark! Luggage deposited,Photos taken,visitor book signed and we are all set to go!
A pleasant walk and made good time,fifteen miles done and we were feeling pleased with ourselves.
Conic Hill then appears in the distance! This was hard going ,but with the good weather it was bearable,the summit was reached then going down the other side to Balmaha was certainly a challenge with tired legs and sore feet. The carpark at Balmaha and the Oak Tree Inn a very welcome sight! A good meal,drink and a welcome sleep.

Conic hill comes into view

Woke to sunshine again,a very good breakfast, a read of the Sunday papers and of we go, day two. Inversnaid to reach tonight.
This section we found a very varied walk,along the beach,road and rough paths,a bit weary by the time we got to Inversaid,met by clouds of midgies whilst waiting on transport up the hill to the hostel. Hostel is fine,surprised by the very good food on offer.

Lochside

Inversnaid Hostel

Third day and the weather still holding ,a long trek to Tyndrum ahead today.some people getting the ferry across to catch bus or train! We will carry on.The path along the lochside is indeed very rough,boulders to negotiate,steep climbs and then down to loch level again.

Lochside

once clear of the lochside a fair climb ahead to reach Inverarnan

Clear of the Loch

and a lunch stop at Beinn Glass farm campsite.From here along the route of road and rail to south of Crianlarich,down through the forest and emerge onto the A82,only a couple of miles to Tyndrum we thought. Wrong! The path detours through farms,graveyards and fields,arrive back on the A82 then another long and winding route to the lower station at Tyndrum.

Near to Tyndrum

Found this bit very monotonous,tired and sore,finally made it to the "By the Way" bunkhouse, midgies as always in Tyndrum,dragged ourselves along the road to get something to eat. A welcome sleep and feet repaired.
Day four takes us to Kingshouse.The walk from Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy follows the West Highland Railway,a pleasant walk,good scenery,a passing train to see, and the weather still good.a lunch stop at Bridge of Orchy. From here over the hill to Inveroran,a nice part of the walk,

Looking down to Inveroran

then onto the old military road to Kingshouse,this was a bit of drag,sore on the feet nothing much to see,

Old Military road to Kingshouse

glad to see Kingshouse Hotel,a good feed and a sleep in a "real bed" after bunkhouses the past couple of nights.

Kingshouse road end.

A lovely evening with clear views of Glencoes hills all around.
Day Five.Our shortest section,just to Kinlochleven tonight.
This was by far the busiest section of the walk,constant string of walkers going up the hill from Altnafeadh,spectacular scenery,the weather still kind!

Day Five

Enjoyed this part and reached Kinlochleven in time for a late lunch,a wander round the town and a lovely meal in the evening in the McDonald Hotel,stayed in a Cabin ,

Kinlochleven Cabin

very good, complete with heater and "insect killer"
Woke to a lovely sunny morning,who would have believed all these dry days!! The walk up the hill out of Kinlochleven was spectacular,and steep!

Up the hill from Kinlochleven

Day Six

Interesting enough all the way to the forests or whats left of them as we neared Fort William,

Day Six

great view of Ben Nevis,and a fairly easy walk into the town and the "Original" finish at the roundabout.

Finish

From there on there didnt seem to be any signs to indicate the "New" finish,as we were aware of it we proceeded through what can only be described as the "scruffy" High Street to find the finish in a building site!
All in all a good six days,weather wonderful! A good sense of acheivment in completing our first long distance walk,and most of all the memories of all the different people we met along the way,amazing the different ways people choose to do the walk,duration,carry all gear,camp etc Recommend it ,but I think the baggage transfer is a must!

[Robertjags]

Sounds like you had a ball - well done!!



WHW for me sometime in the next 2 years, I can't stop reading other people's accounts and being incredibly jealous. Got to make the time and go for it.

[Alan S]

Good report and pics
I tend not to read WHW reports but this one caught my eye as you mentioned "sunny"