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I had been studying and reading reports for years of Cape wrath after first reading mountainstar,s report on walk highlands way back in 2009.I had planned it for a while but could never commit due to work and family holidays.
Finally in September 2014 I got the chance and made plans to be in Fort William on Monday 22/09/2014. The planning went well and I managed to squeeze several two dayers over in the Lakes and Cheviots. I managed to get by train from Newcastle to Fort William fairly cheaplyand had accomodation booked in Fort William. All was well
On Tuesday 23/09/2014 I got the train from Fort William to Glenfinnan at 08.30 and set off walking about 09.10hrs on an overcast damp morning. All seemed well and I got to Strathan about 13.30hrs. On the way over I was continually bombarded by what I later learnt were Deer Keds.
I
Initially the plan had been to go via sourlies and Kinlochourn however I,ve been that way numerous times and decided to go over to the col to Kinbreak bothy.
Anybody who has been that way will know its a bit of a bog probably worsened by the estate ATV. Throw in a Knoydart downpour and I got well and truly soaked, boots included. Kinbreak bothy was great and very welcome.
Next day I walked to the east end of Loch qouich and managed to dry out a bit, down the main road towards the turn off near Tomdoun and up over towards Glen loyne and camping up on the hillside on the path to the Claunie.
That night a storm and gale force wind blew in and I walked to the Claunie Hotel again soaked and into the wind. I stopped at the hotel to make a phone call to find that 3 days of gales were forecast. I had a decision to make as I had intended to go via Altbeithe YH to Glen Affric and via Gleann gniomhaidh up to Iron Lodge to Maol Bhuidhe bothy. Altbeithe seemed too short a day and the bothy too far given the conditions and as I didn't fancy camping I stayed at the Claunie inn. That night a gale blew blowing over heavy old furniture that was stacked around the back.
My boots having been wet/dry/wet had gone hard and crusty and painful to walk in, so I made the decision to abandon the CWT and as the forecast over in Fort William was more favourable than the NW coast to get the bus back to Fort William. The phone call back home told me it was 22c at home and like summer. sods Law!
Now being in Fort William decisions had to be made as I had time on my hands. I could put up with the boots and as long as the wind stayed low I could manage.Choices were The Great glen and stay relatively dry, walk back along the WHW back to Glasgow and get the train from there or cross country to Dalwhinnie. I decided to walk to Dalwhinnie, a favourite route. I started the walk down through Glen Nevis and walked on camping just around the corner from Meanach bothy.
The next day was an absolute downpour, going via Loch Trieg, Loch Ossian and camping about 1 1/2 miles short of the Bealach dubh. Midges came out that night, the first time I've been bothered that late in the year
The next day dawned more promising with a promise of sunshine. I knew there was an Aviemore train at 15.55 so left the camp area at 8 Am and walked towards the Bealach Dubh. Anybody who has walked that way will know that in places its an absolute bog until you can get on the stalkers path so you just have to get on with it
I always find the Bealach Dubh a special atmospheric place. The clouds lifted but hung around and the view in both directions were excellent. The path although lengthy towards Culra is well maintained and a joy to walk and was worked on last year. It continues past Lancet edge and onto Culra. From there you cut across the moor and continue on the landrover track to Dalwhinnie.
I got the train to aviemore and stayed in the bunkhouse. One guest was also in the room, he merely stared at me on entering the room. Despite attempts at conversation no response was forthcoming not even a nod. Might have been foreign or it could have been my Geordie twang! Even in the kitchen area no response
CWT on this occasion was a failure. My boots I should have replaced. They were dangerously worn on the soles and had been causing cuts across the tops of the toes for a while. The waterproofing must have been gone a while. I find getting new boots a right chew as I never seem to find a pair that's right and am naturally tight fisted anyway! I am now planning for a may attempt probably the first week and hopefully get better weather this time.