walkhighlands

Blackwater Reservoir Kinlochleven.

Route: Blackwater Reservoir, Kinlochleven

Date walked: 23/02/2008

I did this walk alone on the 19th February 2008. I did the route as printed out from this website. I am an experienced "munro bagger" but due to a foot operation had not done any serious walking for some months. I am female, age 60 and 5 feet 2 inches tall. I give this info as I maintain I walk double the steps on any given walk as taller people do. The scenery was breathtaking and I was able to see all the munros I had already bagged. The weather was gorgeous, with blue skies and no wind. I had one slight injury crossing a burn ( cut and bruise on shin due to a stone fighting with me) but in true walkers spirit I ignored it and plodded on. The waterfalls were spectacular due to previous rain. The path was good and not too boggy. I nearly died of fright when 2 jets roared by. I thought I would never reach the dam as the path went on and on. When I finally spotted the dam I still seemed to walk for a while befor I reached it. If you want to take photos of the reservoir take them now as you are below eye level on the route at the other side. I would love to have gone on a bit to visit the Celtic cross monument. I read that it was erected there in memory of someone who drowned. I had to cross a lot of rocks to get to the path on the other side. A lot of it was iced over and as I was already tired I had to exercise great care. I joined the wider track below the dam and stopped for lunch at the small graveyard. I am not morbid but it felt like a very special place to me. This track went on and on endlessly, following the conduit which takes the water down to the alluminium works at Kinlochleven. Once this track joined with the West Highland Way I thought I was nearly home but the path goes on and on. To me this walk took much more energy than many a munro. But now I am back home safe and sound I would say it was well worth it. Take time to go to the visitors centre and hear the story of the building of the dam. These navvies must have been a hardy lot to work therein all weathers. They say they went to the Kingshouse over the Devils staircase for a drink and walked back again afterwards. I would say that was an impossibility. What do you think? Enjoy the walk. PS I left a route and info at the hotel to say when I would return.

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Comments: 16


jeanette


Location: East Calder, Livingston, West Lothian.
Occupation: Care Sector.
Interests: Walking, wildlife, birdwatching, reading, quizzes.

Munros: 195



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2008

Trips: 1


Joined: Feb 23, 2008
Last visited: Jun 08, 2012
Total posts: 11 | Search posts