Day 57 (20.8 miles)

Bridge of Orchy to Kinlochleven

Today I’d be attempting to walk, what most people schedule as 2 days walking on the WHW.

An early start again, mainly because I’d arranged for breakfast at 7:30, but after waiting around for 10mins & looking at the state of the kitchen I decided I’d benefit more by skipping breakfast.

The initial climb this morning would take me to what I consider to be the ‘best view on the WHW’ – the view over Loch Tulla & Rannock Moor towards Black Mount. Fantastic… the still water of the loch reflecting the scene on the other side.

After descending to the Inveroran Hotel an old cobbled drove road would take me 9 miles across Rannock Moor. I managed to catch up with Andy – a guy from Warrington I first met at Rowardennan, but he usually sets off too early for me to have walked with him before.

We got to the Kings House Hotel (where most people end their days walk) at 11:30… we had to wait until noon to order lunch. Bacon & Brie panini + 2 x pints of Trade Winds ale.

After lunch we joined up with Zac from Canada. We all set off into Glencoe, (WOW, what a view) and towards the amply named ‘Devil’s staircase’. We walked close to the busy A82 before turning right up the hill, it felt easier tackling the staircase together pulling each other along with the camaraderie.

At the top we stopped to recover and eat an apple. All that was left was the long, loose, rocky path down to the valley and Kinlochleven where we would find the Blackwater campsite, where we could pitch our accommodation for the night.

After that we sat outside the Tailrace Inn and enjoyed a pint of cider in the afternoon sunshine before retiring for dinner. I had Steak & Ale pie + 2 more pints 🙂

Some stats:
Mileage count: 1,012.3
Pint count: 213
economy: 38.0mpg
Malt Whisky: 16